How to Buy Cheap Snorkel Equipment

Snorkeling, although a rather inexpensive hobby compared to its cousin, scuba diving, requires little more than a good pair of fins, a mask, and (of course) a snorkel. These pieces fall into several different price ranges, from the expensive to the cheap. When you shop for snorkeling gear, it pays to consider various options.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check your local department stores around springtime, as several retailers stock relatively inexpensive snorkeling sets that include all you need to get out and get wet. The fins in these sets correspond to your shoe size and are generally open-heel, meaning they can be worn on bare feet or with water shoes. Water shoes will require you to buy a fin size larger than your normal shoe size.

    • 2

      Shopping at online scuba and snorkeling retail specialty sites works in much the same manner, but they typically have a wider selection from more manufacturers than brick-and-mortar stores do. These sites feature both open-heel and full-foot (slip on) fins, available in sets or for purchase separately.

    • 3

      Buy each piece individually from stores that specialize in gently used sporting goods equipment. Follow the same guidelines above for the fins, and in addition to saving money you'll be able to try on several masks until you find one that fits.