Snorkeling

[goofer]

Can anyone recommend a dive shop to buy quality snorkeling equipment? Are there any good areas to snorkel in Sowal ? I have only been snorkeling 4 or 5 times but I loved it, so I think it is time to have my own gear especially if there are places to snorkel in Sowal. Also, can you use the same type of mask and fins for scuba as you do for snorkeling ? I would like to try scuba diving at some point so I would also appreciate any suggestions for a good place to take a course to become certified. Thank you.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Can anyone recommend a dive shop to buy quality snorkeling equipment? Are there any good areas to snorkel in Sowal ? I have only been snorkeling 4 or 5 times but I loved it, so I think it is time to have my own gear especially if there are places to snorkel in Sowal. Also, can you use the same type of mask and fins for scuba as you do for snorkeling ? I would like to try scuba diving at some point so I would also appreciate any suggestions for a good place to take a course to become certified. Thank you.

I don't know of a specofic dive shop on 30A, but Destin or Panama City is bound to have one. You can actually buy your gear online if you have the time. Masks, snorkel and fins are the same for snorkeling and diving. As far as areas to go, I hope one of the loclas can help with this...I usually just go off the beach along the sandbars. It is hit or miss as far as scenery goes, usually not much to see but shells, crabs and some fish. Still good fun and exercise

 

[Beachlover2]

I really prefer going to the dive shop for my stuff. To make sure your mask fits - put it on our face (without using the strap) and inhale - if it holds in place it should fit you without leaking. I really recommend buying a good mask - but then take care of it because they are expensive.

I use my dive stuff to snorkel all the time - but snorkel fins are smaller than the big diving fins and booties I wear. They still work.

Snorkel around the jetties - I have been spoiled by going to better places for snorkeling and diving (Roatan - Honduras - is Number 1 for me)- so it takes a lot to get me excited about snorkeling and so far I haven't found anyplace in the area that really is exciting - would like to hear of some areas though if anyone has hidden places.

 

[Panhandler]

I bought snorkeling gear recently from a Wings beach store near Miramar beach. I don't know much about gear, but the manufacturer is U.S. Divers, I paid $60 for two sets of masks and snorkels. The fins were $30 extra, so I held off...It's been nice though, I've used them twice and have seen stingrays, crabs, little sharks and unidentified fishes off of the Santa Clara TDC access in 4 - 12 feet of water. Worth the money, for sure...

 

[KISH7374]

Shell Island ig good along the rocks or the jetties in Destin. It is just as funn to go off the beach but as stated earlier it is hit or miss. This year we were able to just pick up sand dollars in 4 to 5 foot of water. In the late afternoon they are on the top of the sand and there for the picking. You will see more of a variety of sealife off the jetties but you never know what you will see off the beach.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I don't know of a specofic dive shop on 30A, but Destin or Panama City is bound to have one. You can actually buy your gear online if you have the time. Masks, snorkel and fins are the same for snorkeling and diving. As far as areas to go, I hope one of the loclas can help with this...I usually just go off the beach along the sandbars. It is hit or miss as far as scenery goes, usually not much to see but shells, crabs and some fish. Still good fun and exercise

If you buy online, you better make darn sure that your mask fits, unless you want to try it on, then send it back, exchanges, repeat, etc. Also, fins vary greatly, and some are made for specific types of use, not too different from athletic shoes these days -- you could use one pair of shoes for almost any sport, but for the best performance, use the shoes which fit the sport.

 

[John]

There are three dive shops on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. One is www.diversdenonline.com