How Does A Snorkel Work? | Snorkeling in Cenotes
Snorkeling is a fun sport that involves swimming and exploring the underwater world, wearing a transparent snorkel mask, and a snorkel tube to breathe through. Altogether this equipment set is called a snorkel gear set.
In Snorkeling, you can enjoy watching the marine life by diving underwater and breathing normally. In addition, you can float with the fishes and other creatures without disturbing their ecosystem.
All you have to do is to wear the best snorkel mask. But wait, if you are confused about how does a snorkel work? Continue reading this article.
How does a snorkel work underwater?
There are many types of snorkels that work differently. There are classic snorkels, flexible, wet snorkels, semi dry snorkels, dry, and full-face snorkels. Most snorkelers use dry snorkels.
Dry snorkel uses the latest and advanced technology. It is a light and effective type of technology. A plastic cover at the top of the snorkel stops water from entering the snorkel tube when it is above the water.
When you dive underwater, there is a function in the snorkel gear that seals the tube and prevents any water from coming into the tube.
The purge valve in the snorkel mask helps you to throw out any unwanted water from the snorkeling tube. Then, you have to do one deep exhalation, and you can breathe normally once more.
Mechanism of a snorkel mask
A snorkel mask is like mirrored goggles with a closed mouth, nose section, and a breathing area for your comfort. You can simply exhale the air via side channels. This keeps your breath fresh and exhales the air through the glass.
The area around the goggles is made up of a silicone material. These silicone frames help to ensure a tight seal over your entire face from chin to forehead. And this tight seal around the frame ensures no water can enter the mask during your diving or snorkeling underwater.
Is it possible to breathe underwater with a snorkel?
Yes, it is possible to breathe underwater during Snorkeling. The snorkeling gear set has a snorkel tube connected to the mouthpiece, and you can breathe through it.
In a traditional snorkel mask, you breathe through a snorkel tube. One ends in your mouth, and the other remains above the waterline. You can easily breathe through these tubes while snorkeling in shallow waters.
In advanced snorkeling masks, there is a variety of full-face snorkel mask that is used by most snorkelers and scuba divers. It helps to cover your entire face so that you can breathe through your nose and mouth freely.
And this mechanism still has a snorkel tube connected to the top of the mask. And another side has a mouthpiece you can breathe through. And a dry-top snorkel provides an excellent seal to prevent any leakage through your mask.
How does it work?
The first thing you need to focus on is your comfort. Just make sure that the mask you purchase is more comfortable. The adjustable strap in the mask will ensure a good fit and prevents leakage. In addition, the snorkel mask should have a tight seal around your eyes and nose.
Just lay face down on the water. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal around it, holding it in your mouth. Don’t panic, and take deep breaths slowly. And go with the flow.
If you get the water inside your mask, in any case, hold your breath and submerge the end of the snorkel by keeping your head down the water.
Water then enters the snorkel barrel and may be blasted clear when you quickly exhale through your mouth. This is because the excess water in the snorkel mask will be exerted with a forceful exhalation.
If too much water cannot be exhaled, take your head out of the water and breathe naturally after removing your mouthpiece.
Can you snorkel if you can’t swim?
Yes, it is also possible that you can snorkel even if you don’t know how to swim. But you have to learn some basic swimming skills to start snorkeling. You can do Snorkeling without knowing how to swim but not the advanced Snorkeling. Try wearing fins while snorkeling. This will help you with fast-forward movement in water without disruption.
Learning the snorkeling techniques will boost your movement forward with downward strokes. Swimming at a steady position and pace will save your energy. And avoid scaring the fishes and other creatures.
It is advised to snorkel with a friend if you are a beginner and don’t know how to swim in the deep waters.
Snorkeling and freediving both use the same kind of eye mask. Snorkeling is carried out on the surface of the water.
Snorkeling is a technique that allows you to stay close to the surface and enjoy marine life closely. You need special training in freediving so that you would be able to learn to hold your breath in the deep waters without using any tube or a scuba tank.
Freediving is more common than Snorkeling Because it is a more natural way to explore marine life and admire substantial coral reefs.
Snorkeling in Cenotes
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that collapses the limestone bedrock and exposes the groundwater. A cenote is a unique place where you will be amazed by its natural beauty. The crystal clear water of this natural pit is home to many marine creatures like fishes, crabs, and much more—also some beautiful plants like mosses, ferns, and climbing plants. You will also see the prettiest underwater lilies. These creatures enjoy living in these stable environments.
The term cenote is usually associated with the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. More than 500 cenotes are present near Playa del Carmen and Tulum. These were formed a million years ago. Ancient Maya commonly used this underground water, and they used waters for sacrificial offerings.
It would be a magical destination for you to snorkel. You will be amazed by nature’s colors, calmness, and beauty.
