Modern dive computers are not only incredibly sophisticated, but many are also super sleek, easily worn as an everyday smart watch. It makes sense to invest in a dive computer because your PDC gives you the real time information you need to stay safe underwater.
If you are a serious snorkeler and want much higher-performance fins for snorkeling, check out my Best Snorkel Fins for Serious Snorkelers review.
When you dive, and especially if you’re doing a drift dive or diving in strong currents, you need scuba fins that will be able to power
If you spend a lot of time in the wilderness like I do, a waterproof power bank is even more necessary, especially when you’re in humid environments or back and forth to the ocean on dive and snorkel trips.
If you are an avid snorkeler, there are some things I think you should have with you at all times, both while you’re in the water and in your bag. I’ve put my decades of snorkeling experience from around the world–from the Pacific Northwest to SE Asia and the Red
Whether you’re diving at night or in low light conditions, a good dive flashlight is essential. Check out my review of the Orcatorch D710 and other great options
The Ultimate Underwater Camera Guide: Point and Shoots and Action Cams The following is a review of what I consider to be the best underwater camera for snorkeling right now: The Olympus Tough TG 6, as well as a handful of other cameras that I think are worth consideration.}
If marine-focused nature travel is part of your life and how you spend your travel dollars, having the right gear ensures not only a better experience but also a more sustainable one. The right snorkel mask can mean the difference between hours of comfortable exploration or a foggy, leaky struggle. The right snorkel fins or scuba fins can help you move effortlessly through the water while minimizing disruption to delicate marine ecosystems. And if you’re serious about snorkeling, choosing the best snorkel gear can transform a casual swim into a true wildlife encounter.
For those who love to capture the magic of the underwater world, choosing the best underwater camera for snorkeling or investing in an Insta360 action camera can bring your memories to life while helping to raise awareness about these fragile environments. Whether you’re filming humpback whales, a black-tip reef shark gliding past, or the mesmerizing movement of mixed schools of colorful plankton feeders hovering above a steep dropoff, the right camera can make all the difference.
For divers, the right gear is essential not just for comfort but for safety. A dive computer helps track your depth and dive time, while a BCD (buoyancy control device) keeps you balanced in the water, whether you’re exploring wrecks, drifting along walls, or hovering over sandy seabeds. If you’re diving in warmer waters, a 3mm wetsuit provides insulation while still offering flexibility. And if you love night diving or exploring the intricate details of the ocean floor, a dive flashlight is an absolute must.
Even on the surface, technology plays a role in enhancing the experience. A waterproof power bank ensures your devices stay charged, whether you’re using your phone for navigation, your camera for capturing footage, or your dive computer for logging data. And, if you’re content to putter on the surface, a full-face snorkel mask provides great visibility, albeit restricted use.
Wherever your underwater adventures take you, I hope these gear reviews help you make informed investments. More than anything, I hope they encourage you to snorkel, dive, and photograph responsibly, keeping a respectful distance from marine life and minimizing your impact on these stunning but fragile ecosystems.
Every reef, kelp forest, and deep-sea canyon we explore is part of a world that needs protection. Let’s make sure that the way we experience it today helps ensure it’s still there tomorrow. If you are planning on exploring a jungle, desert, wetland, cloud forest, or anything else on land, you can check out my land-based nature travel gear.
And, if your travel plans include terrestrial based activities, I’ve also got terrestrial gear reviews for things like camping, trekking, walking the jungles at night, birding, and more.
