The summer holiday season is rapidly approaching, and if you’re heading on a cruise, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to try snorkelling at some pretty breathtaking locations. Whether you’re visiting the Caribbean or taking in the islands around the Mediterranean, snorkelling is one of the most incredible ways to experience the surrounding marine landscape - but you’ll need the right snorkelling equipment to do so.
Can You Bring Snorkel Gear On A Cruise?
Before we make some kit recommendations, we thought it was worthwhile to answer one of the most frequently asked questions about cruises and snorkelling: Can you bring snorkel gear on a cruise? In short, the answer is yes. You can absolutely take your own equipment with you on the ship and most major cruise lines will allow passengers to pack their own masks, snorkels, fins and other equipment. Just check with your airline and baggage restrictions first if you’re flying to the port!
In fact, bringing your own gear can be a great idea, as it ensures a proper fit, better hygiene, and general familiarity. However, if you don’t want to carry extra items in your luggage, most excursion providers and local rental shops at ports of call will offer gear for hire.
This leads to the question: Should you bring your own snorkel gear? The answer depends on personal preference. If you plan to snorkel frequently throughout your cruise, having your own equipment can make the experience much more enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about rental availability or quality, and you’ll know you can snorkel whenever the opportunity arises.
Aquanauts’ Recommended Cruise Snorkelling Gear
With this in mind, we’d highly recommend investing in your own snorkelling equipment to make the most of your time away. This isn’t to say you need to buy absolutely everything or invest in the most expensive options. After all, the warm and tropical waters at most cruise destinations typically eliminate the need for a bulky wetsuit. What you do buy needs to be travel-friendly, lightweight and reliable and we would recommend the following essentials for your cruise.
Mask
A comfortable, well-fitting snorkelling mask is key to an enjoyable snorkelling experience. There are various types available, but the most important thing is finding one that provides a good seal and doesn’t leak. The Cressi Fiji Mask is a fantastic option, offering a wide field of vision and a comfortable silicone skirt for a snug fit. If you wear glasses, it’s also important to note that you should consider a prescription mask to avoid missing out on the surrounding marine life.
Snorkel
You can’t snorkel without a snorkel! This piece of equipment plays a major role when it comes to your comfort in the water, and it can also be reassuring to know you’re the only person who has ever used the mouthpiece. However, snorkels can also be pretty bulky to pack so finding one that balances portability with comfort is key. Our top picks include the Scubapro Apnea Snorkel, which folds up incredibly neatly, as well as the Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel, which features a flexible lower bore to reduce any jaw fatigue you may experience.
Fins
Snorkelling fins make it much easier to move effortlessly through the water, but they are also undoubtedly the bulkiest piece of equipment to take with you on holiday. For this reason, lightweight fins should be the absolute priority. We particularly rate the Scubapro Go Travel Fins, which will fit easily in your luggage while still offering excellent propulsion in the water through a compact but effective design.
Surface Marker Buoy
Staying visible is an unglamorous but essential part of snorkelling, especially in the unfamiliar or busy waters you’ll encounter on your time away. A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) will ensure that boats and other water users can easily spot you in these circumstances. The Beaver Round SMB is a great option, as it inflates like a rubber ring or lilo and packs down easily when not in use!
Camera
One of the best parts of snorkelling is capturing and sharing your underwater experiences. Even if you’re renting other bits of snorkelling equipment, your own camera is definitely something you need to pack and there are many different options depending on your preferences, including dedicated underwater cameras like the Sealife Micro 3.0 or advanced smartphone housing like the Sealife Sportdiver Ultra Housing. For a simple and budget-friendly option, you could also consider a waterproof phone case like the Swimcell 100% Waterproof Phone Case - this nifty bit of kit should stand you in good stead for any pool pics or waterpark visits too.
Final Tips
Beyond the essential snorkelling equipment we’ve outlined above, there are a few other items and pieces of advice you should bear in mind before you set sail. Firstly, when it comes to swimwear, think comfort and movement first. You may also want to invest in a rash vest for extra sun protection alongside a reef-safe sunscreen.
If you think you’ll be out all day, consider getting a dry bag for your valuables and a quick-dry towel for easy drying and changing before heading back to the ship. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our snorkelling tips for beginners if this will also be your first time exploring from the surface - there are some important safety considerations and breathing tips it’s worth getting your head around before you head off.
All that’s left for us to say is that we hope you have an incredible trip! If you need any further advice as you pack and prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help you find the right snorkelling equipment.