Is there a difference between snorkel and diving fins? I'm a snorkeler and need new fins - my present fins are dive fins and heavy. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Sue,

Many snorkelers use full foot fins compared to open heel fins. My wife got a pair of Tusa Xpert Zoom Full Foot fins for snorkeling and she loves them. I use my dive fins and booties when I snorkel. In general, full foot fins weigh less and can be worn over a bare foot. In Bonaire, if you are walking on coral or rocks, boots or aqua shoes are a good idea. In that case, open heel fins can be put over the boots or shoes. If you are a free diver, they sell full foot fins with very long blades. The best thing to do is try a few different types and see what you like best.

consider getting full foot fins 1 size over and buying 3mil neoprene socks with a lined sole.. this will make the fins very comfortable for hours and hours of use and still offer some protection when walking the rough shores of bonaire. my socks lasted the 10 days we were in bonaire with heavy use but were pretty used up by the end of the trip. Fortunately, I have lots of extras... unfortunately, we're getting into the 6mil sock season :>(

I would second the recommendation to buy full foot fins a size over and get neoprene socks or something similar. Personally, I bought and used a pair of low cut neoprene dive boots by Pinnacle. They fit in my fins alright and the outsole might even be sturdy enough to protect against a sea urchin. They're still in great condition after a week of snorkeling.

I have Atomic Liquid Blue Split Fins and love them! I wear them with boots and they are an open heel fin with a lot of flexibility.