Should I bring my own gear or rent it?

Bring your own mask and snorkel. Fit is personal, and rental masks often leak. You can usually skip bringing fins if you are trying to save space, as they are bulky and easily rented.

Will my mask break in checked luggage?

It is unlikely if you use a hard case. Never pack a mask loosely in a soft-sided suitcase where a heavy object could press against the glass lens.

How to Pack Snorkel Gear for the Caribbean

Protect your mask lens with a dedicated hard case and use your fins to create a protective cradle for fragile items inside your checked luggage. Always rinse your gear with fresh water and dry it completely before packing to prevent mold and saltwater corrosion.

Inspect and clean. Rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins with fresh, lukewarm water to remove all salt and sand. Let them air dry in the shade for at least 24 hours. Salt crystals left on silicone can cause degradation over time.
Secure the mask. Place your mask inside a hard-shell case. If you don't have one, stuff the inside of the mask with a pair of socks to prevent the silicone skirt from warping, then wrap it in a soft t-shirt.
Pack the fins. Place your fins at the bottom of your suitcase, laying them flat against the base. If they are too long for your bag, place them diagonally. Use the blade area as a base to stack other heavy gear.
Buffer the snorkel. Do not bend your snorkel to force it into a small space. Lay it flat along the side of your suitcase, or tuck it inside the foot pocket of your fins to protect it from being crushed.

Should I bring my own gear or rent it?: Bring your own mask and snorkel. Fit is personal, and rental masks often leak. You can usually skip bringing fins if you are trying to save space, as they are bulky and easily rented.
Will my mask break in checked luggage?: It is unlikely if you use a hard case. Never pack a mask loosely in a soft-sided suitcase where a heavy object could press against the glass lens.