Snorkeling in Bangaram

saikyo · Jan 28th, 2008, 18:42

Hello everyone, I casually mentioned this in another thread, but could I get some advice from people who have been snorkeling at Bangaram?

My questions are...

Is it necessary, or even best to bring your own snorkel?

If fine snorkels can be rented on the island then I think I won't go out and buy one. If they are in short supply, bad quality, or crazily expensive, them I might just pick one up here in Japan before I leave.

Given the choice, would you recommend diving or snorkeling while at Bangaram?

I'm sure hardcore divers will be adamant to insist that snorkeling is child's play compared to diving, but I have heard that the snorkeling at Bangaram is incredible. I have done both snorkeling an diving before, and I'm wondering if the hassle of all the diving equipment would be a waste of time if snorkeling is just as spectacular.

Any particular spots on Bangaram that are not to be missed snorkeling spots you can mention by name?

Just want to be sure I know where I'm going once I get there!

Advice appreciated!

CliveG · Jan 29th, 2008, 18:57

Hi Saikyo,
As you are there for only three nights then hire the gear -it is also less luggage! All the gear was renewed last year and while it is always possible to get a faulty valve on a snorkel -they will change it. Cost of hire is very cheap.
I dive there but also snorkel and I enjoy both. The advatnage of snorkelling in my opinion is that you can just float above a coral head and see all the marine life swimming passed you.

As I mentioned in your other thread there is the Shipwreck which is good. You could go out on the dive boat and snorkel while others dive or just as easy snorkel off the beach.
In line with the reception office there are coral heads some only 20 metres from the shore others about 50 metres. You can see them as they are dark areas in the lagoon. Just head for them and you will see maybe 30-50 different types of marine life. Occasionally you will even see the odd turtle.
Don't worry about whether diving or snorkelling is better - they are different and diving takes time to learn. Enjoy the fish and all their colours - you will spend hours in the water just gazing at them. Be warned it is easy to get sunburnt while snorkelling as the water cools your back and you do not realise you are burning. Wear a shirt or slap on plenty of sun blocker.

edwardseco · Jan 29th, 2008, 21:25

I prefer my own equipment especially what I put in my mouth..

saikyo · Jan 30th, 2008, 10:10

For future info seekers, here is a link to a thread covering scuba, snorkeling, and other activities on Bangaram

Jan 28th, 2008, 18:42	#1
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	Snorkeling in Bangaram Hello everyone, I casually mentioned this in another thread, but could I get some advice from people who have been snorkeling at Bangaram? My questions are... Is it necessary, or even best to bring your own snorkel? If fine snorkels can be rented on the island then I think I won't go out and buy one. If they are in short supply, bad quality, or crazily expensive, them I might just pick one up here in Japan before I leave. Given the choice, would you recommend diving or snorkeling while at Bangaram? I'm sure hardcore divers will be adamant to insist that snorkeling is child's play compared to diving, but I have heard that the snorkeling at Bangaram is incredible. I have done both snorkeling an diving before, and I'm wondering if the hassle of all the diving equipment would be a waste of time if snorkeling is just as spectacular. Any particular spots on Bangaram that are not to be missed snorkeling spots you can mention by name? Just want to be sure I know where I'm going once I get there! Advice appreciated! __________________ http://www.japannewbie.com

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Jan 29th, 2008, 18:57	#2
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 701	Hi Saikyo, As you are there for only three nights then hire the gear -it is also less luggage! All the gear was renewed last year and while it is always possible to get a faulty valve on a snorkel -they will change it. Cost of hire is very cheap. I dive there but also snorkel and I enjoy both. The advatnage of snorkelling in my opinion is that you can just float above a coral head and see all the marine life swimming passed you. As I mentioned in your other thread there is the Shipwreck which is good. You could go out on the dive boat and snorkel while others dive or just as easy snorkel off the beach. In line with the reception office there are coral heads some only 20 metres from the shore others about 50 metres. You can see them as they are dark areas in the lagoon. Just head for them and you will see maybe 30-50 different types of marine life. Occasionally you will even see the odd turtle. Don't worry about whether diving or snorkelling is better - they are different and diving takes time to learn. Enjoy the fish and all their colours - you will spend hours in the water just gazing at them. Be warned it is easy to get sunburnt while snorkelling as the water cools your back and you do not realise you are burning. Wear a shirt or slap on plenty of sun blocker.

Jan 29th, 2008, 21:25	#3
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,208	I prefer my own equipment especially what I put in my mouth..

Jan 30th, 2008, 10:10	#4
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	For future info seekers, here is a link to a thread covering scuba, snorkeling, and other activities on Bangaram

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