Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to explore the underwater world, but a foggy mask or a mouthful of water can quickly turn a magical moment into a frustrating one. The good news is that using a snorkel and mask well comes down to a handful of simple tricks. Learn these before you get in the water in Waikiki, and you will spend your time watching turtles and reef fish instead of fussing with your gear.
Defog Your Mask First
A foggy mask is the number one complaint of new snorkelers, and it is completely preventable. Before you get in, rub a defogging solution, baby shampoo, or even a bit of your own saliva around the inside of the dry lens, then give it a quick rinse with sea water. This thin film stops your warm breath from fogging the cold glass. Do this every time before you put the mask on, and you will keep a clear view the whole trip.
Get a Good Mask Seal
A mask only works if it seals against your face. A little care here prevents leaks and keeps water out.
🕹 A Leak-Free Fit
- Keep all hair out from under the mask skirt, since even a few strands break the seal.
- Place the mask on your face without the strap and gently breathe in through your nose. It should stick on its own.
- Adjust the strap so it is snug but not tight, sitting high and flat on the back of your head.
If your mask keeps leaking, it may be the wrong size or shape for your face, so ask the crew to help you swap it.
Breathe Slowly Through the Snorkel
With your mask sealed and the snorkel in your mouth, the key is to relax and breathe. Bite gently on the mouthpiece and let your lips form a seal around it, then breathe slowly and calmly through your mouth. It can feel strange at first, so practice in shallow water where you can stand. Keep the top of the snorkel tube pointing up out of the water, and steady, unhurried breaths will quickly start to feel natural.
Clearing Water From Your Snorkel
Sooner or later a little water will get into your snorkel, and clearing it is easy once you know how. If water gets in, simply give a sharp, forceful breath out through the tube, like blowing out a candle, to push the water up and out the top. Then take your next breath a bit gently in case a few drops remain. This blast technique works every time, so there is no need to panic or lift your head.
Using Your Fins
Fins let you glide with almost no effort, but only if you use them gently. Kick from your hips with long, slow, relaxed strokes, keeping your legs mostly straight and your arms resting at your sides. Short, frantic kicks from the knee just tire you out and stir up the water. A calm, steady flutter kick moves you smoothly and quietly, which also helps you get closer to marine life. And always keep your fins up and away from the coral, which is fragile and easily damaged.
Relax and Float
The final and most important tip is simply to relax. Snorkeling is about floating on the surface, not swimming hard. Let the water hold you up, breathe slowly, and take your time. If you ever feel unsure, a snorkel vest or float keeps you comfortably buoyant. The calmer you are, the more you will see, because relaxed snorkelers drift quietly and the reef comes alive around them.
Ready to Explore Waikiki's Reefs
With a defogged mask, a good seal, slow breathing, and an easy kick, you have everything you need to enjoy Waikiki's underwater world. Practice these basics in calm, shallow water, and within minutes they become second nature. Then all that is left to do is float, breathe, and soak in the turtles, fish, and coral that make snorkeling here unforgettable.
New to snorkeling? We'll get you comfortable.
Our Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour provides all the gear and a friendly crew who help you defog your mask, fit it right, and feel at ease before you ever hit the water.
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