The Best Bonaire Snorkeling Gear for these Caribbean Island Conditions

Bonaire snorkeling gear is relatively inexpensive and if you purchase good quality gear it should last forever. Having proper, well-fitted equipment will make your snorkeling experience more enjoyable.

Mask

Your mask is the most important tool for Bonaire snorkeling. It is your window to the underwater world. (It also protects your eyes from the salt water. No one likes salty eyes.) For the best visibility, buy a mask with side windows. While it takes a little more effort to clear, the windows give that extra little bit of periferal vision that helps you see approaching fish, or spear-gun toting bad guys if you happen to be James Bond. You know you have a well-fitted mask when you can place it on your face and it stays in place while you inhale slightly through your nose. To prevent your mask from fogging, use this trick: rub your own saliva (or someone elses if you're into that kind of thing) on the inside of the mask lens, and then rinse it with salt water and you're ready to go.

While cheapos out there might make do with a short length of hose or tubing, the serious snorkler will invest in a decent snorkel. A simple, old-school one will work, but the modern snorkel will make your experience effortless and pleasant. The one-way valve offered on many units make clearing the snorkel of water a breeze, while a flexible section between the mouthpiece and the main tube will allow the mouthpiece to hang away from your face when not in use, allowing you to make conversation while at the bar, if you care to wear it out for the night.

Fins and booties

Fins are not an absolute necessity for snorkling, but will drastically enhance your experience. You'll move faster, conserve energy, and look cool. There are two options- full foot and open foot. While full-foot fins are popular in the tropics due to the comfort and convenience of not having to wear wetsuit booties, open-foot fins can be a better choice here, since walking to the site in booties will protect your feet. Also, you get to frequently use the word "booty".

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