Night Snorkel – Discover the Wonders of Night Snorkeling

Diving at night can be extremely exciting. This snorkel activity is actually my favorite type of snorkel. The only other activity that can top it, in my opinion, is night diving due to the fact that you have a better chance of diving deeper, otherwise night snorkeling still gives you the same adrenaline rush.

So why would anyone try to snorkel at night? It may seem strange and intimidating. Anyone who has tried it will tell you that there is a different world yet to discover.

The mystery of nighttime snorkeling will give you a new perspective on your favorite snorkeling spot, which may have lost its daytime charm. At first you will feel a bit anxious… everyone feels it, it’s natural, but then once you get used to it, you will automatically replace your anxiety with excitement, curiosity and a sense of adventure.

After dark, you’ll encounter aquatic life that you rarely see during the day, making sightseeing different from what you’d normally see during the day. At night the reefs come alive with different fauna.

There are a number of aquatic creatures that just don’t come out during the day. Nocturnal animals such as lobsters and shrimp become active, coral polyps opening at night to feed, giving the reef a fuzzy, colorful appearance.

You will also experience encountering microscopic luminescent plankton that generate flashes of light if disturbed. If you experience such an encounter, turn off your flashlight and wave your hands through the water. This will give you an unforgettable experience as you will see “sparks” igniting around you… It’s a great feeling… Try it, you will be surprised.

Before entering the water, what equipment do I need?

Safe snorkeling is a must, especially when you do it at night. So make sure that before you go on your night snorkel you are well equipped for the job. The difference with snorkeling during the day is that snorkeling at night requires additional equipment and more planning and preparation.

The most important piece of equipment is an underwater flashlight. The flash light will not only serve to highlight colors and show you the way during your night snorkel, but will also make your position known to your snorkeling buddy.

When snorkeling at night, in addition to carrying a flashlight, I advise you to also consider using chemical lights. These are basically light sticks that use a chemical reaction. These types of lights serve as orientation lights to mark your own location and that of your friends. It is advisable to tie these lights to the flagpole of the buoy. I also find these lights useful for finding my exit points. One snorkeling tip is to place them strategically at entry points so you know where to get out of the water. For example, if you entered the water from land or a boat, place them strategically on the land or in the boat to guide you to an easy exit.

Another piece of equipment that you will find during your night snorkeling is a whistle. Attach this to your snorkel vest and it will act as a signaling device to get the attention of your friends should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Once again, it is important that all your friends have this equipment on hand.

Equipment protection must also be considered. Protect yourself with a protective suit, booties and gloves, as you are more likely to get cold from the cool night air. Another advantage to you of wearing protective gear is that you are also more likely to trip over things at night that could cause scrapes and cuts. However, remember to take special care not to damage fragile coral or other aquatic life.

This is an excerpt from an article that appears on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. If you want to learn more about night snorkeling, including planning and preparation and communication and emergency signals, be sure to read the rest of our guide in the Tips & Techniques section of the site at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures .com/snorkeling-at-night.html.

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