Snorkeling In The 20th Century

The history of snorkeling is a long and fascinating progression from the earliest days of the Greeks, all the way down to the modern age. This practice truly came of age in the 20th century. There's simply no finer place in the Caribbean (some would say no finer place on Earth) than the Bahamas to experience the joys of snorkeling. We'll leave it to the reader to come to their own conclusion, but one thing is certain: A Bahamas snorkel trip is an adventure of a life time.

Snorkeling In The 20th Century

Snorkeling received a major boost during the Second World War, when the United States Navy commissioned a special corps of divers, known popularly as "frog men", to perform vital tasks. These Navy frog men used primitive diving equipment, including early versions of the scuba tank and snorkeling mask, to carry out top secret missions against the enemy, especially the Japanese forces in the Pacific theater. As a result of these war time activities, the technology and practice of snorkeling received a major boost. After the war, the knowledge gained was accessed by the public at large for more peaceful purposes.

Snorkeling Comes Of Age In The 20th Century

The modern practice of snorkeling truly came of age in the 20th century, thanks primarily to the French. In 1930, the French inventor Guy Gilpatric was the first person to begin diving with specially invented waterproof swim goggles. A few years later, another Frenchman, Yves Le Prieur, invented what he called a "constant flow open circuit breathing apparatus". This device enabled him to stay under 7 meters of water for 20 minutes. This was the precursor to the modern snorkeling mask, although many improvements have since been made. We also owe to France the very first scuba and snorkeling organization in the world, the legendary Beuchat.

Snorkeling In The Bahamas

In the 20th century, snorkeling and other forms of diving formed a major contribution to the tourist economy of the Bahamas. Snorkeling has long been a part of the history of this idyllic island paradise. From the earliest days of the Spanish colonization by Columbus in 1492, divers have been observed plying their trade in search of shells, sponges, and seafood. Snorkeling has become such a popular and recognized past time in the Bahamas that hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the island every year in order to engage specifically in this activity. There truly is no aquatic adventure quite like a good Bahamas snorkel trip.

The Legacy Of The 20th Century

It would be an exaggeration to claim that the economy of the Bahamas is based simply on tourism, especially snorkeling. But it really isn't too immodest to claim that the Bahamas do possess an advantageous atmosphere for free diving and snorkeling that few other areas on the Earth can match. Of course, the best way to make up your mind is to come here for a Bahamas snorkel adventure, and see for yourself.