The Fiji Islands are often referred to as ‘The Paradise Islands’. The friendliness of the people, the sun, the stunning nature. It’s simply what your dream holiday is made of. The country is not only offering relaxation but also adventurous activities, especially involving the warm waters of the South Pacific.
You can spend your dollars on scuba diving, stand-up paddling, surfing, flyboarding, game fishing, jet skiing, and para-sailing. These activities are not only costly but you also need to be physically in very good shape, so those won’t be for everyone.
Snorkeling in Fiji
However, there is one activity, which is – as long as you know how to swim – very affordable and great fun: I am talking about snorkeling in Fiji. With a basic outfit, a mask, snorkel, and fins (and maybe a wetsuit in winter) you can already start enjoying Fiji’s underwater beauty. Even in shallow water close to the shore, you will encounter fish swimming along with stunning coral while you are carried through the buoyancy of the saltwater and enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world.
Nevertheless, the ocean is an environment you have to adapt to. To stay safe when snorkeling, use common sense and obey some safety rules. I put together 10 basic rules for safe snorkeling:
1. Keep to a buddy system
Never go out alone! Find a snorkel buddy who is accompanying you on your snorkeling trip and who stays nearby at all times. In the unlikely event, that you should need help, your buddy can assist you and you will both benefit in terms of convenience, safety, and fun. If no one wants to share your snorkeling adventure, make sure you tell someone on shore where you want to snorkel (be sure you know your physical limits) and set a time when you will be back …and do report back.
2. Sun protection
The sun is strong in Fiji. Even on a cloudy day, you are likely to catch a sunburn if you go snorkeling without any sun protection. A long-sleeved shirt and Lycra pants will do the job of protecting your body. Use a baseball or swim cap for your head. Careful with sun lotion, if put on your face it might interfere with the sealing of the mask, therefore the mask might leak and the sun lotion might sting in your eyes if it mixes with saltwater.
- HAWAII 104 REEF ACT COMPLIANT: Coral Isles does not contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or Parabens. Help preserve our marine ecosystem by using sunscreen without these ingredients.
- BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION: Our sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, safeguarding your skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburns. Shielding your skin from these harmful rays with our sunscreen not only reduces the risk of skin cancer but also preserves a youthful complexion. Trust our product for comprehensive sun protection and the maintenance of healthy, age-resistant skin.
- NON-GREASY AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Our formula is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It contains no PABA, fragrances, or parabens, catering to individuals with specific skin sensitivities. Additionally, our non-greasy and breathable formula provides a comfortable application, feeling lightweight on the skin. This makes it excellent for both active sports activities and daily use.
- WATER RESISTANT AND LONG LASTING: Our sunscreen offers 80 minutes of water resistance, ensuring prolonged protection even during water activities. To maximize its effectiveness, apply it 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after towel drying. Suitable for all ages.
- VARIETY OF SIZES: We offer various sunscreen sizes to suit different needs. Our largest option is a 32-fluid ounce bottle with a pump, ideal for extended sun protection. For a compact solution, we have a 6-fluid ounce bottle. A 2-fluid ounce pack with two bottles is perfect for on-the-go use or sharing. Our 16-fluid ounce bottle offers a mid-sized alternative. We provide a variety of sizes to meet your specific requirements.
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choose environmental and coral-friendly sun lotion when snorkeling in the tropics as regular sun lotion does damage the fragile marine ecosystem.
3. Check equipment
Mask
Before you go in the sea, check that your mask is not leaking and that the straps are not brittle. To test your mask for perfect fit, place it against your face without the strap and inhale through your nose. A properly fitting and not leaking mask will seal and stay on your face after inhaling through your nose. Next, clean your mask by spitting saliva on the glass, wipe it, and rinse it by dipping it into the sea. You do this to prevent your mask from fogging up. Place now the strap over your head and adjust. The strap should only be supporting and not pulled tight.
- AFTER SALES SERVICE:As long as you are our customers,since the day you buy snorkel set. We will provide 24-hour uninterrupted service. We sincerelly believe we will bring the customers the most satisfied buying experience.
- ANTI FOGGING AND NO LEAKING: Greatever snorkeling set use the most stable dry floating valve design,and the flexible breath tube is effortless to breath and drain,the diving mask is made of tempered galss lenses which can prevent strong ultraviolet rays,and the lens surface has been specially anti-fog treatment.
- CLEAR LENSES AND PANORAMIC VIEW: This mask features a single layer of tempered glass lens designed for snorkeling,swimming and scuba diving,the skirt is made of soft hypoallergenic transparent silicone,the ultra visibility provided by the single lens and the unusual shape of the frame extend in all directions.
- FOOD-GRADE SILICON MATERIAL: Scuba Diving Mask is made from soft transparent or food-grade silicone,and comes with great comfort,The skirt of healthy materials won't make your face allergic,and it's easy to clean after use,especially suitable for long-term use in free diving,without feeling uncomfortable.
- EASY TO USE AND FITS FOR MOST: As a classic brand, Greatever masks are favored by enthusiasts,even though it has been around for years now.The mask is easily adjustable,has a low inner volume,which is very suitable for deep free diving,and the skirt is small,but the mask adapts easily to a large number of face types.
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Snorkel
A snorkel allows you to keep breathing while your head is submerged, you generally wear it on the right side of your head and fix it with a snorkel holder at the mask strap.
When looking for a snorkel, I would recommend asking for what is called a “purge” snorkel. These are easier to blow out when water gets into the snorkel than those snorkels without a purge valve. When water enters your snorkel simply exhale forcefully, the water will be drained out of the tube and the purge valve. Keep the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth creating a splash guard and inhale then carefully to avoid the remaining water entering your throat.
Fins
Fins allow you to swim like a fish. There are 2 kinds of fins. For the warm waters of Fiji, the close-heel kind are just fine. The open-heel fins are more for scuba diving and most require neoprene boots. Important is, that fins fit comfortably otherwise you might encounter cramps.
- 【ADJUSTABLE STRAPS AND BUCKLES】Open heel design and adjustable straps make the swim fins suitable for different foot types and sizes, perfect to share with your friends and family, in addition it will let small pebbles and debris fall. The important part is the quick release buckle that keeps strap's length of the you have set, so you don't need to adjust the straps for every use, easy donning and doffing.
- 【PERFECT SWIM PARTNER】GREATEVER Snorkel Fins with scientific design, minimize fatigue and prevent cramps, it uses the unique open toe and cool flame shaped mesh instep design, it will help to reduce resistance and you will feel more comfortable and breathable. It's can be used with water shoes and water socks (Reminder: Please purchase sizes up if wear with dive booties together).
- 【RELIABLE MATERIAL】The foot pocket with TPR material+Buckle with PC+ blade with PP. That's anti-deformation, lightweight, corrosion resistant and durability. Sturdy and maintains flexibility. So it can fully achieve the comfort level of barefoot wear and don't worry about rubbing feet. Non-slip shadow design on the bottom, safe to use.
- 【TRAVEL-FRIENDLY】GREATEVER pays attention to every detail, we provide the quick-dry mesh bag and hard plastic inserts for the swim flippers, mesh bag can quickly filter sand and water, it and the short swim fins are perfect match for travel and carrying. The hard plastic can keep fins in shape when store it.
- 【AFTER SALES SERVICE】As long as you are our customers,since the day you buy snorkel fins. We will provide 24-hour uninterrupted service.We sincerelly believe we will bring the customers the most satisfied buying experience.
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Watch your surrounding
Before you go for a snorkel, watch the boat traffic and stay far away from the direction the boats are generally heading. Due to the sunlight, it might be very difficult for a boat driver to see a snorkeler until the boat is close, even if the engine is cut then the drag might push the boat into you and hurt you.
5. Entering water from shore
You might have to walk out over a rocky shoreline to have water deep enough to submerge yourself in the water. Even in sandy lagoons, creatures like baby stingrays might be buried in the sand and although being a baby, the sting of its tail is effective and hurts for quite a while ( have experienced this myself). If you decided on full-foot fins instead of neoprene shoes and strap fins then make sure to don those early and always walk backward when wearing fins until water is deep enough to swim.
6. Check tides and currents
If a current is present start snorkeling first swimming against the current and return with the current. Avoid rip currents, they occur mostly in passages and can carry you easily out into deep water. The same can happen if you snorkel at the tidal change from high tide towards low tide. The outgoing tide might pull you towards deep water.
Tide table for Fiji
7. Know the signs for ‘I am okay’ and ‘I need help’:
For ‘Okay’ you form a big ‘O’ with both your arms over your head.
For ‘Help’ you wave a stretched arm from the surface to straight over your head and back. Repeat that.
8. Stay calm:
If a problem occurs to get on your back and inhale deeply. The buoyancy of the saltwater will carry you and you can relax until you feel fit enough to continue. Ask your buddy to assist you.
9. Practice proper snorkeling techniques:
Snorkel breathing:
Put your snorkel in your mouth and let your lips seal around it, bite gently on the nipples of the mouthpiece. Now breathe slowly and deeply. If your snorkel is submerged there is no need to take it out of your mouth to clear it from water, just exhale forcefully in your snorkel when back on the surface while tilting your head slightly backward. To avoid breathing in remaining splash water, use your tongue as a splash-guard, by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Now breathe carefully past water that is remaining in your snorkel.
Swimming:
Keep your body streamlined, arms on your side, snorkel top out of the water and fins below the surface. Swim slowly and relaxed.
10. Marine life:
Although most marine life is harmless, some creatures have defensive mechanisms that can injure you. So do not stand on coral and do not touch marine life, nor take out any shells. After all, when snorkeling you are entering their habitat, so please treat it with respect.