If you’ve never been, snorkelling offers an incredible window into the beauty of the underwater world. But if you’re a non-swimmer, you might be wondering: Can you go snorkelling if you can't swim? The short answer is yes—you can!
You’ll find that with the right gear, smart precautions, and proper guidance, even non-swimmers can enjoy an amazing snorkelling adventure. So let us guide you through what you need to know.
Can You Go Snorkeling If You Can’t Swim?
To help you snorkel as a non-swimmer, we thought it would be useful to pull together some tips on how non-swimmers can snorkel safely.
This includes the best way to prepare and the essential equipment that ensures you have a safe and enjoyable snorkelling experience. It’s perfect, whether you’re planning your first snorkelling trip or just doing a bit of research. You can read on for all our expert tips.
Is Snorkelling Possible for Non-Swimmers?
You’d be forgiven to think that snorkelling is only for proficient or confident swimmers, but that’s a myth. While swimming skills certainly offer better control and confidence, snorkelling can be enjoyed by non-swimmers under the right conditions, especially in shallow, calm water, using a flotation device like a life vest, snorkel vest, or a float belt.
You’ll find that the key is to stay on the surface of the water. It’s important to use the right equipment and stick to a safe environment.
Top Safety Tips for Non-Swimmers
Always Wear a Flotation Device
In this situation, your life jacket, snorkel vest, or flotation device is your best friend. You’ll find that these aids keep you buoyant on the water’s surface with minimal effort, allowing you to relax and focus on breathing through your snorkel tube.
Stay in Shallow, Calm Waters
We can’t stress this enough, and it’s so important, especially for your first snorkelling experience. You’ll want to choose a controlled environment like a swimming pool or a calm bay. Avoid strong currents and deeper waters until you're more comfortable.
Go with a Buddy or Professional Guide
You’ll find that the buddy system is a must for non-swimmers. A guided snorkelling tour with professional guides ensures you’re always supported, and they can quickly assist if needed. It’s important to make your guide aware that you cannot swim before you set out.
Practice First
Before heading into the sea, it’s a great idea to practice in a swimming pool to get used to wearing your snorkelling gear, breathing through your breathing tube, and floating comfortably.
Must-Have Gear for Non-Swimmers
The right kit can make your snorkelling adventure smooth and safe for you and your buddy or guide.
You’ll find that a snorkel vest or life jacket is essential for keeping you afloat. Pair this with a well-fitting mask, as this will give you clear vision underwater. A well-fitting mask will also help to prevent leaks.
You should get a dry-top snorkel as these have a valve at the top of the snorkel that keeps salt water out if waves splash over you.
You could also look into a purge valve snorkel, which allows you to expel any little water that might sneak into your snorkel tube.
We’d also suggest a rash guard or a wetsuit teamed with one of our sun protection swimsuits. This will give you protection against sunburn and stings. You’ll also enjoy a dose of light buoyancy.
If you are going away on holiday, pack your own mask as this will ensure a perfect fit.
Best Places to Snorkel as a Non-Swimmer
You’ll find that the best places for non-swimmers are those with calm, shallow water and abundant marine life near the shore.
If you are on holiday, look for guided snorkelling tours, where local guides help even beginners enjoy vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles in a safe space.
First-Time Snorkelling: What to Expect
Don’t worry, it’s natural to feel nervous the first time you go snorkelling as a non-swimmer, but here’s what helps.
You could start by floating face down in shallow water and breathing slowly.
It’s a good idea to focus on calm, steady breathing to stay relaxed. You’ll find that the better control you have over your breathing and mindset, the more enjoyable the experience.
But don’t worry, even decent swimmers can get flustered during the first trip. So give yourself a chance to adjust. After a little while, snorkelling becomes almost second nature.
What Non-Swimmers Should Avoid
Until you’re confident and have had more experience, we’d suggest avoiding deep water. It’s also a good idea to stay away from areas with strong currents, as these can make it difficult to stay afloat and relaxed.
Swimmers and non-swimmers should always respect the vast expanse of the ocean and follow safety guidelines closely. Overconfidence can lead to problems for all abilities.
Benefits of Snorkelling as a Non-Swimmer
Snorkelling is a wonderful experience. You’ll have a great time exploring the beauty of the underwater world.
For a non-swimmer or less confident swimmer, snorkelling is a much better option for water-based fun than diving or other water sports, as you’ll find that these require stronger swimming skills.
Snorkelling is an easy way to build water confidence, which can lead to trying scuba diving or other activities later on.
Tips for Success
We’d suggest double-checking your snorkel equipment and testing it in a safe environment first. When you do go out snorkelling, we’d suggest approaching the experience with curiosity and a positive attitude. That’ll set you on the right foot from the get-go.
It's a great idea to join a snorkelling group or even book onto classes designed for beginners to get expert support.
The Best Places to Go Snorkelling for Non-Swimmers
Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
You’ll find that Hanauma Bay is world-renowned for its incredible marine life and beginner-friendly conditions.
It’s ideal for beginners or non-swimmers as this protected cove has shallow water just a few meters from the shore.
Snorkellers will enjoy the fact that the bay is sheltered from strong waves, and the sandy bottom means you can comfortably stand up if needed. You should be able to spot colourful fish and even green sea turtles while snorkelling in this glorious spot.
Maldives
Known as a place for honeymooners, the Maldives is also a good location for non-swimmers thanks to its many house reefs located just steps from the shore.
If you are holidaying in the Maldives, you’ll find that so many of the resorts have guided snorkelling tours in calm lagoons. This will allow you to drift effortlessly over coral gardens with the help of a life jacket or float belt.
It’s perfect for non-swimming snorkellers and those getting used to the water, as the clear vision and abundant marine life, including reef sharks and rays, make it a great spot.
Akumal Bay, Mexico
Did you know that Akumal Bay is famous for its sea turtles? This bay offers shallow, calm waters that are ideal for beginners and non-swimmers.
You’ll find that the snorkelling area is well protected from strong currents, and professional guides are available to lead you safely through the best spots.
It’s ideal for non-swimmers who can use a snorkel vest or other float support. You’ll find yourself floating over vibrant coral reefs and mingling with turtles and tropical fish in no time.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora’s shallow lagoons are known for their incredible clarity and gentle conditions. If you are on holiday here, you’ll be thrilled to know that many of the resorts offer snorkelling directly from the overwater bungalows, meaning you can step straight into calm, warm water.
We’d suggest that non-swimmers use a snorkel buddy or a guide, teamed with a buoyancy aid, to safely explore coral gardens teeming with exotic fish and rays, all while staying close to shore.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia (Low Isles)
While the Great Barrier Reef is vast and varied, you’ll find that certain spots like the Low Isles are ideal for non-swimmers.
Did you know that these coral cay islands offer guided snorkelling tours in shallow water with professional guides? It’s easy to get an expert to take you out and show you the best spots, suitable for your swimming experience.
Guides will take non-swimmers to safely admire the reef’s spectacular marine life, including clownfish and giant clams, from the water’s surface. One experience you’ll be glad you did.
Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island, Singapore
This is one that offers a more urban snorkelling experience and perhaps a good comparison for some of the more traditional snorkelling spots.
But it’s ideal for those who are less confident swimmers, as Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island provides a safe environment.
The calm waters and gently sloping beach are ideal for practising snorkelling. You won’t find deep coral reefs here, but it’s a fantastic place for non-swimmers to build their water confidence and get comfortable with their snorkelling kit.
Blue Lagoon, Malta
It’s a showstopper and one you shouldn’t miss, as Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear waters and easy access.
You’ll find that the lagoon is mostly waist-to-chest deep, with sandy bottoms that make it comfortable for non-swimmers.
You can use a life jacket or flotation device to float effortlessly while enjoying the abundant marine life and vibrant underwater sights in a safe way. It’s hard to believe that this gorgeous spot is right on our doorstep in Europe.
You really don’t need to be a strong swimmer or an expert snorkeller to enjoy the magic of the ocean.
You’ll find that preparation is key. We’d suggest that those who aren’t strong swimmers should stick to calm waters. It’s a good idea to use buoyancy aids like a snorkel vest or life jacket, and always snorkel with a buddy or professional guide.
You’ll find that with the right equipment and a comfort zone-focused approach, your snorkelling adventure can be an unforgettable journey into the beauty of the underwater world.