Snorkeling is a fun pastime enjoyed by many people around the world. Snorkeling allows you to explore the deep blue sea, rivers, and lakes without using any expensive, bulky scuba equipment. Many people enjoy the freedom of exploring all on their own without needing a dive buddy or a partner to accompany them on their trip.
There are many ways to secure your stuff while you go snorkeling. Locking your valuables in a car is a good option, or you could purchase a waterproof bag big enough to carry your valuables into the water with you. Only take essential items with you to reduce the risk of theft.
Spending the day out in the open water searching and exploring under the waves is great exercise and an excellent way to unwind, but what about all your belongings left behind on land?
You can’t take everything with you into the water, so how do you prevent your belongings from disappearing and ensure that they are still there when you return to dry land?
Also, if you don’t have a friend with you who is willing to sit on the shore and watch over everything, what do you do with your stuff while you are snorkeling?
What To Leave Behind When You Go Snorkeling
If you are a tourist and stay in a hotel or condo, most of these establishments have built-in safes in each room or a general safe under management control.
To ensure that your personal items will not be stolen while you are out for the day, always lock up passports, IDs, plane tickets and visas, credit cards, jewelry, and cash. Anything left out in full view is fair game and, while we all believe that the staff won’t steal, it’s best not to leave anything tempting in the open.
When going snorkeling, only take what is necessary with you. Leave everything else in your hotel room. If the beach is within walking distance, you won’t need a backpack. Instead, carry a towel, your snorkeling gear, and a waterproof bag containing your id, one credit card, and a small amount of cash with you.
If you are going further afield and need to carry a backpack, make sure that it has a concealed pouch so that you can hide your valuables from sight. You should always carry a waterproof bag for carrying important valuables into the water with you.
What To Leave With Your Tour Operator When You Go Snorkeling
If you are heading out to sea for the day with a tour operator, then you can snorkel in peace, knowing that your valuables will remain where you left them on the deck of the boat or in a locker assigned to you.
It is always wise to carry a backpack for your personal items and to keep a waterproof bag containing your ID and medical details on your wrist or belt. The tour operator will keep your important stuff in his safe if you ask him.
What To Do With Your Stuff When You Go Snorkeling
You have finally made it to the water’s edge and are ready to head into the water, but you have a pile of stuff left on the land that will be on its own while you go snorkeling. What can you do to ensure that it will still be there when you return?
If you have access to a car, the best option is to lock everything inside the vehicle and place the car keys, ID, and a medical card inside a waterproof bag to take into the water with you.
If you don’t have the option of a car and don’t have a friend willing to watch over your belongings while you are in the water, try these ways to keep your items safe while you are snorkeling.
Beach Tote Bags
Leaving your items on land unaccompanied might be possible under some circumstances. Always place your valuables into a waterproof bag to take with you into the water, but if you can leave the rest of your stuff on the land, invest in a good beach tote bag with an anti-theft compartment and lock.
Waterproof Dry Bags
If you are taking all your stuff into the water with you, make sure that the bag is 100% waterproof and not semi-waterproof. These bags do come in different sizes with many options to choose from, so you can find the correct one for your needs.
Waterproof Swim Buoy
A swim buoy is perfect for snorkeling as it is inflatable and can carry your valuables inside simultaneously! The waterproof buoy is secured to your wrist or waist by a strap and is towed along behind you while you explore.
It doubles as an inflatable bag that you can rest on if you get tired while on the water.
Waterproof Case
These cases are made from rigid plastic and are of various sizes. Hard boxes protect your valuables better than soft cases and can be worn around your wrist, on a lanyard, or on a clip on your snorkeling belt.
The box should be big enough to store your keys, cash, ID, and perhaps even your sunglasses!
Waterproof Bag
A waterproof bag is the best way to carry your small valuables with you. You can even take your cell phone with you and, if you have a clear bag, you can take pictures underwater with your cell!
A small waterproof bag can also fit inside a dry bag for extra protection for your valuables.
Waterproof Waist Pouch
You can wear a very clever pouch underneath your wetsuit or simply around your waist. They are big enough to contain your valuables and don’t float around you as they are secured to your body.
Waterproof Card Case
This case is small and compact and can be worn on a lanyard or clipped onto your belt. It can hold a few credit cards, some cash, and a car key.
Conclusion
When you are snorkeling, there is always a risk that your stuff might get stolen. Most people only carry what they need for a day out, but sometimes it’s not always possible to travel light, and you might end up carrying your important stuff with you in a backpack to the beach.
Knowing how to protect your valuables is key to ensuring their safety and giving you peace of mind while you are in the water. The choices that are available to keep your valuables safe are endless.
Choose the most suitable method for your valuables and, of course, for the conditions that you are snorkeling in!