Should I Rent or Buy Snorkeling Equipment?

Snorkeling in Freeport, Bahamas, is a fun and exciting experience. The clear waters are perfect for seeing all around you as you explore the beautiful islands, reefs and shoals surrounding the Bahamas. The Tongue of the Ocean and the Providence Channel are just two portions of the amazing Great Bahamas Canyon, so there’s plenty to see when you’re snorkeling in the Bahamas. But for many visitors, the lingering question is whether they should rent snorkeling gear or buy their own equipment.

Renting vs. Buying Snorkeling Equipment

It can be tough to decide whether you should buy equipment when snorkeling in Freeport, Bahamas, or if you should just rent the equipment. We’ve compiled some pros and cons you can consider so that your decision to rent or buy can be a little easier.

Renting Snorkeling Equipment

First-time snorkelers may want to consider renting snorkeling equipment if there’s a good chance you won’t want to continue doing the activity often. That way you have the chance to try out some equipment without sinking a large amount of money into it -- especially if you don’t plan to make snorkeling a hobby. Many of the snorkeling tours in the Bahamas have enough equipment that if a mask or snorkel doesn’t fit well, you can swap it out for another one.

Visitors who plan on snorkeling in Freeport, Bahamas, may have quite a distance to travel. So in order to keep your checked luggage light, renting equipment might be a good idea. This also allows you to free up some space in your luggage that would otherwise be taken up by masks, fins and snorkels.

So, what’s the downside to renting? Well, you can never guarantee the quality of the gear. Snorkels, masks and fins might be outdated or scratched from hundreds of uses. And some snorkelers recoil in disgust at the thought of using someone else’s snorkel, even though snorkel equipment rentals are sanitized before and after each use. In Freeport, all reputable vendors that offer snorkeling outings fully sanitize snorkeling equipment with cleansing solutions and bleach, and there’s no chance of sharing germs or bacteria.

Buying Snorkeling Equipment

When you’re looking to buy snorkeling equipment, you can find gear for any budget. Sporting goods stores and large retail outlets often have very affordable, basic snorkels, masks and fins. This makes it easy for even a large family to purchase their own gear before heading for a trip of snorkeling in Freeport, Bahamas. However, for snorkeling hobbyists who plan to use their gear a lot, or who want top-of-the-line equipment, there are plenty of options available if you’re willing to pay for added features.

Buying snorkeling equipment provides a lot of versatility and freedom. You are not stuck with whatever choices are left during a snorkeling tour, and you can snorkel whenever or wherever you like rather than needing a tour group to use their gear. And while you will have to give up some room in your luggage to bring your own gear, the majority of snorkels, fins and masks are lightweight, easy to pack around, and easy to carry.