Snorkeling is more than peacefully drifting above a colorful reef. Chasing elusive encounters with humpback whales in the Dominican Republic or means staying at the surface with the action. These extreme snorkeling experiences require less gear than diving, but it’s just as important to ensure you have the right equipment so you can hop in and out of the boat at a moment’s notice, ready to maximize the encounter. Below is what you should bring for a warm water snorkeling trip (a cold water trip, like snorkeling with a leopard seal in Antarctica, is a longer list).

Exposure Gear

• Wetsuit — Bring a wetsuit that you will be comfortable wearing at the surface of the water during encounters, as well as on the boat in between dips. This likely means a thinner layer of neoprene than diving since you are not going as deep and are spending more time on the surface. A two-piece outfit, like zip top and leggings, are nice as you can add and shed easily throughout the day.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — Sunscreen is important during any boat day. And even if you are heading far offshore, it’s important to ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe to keep harmful chemicals out of the ocean.
• Buff — Smaller expedition boats, like the panga I took on my recent trip to snorkel with marlins in Baja Sur, have limited sun protection. A buff is an important layer to protect your face during long days on the water.
• Sunglasses — These are vital if you plan on scanning the horizon to help with animal spotting.
• Jacket — Wind cools you down quickly even in warm destinations, especially when you’re wet while boating for hours.
• Hats — Bring one for sun protection and one for staying warm topside so you can switch as needed.

Snorkeling Gear

• Mask – It’s ideal to have one that you can get on and off easily.
• Snorkel — Longer snorkels give you additional clearance above topside chop.
• Back-up snorkel keeper — The last thing you want is to worry about holding your snorkel above water during an incredible humpback encounter because yours broke.
• Defog — You may want to re-apply this throughout the day, as masks tend to fog more when you’re repeatedly taking them on and off.
• Fins – Lighter fins, like freediving fins, are easier to put on and take off through the day and easier to maneuver at the surface.
• Weights and weight belts — These are optional, but will let you add freediving to your trip.

Camera Gear

• Camera — Before getting on the boat, adjust your settings for shoot just below the surface. You will not need any filters just feet below the surface.
• External charging bank — If you’re taking a smaller boat, there may not be power onboard. An external power bank makes sure your camera won’t die even during a long day.
• Camera padding — Smaller boats can be a jarring ride if the waves kick up. Bringing something soft to rest your camera on during rough waters will help protect it from getting injured within the case.
• Save-a-dive-camera kit – You never want to lose a whole day of shooting because something small breaks miles from shore.

Miscellaneous

• Towel — A microfiber towel dries faster than a traditional towel, and can fold up smaller so it takes up less space. This can also play double-duty as layer in between splashes that’s easy to ditch at a moment’s notice.
• Dry layers — When you’re done for the day, it’s nice to be dry on the ride home.
• Drybag — Especially on a small boat, everything gets wet as people get in and out. A drybag will let you keep your towel and end-of-day layers dry.
• Snacks — They make every day better.
• Water — It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re caked in sun and sea all day.