The Advantages of a Snorkeling Guide
Editorial by Joel Simon

Touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing . These five senses combined, give rise to a sixth, and perhaps the most vital sense of all, the sense of discovery. For many of us snorkeling embodies this sixth sense, giving us the means to discover the myriad fascinations and beauty of the underwater world.

We are privileged. Today we have choices on how best to develop our snorkeling skills, and how best to pursue the mysteries of shallow water ecosystems. Not so long ago the only way to learn to snorkel was simply to put on a mask and fins, take the plunge, and hope for the best. Recently, however, we have seen a new layer of sophistication with the emergence of guided snorkeling programs. There are advantages to both alternatives. The question is: independent or guided, which method is best for you and how to make that decision?

I have been designing and leading educational snorkeling programs since 1980. Reflecting on the literally thousands of past participants certain unifying qualities come to mind. Of these, the most universal is the desire to learn about the marine environment through personal experience .

We are fortunate to have excellent interpretive facilities at our disposal. Magnificent aquariums put us face to face with gracefully gliding turtles, giant green eels, multicolored fish, and bizarre invertebrates. Television documentaries, books, and magazine articles reveal intriguing behaviors or highlight cryptic creatures most of us never personally witness. These are valuable educational tools, yet they are no substitute for personal experience.

For me there are few sounds more pleasurable than the "ooohhs", "aaawhs" and squeals of delight that issue forth from the snorkels of people discovering the marine environment for themselves. But to achieve this level of observation, snorkelers must have some idea of what to look for, and be comfortable and confident in the water.

Mastering the requisite skills is far easier for some than others. The first element of guided snorkeling is basic instruction in snorkeling techniques. I am told repeatedly that the activity is so simple, no one needs to be "taught" how to snorkel. Experience proves otherwise. All too often, I am faced with students who have had unfortunate first encounters.

Historically, a typical example is the "cruise ship scenario"-- passengers are presented with a deck full of miscellaneous gear, told to grab what they need, be back by lunch, and have a great time with the fish. Instead of joyous "ooohs" and "aaawhs", tense snorkelers are gurgling and spitting -- the surface resonates with the sounds of people choking. This leaves would be enthusiasts with an intimidation that’s hard to overcome.

Other program members approach me, usually away from the group, reaffirming a sincere desire to snorkel, but admitting to marginal swimming skill, or doubting their ability to float. Some have previously had leg cramps, or were inadvertently swept away by unseen currents, or have had lifelong fears of the water. These are all overcome, or avoided altogether through instruction and training.

Learning to snorkel is rarely seen as an end in itself. Rather, the skills are just tools, used to access one of nature’s most marvelous realms. Think of guided snorkeling as an unveiling, through various instructional methods, of some of the secrets marine biology can share with us. Through simple presentations and on-site tips, you will learn how to identify fish, what to look for, and how to compare behavioral characteristics. Your guide will outline reef structure, explain coral types, and illustrate animal relationships. All of these can help focus a snorkelers attention, giving observations more meaning, understanding, and context.

Through discoveries made while snorkeling, I’ve been motivated to learn more about the marine environment. Experience has been my best teacher, as it may also be for you.

Whether you learn better on your own, or in a more structured environment is a question only you can answer. But at least today, you have the choice. Either way, the ocean remains one of the best arenas for exercising our sense of discovery.