CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

I will be going to Tongo for a snorkel with the whales trip next year. I have never snorkeled and this will also be the first time I have traveled overseas....so excited!! So I have some questions for everyone that has snorkeled before.

I will be able to take a checked bag (under 50 lbs), small carry on bag (15 lbs) and back pack.

Backpacks - what type do you use for travel? Will want to have my camera gear in the back pack or small carry on bag
Wet suits - recommended to use full body and 3mm or under - any brand better than another?
Fins - full foot fins that do not require neoprene boots, no split fins -- any brand better than another?
Snorkel - what type do you use?
Jackets -- will need some type of light weight jacket for on the boat...any recommendations?

Waterproof camera ---- want to purchase a small compact camera to take .... what would you recommend? I will be taking my Nikon D500 with the Tamron 16-300 and maybe the Nikkor 200-500 lens with me as well but want one for underwater shots.

Anything else that I need to look into?

Thanks for the help!

ricardo00

I have a small waterproof Nikon (the Coolpix AW130) which I have used several times swimming with wildlife though not whales (sea lions, caiman, turtles, etc) however they are no long made (I believe Olympus still has one). If it was me, I think these days one is better off using a GoPro that one attaches on one's forehead, especially for whales since one wants a wide angle and this allows one to keep one's hands free. However there are many different one's and I am not really knowledgeable on them. I would assume that the person leading the tour could better advise on this. Also, in some of the tours the guide goes in with you and takes pics, which are usually the best ones since they will have you and the whale in the picture. You might ask if your guide can/will do this.
I would also probably pass on bringing the 200-500mm lens unless you plan to go somewhere else to photograph wildlife. And bring a small camera bag, nothing to big so they don't try to force you to check it. With lots of batteries.
As for snorkel equipment, be sure to get a snorkel that has one of those balls that closes off the airway when you dive down. Any good scuba outfit can help you pick out gear and snorkel equipment. Don't know where you live but if there isn't such a store near you, you might want to invest the time to go to one since you have a year to get ready? And definitely find a pool (or even beach) to practice snorkeling in before going. You can even go to Florida and snorkel with the manatees to get some experience photographing underwater.
In any case, have a fantastic time! It is something I have always wanted to do but haven't and doubt I will. Please post some pics on your return.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

I just might have to look into a GoPro....great idea! To my surprise we do have a dive shop close and I live right by Glacier National Park in MT...so lots of rivers and lakes to practice in.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

I am on a trip in French Polynesia right now. The dive shop is a great idea for the equipment you’ll need, just make sure you get longer fins instead of the shorter ones. The go pro is best camera for snorkeling. A Hero 10 Black has everything you need and when attached to an extension handle it’s perfect for getting the action videos and photos. Buy directly from Go Pro to get the best deals. Floating handles are good too. You’ll also want to practice using it well before you get in the water so that you don’t miss any great experiences. Not sure you will need a wetsuit. I’ve been in the water here most every day and although it can sometimes be a bit cool, it’s never really cold.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Where's Tongo?

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks for the info!! We will be going end of Sept into Oct and the guides stated to make sure we bring a full body wet suit. I will look into the Go Pro's as well. Appreciate the help.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

In the South Pacific

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Sorry Cindy, Ive been to Tonga a number of times, great spot for all water sports, diving fishing etc.
But you said 'Tongo' and I thought it must be somewhere remote in the USA area that I hadn't heard of.

Depending on what you are used to, you might not need a wet suit. Water temps can be 25-26 degrees C. Pretty warm. I never needed a wet suit, (maybe if its recommended, it's for protection against cuts etc?). If it was me I'd go for a 3mm at the thickest. I always took my own flippers. If you havent used them before, take small short ones, big flippers can be VERY tiring if you have to hurry thru the water and havent used them before. Type of mask is personal preference, either one plate glass or two glass. Mine have correction lenses for short shortsightedness. Snorkel is a difficult one. Just ensure its got a rubber band to attach to your mask strap and some reflective tape around the top. Personally I don't recommend the type with ping pong balls to stop water getting in unless, maybe, if you are going deep. Just practice in clearing your snorkel (and your mask) before doing anything too adventurous.
Take a good sunblock. Tonga sun, especially on a boat, can be very very burning. I always carried an antiseptic cream (Betadine) for cuts. Cuts on rocks or coral can go bad very quickly. Also a small pack of waterproof bandaids can be handy. Sunglasses with polarising lenses are good for looking down into the water. Wide brimmed sunhat (not just a baseball cap) with a chin strap so it doesnt blow away on the boat. Cant think of anything else, it's been a few years since we used to visit the Pacific islands regularly.
Enjoy

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Sorry that was a type o....the website does recommend a 3mm full body wet suit but they don't say what size fins - just says no split fins. I already have most everything you listed - sunscreen, waterproof bandaids, polarizing sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, we spend a lot of time on our boat fishing here, so those are standard items I always carry...but will add Betadine to the list!

Thanks for the info...appreciate it

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

A couple of words you will speak, a lot, and if you use them gain much appreciation; Maolo aupito, means thankyou.
And malo e lelei (I think thats how its spelled) means Hullo. Sort of a common greeting. English is spoken everywhere in towns but if you are visiting villages its mainly Tongan spoken although I think the children learn it at school.
Lovely people, very friendly and easy like most of the Pacific Islands. We always used to learn Hullo and thankyou in the local language and tho our last visit would be nearly 15 years ago, I still remember most of them.
I regret I rarely had a camera with me in those days although I did carry a small yellow waterproof 35mm one with me sometimes when visiting Papua New Guinea. Just a phase I went thru.
Have a great trip.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...I will practice those. I have never traveled abroad, and I plan on experiencing as much as possible!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I’d go with a full face mask which will have the snorkel built in. When I went to the Bahamas I asked a friend that is a scuba instructor and he recommended Aria. It was great and full face really makes a difference.

Stephan G

Do not forget that you will be required to share your adventure with the rest off us here on UHH.

From now until your trip, practice your swimming and snorkeling on a regular basis. Focus on equipment handling in the water and even shooting in the water. Also work on emergency handling techniques in the water. Work on strength and stamina.

willy6419

Fins and wetsuit are bulky. I'd check if you can rent all but your mask/snorkel on location to save space and weight. The mask needs to fit your face and you might need to insert corrections for your eyesight if you wear glasses.

george19

1. Agree 200-500 is probably best to leave home
2. Some small waterproof camera
3. See if you can rent a wetsuit
4. See if you can rent fins
5. Find a reasonable face mask and snorkel at Dicks or online; if you wear glasses opt for one with some measure of diopter
6. Your favorite fleece and a windbreaker should be fine
7. If you’ve never been snorkeling before, get out and PRACTICE with the headgear: fit, what side, get used to it! This may take 10 minutes or an hour, but the big expensive trip is not the place to waste time figuring it out at the last minute. I messed up my first time and passed on a second in the Galapagos, but spent time at a beach trip to figure it out