How to Dive Down While Snorkeling

Because snorkeling does not require any special skills or training, it is often offered to tourists in warmer ocean destinations. As long as you know how to swim, you can snorkel safely. It may take some practice to become comfortable breathing through the tube. As you snorkel, you spend a majority of your time on the water's surface; however, if you see something interesting and would like to take a closer look, you can dive down and then return to the surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Snorkeling equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a deep breath just prior to diving. You will not be able to breathe through your tube once it is underwater.

    • 2

      Prepare to dive by bending at your waist and drawing your knees and arms in toward your torso.

    • 3

      Propel your body down below the surface by thrusting your legs out and up toward the surface of the water.

    • 4

      Descend slowly, equalizing your ears at frequent intervals on the way down. This can be done one of several ways, including pinching your nose and trying to breathe out through your nose, or pinching your nose and pushing your tongue up and back to create suction in the back of your mouth.

    • 5

      Return to the surface slowly, equalizing your ears at intervals on the way back up to avoid blood-vessel rupture.

    • 6

      Blow forcefully through your snorkel tube when you reach the surface. This action will clear the water from the tube so you can breathe through it again.