Where to buy snorkel gear before trip?

[Gromit]

I have always had excellent luck buying sets on-line, but my hubby has not. He insists that he can't just buy "off the rack" so we have three masks lying around as a result.

While I am all about supporting my local dive shops, I also find them to be pricier.

I say go and find out what brand fits you best and then do some comaprison shopping on line. If the price is the same then go back and buy from the Dive shop. But don't be afraid to buy on line!!

There are some excellemt sites out there -- just check their return policy before you buy.

Good luck!

[greyhoundmom]

We've used snorkel-mart.com for the past 2 years and have been pleased with quality. We always seem to have a problem with fogging, though. Have tried Sea Mist and a suggestion from the Maho rental hut - Colgate toothpaste rubbed on, rinsed off. Nothing seems to work for long. Even with what seems to be a good seal, never fog-free. Any suggestions?

[toes in the sand]

Nothing seems to work for long. Even with what seems to be a good seal, never fog-free. Any suggestions?

I just use plain ole spit. Also, cool your face in the water before you put the mask on. The idea is to get your skin aproximately the same temp as the water your snorkeling in. If you continue to have problems, you can let a little water into the bottom of your mask and use it to rinse the mask while snorkeling. Water in the mask tends to help fog the lens up quicker though but with face down a little circular motion clears the lens.

[Palmtrees]

Leisurepro.com has a huge inventory, good package deals, lots of specials, and great clearance items. They still haven't figured out how to try things on online.

[meleemel]

I have to admit...the US Divers pack (snorkel/mask/fins) that we bought on clearance at Walmart for only $9.00 worked great!!!!! Yep...9 bucks!

[tjwgrr]

Add me to the list that says don't scrimp on a mask. Go get fitted for one that will really work for you- every face is different. A good mask shouldn't leak, and should be comfortable. I'd be leery ordering a mask on-line unless you've tried the exact mask on in person somewhere else and you know it's a good fit- just like shoes.

We snorkel daily when we're on STJ, so it's worth having good stuff that works and is comfortable.

I can vouch for Cruz Bay Water Sports. A couple of STJ trips back, I had what I thought was a very good Tusa mask, but it was uncomfortable on my forehead during extended snokeling. I went to CB Water Sports and found an Oceanic mask that fit me better. Prices comparable to the mainland.

[jmq]

Nothing seems to work for long. Even with what seems to be a good seal, never fog-free. Any suggestions?

Really really concentrate on NOT breathing through your nose while snorkeling - that is probably why your mask keeps fogging.
After really focusing on it for awhile, it should become second nature to breathe ONLY thru your nose.

[FlaGeorge]

Make sure that the inside of your mask is really really clean. Use toothpaste or soft Scrub to clean it. Use your fingers to spread the paste around your mask rubbing in circles. Then rinse it real good. Then I use good ole spit in the mask – again, rubbing with your fingers. Rinse and you should be good.

[Steve S]

Our friends daughters bought mid priced snorkels at the local mega sporting goods store. Two different brands and both cracked or broke within an hour of arriving at Honeymoon on the first day. Thank goodness there were masks at the villa that were useable. I also second Cruz Bay Water Sports for a good fitting and a reasonable price.

[cocosmom]

Bought two sets from Sports Authority online last fall. Good sale & they worked great.