Night Snorkel – Discover the Wonders of Night Snorkel
Diving at night can be extremely exciting. This snorkeling activity is actually my favorite type of snorkeling. The only other activity that can top it, in my opinion, is night diving due to the fact that you have a better chance of diving deeper, otherwise night snorkeling still gives you the same adrenaline rush.
So why would anyone try to snorkel at night? It can seem strange and intimidating. Anyone who has tried it will tell you that there is a different world yet to be discovered.
The mystery of snorkeling at night will give you a new perspective on your favorite snorkeling site, which may have lost its daytime charm. At first you will feel a bit anxious…everyone feels it, it’s natural, but then once you get used to it, you will automatically replace your anxiety with excitement, curiosity and a sense of adventure.
At dusk you will find aquatic life that you rarely see during the day, making sightseeing different from what you would normally see during the day. At night the reefs come alive with the different fauna.
There are a number of aquatic creatures that just don’t come out during the day. Nocturnal animals such as lobsters and shrimp become active, coral polyps open at night to feed, giving the reef a fuzzy, colorful appearance.
You’ll also experience encountering microscopic luminescent plankton that generate flashes of light if disturbed. If you experience such an encounter, turn off your flashlight and wave your hands through the water. This will give you an unforgettable experience as you will see “sparks” igniting all around you… It’s a great feeling… Try it, you will be surprised.
Before entering the water, what equipment do I need?
Safe snorkeling is a must, especially when doing it at night. So make sure that before you go on your night snorkel you are well equipped for the job. The difference from snorkeling during the day is that snorkeling at night requires additional equipment and more planning and preparation.
The most important piece of equipment is an underwater flashlight. The flash light will not only serve to bring out the colors and show you the way during your night snorkel, it will also let your snorkel buddy know your position.
When snorkeling at night, in addition to bringing a flashlight, I advise you to also consider using chemical lights. These are basically light sticks that use a chemical reaction. These types of lights serve as orientation lights to mark your own location and that of your friends. It is advisable to tie these lights to the flagpole of the buoy. I also find these lights useful for finding my exit points. A snorkeling tip is to place them strategically at the entry points so you know where to get out of the water. For example, if you entered the water from land or a boat, place them strategically on land or in the boat to guide you to an easy exit.
Another piece of equipment you will find during your night snorkeling is a whistle. Attach this to your snorkel vest and it will act as a signaling device to get the attention of your friends in case you find yourself in an emergency situation. Again, it’s important that all of your friends have this kit on hand.
Equipment protection must also be taken into account. Protect yourself with a protective suit, booties and gloves, as you are more likely to get cold due to the cool night air. Another benefit to you from wearing protective gear is that you are also more likely to bump into things at night that could cause scrapes and cuts. However, remember to take extra care not to harm the fragile coral or other aquatic life.
This is an excerpt from an article appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. If you want to learn more about night snorkeling, including planning and preparation and emergency communication and signals, be sure to read the rest of our guide in the Tips & Techniques section of the site at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures .com/snorkeling-at-night.html.
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