HOW TO USE YOUR SNORKEL

Anatomy of the Snorkel

The snorkel is the breathing tube that allows you to keep your face underwater while breathing air from above the surface. At the bottom is the soft silicone mouthpiece. Your lips form a seal around it while your teeth rest gently on the bite tabs. Notice the word gently. You do not need to bite down on the mouthpiece as though it owes you money. Clenching your jaw will simply make your jaw tired.

The main body of the snorkel is the tube or barrel, which carries air between the surface and your mouth. Snorkels are intentionally limited in length. A much longer tube wouldn’t simply allow you to swim several feet underwater while continuing to breathe normally. Longer tubes increase breathing resistance and the amount of exhaled air that can remain within the tube.

The snorkel attaches to the mask strap with a snorkel keeper or clip, which keeps the barrel positioned beside your head. Traditional snorkels are generally worn on the left side of the mask.

Many recreational snorkels also have a splash guard or dry top. A splash guard helps reduce the amount of water entering the snorkel when waves wash over it, while a dry-top snorkel uses a mechanism designed to close the airway when the top becomes submerged. These features can be reassuring for beginners, but no snorkel should be treated as a guarantee that water can never enter.

Some snorkels also have a purge valve near the mouthpiece. This one-way valve is designed to make it easier to expel water that does find its way inside.

Learning to Breathe Through a Snorkel

For many first-time snorkelers, breathing is the part that feels strange. You put your face into the water and your brain immediately announces, Excuse me, we do not breathe underwater.

Fair point.

The trick is not to fight that instinct by breathing faster. Instead, slow everything down. Place the mouthpiece comfortably into your mouth, seal your lips around it and begin breathing slowly and normally through your mouth. Avoid rapid, shallow breathing and never intentionally hyperventilate before breath-hold diving.

Think slow inhale, relaxed exhale, repeat.

Before you begin swimming, spend a little time simply floating with your face in the water. Let your brain become accustomed to the fact that even though your face is underwater, you’re still breathing air from above the surface.

Destin Snorkel Expert Tip: Don’t Start by Swimming

One of the best things a beginner can do is absolutely nothing. Float comfortably, put your face in the water and concentrate only on breathing. Once breathing through the snorkel starts feeling normal, add a few gentle kicks. There’s no reason to try to master everything simultaneously.

What Happens If Water Gets Into Your Snorkel?

At some point, it probably will. A wave may splash over the top, you may accidentally dip the snorkel below the surface or a little water may simply find its way into the tube. This isn’t a reason to panic.

If you’re comfortable using the snorkel, a strong, controlled exhale can help clear water from the tube. Your next inhalation should be cautious in case a little water remains. If you aren’t comfortable clearing the snorkel, simply lift your head, remove the mouthpiece if necessary and breathe normally.

Destin Snorkel Expert Tip: There Are No Bonus Points for Looking Cool

If something doesn’t feel right, lift your head and reset. Snorkeling is supposed to be fun. There is no prize for perfectly clearing a snorkel while pretending nothing happened.

Think of the equipment this way: the mask lets you see, the snorkel lets you breathe and the fins let you move. They’re simple pieces of equipment, but understanding how each one works makes you a much better snorkeler.

It is Destin’s emerald water, tides, and reef structures that create exceptional snorkeling conditions.

Destin’s emerald-green water isn’t just pretty, it’s functional. That color comes from fine white sand reflecting sunlight, not algae. Gulf currents and tidal flow keep water moving and oxygenated. This creates better visibility and healthier marine life. Structures like the East Pass Jetties act as artificial reefs. Fish gather, feed, and shelter there year-round. Nature did a lot of the work for us.

March is when underwater activity begins to noticeably increase. Water temperatures rise and fish become more active. Visibility often improves during stable spring conditions. At Destin Snorkel, we select locations daily based on tides, wind, and safety. That expertise removes guesswork from your day. Guided snorkeling consistently outperforms shore snorkeling. You see more because you’re in the right place.

Snorkeling here isn’t luck, it’s location plus experience. The environment supports clarity and life naturally. When conditions line up, the results are impressive. This is why guests come back again and again.

Experience Destin snorkeling with the experts by booking atDestin Snorkel.
Destin’s Ultimate Family Snorkeling Adventure on the Emerald Coast! SEE YOU SOON!

Here’s why Families Love Snorkeling with Destin Snorkel

Snorkeling works because everyone participates together. Parents and kids explore at the same pace. No one is stuck watching from shore. Discovery happens side by side. That shared excitement builds connection. It’s screen-free and naturally engaging. Those memories last.

Destin Snorkel designs family-friendly tours with comfort and safety in mind. Calm water locations are prioritized whenever possible. Flotation devices and instruction are always available. No one is rushed or pressured. Confidence builds naturally. Fun stays fun. Parents relax more.

June is the peak family travel season for good reason. Water temperatures are warm and marine life is active. Snorkeling often becomes the highlight of the trip. These are the stories families retell for years.

Call to Action: Make snorkeling your family’s highlight and reserve now through Destin Snorkel.
Destin’s Ultimate Family Snorkeling Adventure on the Emerald Coast

Explore marine life and shelling locations on Destin Snorkel’s two-stop snorkeling tours.

Our two-stop tours are designed for variety, not boredom. The first stop focuses on snorkeling near rock structures with schools of tropical fish. The second stop shifts to calm grass flats perfect for shelling and shallow exploration. This gives you two completely different environments in one trip. Kids stay engaged and adults stay interested. Everyone wins. It’s why this tour is a guest favorite.

Marine life sightings often include angelfish, sergeant majors, parrotfish, rays, and crabs. Shelling areas may reveal sand dollars, sea stars, and unique shells. Tides influence what appears each day. No two tours are identical. Nature writes the script. Our guides help you understand what you’re seeing. That knowledge adds value.

This tour is ideal for families and mixed-ability groups. Snorkelers and shell seekers share the same adventure. The pace is relaxed but informative. Exploration happens naturally.

Book a two-stop snorkel and shelling tour atDestin Snorkel reservations.
Destin’s Ultimate Family Snorkeling Adventure on the Emerald Coast! SEE YOU SOON!

Here’s how SNUBA® lets you explore deeper underwater with no scuba certification required.

SNUBA® is what happens when you mix snorkeling and scuba. You breathe underwater using a surface-supplied air hose instead of a tank. There’s no certification required and no heavy gear on your back. You can explore depths around 20 feet comfortably. Movement feels natural and unrestricted. You stay visually connected to the surface. Confidence stays high.

Destin Snorkel is the only operator in Destin offering SNUBA®. Our experienced certified divers stay with you the entire time. We control depth, air, and pace so you can focus on exploring. It’s a guided experience, not a free dive. Safety is built into every step. This is ideal for curious snorkelers ready for more. Many guests say it’s their favorite part of the trip.

April is a perfect SNUBA® month thanks to warming water and improving visibility. Marine life becomes more active around rock formations. The underwater world feels alive and close. SNUBA® shows you Destin from a whole new angle.

Reserve Destin’s only SNUBA® experience throughDestin Snorkel bookings.
Destin’s Ultimate Family Snorkeling Adventure on the Emerald Coast! SEE YOU SOON!

February is the smartest time to plan and book your Destin snorkeling, SNUBA®, dolphin cruises, and Crab Island adventures.

February is when experienced Destin travelers quietly get ahead of the crowds. While others are still daydreaming, you can lock in dates, tours, and flexibility. Our sailing season runs from March through January, and early planners get the best options. Waiting until spring often means limited availability and tighter schedules. Planning now puts you in control instead of reacting later. It’s not about rushing, it’s about choosing well. Smart vacations start early.

At Destin Snorkel, we help guests plan experiences that match their group, comfort level, and goals. Booking early allows us to recommend snorkeling, SNUBA®, dolphin cruises, sunset tours, or Crab Island days that fit your trip perfectly. It also gives breathing room if weather requires a simple adjustment later. February planning removes pressure from your vacation. Your highlight is already secured before you arrive. That confidence changes everything. Relaxation starts sooner.

If Destin is on your calendar this year, February is your planning sweet spot. You’ll travel knowing your water adventure is handled. The Gulf will be ready when you are. All that’s left is counting down the days.

Start planning today and reserve your spot throughDestin Snorkel reservations.
Destin’s Ultimate Family Snorkeling Adventure on the Emerald Coast! SEE YOU SOON!