Do you need fins on snorkeling excursions?

[Jaymee287]

I'll be on my first cruise in June and I'm a SERIOUS germ-a-fob so I will be purchasing my own snorkeling gear. It won't be TOP of the line but it won't be terribly cheap. I'm thinking 30-40 will be a decent set. But do I really need the fins?

 

What's your opinion on this. Thanks for the help!

[hmsorensen]

We just got back from our Mexican cruise on the Splendor. We went snorkeling in Cabo. Although I don't think the fins would be necessary, they were nice to have.

[Jaymee287]

I'm assuming you used them then. I'm checking into prices on snorkel gear now, do you know a good website?

[imagine8]

Not necessary but I would think you would prefer to have them. They are light-weight enough and make snorkeling quite a bit better in my opinion.

[Gonz]

Fins are simply nice for their efficiency in getting you around in the water. While scuba diving, they're a must since you are generally moving around quite a bit and without fins you'll breath harder and use up your air faster.

 

From a safety standpoint fins are necessary if you get separated from your group and need to get back, or if there are strong currents that you might have to fight. But generally anywhere that a tour is going to take novice snorkelers is going to be quite safe.

 

 

Here's an option: Get yourself a set of tight fitting water shoes, which are nice to have anyways around the pool/showers/beaches. Then get a pair of fins from your outfitter that are large enough to accomodate your foot and water shoe.

[Gonz]

I'm assuming you used them then. I'm checking into prices on snorkel gear now, do you know a good website?

 

Do you have a Target nearby? They sell mediocre snorkling gear that's well priced and will work fine for your needs.

[Jaymee287]

I'm probably going to purchase them. I'm from Illinois so snorkeling doesn't exist and obviously there are no dive shops around. Our "beach" is icky brown sand at the lake. lol :(

[Jaymee287]

Do you have a Target nearby? They sell mediocre snorkling gear that's well priced and will work fine for your needs.

 

I sure do have a Target! Well it's about an hour away, I'll have to check there! Thanks

[zqvol]

I'll be on my first cruise in June and I'm a SERIOUS germ-a-fob so I will be purchasing my own snorkeling gear. It won't be TOP of the line but it won't be terribly cheap. I'm thinking 30-40 will be a decent set. But do I really need the fins?

 

What's your opinion on this. Thanks for the help!

 

Fins are critical if you want to safely snorkel in open ocean. Keep in mind that all snorkel excursions provide equipment. Just use their fins, there is no reason to buy them. (You don't have to use their masks and snorkels)

[Jaymee287]

Good point. But if I'm going to purchase a set I can get it cheaper with the fins (most places) rather than the snorkel and mask separate.

[Tbay-eh]

I'll be on my first cruise in June and I'm a SERIOUS germ-a-fob so I will be purchasing my own snorkeling gear. It won't be TOP of the line but it won't be terribly cheap. I'm thinking 30-40 will be a decent set. But do I really need the fins?

 

What's your opinion on this. Thanks for the help!

 

If you are a serious germ-a-phobe then you might to ignore my post as I am with a previous poster and say just use theirs. All the ones I have been on they give you a new tube sealed in plastic and you can either keep and take home as a souvenier or toss it. The mask you can wipe out yourself with lysol wipes and same with the fins (a must as far as I am concerned too) they give you a lot of control and speed. We had 4 people and it would have taken another suitcase just to take our own gear. Have a great time.

[Jaymee287]

I saw that you can take the lysol wipes or the alcohol wipes, but I we are doing some sort of snorkling at each stop. I would much rather have my own then have to worry about forgetting the wipes!

[DQGal]

We bought 2 sets of body glove snorkeling set at Sams for $40 each, as the summer went on the lowest I saw them for was $8.00!!!!!

[DanishDonut]

Do you have access to a local CostCo? They have a complete snorkel set similar to this for $38.99

 

Don't forget about CostCo's generous return policy.

 

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[Cruzman]

I have had my own snorkeling gear for a number of years, including fins. I found that the fins take up a lot of space in luggage and are cumbersome to put on and then navigate to where you enter the water. I don't even take them with me anymore and I enjoy snorkeling just as well without them.

[momof4boys]

I love to snorkel. The first two years we went, I wore the dang fins. However, they kill my feet and I am more proficient without them.

 

My two oldest sons were high school and college swimmers and they love the fins.

 

So you can snorkel with or without fins. It is a personal choice whether to us them.

 

Have fun!!

[pjpu]

I saw that you can take the lysol wipes or the alcohol wipes, but I we are doing some sort of snorkling at each stop. I would much rather have my own then have to worry about forgetting the wipes!

 

But also remember that not only will they take up precious packing space, but then you also have to carry them around for the rest of your time, like shopping etc.

 

We took our own stuff the first time we cruised and it was just a pain to keep up with. THis time we're just taking the mask and snorkle - easy to throw in the beach bag.

[alphakitty]

I don't lug the fins along anymore. If I'm snorkeling right off the beach, I don't feel a need for them. When snorkeling off a boat, we are on excursions that provide the fins,I will wear them then.

[OfcSupport]

We took them on our last cruise. I was glad we did because the place where we were snorkeling was very rocky. I was glad to have something on my feet.

[ginal]

We purchase our gear at Academy Sports. My husband loves his fins and I hate mine. We got new ones this year and I still am not happy. So it is personal preference. We always take the mask and snorkel, but the fins depend on where we are going. This time we will go off of beaches so we will pack the fins. We also take foam Noodles if we are going on our own. Yes they take up room, but make it so easy to snorkel from a beach.

[caribbean dreams]

I never wear fins when snorkeling, even when they are offered. i pass them up.

I have found i can swim much better without them.

[gargoyle999]

Man, a bunch of you must be related to aquaman and have webbed toes! :p

 

I really like fins when I'm snorkeling. I bring all my own gear including fins.

[caribbean dreams]

Man, a bunch of you must be related to aquaman and have webbed toes! :p

 

I really like fins when I'm snorkeling. I bring all my own gear including fins.

 

Excuse me.....what did you say?, i was busy cleaning my gills:D