Snorkeling Basics

To try on the mask, move the strap out of the way, brush your hair out of the way, and just push the mask firmly onto your face. If it will remain there unsupported, then it is making a good seal. Once you have determined which masks will fit properly, other considerations are comfort, field of vision--some masks permit more view to the sides than others, and of course the cost. Get a snorkel also and maybe a spare strap to hold it to your mask. The snorkel mouthpiece should be soft with flexible edges to be comfortable in your mouth.

While the standard tube snorkel is perfectly adequate for enjoying your snorkeling experience, technology has stepped in to fine-tune the device. With the standard snorkel, each new breath involves rebreathing some of the previous breath that remains in the tube. A dual-tube system is possible which has separate inhalation and exhalation passages. A system of valves can be employed to keep water out and make purging when surfacing unnecessary. One such snorkel by Kapitol Reef adds a bit of exhalation backpressure to balance the effect of water pressure on the lungs. The combination of these refinements can make snorkel-breathing easier, reducing fatigue and extending the activity time. See more info on the Kapitol Reef Snorkel.

Another common hazard is the sea urchin. These are small, black spherical creatures with thin black spines 2-3" in length radiating in all directions. They congregate on the rocks and in crevices and feed on algae. The spines are quite sharp and the tip may break off and remain embedded in the skin if these are contacted. They evidently contain a mild venom because the pain and swelling of these wounds is out of proportion to the small injury.

There are a number of varieties of moray eels in the area. These are generally small--an inch or so in diameter and a couple of feet or so in length. They inhabit crevices in the rocks and often extend their head and a portion of their body out into the water. They are quite beautiful and interesting to watch. If you get close enough, you can see the intricate patterns on their skin. But don't offer your finger. They've got teeth!

There are a few varieties of shark in the area. The fishermen sometimes bring in large quantities, but they have to go to deep water and put out bait to find them. Most of them are too small to be a threat to swimmers. I am not aware of any injuries caused by sharks on the coast of Oaxaca nor have I seen one in the water.

There are periods when the ocean becomes too rough for snorkeling. This phenomena is known as Rebalses. Other times its known as Hurricane. Hurricane season is July - October. See the weather links at the top of the page.

A good site will probably be in a protected bay where there is calm water and not much current. A municipal bay may not be a good place due to pollution that contaminates the water and discourages sea life. A bay into which a river empties may not be a good site due to low visibility because of silt from the river, especially after heavy rainfall. Areas around rocky outcroppings are often good because they attract fish, may block the current, and boaters avoid them. However, if there is a lot of surge (oscillating currents) they can be too dangerous.