What to Bring Snorkeling in San Juan
Essentials Every Snorkeler Needs
Reef safe mineral sunscreen tops the list and is required at protected reserves, since chemical formulas harm coral. Pack a rash guard for sun protection during long floats, a quick dry towel, refillable water and a dry bag to keep your phone and keys safe on the boat. A hat and sunglasses cover you between sessions. Even when a tour provides gear, packing your own well fitting mask greatly improves comfort and stops the leaks that ruin rental experiences.
What Tours Provide vs What to Pack
Most Icacos and Culebra catamaran tours include mask, fins, a flotation vest, drinks and lunch, so you mainly bring sun protection and personal items. Guided San Juan reef tours also supply gear and instruction. Shore snorkeling at Escambron provides nothing, so you carry or rent everything. If you wear glasses, a prescription mask or daily contacts make a big difference. Bring a defog spray or baby shampoo to keep any mask clear underwater.
Footwear and the Escambron Entry
Escambron Marine Park has a mix of sandy patches and rocky shelves near the reef, so water shoes or sturdy reef sandals protect your feet and improve footing on slick rock. On boat tours you board barefoot or in flip flops, then put fins on in the water, so heavy shoes are unnecessary there. Avoid touching or standing on coral at any site, both for your safety and to protect the reef. A small first aid kit for minor scrapes is wise for shore days.
Seasickness and Comfort for Boat Days
The Culebra and Icacos crossings can get bumpy, especially in the afternoon. Take a motion sickness pill 30 to 60 minutes before departure or wear acupressure bands if you are sensitive. Sit mid boat low to the water, watch the horizon and stay hydrated. Pack a light layer for the breezy ride back and a waterproof phone case for photos. A protein bar between snorkel sessions keeps energy up on full day trips.
Book a San Juan snorkel experience
- Guided Snorkel Tour San Juan Puerto Rico From $95 USD Book now
- Self-Drive Mini Boat Snorkeling Tour to Icacos Island From $250 USD Book now
- Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island only 30 minutes away! From $134 USD Book now
Frequently Asked Questions
Do snorkel tours provide gear in San Juan?
Most boat and guided tours include mask, fins and a vest. Shore snorkeling at Escambron provides nothing, so you bring or rent your own gear there.
What sunscreen is allowed for snorkeling?
Reef safe mineral sunscreen is required at protected reserves and recommended everywhere, since chemical formulas damage coral. Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Do I need water shoes to snorkel?
They help at rocky shore sites like Escambron for footing and protection. On boat tours you go in barefoot and put fins on in the water, so they are optional.