For the past 3 times my family and I have gone to Bonaire we usually snorkel without fins. We just haven't seen a need for them. I was just wondering if we were missing out and need to use them. Thanks. ^_^

Chris, fins are an advantage in that you can cover more ground and it's less tiring on the legs from all the kicking They also make you feel more like a fish ;-)

It's a lot easier with them. If you need to move quickly, the fins help.

If you want to free dive down to a shallow reef they really help. I wear a few pounds of weight too.

ok, thanks guys.

Chris,

I will add my vote for using fins-- moving is just so much easier. One of those things where you will wonder why you waited so long!

One thing to check out: fins for snorkeling and free diving, i.e., on the surface and surface diving, are shaped differently from scuba diving fins. The free diving fins have different foot-pocket-to-fin-surface angle that makes swimming on the surface easier. Check this with your local dive shop. Scuba fins aren't terribly inefficient on the surface but the free diving fins are better.

Fins - they're not just for backing up.

Can you rent snorkel fins down here for a decent price ? My fins are the kind for bare feet I think there called warm water fins and with the sharp coral it doesn't look like they will work

thanks, George A

George, you can rent all types of fin's on the Island but boots are not rented anyplace.. Ron

george, near the shoreline you shouldn't experience much sharp coral, mostly rock and broken coral rubble. it can still be hard on your feet tho. i know some people who will wear tennis shoes into the water, carrying their fins. then, when they are waist deep water, they remove the shoes and throw them to shore and put the fins on....getting out someone has to tough it out walking to shore and getting the shoes.

Or tie the sneakers to you someplace with the laces, then you'll have them when you get back to shore.