Snorkeling is more than just a leisure activity; it’s a window into an awe-inspiring world full of life. Imagine gliding effortlessly through the water, exploring vibrant coral reefs and encountering marine life up close – all while feeling safe, confident, and relaxed. In this article, we’ll share a series of fitness tips to help boost your snorkeling fitness and enhance your underwater experience.

1. Understand the demands of snorkeling.

Snorkeling engages your body in in a variety of movements – from swimming and floating to the rhythmic motion of finning. Different snorkeling environments, from calm lakes to more adventurous open waters, have various challenges. Being fit enhances your ability to adapt and enjoy these settings, making your snorkeling journey both exciting and comfortable. 

2. Work on your cardiovascular fitness.

Longer snorkeling sessions demand stamina, and cardiovascular fitness is your ally here. Activities like swimming, brisk walking, or cycling, will help to improve your endurance, allowing you to explore underwater for longer without getting tired. Gradually increase your cardiovascular fitness to open the doors to more rewarding snorkeling adventures. Simply add some fitness activities to your daily life or in the months before your next snorkeling trip.

3. Strengthen your core muscles.

Your core acts as the anchor for your stability and control in the water. A strong core lets you move effortlessly, maintain your position in the water, and glide more easily in choppy waters.  All of which means you can focus on the beautiful landscapes and marine life around you.

Exercises like planks, Pilates, and yoga poses that target your core muscles, will help you to build core strength and move through the water with less effort. As with any new fitness regime, start slowly and work with a fitness professional to make sure you don’t injure yourself.

4. Build upper body strength.

Strong back muscles are essential for easy maneuvering while snorkeling and during finning. Exercises like push-ups, lateral raises, and rowing will enhance your upper body strength. Strengthening these muscle groups not only makes it easier and less tiring to move in the water, but it also means you can explore for longer and protect your back from injury.

5. Strengthen your legs.

Effective finning relies on strong leg muscles. Incorporating squats, lunges, and calf raises into your fitness routine will help to build leg strength, ensuring strong, smooth finning motions. This is especially important when you’re snorkeling with large marine life that you need to fin to keep up with, such as whale sharks.

6. Get flexible.

Your muscles work hard in the water, and you adjust your body position a lot when snorkeling – often without even realizing it. Being flexible makes snorkeling easier on your body, so you won’t ache the next day! Add some stretches to your usual fitness routine to improve your flexibility. A supple body also allows you to move with ease and enjoy the marine life and landscapes around you.

7. Work on your breathing.

Being able to breathe easily and fully is vital for snorkeling. Strong respiratory muscles ensure a calm and relaxed snorkeling experience, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the aquatic world. Breathwork exercises are a great way to improve lung capacity, and there are numerous breathwork courses online to guide you.

8. Preventing snorkeling-related injuries.

Make sure you warm up with some gentle stretches before your snorkeling session. Simple exercises like arm swings and leg swings help prepare your muscles for activity. As part of your snorkeling gear, also include a compact first aid kit to address minor cuts, scrapes, or stings that may occur during your adventures.

Photo: Olga Ga

9. Nutrition and hydration.

Proper nutrition fuels your body for optimal snorkeling performance, but you don’t want to eat a big meal before you go snorkeling. Instead, eat something small and nourishing before you go snorkeling and keep hydrated by drinking water.

Consume healthy snacks like trail mix or energy bars to keep your energy levels steady throughout your snorkeling day. In colder environments, a flask of hot drink provides comforting warmth after your snorkeling adventure.

10. Listen to your body.

Take your time when you go snorkeling and allow your body to adapt to the aquatic environment. Listen to your body’s cues, and don’t push yourself beyond your comfort level. As you gain confidence and stamina, you’ll naturally progress to more challenging snorkeling adventures.

Photo: Francesco Ungaro

11. Stay safe in the water.

Prioritize your safety by investing in snorkeling equipment designed for visibility and buoyancy. Brightly colored snorkel vests, dive floats, and flags make you easy to see in the water. Before setting out, familiarize yourself with local tides, currents, and potential boat traffic as well to ensure a secure and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Just remember, fitness is a journey, and small changes make a difference. You will naturally get fitter and stronger the more you go snorkeling and if you add some simple fitness activities into your daily life. If you want to learn more advanced in-water skills and explore in new ways, try scuba diving or freediving on your next snorkeling vacation. They both offer fun ways to expand your underwater horizons while simultaneously boosting your fitness levels and confidence.

Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International), wrote this article.

Header image: Neom