5 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Your Own Snorkel Gear

Don't miss out on making the most of your next island escape. You'll want to explore off the beaten path and encounter the unexpected—whether it's during a four-wheel-drive off-roading adventure or with a sunset dip off your resort's beach.

And don't forget underwater adventures. Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy face-to-face encounters with sea turtles, dolphins and schools of fish, as well as reefs and shipwrecks. Donning the gear is easy and takes just seconds. What's more, snorkeling is the quietest way to spend time alongside marine life. Animals don't get spooked by bubbles and sounds, as they do with scuba. In many cases, wildlife tends to be curious enough to approach snorkelers for a closer look.

Because you never know when you might be driving a coast in Hawaii and spot manta rays jumping from the water, or on a dayboat in the Bahamas with crystal-clear water and reefs awash in bright colors. Gear in hand, you can take advantage of any experience that presents itself. This is why we're in favor of owning—not renting—snorkel gear. Here are five reasons why you should consider buying your own gear to bring on your next island vacation.

Owning gear means never missing a moment wasting time fiddling with mask straps or adjusting the fit of the snorkel. With your own gear, the fit is already dialed in—perfect every time. Owning gear also means never worrying about masks that are too loose or too tight on your face, causing a leak that dribbles water inside. Too often, rental facilities offer just one style of mask, which might not fit properly.

Moreover, with your own gear, you always know it's in good condition, especially if you take a moment and rinse it with fresh water after each ocean dip, whereas rental gear may not have been rinsed. Rental gear is likely used way more often than personal gear, and often shows more wear and tear.

The ReefTourer X-Plore mask is a favorite among frequent travelers for its low-profile design—in other words, it's a more streamlined fit in the water. Plus, it's not bulky, taking up very little room in your suitcase or carry-on. The wide field of view allows you to see more of what's happening underwater, so you won't miss out when a turtle approaches from your side. The smooth silicone skirt makes for a fit so comfortable that you'd forget you're wearing a mask in the water if it weren't for all the marine life you're seeing.

Included in the set is a premium-design snorkel, designed with 10 dimples on the side, allowing you to adjust and easily remember the setting where the mask attaches to the snorkel. The whole set comes in a mesh bag and is easy to transport on any adventure or outing.

For those who are hesitant to be face-first in the water, or for families traveling with little ones, ReefTourer makes an underwater-viewing snorkel bucket, which bridges the gap between the surface and the reefs. Swimmers hold the snorkel bucket at the surface of the water as they swim overtop reefs and more, enjoying a window into everything below. The bucket pairs well with the snorkeling float, allowing swimmers to stay on the surface with little to no effort while staying a part of the action underwater.

When you bring your own gear on vacation, you'll know you're the only person who has worn it. You can be confident that no one else has breathed through the snorkel or used, ahem, questionable tactics to defog the mask.

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