Your first vacation to a Beach Resort and their website had great information and photos on snorkeling tours. Yes, I was excited too and I was just 10 (and at 50+, I'm still excited and still snorkeling). But there are a few things you should keep in mind when you're heading to a great vacation and want to keep it that way. I call it a great vacation since I consider snorkeling one of the most exciting and at the same time more relaxing water activities that are enjoyed by the whole family. And it's not so expensive, if you know what you're doing.
If you've never gone snorkeling before, not to worry; you don't have to be a great swimmer. As long as you can float and kick you should be good to go. About the style, with practice and some more articles you'll get the hang of it. I'm sure that at the resort they will probably explain a few more things and for some extra money, you can even rent some snorkeling gear.
But before you consider the idea of renting it, remember one thing. Someone else had that snorkel mask against their face and they put that snorkel in their mouth, and they all look the same. Of course I'm sure they disinfect them after each use. So, the least you can do is take your own mask and snorkel with you.
And if you decide to become a serious snorkeler; who I'm sure you will after your first try, the best thing would be to buy the entire snorkel set, it's not that expensive and if you were to rent it a few times, it would pay for itself and you would have your own personal snorkel gear. That way you can get used to it and practice every time you get a chance. Yes, I said practice. You can do that in your back yard pool (or your neighbor's, if you don't have one). The important thing is to make sure you pack it along with your bathing suit and sun screen lotion (they're very expensive at the resorts). So let's summarize.
Snorkeling Gear Checklist
- Snorkel Mask
- Snorkel
- Snorkeling Fins
- Snorkeling Vest (for safety) although this one isn't so bad to rent.
So have fun, be safe, enjoy the wonders of the underwater world and don't forget your snorkel gear. You're not going to regret it. Have a safe trip.