How to Pack Snorkeling Gear for Caribbean Trips
Prioritize packing your own mask and snorkel to ensure a proper seal and hygiene, but leave the heavy fins at home to save space. Use a soft-sided gear bag to protect your mask and rent fins at your destination for about $5 to $10 a day.
- Select a low-volume mask. Choose a mask with a silicone skirt that fits your face shape perfectly. Pack it in a hard-shell mask case to prevent the glass from scratching or the frame from snapping under the weight of other luggage.
- Choose a dry-top snorkel. Pick a snorkel with a dry-top valve that prevents water from entering when you dive. Pack it inside your carry-on or lay it flat along the inside edge of your suitcase to keep it from bending.
- Use your snorkel to protect small items. Stuff your socks or small toiletries inside the tube of the snorkel to maximize space and prevent the snorkel from being crushed.
- Ditch the fins. Full-size fins take up too much luggage space and are heavy. Rent these at the beach or dive shop once you arrive; most operators include them for free if you book a boat trip.
- Prepare for care. Pack a small 2-ounce bottle of baby shampoo or designated mask defogger in your liquids bag. Never use abrasive soaps on your mask lenses.
- Can I bring a GoPro?
- Yes, but pack it in your carry-on. Bring a floating wrist strap so you don't lose the camera if you drop it in deep water.
- Do I really need my own mask?
- Rental masks are often leaky and can carry a lot of bacteria. Having a mask that fits your specific face shape ensures you won't spend your entire swim clearing water out of your eyes.
- Should I bring a full-face snorkel mask?
- No. They are bulky to pack and have been linked to CO2 buildup issues. A traditional two-piece mask and snorkel is safer and easier to store.