Hi all, I have just emerged from "lurk" mode because I couldn't find any threads about this subject. The combined wisdom of this board will surely be able to guide me.

I will be visiting Bon for one glorious week at the end of June and I was wondering if there exists some kind of backpack for surface snorkeling. I don't usually submerge because of my *ahem* "buoyancy compensators" (I am female!)

The pack would be useful for carrying a towel and drinking water and snacks. I couldn't find anything other than drybags which aren't submersible in larger sizes.

What do people do with their food/water/stuff while spending the day around Klein?

Thanks,
Lisa

Lisa,
Are you talking about some sort of pack to wear while you are actually snorkeling? I am not sure there is such a thing. When we snorkeled at Klein last month, we just put down our towels, beach bag, cooler etc., and went in the water. The few others who were there did the same thing. Your stuff will be perfectly safe on the beach when you are in the water.

Thank you Carol,

Yes, I did think that I would need a pack to wear, but if it is safe to leave my stuff on the beach, I will do that.

What do people do for drinking water while snorkeling?

Thanks for the reply!

Lisa,
We took an insulated soft-sided lunch box with us to Bonaire. We used it to carry water and snacks. We froze bottles of water to use for "ice" to keep unfrozen bottles cold, then when the frozen bottles thawed, we drank those. We absolutely loved Klein.

Frozen water! Great idea!

So I guess that my hang-up was more "getting out of the water" than anything else.

Once I am in the water, I can snorkel for a long time without getting bored or cold. I just wanted to know if someone had invented some kind of hydration pack like bikers wear but waterproof against seawater.

These are like water reservoirs worn in a backpack with a long flexible tube-straw and a valve that you can bite on to open and release to close.

I think it would be cool to be able to enter the water in one spot but leave the water in another and have all your gear with you.

Oh well, if there were a need, it would have been invented already! I can see why most people would think that a back pack would be more cumbersome than leaving the water.

Has anyone else used a fanny-pack or submersible container for things like keys and money? Let me know your picks and pans!

Lisa

Lisa, you can get small containers that fit around your neck for money and keys. If you wear a wetsuit when snorkeling just tuck it inside. The correct name escapes me but you can get them at any dive shop. Money may get soggy but that is never a problem. Get a bright color not the clear as they are easier to find if you drop yours in the hotel, parking lot, etc.

Thank you for the tip Susan!

I think you mean an Otterbox, I saw them on the internet. Anyway, I'm sure the vendors on Bonaire are used to soggy $$$! :-)

For the backpack, I actually found one but I don't think that I will wear it in the water.

It is the Akona deluxe mesh backpack it has a "dry bag" inside for a towel and change of clothes and a zippered pocket outside for things like sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle but the main section is mesh for your wet gear.

There is a waterproof panel for the side that goes against your back so your wet gear doesn't soak your dry clothes on your way back home.

I also saw some really cool snorkel/cooler bags which looked convenient but less sturdy.

Lisa

Anyone looking for "waterproof" containers to use while snorkeling or diving might want to check
http://www.splashcaddy.com
Look under the "Our Products" section.
I have used some of these bags several times
while snorkeling (holding a small camera, small
pair of binoculars, and wallet), and everything
has always stayed dry.
I'm not an employee, nor connected in any way
with this company--just a satisfied customer.
Doug

I too have used a splash caddy for years. Don’t leave home without it. I put my car & hotel keys, credit card and whatever. Don’t even notice it (especially because my wife usually wears it), but she loves it too. ;-)

Thanks Guys!

That was exactly the sort of thing that I was looking for!

I have always sort have worn my keys and sunglasses tied onto a string around my neck, stuffed down into my bathing suit...Not a good system especially when you keep checking for it every two minutes.

...barely a month left to wait...(yay!)
Lisa in Montreal

Hi, Lisa! I have the Akona day pack back pack, and I love it! I use it as my carryon when I fly and it's the perfect size.