A Child's Delight:
Discover the Underwater World as a Family
Article by Joel Simon

Today families have a wider selection than ever before on how to spend leisure time with the kids. These decisions are important: family vacations are activities that can have a strong influence on shaping your child’s long term interests.

As an active member of the travel industry, my friends, most of which have children, are constantly asking me where and what they should do on their family holiday. Fair enough. I’m biased. I love snorkeling. I know it, they know it. It’s no secret. And I think that snorkeling vacations are one of the most ideal family activities around. Also not a secret. But before arriving at the obvious conclusion, I usually ask them to reflect on their own childhood.

Take a moment to think back on the activities that you may have done as a kid. Maybe it was riding roller skates, a bicycle, or a horse. Maybe it was stuff you never mentioned to your folks such as exploring "off-limits" construction zones, industrial sites or derelict buildings .... which were usually haunted. Maybe you played team sports: little league baseball, football, or participated in Girl and Boy Scouts outings, went to summer camp, or family holidays with your parents. It doesn’t really matter what they were specifically. Typically, these childhood memories hold a special and intimate place in the hearts of every "grown up".

Now think about how many of these activities you may still do in one form or another. I ask many adults how their careers (or other adult interests) have been fostered by their youth. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that a majority of adult lives have been positively influenced by childhood experiences.

I meet accountants who have always loved numbers, chemists that as kids nearly blew up their basements, veterinarians that recount menageries of childhood pets. The same holds true for hobbies or recreational interests: men (primarily) who’ve been tinkering with cars since pulling apart the carb on Dad’s ‘37 Ford or couples who for years have been riding bicycles built for two and still looking as sweet. And I meet others that wistfully recall their youth as a distant time, removed from the present except through reminiscence.

For those who have in one form or another continued and developed on childhood fascinations, inevitably another issue arises: rejuvenation. Typical comments include: "It makes me feel young again", or "I remember the very first time I did this", or "I still experience the same joy when I do this as I did as a kid." Inevitably these are the activities and more importantly the kind of emotions that parents enjoy sharing with their children. Inevitably this leads to discussion on what recreational options are suitable for diverse ages, represent interests that are fascinating on many levels, and yes, inevitably this leads to snorkeling. (Well, to be honest, occasionally it also leads to Europe, Yellowstone, or Disneyland.)

While not unique, one of snorkeling’s great attributes is it’s appeal to participants of all ages. During nearly twenty years of leading group snorkeling programs, I’ve worked with members from eight to eighty (actually 87!) years old. But perhaps the greatest distinction is that people of varied ages can easily join each other when snorkeling and experience a similar sense of joy. Children, parents, even grandparents can all do this together.

In today’s world of jet planes, highly developed travel services, and a wide range of resorts, planning a snorkeling vacation for the family is not difficult.

However, some advance thought and preparation is a wise investment. This is easy enough to say, but what exactly are the right steps and questions to best insure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling holiday? Perhaps because snorkeling is a relatively new recreation, many travel experts may not yet be well acquainted with snorkeling’s specific needs.

In fact, it was precisely this situation which led to my first (barely) paid position leading snorkeling groups. On the back page of my alumni newspaper was a small announcement of a trip to the Caribbean that would include snorkeling instruction. I called the travel office really with the purpose of finding out if they’d yet selected a teacher. Admittedly it was a bit devious, but instead of asking outright about the teaching status, I adopted the persona of a rather discriminating potential client.

The woman who answered the phone was polite and well informed. She told me the glorious details of the charter vessel, the romance of the destinations, and confirmed the overall organizational and educational caliber of the program. However, when it came to the specifics of the snorkeling operation she was at a loss. I continued my "inquisition" concluding with the stern request to personally talk with their nominated snorkeling teacher to quell my growing anxiety. Only then did she admit that an instructor had not yet been confirmed.

Although on the phone I sounded a bit disgruntled at this "serious oversight", privately I was celebrating. Here was the opportunity I sought. A few days later I called back, thankful that a different voice answered. I introduced myself, eventually spoke with the program director, and after many meetings, finally got the job.

It was not surprising that the woman I initially spoke with didn’t have specific information on the snorkeling component of their program. (which incidentally, as initially promised, turned out to be excellent in every way) Few travel agents (and even many dive resort managers) have really given snorkeling the consideration it deserves, especially where the well-being of your children is concerned. These needs and services are, in fact, evolving with the increasing popularity of the sport. Here are some recommendations.

Whether you end up dealing with travel agents, directly with resorts, cruise lines, or with dive operators, make sure they understand that you are interested in snorkeling, not diving. Many travel experts will be familiar with the needs of SCUBA divers, but not necessarily those of snorkelers.

I believe snorkeling is most enjoyable when done in calm, shallow, protected water, especially with children. Ask about these water conditions! And although available dates are limited for kids in school, find out when seas are optimal for specific places. Brochures always show tranquil skies and placid blue water, but climate varies dramatically with location and time of year. While it’s impossible to predict the weather, seasons are well defined. For example, cyclones are probable in the South Pacific during December and January. Hurricanes are probable in the Northern Caribbean (and parts of Mexico) between October and January, and the Western Caribbean can be especially prone to "Nortes" from November through mid-January.

For novices, snorkeling instruction can get everyone off to a good start. Ask if this is available! Many dive resorts assume no teaching is needed for this activity. Not true. In fact, as you will read in adjacent pages, there are now fine instructional materials available. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS all produce and distribute snorkeling teaching tools, some geared specifically to children.

Using these books and videos can really get kids excited about their vacation. And it’s a good way to start learning (or reviewing) snorkeling skills while still at home. There are also fascinating documentaries on marine life available at local video shops and libraries. Children (and parents!) love these. I also recommend investing in a simple fish identification book to take along with you. It’s both enjoyable and educational to review the creatures you’ve seen together in the water.

In recognition of family snorkeling holidays, some resorts have designated certain weeks or months specifically for parents and their children. Although usually during our summer months, dates vary for each resort. Ask! During these periods, your kids are more likely to find friends their own age, and infrastructure such as child care or interpretative sessions in basic marine biology are more readily available.

Find out if boats are offered for snorkelers only! Many resorts are happy to accommodate snorkelers by including them with the divers. This can be awkward, and the dive sites are sometimes quite inappropriate for snorkeling, particularly with kids.

If you and the kids don’t have all your own equipment, inquire about the sizes and availability of rental gear, especially fins and (if needed) wetsuits. And while most people float easily in tropical seas, parents sometimes feel more comfortable when their kids are wearing floatation. Find out if lightweight snorkeling vests, float jackets, or foam belts can be obtained.

Remember, a properly fitting mask is the most important piece of snorkeling equipment for you and your children. Often, you will have a greater selection of masks close to home than at a resort’s rental counter. If you invest in one piece of gear for your kids (and yourself), it should be a properly fitting mask.

In new areas, as at home, we are all concerned with a child’s safety. With this in mind, it’s important to ask about some unsavory issues: local crime, possible disease, or hazardous marine life. During certain months, jellyfish may plague Australian beaches, and although rare, sharks, can present a potential hazard to snorkelers in some areas.

Overall, snorkeling is as safe for children as it is enjoyable for everyone.

Holiday memories are created not only by where you are, but by whom you’re with. When the next opportunity arises to spend quality time with the kids, consider a snorkeling vacation for an intimate and rewarding experience for the entire family.