http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html The Tropical Snorkeling Blog keeps you up-to-date with all new locations and changes added to the tropicalsnorkeling.com web site. Subscribe here. en-us snorkeling Tue, 15 May 2012 23:53:57 GMT Tue, 15 May 2012 23:53:57 GMT tropicalsnorkeling.com http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Aurba-Snorkeling-Not-Great-So-Far---But-a-Beautiful-Island http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Aurba-Snorkeling-Not-Great-So-Far---But-a-Beautiful-Island We did not have high expectations for the snorkeling on Aruba before we came, based on the reviews we had read. But we like to experience things ourselves, so decided to give it a try since we were in the neighborhood. So far, it has not been great. On the west side we have experienced a lot of algae seaweed in the water, so much so the water is almost fuzzy with it. It makes for some unpleasent snorkeling. We don't know yet if this is a regular issue, but plan on researching it. And some of the spots in the east that are supposed to be good have been far to exposed and windy for our comfort. Given that the winds and waves we are experiencing are pretty standard, we expect this is often true for those locations. We have a couple more days of snorkeling to explore, including what is supposed to be one of the best spots, so we are crossing our fingers. Still, we are really enjoying Aruba. In particular we applaud the island for keeping things so clean and free of trash, something Curacao lacks. Tue, 15 May 2012 21:16:48 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Aurba-Snorkeling-Not-Great-So-Far---But-a-Beautiful-Island http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Aurba-Snorkeling-Not-Great-So-Far---But-a-Beautiful-Island We did not have high expectations for the snorkeling on Aruba before we came, based on the reviews we had read. But we like to experience things ourselves, so decided to give it a try since we were in the neighborhood. So far, it has not been great. On the west side we have experienced a lot of algae seaweed in the water, so much so the water is almost fuzzy with it. It makes for some unpleasent snorkeling. We don't know yet if this is a regular issue, but plan on researching it. And some of the spots in the east that are supposed to be good have been far to exposed and windy for our comfort. Given that the winds and waves we are experiencing are pretty standard, we expect this is often true for those locations. We have a couple more days of snorkeling to explore, including what is supposed to be one of the best spots, so we are crossing our fingers. Still, we are really enjoying Aruba. In particular we applaud the island for keeping things so clean and free of trash, something Curacao lacks. Tue, 15 May 2012 21:15:57 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/consolidating-snorkeling-gear-use-a-waist-pack-or-adapt-a-diving-belt.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/consolidating-snorkeling-gear-use-a-waist-pack-or-adapt-a-diving-belt.html I have gotten to the point where I think I have too many things floating around on lanyards and am looking for a solution that would allow me to hook or Sun, 13 May 2012 18:41:23 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/scary-first-time-snorkeling-expierence-.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/scary-first-time-snorkeling-expierence-.html I was with friends in the Keys who asked me to try snorkeling off thier boat with them, it was my first time. They made sure my mask was fitted correctly, Sun, 13 May 2012 00:54:57 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Curacao-Night-Snorkeling-Excitement http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Curacao-Night-Snorkeling-Excitement We did a night snorkel last night at a little bay on the northwest side of Curacao. It was thrilling, and got the blood pumping. But we had a lovely night for it, with super calm waters, and a very protected bay with some lights around the area. We saw lots of Night Sergeants, a couple of Slipper Lobsters, some very young drums, some mature sweepers, tons of squirrelfish, and an octopus that we posted a picture of at facebook at the link below. Fri, 11 May 2012 18:33:06 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Curacao---Coral-At-Your-Feet http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Curacao---Coral-At-Your-Feet In Curacao we often find ourselves snorkeling along cliff sides, above and below water. Finding coral below is not surprising, but when you get to looking at the cliffs above water, you realize the amazing fact that this entire island is built on old coral rock formations. You can actually see the different types of coral formations in the cliff, and driving around you can see this is true at any elevation. This island really is built on coral. Check out the picture at the link below to see what the cliffs look like from the water snorkeling. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:55:50 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/night-snorkeling-with-the-manta-rays-big-island-hawaii.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/night-snorkeling-with-the-manta-rays-big-island-hawaii.html I am a beginner snorkel and very much afraid of deep water. I knew that the night manta was the thing to do from watching all the various videos and reviews. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:30:03 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Phenomenal-Snorkeling-on-Curacao-Today http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Phenomenal-Snorkeling-on-Curacao-Today Wow. Today's snorkeling on Curacao was one of the best of our lives. We found two exceptional locations, and snorkeled for about two hours at each spot. We are really liking the snorkeling on Curacao, and at this point are starting to think it may be better than Bonaire. We have another four days on Curacao, then a week in Aruba, and a week in Bonaire. It will be interesting to look at Bonaire again and see how it stacks up to Curacao. We will share all of our findings when we get back. We posted a new picture to facebook at the link below from today that you may enjoy to see. Tue, 08 May 2012 22:48:28 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Really-Enjoying-Curacao-Snorkeling---Klein-Curacao http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Really-Enjoying-Curacao-Snorkeling---Klein-Curacao We have been snorkeling three to four locations a day for the last few days on Curacao, and also took a wonderful all day trip out to the little off shore island Klein Curacao, and found some great spots, and some spots that are worth skipping. We have had perfect weather up to this point, but today unfortunately is cloudy and rainy. We did post a new picture to facebook at the link below for you to check out. Sun, 06 May 2012 12:45:25 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/panasonic-lumix-dmc-ts4-121-mp-digital-camera.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/panasonic-lumix-dmc-ts4-121-mp-digital-camera.html I have read that this camera is waterproof to 40'. If anyone has experience using this camera, how good are the pics and videos? Thu, 03 May 2012 23:03:11 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#More-Curacao-Pictures---Beautiful-Beaches-&-Elkhorn-Coral http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#More-Curacao-Pictures---Beautiful-Beaches-&-Elkhorn-Coral --FB--We are having a great time snorkeling on Curacao. The beaches are fantastically beautiful (compared to Bonaire), the water clarity is stunning, and we are finding some great sites to share when we get back. Wed, 02 May 2012 17:59:12 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Great-Snorkeling-In-Curacao-Today---See-Picture http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Great-Snorkeling-In-Curacao-Today---See-Picture --FB--We had a wonderful day of snorkeling in Curacao today. I got a great picture of two Scorpionfish that you can see at the link below to facebook. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:43:42 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Galen-&-Nicole-Arrive-in-Curacao,-After-24-Hours-Of-Travel http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Galen-&-Nicole-Arrive-in-Curacao,-After-24-Hours-Of-Travel --FB--Wow. It took us a long time, but after three flights, and a few long layovers, we finally made it to Curacao this morning. Tomorrow we start our adventure, exploring the snorkeling grounds of Curacao. Check out our Facebook page at the link below to see some pictures from today. Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:25:53 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Free-Oahu-Snorkeling-Guide-eBook-Released http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Free-Oahu-Snorkeling-Guide-eBook-Released We just finished our new Oahu Snorkeling Guide eBook. We have made this eBook free, so check it out. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:07:54 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/oahu-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/oahu-snorkeling.html We just finished posting all new Oahu snorkeling information pages on our website. Very happy to get that done! Click the link below to check them out. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:07:54 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Cold-Water-Corals-Found-In-Norway-Fjord http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Cold-Water-Corals-Found-In-Norway-Fjord Seven hundred feet down, in the freezing cold dark depths of a Norway Fjord, a researcher found a living coral community, full of creatures, and got a picture or two. Who says you have to visit the tropics to see some corals? Read the full story at the link below. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:49:54 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/help-identify-polka-dot-fish-in-thailand.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/help-identify-polka-dot-fish-in-thailand.html Saw a sweet little fish while snorkeling by Chicken Island in the Andaman Sea, near Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Phi Phi islands.(Thailand) Did not have a Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:35:58 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/guam-and-saipan-snorkeling-experience.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/guam-and-saipan-snorkeling-experience.html Has anyone been to Guam or Saipan for snorkeling? Are there any famous snorkeling spots on both islands? I heard the best snorkeling spot in Guam is somewhere Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:59:58 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/best-disposable-camera-for-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/best-disposable-camera-for-snorkeling.html I am going to be snorkeling in Hawaii this summer for my honeymoon. What is the best disposable camera to use for snorkeling Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:15:49 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-the-keys-in-mid-aug-sept.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-the-keys-in-mid-aug-sept.html I will be in Florida mid Aug. - mid Sept. (driving from TX). Do you have any recommendations of good/great snorkeling along the way? Is Dry Tortugas Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:14:30 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/mexitan-sunscreen-review.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/mexitan-sunscreen-review.html We tested many sunscreens to find the very best for snorkeling. And the all natural Mexitan easily won. Besides being the most waterproof and protective, it is also biodegradable and a reef friendly sunscreen, which we consider essential these days. They changed their labels not long ago to Tropical Sands, and now have added a new Coral Safe label/brand. It is the same great stuff in a new bottle that we are happy to see. Click below to read our full review from our tests and to see the new labels. Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:03:17 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/waialeabeach-69best-snorkel-day-so-far-of-31012-trip.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/waialeabeach-69best-snorkel-day-so-far-of-31012-trip.html What a wonderful beach and stunning coral! You'll find directions on this site to get there. We were astounded at the beautiful, healthy coral along the Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:50:01 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/underwater-camcorder-for-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/underwater-camcorder-for-snorkeling.html We have been to many Caribbean islands and experienced some great snorkeling (Roatan, Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos and St John to name a few). It's Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:36:30 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/single-best-florida-keys-snorkeling-spot.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/single-best-florida-keys-snorkeling-spot.html Hi, First off, thanks for this site, I found it really helpful. I'm going to be in the Keys next month and only have time for two snorkeling days. I already Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:27:17 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/grand-cayman-snorkeling-report-feb-9-through-19-2012.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/grand-cayman-snorkeling-report-feb-9-through-19-2012.html On the shot of the scorpion fish above, look close at the middle of the rock. He blends in great, but he is there if you look close. -------------- We Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:22:55 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-camera-better-zoom.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-camera-better-zoom.html Hi and thank you for this wonderful snorkeling site. I bought your Maui guide and am excited by all the wonderful information. We are going to Maui in Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:49:23 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/fish-id-help-needed.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/fish-id-help-needed.html Thank you for your great book. Can you please identify this fish? I could not find on your list in the book. Taken while snorkeling at Kahaluu beach Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:30:08 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Hanauma-Bay-Closed-From-Heavy-Rain http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Hanauma-Bay-Closed-From-Heavy-Rain Today snorkeling spot Hanauma Bay will be closed on Oahu because of Heavy Rain runoff. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:27:50 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkel-bobs-gear.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkel-bobs-gear.html We will be going to Maui for the first time this June '12. Are contemplating purchasing a snorkel gear set before leaving (practice in pool)..etc. Want Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:24:34 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-belize-blue-hole-or-no.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-belize-blue-hole-or-no.html Hello, my name is Will and I'm taking a cruise during spring break that stops in Belize. Since we only have limited time off the boat in Belize, we probably Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:20:40 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-tours-in-belize.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-tours-in-belize.html My wife and I want to go snorkeling in Belize and understand all the good places are only accessable by boat. Can you or anyone else recommend any good Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:49:59 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/virgin-gorda-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/virgin-gorda-snorkeling.html Overall Virgin Gorda Snorkeling is pretty decent. The baths is a must because it is like no other place on earth for snorkeling. Max depth is 40ft and Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:11:13 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/canon-s100-for-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/canon-s100-for-snorkeling.html Unfortunately the Canon S100 for snorkeling, with the Canon WP-DC43 housing, is not a great combination. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:46:15 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/florida-snorkeling-from-the-beach.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/florida-snorkeling-from-the-beach.html Where in Florida is the best place to snorkel off the beach for beginners Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:11:09 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/fresh-water-snorkeling-in-central-fl.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/fresh-water-snorkeling-in-central-fl.html Hi Galen and Nicole, I am enjoying your newsletter and publications. I hope to be in Florida next month but will probably not make it to the Keys. I Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:41:45 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkel-cameras-waterproof.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkel-cameras-waterproof.html I have just updated our compact waterproof cameras page. You get to see all the current cameras that have built in water proof housings. There are a number of new cameras. In particular I have added a new favorite, the Nikon AW100. It is getting excellent reviews and appears to offers great image quality as well as a host of other features. Within the next month or so there will be many new cameras of this type available from almost every manufacturer, all with the new CMOS sensors. I look forward to seeing how these perform. While these types of cameras are not my first pick for a long lasting snorkeling camera, for many people they make a great option, if treated with care. Enjoy! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:23:17 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Canon-D20-Snorkeling-Camera---Departs-From-Favorite-D10 http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#Canon-D20-Snorkeling-Camera---Departs-From-Favorite-D10 Canon has announced the new PowerShot D20, the successor to the very popular Canon D10. And hopefully reviews will prove me wrong, but it does not look like a good update. They decided to copy the basic design of all the other compact waterproof cameras, losing the unique photographic qualities of the D10. In an attempt to become more compact (the biggest complaint against the D10), they have reduced the lens and sensor size, moving it off center. I expect this will lead to reduced image quality. They also lost the fast F2.8 aperture speed of the D10. It does though have a new CMOS sensor, and it will be interesting to see if this sensor and it's new processor can make up for the changes in the lens (I doubt it). The new D20 does add a lot of features though, besides the 12.1 mp CMOS censor, like full 1080 HD video, a 3" screen, a wide 28mm 5x zoom lens, and a GPS. Unfortunately none of this is unique compared to other available cameras. It does have a cute shape though. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:51:57 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Pentax-Snorkeling-Camera-with-CMOS-Sensor---Optio-WG-2 http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Pentax-Snorkeling-Camera-with-CMOS-Sensor---Optio-WG-2 CMOS sensors are all the rage I guess. Pentax just announced the next version of their snorkeling capable camera. And it looks pretty interesting. The new Optio WG-2 looks very much like the WG-1, with the same lens, but has a new 16mp CMOS sensor, and is waterproof to 40 feet, the deepest of any camera in it's class. We will update our snorkeling cameras pages with details once we see some reviews of it's performance. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:21:24 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Olympus-Snorkeling-Camera-with-CMOS-Sensor---TG-820-iHS http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#New-Olympus-Snorkeling-Camera-with-CMOS-Sensor---TG-820-iHS Olympus just announced a new snorkeling capable camera in their Tough line. What's new about it, compared to the dozen other cameras in it's waterproof line? This is the first camera that uses a new CMOS sensor and a new image processor. The claims so far are much faster autofocus speed, shooting speed, and higher image quality with better high ISO performance. I will be interested to see reviews of this camera. It has a 12mp sensor, is waterproof to 33 feet, and has a nice big 3" very high resolution screen. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:05:55 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-hapuna-beach-middle-coral-turtles.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-hapuna-beach-middle-coral-turtles.html The main snorkeling for Hapuna may be on the left or right side, but there is a smallish standalone formation right in the middle of the beach that is Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:09:29 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/the-humor-under-the-water.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/the-humor-under-the-water.html Over the last several years, my wife and I have been somewhat addicted to underwater photography. We've been to Grand Cayman, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Belize Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:59:14 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/red-sea-snorkeling-options.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/red-sea-snorkeling-options.html Question: Anybody have experience snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea? Specifically, I am a single female (53yo), traveling alone...where is safe and not Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:09 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/florida-snorkeling-beach-for-a-poor-swimmer.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/florida-snorkeling-beach-for-a-poor-swimmer.html Hi, I'm hoping to snorkel for the first time in Florida this spring, however, I'm a poor swimmer and I don't have a lot of confidence in the water. Are Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:14:10 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/sony-dsctx10-with-mpkthk-marine-pack-for-snorkeling-review.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/sony-dsctx10-with-mpkthk-marine-pack-for-snorkeling-review.html First, it's not the cheapest, and definitely not the most expensive. However, I consider this to be the smallest, most portable and best camera for the Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:37:05 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-with-whale-sharks-akumal-mexico.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-with-whale-sharks-akumal-mexico.html I've gone to Akumal Beach in Mexico. I've heard of a Snorkeling with Whale sharks has anyone tried it? I'm afraid I'd spend a day trip riding around Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:55:28 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/canon-s95-vs-olympus-epl2-for-snorkeling.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/canon-s95-vs-olympus-epl2-for-snorkeling.html Hi, I am a semi-pro photographer who uses a Canon 5DII for most everything. I am going to be going on a cruise in a couple of months and I don't want Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:06:18 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#FujiFilm-Announces-Three-New-Snorkeling-Cameras http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-blog.html#FujiFilm-Announces-Three-New-Snorkeling-Cameras It's new camera season again. FujiFilm actually announced 30 new cameras in their new 2012 lineup. And three of these are waterproof tough cameras. The XP150 and XP100, are identical cameras, but the XP100 lacks GPS. They both have a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens, have a 14mp sensor capable of full 1080HD video, are waterproof down to around 33 feet, and are shock proof, and have sensor-shift type image stabilization. And the other new camera is the XP50, which is essentially the same camera as the XP100, but is only waterproof down to around 16 feet, which is plenty deep enough for most snorkelers. Price is not known yet, but the earlier models of these cameras were very affordable. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:17 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/anyone-snorkeled-the-mesoamerican-barrier-reef-mbrs.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/anyone-snorkeled-the-mesoamerican-barrier-reef-mbrs.html I am looking at putting together a trip to the Cancun coast in July to swim with the Whale Sharks and also planning to do some snorkeling on Isla Mujeres Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:57:38 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/night-manta-snorkel-big-island-hawaii.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/night-manta-snorkel-big-island-hawaii.html We also took this trip on the Big Island last September. It was absolutely the most surreal and awesome experience we have ever had!!! If you get to the Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:23:08 GMT http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/are-molokini-lanai-snorkeling-boat-trips-worth-it-on-maui.html http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/are-molokini-lanai-snorkeling-boat-trips-worth-it-on-maui.html I have your e-book, and it seems that there are lots of sites to snorkel on Maui without getting on a boat. Then there is Molokini and Lanai. Is it really Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:07:48 GMT