How Does A Snorkel Work?

Snorkelling involves swimming underwater with a clear plastic mask and a tube to breathe through. This piece of equipment is known as a snorkel. You can actually watch the marine life by simply floating face-down on the surface. Without disturbing the underwater scenery. Or you can dive underwater and swim with the fishes.
How does a snorkel work? Read on…

Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How does a snorkel work underwater?

Modern dry snorkels use advanced technology and are light and effective. A plastic cover over the top of the snorkel stops water coming into the tube when the tube is above water. When going below water a mechanism simply seals the tube preventing any water from entering.
Purge valves allow you to expel any unexpected water from your tube with one deep exhalation letting you breathe normally once more.

How do snorkel masks work?

Snorkel masks have a closed mouth and nose section. And separate areas for breathing in and out. Exhaled air is taken via side channels rather than through the valve. This stops you from breathing on your own air again as the air goes out through the glass.
Silicone frames ensure a watertight seal over the entire face from chin to forehead. And as soon as your snorkel goes underwater the waterstop ensures no water can enter the mask.

Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel?

Breathing with a traditional snorkel mask comprises of having the snorkel tube in your mouth that remains above the waterline. You breathe through the tube as you view the reefs through shallow waters.
With a full-face snorkel mask which covers your entire face, you can breathe through both your nose and your mouth. There’s still a tube that’s actually connected to the top of the mask rather than your mouth. And a dry-top anti-leak seal prevents water from getting into your mask.

How to use a snorkel?

You need to make sure that your mask and snorkel are comfortable – a mask with an adjustable strap will ensure a good fit without leaking. The mask should seal around your eyes and nose.
Lay flat on the water face-down. Then gently bite on the mouthpiece of the snorkel letting your lips seal around it holding it in place. Take slow, deep breaths without panicking – you can hear your breathing through the snorkel barrel – simply get into a rhythm.
If you get water in your snorkel, hold your breath and submerge the end of the snorkel by putting your head below the water. Water entering the snorkel barrel can be blasted clear after you surface and quickly exhale through your mouth. Any excess water can be expelled with a second forceful exhalation.
If there’s too much water and you don’t have enough airlift your head out of the water and breathe out of the mouthpiece.

Do you need to know how to swim to snorkel?

Basic swimming skills will be needed if you are intending to go underwater rather than staying on the surface. Wearing fins will allow fast forward movement without disruption. And holding your arms closely by your side will help to stop any drag.
The correct snorkelling technique will power you forwards with downward strokes. Swimming at a steady pace without splashing will conserve your energy. And avoid scaring off the fish and annoying fellow snorkellers.

Snorkel with the Experts

Discovering local reef fish, sea turtles, and nurse sharks in the sea are just some of the delights when you snorkel in Playa del Carmen with Koox Diving teams. Arrange a snorkelling tour and explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the secrets beneath.