Snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh can be the highlight of a vacation, but there are a number of things to consider before hitting the water. Visitors planning to snorkel only once or twice may want to consider saving space in their suitcases by hiring equipment such as masks and snorkels from hotels in the area. Rental equipment of excellent quality can be found for very cheap, but tourists might want to consider that this equipment is on hire to everyone and may not fit every person perfectly.

Alternatively, travelers may want to purchase their own snorkeling equipment in advance, shopping around for inexpensive merchandise. It is essential to find the equipment that fits each diver most comfortably especially when selecting a mask. Tourists who wear glasses or prescription lenses may look into getting prescription masks, lens inserts, or self-adhesive bifocal skins to stick on to the lower part of the mask. These are available at many dive shops or online which can offer fast delivery if the selected item is in stock. Soft water shoes are optional . Fins of some sort are recommended for dives lasting longer than fifteen minutes to help avoid cramping and overexertion. If diving bootees are worn for protection from the shoreline then the natural choice of fins would be with adjustable straps.

Rash vests or other similar garments are a good idea, particularly in the summer season as backs burn easily in the sea. In the cooler months the reverse is true and shorties or even full length wetsuits can be worn to stop the chill factor associated with being in the water for longer periods.

Whether renting or buying equipment, novice snorkelers would be well advised to take a course in snorkeling from one of the many dive centers in Sharm. Emperor Divers, Camel Divers, Oonas and others offer courses in diving. PADIalso has a number of dive centers and approved resorts in Sharm for instruction. Asking for instruction in the sea as well as the pool will give new divers a sense of how tides and currents can affect their experience in the water. In addition, it is safer to snorkel with a swim buddy at all times, or to snorkel in an area with other adults or experienced divers in case of emergency. The better prepared snorkelers are the safer their vacation will be, and the added confidence gained from learning from trained professionals will help first-time divers to better enjoy their excursions.

** Note:  The original information for this thread came from the following forum thread: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopi...