All the resorts offer snorkelling trips as part of their vacation package and rent out snorkelling equipment like masks, snorkel and life jackets. Young children, the elderly and even non-swimmers can enjoy snorkelling. Just put on a lifejacket, mask and snorkel and jump into the water. While there are powered masks and child-sized life jackets for rental, these are limited. If fit and hygiene are important, you may prefer to bring your own.
On boat snorkelling trips, there will be snorkelling guides accompanying snorkellers to ensure the site is safe and free from currents and also to render assistance. Sometimes, bread is provided for snorkellers to feed the fish. For those snorkelling on your own off the beach, there are no guides or lifeguards, so do so at your own risk.
Snorkelling Site of Redang
There a few popular spot for snorkelling in Redang. The most popular one is:
- Tanjung Tengah
- Tanjung Mak Cantik
- Marine Park Centre
Snorkelling Tips
Here are a few tips to help you to get the most out of your snorkelling sessions.
- Choose a mask that fits well. Put the mask on your face without strapping, breathe in through your nose to create a vacuum in the mask and look down while holding your breath. If it fits well forming a perfect seal, it should not fall off. Adjust the snorkel length and position on the mask so that the mouthpiece fits comfortably in your mouth, between your teeth and lips. Bite gently on the protruding tabs to hold it in place and breathe in & out through your mouth.
- To prevent your mask from fogging, rub a little defogging solution on the inside. Alternatively, you can use toothpaste, baby bath, shampoo or even saliva if you don't have anything else. Apply when dry then rinse the mask (but don't scrub it) before you wear it.
- When wearing your mask, make sure you comb back your hair so that no hair gets trapped between the mask and your face which will cause leaks.
- It is best to cover up for protection from the sun as well as from marine stingers you might accidentally brush against. Jellyfish and other marine stingers sting when they detect the presence of certain chemicals on human skin, so wearing clothes, wetsuits or swimsuits to cover skin also prevents stings.
- Learn to recognize the titan triggerfish, which is quite common in Redang. Because of its size (adults can grow up to about 75cm long) and powerful bite, it is best to keep your distance from this fish as it can be aggressive especially when guarding its nest.
Source: www.redang.org