Jake and I spent our honeymoon in southern Thailand. During that trip, I enjoyed my first exposure to tropical waters and the wonders of snorkeling. The water was so clear that I could see the ocean floor several feet below where I could touch. The fish were much brighter than the coral, but everything was fun to explore.

On our short trip to Phi Phi Island, it was easier for us to rent equipment than bring it with us, but I imagine that local residents would benefit from buying their own snorkeling gear. If you are just starting your collection, the basics you should purchase include goggles, a snorkel, some fins and a life jacket.

Make sure the goggles are snug enough to keep water out but loose enough to remain comfortable. Fins help you move through the water easily and they can protect your feet. The protection is valuable because some can cut or burn you. And, even if you are a strong swimmer, snorkeling can be more enjoyable if you don’t have to keep yourself afloat the whole time. That’s why a life jacket would be a nice piece of equipment.

Once you have these basics covered you can think about extra do-dads like underwater cameras, wet-suits, gloves and other accessories. If you live close enough to the water you might even want to buy a kayak or a canoe. That way you can explore other coves in the area.