once we've paddled to the reef via kayak, what the heck are we supposed to anchor the kayak to if we both want to snorkel at the same time? Do we anchor the kayak to a rock with rope? I'm sure as heck not gonna' anchor it to coral. Should we equip ourselves with an anchor and rope before we head out?
Before you set out tie two loops on one end of a length of soft rope and fix the other end to the bow of the kayak. Then when you want to snorkel you can slip one loop over each shoulder (kind of like a backpack) and tow the kayak behind you. My husband and I have done this many, many times and it works great.
I always recommend that people practice getting in and out of the kayak a few times in fairly shallow water, especially if it's a type that you haven't had a lot of experience with. I find the ones where you sit on top a bit of a bugger to get back on because all the surfaces are rounded and I can't get a decent grip on the gunwales.