SDI Snorkeler Course – Charlotte, NC

Discover the underwater world with confidence and ease!
Our SDI Snorkeler Course at Sink or Swim Scuba is a beginner-friendly class designed to teach you how to snorkel safely using proper techniques. Whether you're preparing for a tropical vacation or just want to explore with confidence, this fun, low-stress course is the perfect first step.

Why Take Our Snorkeling Course?

• Taught by Professionals – Learn from certified SDI instructors in a safe, supportive environment.

• Perfect for Beginners – No previous experience necessary—just basic swimming ability and a love for the water.

• Great for Families – Designed for ages 4 and up, making it a perfect activity for the whole family.

• Quick and Convenient – A short, 2–3 hour course that fits easily into your schedule.

What You’ll Learn

• Snorkel Equipment Basics – Get hands-on practice with masks, fins, snorkels, and exposure protection.

• Safety & Breathing Techniques – Learn how to relax in the water, use proper breathing methods, and snorkel with a buddy.

• Water Entry & Movement – Practice safe entries, surface dives, and efficient finning.

• Environmental Awareness – Understand how to protect marine life and snorkel responsibly.

Course Details

• Location: Sink or Swim Scuba, 4310K Wilkinson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056

• Course Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours

• Minimum Age: 4+ (children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or dive professional)

• Swimming Skills: Must be comfortable in the water

• Cost: Contact us for current pricing and availability

Why Choose Sink or Swim Scuba?

We serve Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas with high-quality, professionally led snorkeling and scuba programs. Our focus on safety, fun, and skill development makes this course ideal for individuals and families with a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore the underwater world.

Ready to jump in?
Start your snorkeling journey today by enrolling in the SDI Snorkeler Course at Sink or Swim Scuba. Fun, easy, and confidence-building—just the way learning should be.

Register Now

Snorkeling is the use of mask fins and snorkel to primarily swim on the surface while being able to keep your face in the water without having to lift your head to breathe. Periodically you may dive below the surface for a short period of time to exam something closer.

What you can expect to learn in this course:

The SDI Snorkeler Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

The aquatic environment

• Vision
• Light
• Sound
• Heat loss
• Tides
• Currents
• Waves
• Surge
• Marine life injuries

Physics and physiology

• Buoyancy
• Pressure
• Equalization techniques
• Hyperventilation

Snorkeling equipment

• Mask, fins, and snorkel
• Exposure protection
• Buoyancy compensator device
• Weight systems

Accessories

• Dive flag
• Rescue signal
• Knife or cutting device

Planning your dive

• Diver fitness and overexertion
• Buddy system
• First aid

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Properly prepare, don, and adjust all snorkeling equipment
• Perform a buddy check, and demonstrate good use of the buddy system
• Safely conduct exits and entries either from land, or boat
• Achieve neutral buoyancy
• Proper breathing and clearing of a snorkel
• Proper use of buoyancy compensator device/snorkel vest
• Surface dives
• Proper use of hand signals

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in snorkeling activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

*Note: Junior snorkelers (ages 4-14) must participate in snorkeling activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

SDI Snorkeler Diver minimum requirements:

• Complete all open water requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution