The ocean holds an incredible amount of mystery. Scientists estimate that only 226,000 of the world’s marine species have been identified.
Experience the beauty of this pristine underwater environment on one of these boat trips. You can explore the depths of a natural sanctuary using only a mask and a snorkel.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling offers a less-complicated way to explore the marine life on boat trips Peekskill NY, especially for beginners who may be reluctant to try full scuba gear. Usually, all you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins to see underwater wildlife, and you can do it in water that is safe for swimmers of all abilities. Snorkeling excursions are offered at many seaside destinations and on cruise ship sailing itineraries.
Marine wildlife during snorkeling tours may include colorful tropical fish, angelfish, clownfish, dolphins, whales, sea lions, reef sharks, sea horses, coral, and sponges. Depending on the location, other animals may also be found, including stingrays and sea turtles.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, it is important to understand how to interact with marine life. While some marine creatures may be aggressive or defensive, most are passive and should not be provoked or harassed. Avoid touching marine life (especially coral), picking things up, poking, teasing, harassing, or riding them. Be careful of stinging tentacles from starfish and other crustaceans. Remember that marine life is well camouflaged, and what looks like a rock or a broken lump of coral could be a poisonous stonefish, for example.
Having marine life identification books or other guides is helpful when exploring a new marine environment. These will describe the species of fish that are most likely to be seen in the water, considering factors such as water temperature and geographical distribution.
Snorkelers who go out into the open ocean can encounter riptides, sandbars, and other hazards, but most of these can be avoided by learning about marine life and staying close to the shoreline. It is also a good idea to swim perpendicular to the direction of the current and seek out slack water or a channel to exit the riptide. It is important to stay within the limits of your comfort level while exploring marine life, as it is easy to become exhausted or abrasive in the water.
Snorkelers going out on a boat tour should bring only the essentials: sunscreen, a towel, a waterproof camera, and a waterproof case to keep phones or other electronic devices dry. A swimsuit and a hat or visor will protect against sunburn, as will a wetsuit in cooler climates. Other items, such as car or apartment keys and other valuables, should be deposited in the office before boarding the boat, as space on boats is limited, and they can easily get wet. Also, dangling earrings and other jewelry can attract unwelcome attention from marine creatures.
Diving
People can discover marine life on the ocean’s surface using a mask and snorkel. Snorkeling is a great activity for young children and weak swimmers as it doesn’t require training and can be done in shallow waters. On the other hand, scuba diving requires training and is only suitable for strong swimmers who want to see the underwater world up close. It also carries more risks than snorkeling and requires more expensive equipment.
During their dives, recreational divers examine sharks, fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, shipwrecks, other ocean life, and marine plants and anemones. They can also explore caves, walls, coral reefs, and wrecks. Diving is an excellent way for people who enjoy the beauty of the underwater world to see it in its entirety.
Diving involves wearing scuba gear, including a buoyancy control device (BC) and a regulator to breathe underwater. The BC is connected to a tank of compressed air that enables the diver to descend safely and return to the surface when needed. It’s important that a diver is comfortable and has the proper fit of their scuba gear to prevent leaks and reduce fatigue. They should also be equipped with a snorkel for breathing, a diving mask or swimming goggles, and fins to move through the water more efficiently.
Some important considerations for those planning to observe marine wildlife while on a boat trip include maintaining a respectful distance from marine animals and watching for signs that they may be stressed or in distress. These signs can include swimming erratically, diving for extended periods, or showing aggressive behaviors.
It’s also recommended to bring a waterproof camera or phone in a certain case to record the sights you’ll encounter on your marine adventure. And remember, while the experience is thrilling, it’s essential to follow your guide’s instructions and never touch any marine creatures.
