Tongo snorkel trip
Aug 13, 2022 08:42:59 #
CindyHouk wrote:
I will be going to Tongo for a snorkel with the wh... (show quote)
How exciting Cindy and what an adventure! The wetsuit will protect against cuts and do practice using your snorkle before going. Can't wait to see your photos of the trip.
Have fun and stay safe_Jim
Aug 13, 2022 09:03:59 #
CindyHouk wrote:
I will be going to Tongo for a snorkel with the wh... (show quote)
Well, lucky you. Cindy, I bought an Olympus TG5 coupe of years ago and it has been an awesome little camera. It's a point and shoot and it takes incredibly sharp pics in and out of the water. I did a lot of homework before purchasing it and you should do the same. Look forward to your underwater pics when you return. I believe that there's a newer model, a TG6. Check it out.
I just did a little homework and DPPreview rates it as the best waterproof P&S on the market. It's waterproof to 45'. It's 4K...has WI FI and GPS. A big 3" LCD monitor that's brighter than my TG5. It's water, crush,shock,freeze and dustproof. 25-100 mm, f2 lens and it goes for $500 at B&H.
Aug 13, 2022 09:11:59 #
Your weight limit will not allow you include all you are talking about. And in any case, less baggage ALWAYS makes for a more enjoyable trip. It's also unlikely that the rules include a large backpack - might be worth checking into that and getting absolute confirmation of the baggage size and weight limitations.
If your trip is about snorkeling, I'd suggest you reconsider the heavy camera gear. A good UW cam and your cellphone will cover most opportunities.
I'd check into what rental gear would be available (if any) and book it well in advance if you choose to go that route. Fins, wetsuit etc are all heavy and bulky. Take your own mask - a badly fitting or uncomfortable mask will ruin your trip. Less than perfectly sized rental fins or suit would be a minor inconvenience.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
If your trip is about snorkeling, I'd suggest you reconsider the heavy camera gear. A good UW cam and your cellphone will cover most opportunities.
I'd check into what rental gear would be available (if any) and book it well in advance if you choose to go that route. Fins, wetsuit etc are all heavy and bulky. Take your own mask - a badly fitting or uncomfortable mask will ruin your trip. Less than perfectly sized rental fins or suit would be a minor inconvenience.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
Aug 13, 2022 09:19:39 #
Aug 13, 2022 09:33:36 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
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.
Will check that out....thanks!
Aug 13, 2022 09:34:38 #
Stephan G wrote:
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.
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.
I promise to share everything
And that is why I am looking into what equipment I will need now so that I have time to learn.Aug 13, 2022 09:37:46 #
willy6419 wrote:
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.
The place we will be at states that you need to bring your own equipment, or else I would just rent one. It would be nice to get the inserts since I do wear glasses....will check into how/where I get those.
Aug 13, 2022 09:41:34 #
george19 wrote:
1. Agree 200-500 is probably best to leave home br... (show quote)
Thanks! I plan on practicing before I go, I am going with experienced snorkelers so I need to know what I am doing so I don't hinder anyone else's experience either.
Aug 13, 2022 09:42:47 #
Ava'sPapa wrote:
Well, lucky you. Cindy, I bought an Olympus TG5 co... (show quote)
Thanks...I will look into the TG5...not sure if I want a camera or a GoPro....hmmmm....decisions decisions!
Aug 13, 2022 09:45:45 #
alexol wrote:
Your weight limit will not allow you include all y... (show quote)
Thanks for the info. I have the weight limits already and we can't rent the gear, have to bring our own. My cell phone is not good for a camera so that option is out..unless I upgrade my phone before the trip! Hmmm....that might be an option.
Aug 13, 2022 09:56:16 #
CindyHouk wrote:
Thanks...I will look into the TG5...not sure if I want a camera or a GoPro....hmmmm....decisions decisions!
No, no Cindy, not the 5, but the newest TG 6
.Aug 13, 2022 09:56:51 #
Mostly good advice above. GoPro with the mini tripod that can also be rigged with a wrist strap will work great for both video and stills. Shoot RAW and don’t use the head mount. It’s too easy to loose your camera and difficult to aim correctly.
TG-6 is a great camera and from a stills standpoint much more versatile than the GoPro.
As to snorkeling gear, fit is way more important than brand. See what your dive shop has to offer. Also ask about renting a wetsuit from them for the trip. If you decide on the online approach check leisurepro.com or diversdirect.com and look at EVO brand wetsuits. They won’t last as well as a Henderson or ScubaPro but will cost a lot less.
Hugh
TG-6 is a great camera and from a stills standpoint much more versatile than the GoPro.
As to snorkeling gear, fit is way more important than brand. See what your dive shop has to offer. Also ask about renting a wetsuit from them for the trip. If you decide on the online approach check leisurepro.com or diversdirect.com and look at EVO brand wetsuits. They won’t last as well as a Henderson or ScubaPro but will cost a lot less.
Hugh
Aug 13, 2022 10:05:02 #
Aug 13, 2022 10:36:01 #
I would check with your guides on what the reasons are for the requirements regarding a wetsuit. That could help determine what you need.
If it helps, I snorkel I use a Canon G15 with a Canon waterproof case. If I had to replace it right now I would probably go with a Canon G7 MKII or MK III.
I find a dab of toothpaste smeared evenly on the mask glass and then washed off just before snorkelling is an effective anti fogging solution.
If it helps, I snorkel I use a Canon G15 with a Canon waterproof case. If I had to replace it right now I would probably go with a Canon G7 MKII or MK III.
I find a dab of toothpaste smeared evenly on the mask glass and then washed off just before snorkelling is an effective anti fogging solution.
Aug 13, 2022 13:41:40 #
Be careful of full foot fins so that you don’t blister or scrape your feet. You might want dive socks with them. Not sure why you won’t or can’t use split fins. Try a variety of fins because you can get very sore legs from a lot of finning and spend a lot of time in a pool getting used to what you choose. Just rinse them as chlorine is not good for them. As to a wetsuit, highly recommended. Check water temperature that time of year. If under 80 degrees, you need at least 3 mil, if under 75 degrees, 5 mil. For a jacket, I recommend a neoprene jacket as they are wind proof, rain proof and keep you warm even if you are wet. As you might guess, I am a scuba diver. Have a fabulous time. Tonga is on my bucket list!
CindyHouk wrote:
I will be going to Tongo for a snorkel with the wh... (show quote)
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