Please recommend snorkel vest that is easily packable.

[Grits53]

We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks!

 

Jan

[Host Star]

We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks!

 

Jan

snorkel vests fold flat and take up very little room packing...do a search on line for snorkel equipment or purchase at your local dive shop

[vista03]

I ordered the ScubaPro Currents Vest from my local dive shop. It was my favorite of the various rental vests that I had tried.

 

Pro: Has a crotch strap so the vest will not ride up when it is inflated

Con: I found that the blue printing on the vest is not that permanent. The black printing is fine. The blue printing gets tacky and transfers. My vest now has smudges of blue in other areas.

 

http://www.scubapro.com/americas/english/scubapro-products/snorkelpro/vest/currents-vests

[Stevesan]

I ordered the ScubaPro Currents Vest from my local dive shop. It was my favorite of the various rental vests that I had tried.

 

Pro: Has a crotch strap so the vest will not ride up when it is inflated

Con: I found that the blue printing on the vest is not that permanent. The black printing is fine. The blue printing gets tacky and transfers. My vest now has smudges of blue in other areas.

 

http://www.scubapro.com/americas/english/scubapro-products/snorkelpro/vest/currents-vests

 

Just want to reinforce the crotch strap recommendation. It's an essential item!

There are usually only two sizes, so if there are no shops in your area ordering online isn't a problem: Child (under 100lbs) Adults (over 100lbs).

[harryjr]

Leisurepro.com has a good selection--very reasonable.

[Grits53]

Thanks for the replies. I have checked the "local" dive shop (60 miles away), but their prices are very high. That's why I came here for a recommendation. I will check out the suggestions. Thanks again! :)

 

Jan

[jandjboo]

We just went on the Internet looking for "snorkel vests" and found lots of sources. We bought some inflatable ones that take up no space in the luggage (and allow my husband to deflate his when he wants to dive deeper) and they were quite cheap.

[Host Star]

definitely the crotch strap!!!!!...

[VonChap]

We were on an excursion last month, in which our snorkel time was limited. We have our own snorkel and mask, but we need to rent fins and vests. We have found fins readily available at all locations, but vests have been harder to come by. We lost too much of our limited snorkel time, waiting in line to rent vests last month. Therefore, we want to buy snorkel vests that will fit easily in our luggage and beach bags. We will be using them about twice a year, as we only snorkel on cruises. Suggestions, please. Links to recommended vests would be great. Thanks!

 

Jan

 

Jan,

 

We found ours in April at ScubaToys dot com. They are like a vest with buckles in the front and only the front inflates. No need for any other straps. Very easy to pack and worked great--even in some rough water.

[honeybeedeb]

has anyone snorkeled with a ski belt, this is our first time

[SCUBA Mark]

has anyone snorkeled with a ski belt, this is our first time

 

A ski belt would work but it is pretty bulky to pack.

 

You don't normally inflate the snorkel vest when you snorkel. It is really for an emergency. If you get too tired kicking, you can inflate the vest and just float. Saltwater is a lot more buoyant than fresh water and most people float naturally without any extra help.

 

The snorkel excursions provide everyone with mask, fins, and snorkel. If you have your own gear and want to snorkel on your own, you might want to have snorkel vests for the less experienced and/or weaker swimmers.

 

I have one for DW that she wears when we snorkel.

 

Mark

[jimw]

A vest is not needed except when required by a snorkel trip operator. Most people float like corks in salt water, even those who have difficulty floating in frest water. If you are comfortable in the water, try snorkeling without a vest.