Snorkeling can be a great addition to scuba diving. Or, it can be a fun sport all by itself.

Swimmers snorkel

You can see an enormous variety of colorful fish and plant species just a few feet under the water's surface.

But when you go, you'll want to be sure to have good equipment. You'll want fins that are right for you, a mask that's sturdy and fits well. But most of all you'll want an outstanding snorkel. So, what should you look for?

The fundamental criteria is, of course, one that allows you to breathe properly under the surface. But just about any snorkel that isn't a toy will allow you to do that.

You want one with a mouthpiece that fits your particular mouth. You'll also want one that is easy to clear. A larger diameter tube will allow for very easy breathing, but they are more difficult to clear of water. A bigger blast of air is needed to fill the tube with enough volume and pressure to expel any accumulated water.

A longer snorkel will make it easier to prevent water from entering the top of the tube. It also gives you more freedom of movement, since you don't have to be as precise about where your head is positioned relative to the surface. But a larger snorkel will also be harder to control, to keep vertical. It may also put more strain on your jaw muscles, shortening your dive.

Look for one that helps minimize these problems by having a good design. The mechanism at the end of the tube should prevent water from entering, while providing you with easy breathing. Designs have advanced beyond the simple ping-pong ball type blocking the opening.

Today's snorkels have deflectors or splash guards that help the tube mechanism keep the airway dry. But they can add weight. A good design will use sturdy, but lightweight materials and a minimum area needed to perform the function. Snorkels that are too bulky will make clearing the tube of water that much more difficult, defeating the purpose of the added features.

Some designs have a small reservoir that trap any water you couldn't clear by a rapid exhalation. They also make it less necessary to clear immediately or as frequently. There are types that have become so sophisticated that they incorporate purge valves, one-way drains and other clever mechanisms. A purge valve is useful when you're near the surface since the water will drain without any effort on your part to clear the tube.

Some have clever curves, baffles, internal deflectors and other features to help even more. But beware buying one just because it looks advanced or different. In many cases, simpler designs are better. The best way to be sure is to test different types. One handy feature, though, is an adjustable and changeable mouthpiece. That will extend the life of the snorkel and allow you to fit it more precisely to you.

You should consider the material used. Cheap snorkels are usually inexpensive in part because of shoddy plastics that don't stand up well over time. Better to spend a little more and get something that works well for several years. It's difficult enough finding a design that works for you. You don't want to have to repeat the effort every six months.