Last year my extending family had a gathering in Turks&Cacos, and I learned to snorkel. Hanging out up close and personal with a reef was the highlight of my trip. The problem is, I’m nearsighted (and can’t wear contacts), and I couldn’t see everything.
We’re going again this year, and I’m trying to figure out what to do. I don’t want to buy a mask because I wouldn’t use it enough to justify it. Is there some way I could rent a prescription mask?
Hmm. If you’re just tootling around mostly in the shallows, you could use prescription goggles (much cheaper and more useful than a full mask). You might need a nose-clip and a snorkel holder, and you’ll have to make sure the goggles have a sturdy enough strap to keep your snorkel aligned.
SportRx
Scuba Diving Goggles & Prescription Diving Goggles
They specialize in Rx glasses, googles and such for a range of sports. I’ve gotten two pairs of Rx cycling glasses and both are excellent.
Take the stems off an old pair of glasses and tape the remainder into your mask?
Just fold up your glasses, and lay them in the mask. The temples will get in the way, but it’s better than going blurry.
I second this suggestion. I.have been doing this for years
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
That’s what I do. It won’t work with a face mask that’s divided across the nose, though.
I’ve scratched glasses that way. And the folded stems can be annoying.I would only use an old pair that’s already scratched with an old prescription.
Last year when we went to Hawai’i the snorkeling shop had vision correction masks available. My daughter and husband both used them. If you’re staying at a resort, call ahead and see if they have them (or call wherever you’re renting your other equipment from).
If you do decide to get your specific prescription in a mask, they aren’t that expensive. Well worth it, even if you only use them 1-2 weeks a year. (Consider how much you spend to get there - you might as well see the fish!)
Do you realize that they are only about $50?
My wife bought a prescription mask back in the '90s for snorkeling in Bali. She’s had lasik since, so I figure she doesn’t need them. So, what’s your prescription?
I’m going to try this, then, thanks.
I have prescription lenses in a couple of my diving masks, but I frequently don’t want to take my “kit” when I’m just at the beach for a day or two.
You can get stick-on plastic lenses for about $15 that will work on virtually any mask, including rentals. Since they are fairly cheap and not optically perfect, you don’t want to use them for hours and hours, but they work just fine if you are going snorkeling for a short period. Check out on-line dive suppliers and Amazon.
Last warning…practice putting them on a mask and getting the position right BEFORE you start snorkeling.
Reported