This week I wrote about one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Of course, it was with my son. When he was five-years old, I took him snorkeling in Hawaii. He had never been snorkeling before and was just learning to swim well. I was not confident it would work out, but it turned out a lot better than expected. With a little preparation, it is possible to take young kids snorkeling. Here’s how:
- Buy your own snorkel equipment. If you can afford it, this is the best thing you can do when you’re taking young kids snorkeling. I don’t have anything against renting, it’s just so much easier to take your own equipment. We didn’t buy the fanciest mask either. We just went to a local sporting goods store to hunt one down. Remember, if it doesn’t fit in your luggage, you can always have your kids wear it onto the plane (well, maybe not the flippers).
- Try out that equipment in the pool. We practice in grandma’s pool. My son has already requested that I take out his snorkel equipment, so that he can begin his practice sessions for our upcoming trip to Hawaii. We’ll keep practicing, without the pressure of being out in the ocean full of colorful-fishes-I-want-to-see-right-now. We’re both a whole lot more patient in grandma’s pool.
- Take along a lifejacket for your kids. Even if they’re great swimmers, it’s just easier for them to float along and enjoy the fishy views. Besides, it’s just safer.
- Rent a Boogie Board. It helps to have a floating platform to hold onto. You can also get yourself a flotation belt. I refused to rent one because I’m just to damn cool. But I’m going to rethink the whole cool-girl thing next time. It would have been much easier to adjust our snorkel masks without having to doggie paddle while doing it. I’m not that talented. If you’re going to rent a Boogie Board, then find one with a viewing window. So if you’re child gets tired of donning a snorkel mask, he can get a peek at the fishes through the window.
- Keep the snorkeling sessions short. While my son enjoyed exploring the underwater world, it took a lot out of him (and me). He only wanted to do it five to ten minutes at a time. At that young age, he was happier making sand castles and playing in the waves. It also helps to research which beaches have the easiest and calmest access for beginner snorkelers.
In case you need a little more inspiration or tips on technique, I found a little video footage of one our snorkeling sessions in Maui. I offer me in my dorky snorkeling attire, for your viewing pleasure.
Excellent tips, especially the boogie board. I am keeping my fingers crossed I can get my daughter snorkeling by 5yo as it is one of my favorite things in the world.
Love the video!!
These are all great tips. I will have to look into the floating belt. I agree that no matter how great a swimmer you are it’s not easy to adjust your snorkel mask in the middle of the ocean.
Oh I can’t wait until my kids are old enough! I love snorkeling!
Totally agree on the bring your own front. We snorkeled a lot when we lived in Panama. It was so easy to just walk down the beach after school and jump in the water.
But getting used to rented equipment just takes too much time and energy. In the long run, it was much cheaper for us to buy a small snorkel for Lila — pink, of course — and she was used to using it.
A friend of mine who owns a boat tour in Bocas del Toro gave his son Colin a snorkel mask early on. Even though they didn’t go into the water immediately, Colin hung around the boat wearing it. It was fun for him and by the time he was ready to go into the water, it was an easy transition.
that’s a great lil video. for a second, i thought the snorkeler behind you was a seal or something, and i was like, “GD there’s a seal 3 feet behind you!” anyway, really great tips that i will definitely use. i like the idea of using the boogie board so wee one can float on top and feel supported underneath.
Bam! Notes taken! Watch out – we are Waikiki bound on August 20th, and snorkels are a comin!
We practically live at the beach and it didn’t even dawn on me that my almost 5yo might be ready for snorkeling. Thanks so much for posting these tips. I am going to head out and buy a snorkel and mask for him to use at the beach. The water is crystal clear and there is always something swimming nearby to find!