Should You Buy Or Rent Snorkel Gear In Hawaii
Are you planning a snorkeling trip to Hawaii? There are many perfect snorkeling spots on Maui and all of the other islands, all of which could make for the perfect undersea adventure.
Of course, you will need the proper gear to enjoy the experience to the fullest. These include goggles or a face mask, a snorkel, and fins.
Assuming you don’t have the equipment yet, the question is: should you buy snorkeling gear or rent them when you get to Hawaii? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but many experienced snorkelers recommend combining both.
Let’s take a look at what each option entails and the relative benefits and drawbacks of each.
Buying Snorkel Gear In Hawaii
Thinking of buying your own snorkeling equipment? There are many pros and cons to doing so, as you will see below.
Pros of Buying Snorkel Gear
Proper Fit – If you have your own snorkeling gear, you know that it will fit properly and feel comfortable all the time. This could be a huge factor in ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Hygiene – Only you can maintain your snorkeling gear to your satisfaction. Having your own equipment means never worrying about who used it previously or if it was properly sanitized.
More Options – Buying your own snorkeling equipment gives you the opportunity to choose from a broader range of brands and designs. You can even put together a custom set according to your needs and preferences.
Ready Access – No more worrying about whether you have the right snorkeling gear for the trip! Having your own snorkeling equipment means you can head to the beach at a moment’s notice.
Convenience – The convenience of having your own snorkeling gear cannot be overstated. Imagine getting to your destination and not having to hunt around for a dive shop. That will leave you more time to enjoy the snorkeling site!
Cons of Buying Snorkel Gear
Cost – The best snorkeling equipment can be pretty costly. Of course, the gear will pay for itself eventually the more you use it. But if you rarely go snorkeling, buying a complete setup isn’t the most cost-effective option.
Weight and Luggage Space – One of the main drawbacks of having your own snorkeling equipment is carrying it around and fitting it in your luggage. If you have to travel light, you don’t necessarily want to lug around a heavy and bulky set of snorkeling gear.
Renting Snorkeling Equipment
Renting snorkeling gear when you get to the islands is another option. But do keep the benefits and drawbacks in mind.
Benefits of Renting Snorkel Gear
Reduced baggage weight – Although the individual items may not be that large or heavy, they can add up to some serious bulk that you have to lug around. Renting snorkeling equipment when you get to Hawaii might be a better option if you have limited luggage space.
Cost – Renting snorkeling equipment is a much more cost-effective option if you rarely go snorkeling. Most dive shops offer very reasonable rental rates, typically at a fraction of what a full set of gear would cost to purchase.
Can There Be Cons To Renting Snorkeling Gear?
Limited selection – Most dive shops that cater to tourists offer only a limited selection of gear. Unless you luck out and go to a resort that has a fully-equipped dive shop nearby, you will likely have to make do with a pretty sparse range of equipment.
Hygiene – Hygienic concerns are among the major drawbacks of renting snorkeling gear. Unless you are fortunate enough to get a brand-new set of snorkeling equipment right out of the box, chances are that someone has already used them before you. However quality beach rental companies in Hawaii such as Boss Frog’s will ensure that each piece of equipment is properly cleaned in between each customer.
Inconvenience – Hunting for a dive shop in the area isn’t fun, especially if your friends are raring to hit the beach. Every minute you spend searching for a shop and making your selection is time you could be spending in the water.
The Best Way To Get Snorkeling Gear In Hawaii
If the prospect of buying or renting snorkeling equipment isn’t quite doing it for you, there is another option: combining both approaches.
A good way to go about it is to purchase your own mask and snorkel, which usually don’t take up too much luggage space. This option also neatly addresses any concerns you may have about hygiene since you don’t have to worry about anyone else having used your gear.
When you get to your destination, you could then rent a pair of fins. This saves you the trouble of having to fit a bulky pair of flippers in your luggage, which will be much lighter besides.
Get Your Snorkeling Gear From Boss Frog’s
Conveniently located across Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, Boss Frog’s offers snorkel gear for every level of snorkeling skill. Choose from our Deluxe Snorkel Sets, Full Face Masks, Panoramic Snorkel Gear, and underwater digital camera rentals.
