Snorkeling is more than peacefully drifting above a colorful reef. Chasing elusive encounters with humpback whales in the Dominican Republic or means staying at the surface with the action. These extreme snorkeling experiences require less gear than diving, but it’s just as important to ensure you have the right equipment so you can hop in and out of the boat at a moment’s notice, ready to maximize the encounter. Below is what you should bring for a warm water snorkeling trip (a cold water trip, like snorkeling with a leopard seal in Antarctica, is a longer list).

Exposure Gear

• Wetsuit — Bring a wetsuit that you will be comfortable wearing at the surface of the water during encounters, as well as on the boat in between dips. This likely means a thinner layer of neoprene than diving since you are not going as deep and are spending more time on the surface. A two-piece outfit, like zip top and leggings, are nice as you can add and shed easily throughout the day.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — Sunscreen is important during any boat day. And even if you are heading far offshore, it’s important to ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe to keep harmful chemicals out of the ocean.
• Buff — Smaller expedition boats, like the panga I took on my recent trip to snorkel with marlins in Baja Sur, have limited sun protection. A buff is an important layer to protect your face during long days on the water.
• Sunglasses — These are vital if you plan on scanning the horizon to help with animal spotting.
• Jacket — Wind cools you down quickly even in warm destinations, especially when you’re wet while boating for hours.
• Hats — Bring one for sun protection and one for staying warm topside so you can switch as needed.