Snorkeling With Kids – A 10-Step Guide For Parents

Going on a snorkeling vacation with your kids is a fun and rewarding experience. There is no better feeling than sharing your hobby and interest with your family and making memories together. Learning how to snorkel is not difficult, especially for children, as they usually do not fear the water and quickly learn to use the equipment, but it’s important to take precautions to keep everyone safe. If you are thinking about taking your kids snorkeling for the first time, study this guide, where we explain in 10 steps how to prepare for the underwater adventure.

Make sure your kid is old enough

Parents’ most common question is: How old should a child be to snorkel? Well, there’s no specific age to start snorkeling. I believe the most important thing is that the child is comfortable in the water. But if you want a general answer, a five-to-six-year-old kid can handle the experience without problems, ensuring good physical development and swimming skills.

Buy the right equipment

The second step is to have proper gear: all pieces should fit well and be comfortable. Here, I explain briefly the most important factors to consider when choosing snorkeling equipment for children. (If you want more information, please read the relevant guides I link in each section.)

Make sure that the mask is a good fit

There are two types of snorkel masks: full-face and traditional. While many people think that the nowadays popular full-face masks are ideal for children because they keep their faces dry, I do not recommend them for kids. Such mask types may cause breathing difficulties when incorrectly used, so I recommend choosing a traditional mask made of soft silicone with tempered glass lenses.

Get a kid-size snorkel

Kids’ snorkels are specially designed to fit little ones’ mouths; they are shorter in length and have a smaller mouthpiece. They are usually semi-dry or dry.

The difference is that semi-dry models allow a small amount of water to enter the snorkel when submerged, while dry snorkels feature a top-closing mechanism to prevent water from entering the tube. If you can, choose a dry one; that is the easiest to use. Still, it is also crucial that your child learns how to clear the snorkel if water gets in the tube.

Choose powerful fins

There are two types of fins: full-foot and open-heel. Full-foot fins are easier to use because they do not require straps to stay on their feet, but they fit only between certain shoe sizes.

Therefore, open-heel fins are a better option for children because such models are adjustable so they won’t outgrow them quickly. Either model you choose, make sure it is comfortable and the blade is not too stiff but also not too soft: a stiff fin is tiring for the leg, while a soft fin does not give enough power while swimming.

Tip: If your kid needs complete gear, buy a kids’ snorkel set that includes a mask, snorkel, and fins.

Teach them the correct technique

Snorkeling with kids is a rewarding and enjoyable experience when you can spend time together and connect with nature, but keep in mind that safety should always be your top priority. Before heading out to the water, you will want to ensure they get some training on using their equipment.

The best is to teach them yourself, as they trust you the most. Make sure they fully grasp all the swimming skills and are confident in the water. They should also know how to put on the equipment properly, hold their breath, clear water from the snorkel, and breathe through the snorkel tube. Then, they can head out on a real snorkeling adventure. Practice with them in your home pool if you have any, or visit one nearby. If you prefer a professional teaching them the technique, don’t be shy to ask for help: find a trainer near your home, contact a marine park, or ask a local business, such as a diving shop.

Find a kid-friendly snorkeling destination

The most crucial step when planning a snorkeling vacation is choosing the destination. Usually, people focus on places with unique marine life or extraordinary coral reefs, but such places are often hard to access, have deep water, or have strong currents.

If this is the first time you take your kids snorkeling, you should pick a calm, shallow water destination that allows them to practice and experience their first ocean encounters in safe conditions. Once they become accustomed to the sensation of snorkeling and to the ocean, you can venture into deeper waters with them.

If possible, stay at a hotel where the beach has lifeguards on duty. They can spot potential hazards and warn the public if the conditions are not ideal for water activities. Many resorts provide life jackets and other safety equipment for snorkeling; check this beforehand so you do not need to carry such things.

Make them wear a vest or use a flotation device

A snorkel vest or inflatable floatation device adds extra safety. Although they are not life-saving equipment, such kinds of safety accessories help keep the snorkeler afloat in case they are not fully confident in the water or when they get tired, that’s why I always recommend wearing one for kids (and even for adults if they are not good swimmers or not entirely comfortable swimming in deeper water).

Choose a snorkeling vest that is the right size and has enough lifting capacity. A too-tight vest can be uncomfortable and restricting, whereas a too-loose vest can allow your child to slip out and drown.

Educate them about marine life

One of the best ways to ensure your kids will have a safe snorkeling experience is to inform them about the environment they are about to enter. The ocean and the underwater world are so fascinating, so I’m sure they will be excited to discover marine life.

Before you head out into the water, show them the creatures that they may encounter. This you can do easily by getting some marine life books or watching underwater videos. Identify the species that may pose a threat, such as jellyfish, poisonous fish or stinging corals, and explain to them what to do if they accidentally touch one.

Explain them the reef etiquette

Teaching your children how to snorkel responsibly and eco-friendly is also important. The main rules are not touching anything underwater unless necessary, not chasing and feeding marine animals and last but not least, not leaving any garbage behind.

Younger generations are the seeds of a fruitful future, so make sure to show them that this fantastic beach activity can be done without damaging the sensitive underwater ecosystem.

Teach them basic snorkel and water safety

Snorkeling is a water activity, meaning that it has some risks. The weather near the ocean can change quickly; the signs of a forming storm or changing tide may be evident for those who spend time in such environments often, but beginner snorkelers may end up in dangerous situations. Most people think that it is safe to be in the water when it is sunny and the sea is calm, but in fact, there are many other factors to consider, including tide and wind, to determine when the best time to go snorkeling is.

Please discuss this with your kids so they will know when they shouldn’t be in the water. I know that you usually will be with them, but you may sign them up for a tour or let other adults take them snorkeling when they are more experienced, so it is always good if they can check themselves if the water is good for snorkeling or not.

Teach them some water safety, too, for example, what to do if they get caught in a Rip current and what beach flags mean.

Never let them snorkel alone

One of the most essential snorkeling safety rules is to always have a buddy, and this is especially important for kids. The accompanying adult should be able to take the kid back to shore in case he/she gets injured or tired. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a snorkel buoy, too, which can be used as a resting platform and a towing accessory.

Ensure they are protected from the sun and cold

Kids’ sensitive skin is more prone to sun damage than adult’s skin, so it is crucial to protect it while snorkeling. I prefer if kids wear UV protective clothing (rash guard) that guarantees consistent, high-level protection not only against the sun, but also against stingers. On the areas that are not covered by clothing, apply sunscreen. Common sunscreens contain harmful ingredients to marine life, so choose one that is reef-safe and biodegradable.

Depending on the location, a wetsuit may also be needed, which helps stay warm even if the water is cold. Generally, a wetsuit is needed when the water temperature is below 24-26°C/75-78.8°F, but you can learn everything about how to choose one in my snorkeling wetsuit guide.

Do not let the child snorkel when sick or feeling unwell

To ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience for your children, they should be fit and healthy before entering the water.

Swimming in open water can be physically demanding, and if your little one isn’t feeling well, the adventure can quickly become a frustrating and dangerous activity. If your child has a cold, a sunburn, any other injury or illness that may impair their ability to swim and stay safe in the water, it is best to wait until they feel better.

Also, ensure that your children are energized throughout the snorkeling experience. Let them eat light but nutritious meals, such as chicken salad or wholemeal pasta with vegetables. Such foods provide energy for swimming while minimizing any digestive discomfort they may experience while in the water.

In conclusion, snorkeling with children can be a great experience if you prepare and take the necessary precautions. Following the tips above can help ensure your family members have a safe and enjoyable outing.

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