Howdy everyone. I am hoping to get in lots of snorkeling when I am down there and am wondering if I should buy my snorkel gear before I leave or can I buy some half decent stuff down there for a reasonable price or do the snorkel boats supply some good stuff with their tours and if so ergo the first two questions are kinda moot. Any info anyone could give me would greatly be appreciated as by my questions you can tell I am kind of new at this. If you recommend to buy what is a good mask to get that will give a good seal. Thanks and have a good new year.

FXSTS, you can rent equipment, but it is generally a better experience to have your own mask/snorkle. I have an Oceanic mask that I love, but try on several, it should fit your face shape & we are all different. Be sure to snorkle Mexico Rocks, really one of my favorites, very shallow & colorful. I avoid using fins here, the current pulls you along & I have seen much coral damaged from getting kicked as well as people pulling/pushing themselves along off of it. Just wear beach shoes here & enjoy the float. Good spots off caulker as well as shark ray & Hol Chan. Be sure & do a night snorkle, much more large fish to be seen then. I use Amigos del Mar, but the island has many, many great tour providers, they just happen to be my choice.

recommend buying your own mask at least...go into a dive shop and try on a few to see what fits you...they will help explain how to get a good fit for you...everyone is different...and if you have an odd shape (or a moustache!!) it is often hard to find one...my husband had this problem...but every mask in the shop fit me well!

you can often get better prices online at merchants...so, if you find a particular brand you like that fits...do some online shopping...

good luck...and have fun...

Badco is right, those are great snorkeling spots and you really don't need fins.I would recomend getting a mask before you come, that way you can get into the water any time you want and have a mask. www.seadogsports.com has a good assortment at all prices. As far as snorkeling tour operaters go SeaRious Adventures, in front of RUBY'S Hotel was excellent, but there are plenty to choose from.

I used to rent equipment, but this past year I bought my own mask and snorkel, and rent the fins. Snorkelling is much more enjoyable using equipment that fits right. When you go on a tour, you are told to spit in your mask to clean the glass and prevent fogging. Plus, how many people have had that snorkel in their mouth? I'm sure the stuff is just rinsed off after each use. Yuck!

Whats a snorkel trip run if you have your own equipment on AC?

$15 and up - depending upon what you want to do ( ie, beach picnics, etc) and where you want to go.

The most popular snorkeling trip, Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley, is $25 plus a $5 park fee. You pay the park fee to a ranger who stops by your boat. The Mexico Rocks trip is $30.

Thanks for all the replies, man I can hardly wait to get there, only 27 more days, lol.

Yea, thanks for the info. Is that per person price? I'll be there in Feb. also