veracity

I am not a strong swimmer. I usually get snorkel vests when I snorkel. Do most of the tour operators provide these? It costs $40 in the store.

veracity

or a general question, do they sell gear or rent it in phuket?

Hanuman

Each boat should have sufficient life vests or some type of buoyancy device for everyone on board which you could wear while snorkeling. You should ask the captain or crew of the boat before you depart from the pier and if they don't have a vest then I wouldn't get on the boat.

veracity

Well I guess, there i a difference between life jackets and snorkel vests. I'm sure every boat has life jackets. Most people don't snorkel with vests, but I am pretty much a rock in the water... I have pretty much snorkled in the united states (Hawaii and the Keys) so given the litiginous nature, we were all required to wear it.

maisymoo

Hi I have been on two organised snorkel trips on out travels to Thailand. Both trips offered life vests that you could snorkel with although it was not compulsory. One we went to last year they also had floatation devices for people to hold onto. My partner and I are strong swimmers so tend to wander a bit. I notice that the tour guides will follow at a discreet distance just as a safety measure. I found both times the operations were reasonable professional.

veracity

Thanks for the tips. I feel reassured. If not, I'm sure there is a dive shop I can buy one in in Thailand.