How to Purchase Professional Snorkeling Equipment for Kids

Go to your nearest dive shop, which is likely to have the best quality and variety of equipment for snorkeling.

Try on different masks. The snorkel mask is one of the hardest things to shop for. Masks that are too big or too small will leak, so it's important to find the best fit. To do this, take a mask and lift the strap up and away. Place the mask gently against your child's face while your child breathes in through his nose. Remove your hand. The mask should stay in place without requiring your child to continue to inhale.

Look for a dry snorkel. A wave washing over your snorkel and giving you a mouthful of water can be overwhelming, particularly for a child. A dry snorkel has a float at the top that will clamp down if water attempts to enter the snorkel. In addition, consider changing out the mouthpiece for a smaller, more comfortable one sized for children. Have your child try on the mask and snorkel to see if there are leaks in the mask once the snorkel is in place.

Find comfortable fins that fit. Fins are full foot or open heel. Consider open heel fins that have adjustable straps because full foot fins can chafe and if not sized properly come off in the water. You may also want to get dive booties to go with the adjustable fins. These will protect tender feet against coral and sea urchins. Have an assistant at the dive shop help you choose the best fin for your child's size and ability.

Get an exposure suit for your child, which is a good option as it'll protect your child from coral, keep your child warm in the water and protect against harmful rays from the sun.

Look for a fish identification card. A waterproof identification cards that attach to the wrist will help your child identify fish while in the water, instead of trying to remember what she saw.