I religiously wear neoprene booties when snorkeling. Not only do these keep my toes warmer, they add buoyancy to my feet, making it easier to float on the surface. They are also invaluable for beach entries and exits, where rocks and coral rubble can be uncomfortable or worse on bare feet. Even when snorkeling from boats, more than once my booties have absorbed the shock of walking into a deck cleat, ladder fitting, or other stationary object. Snorkeling suits are now available in colors that rival the fish.
Some people prefer to blend in with their surroundings, others prefer to insure their visibility.
My friend Mary Ferguson designed and constructed her own suit and was unquestionably the most colorful element on the entire reef. Marine biologists are still unclear how color contributes to the evolutionary success of tropical fish, and I suppose the fish must feel the same way about snorkelers. Inc. All Rights Reserved.