SDI Snorkeler
Discover the ocean from the surface with confidence
The SDI Snorkeler Course is an introduction to exploring the underwater world from the surface. It’s an ideal first step for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable in the ocean, whether for travel, future scuba or freediving training, or simple enjoyment. You’ll learn how to use your equipment correctly, understand the marine environment, and move through the water with ease, while building safe habits that stay with you. The best part? The online training is totally FREE!
Build Confidence on the Surface
Learn how to move efficiently, stay relaxed, and enjoy snorkeling without worrying about your gear. You’ll practice breathing, surface skills, and basic control so you can explore comfortably and safely at your own pace.
Learn in a Low-Pressure, Fun Environment
This course is designed to feel easy and enjoyable. You’ll practice simple techniques in a relaxed setting, with no heavy equipment and no pressure, just guided learning that builds comfort in the water from the start.
A Step Toward Future Diving Adventures
Snorkeling is often the first step toward scuba or freediving. You’ll be introduced to basic concepts like buoyancy, equipment use, and environmental awareness, creating a smooth path if you choose to continue.
Start Your Snorkeler Training Today
Getting started is easy. Begin with SDI’s interactive online eLearning for FREE or connect with a local SDI Dive Center to start your in-water sessions. Both paths give you the same high-quality training and skill-building experience, helping you feel comfortable and capable in the water.
eLearning Code
Learn the basics at your own pace with easy-to-follow online training. You’ll explore topics like equipment selection, buoyancy, the aquatic environment, and safety practices through videos, animations, and quizzes.
Once you’re ready, we’ll help you connect with a dive center for pool or open-water training, where you’ll practice:
● Snorkel clearing and breathing techniques
● Surface dives
● Proper finning and body position
● Buoyancy and flotation control
● Safe entries, exits, and buddy procedures
Diving Center
Your SDI Dive Center is where everything comes together. Your instructor will guide you through in water sessions designed to build comfort, control, and safety awareness. In a controlled environment, you’ll practice:
● Breathing and snorkel use
● Surface skills and body position
● Buoyancy and flotation control
● Entries, exits, and buddy procedures
● Confident movement in open water
Choose a dive center close to home or enjoy your training while traveling.
Some of the Key Skills You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to snorkel safely without direct supervision in conditions similar to your training. You’ll understand your equipment, feel confident in the water, and have the skills you need to enjoy snorkeling anywhere your adventures take you.
Aquatic Environment
Learn how water movement, visibility, and marine life affect your snorkeling experience, and how to adapt safely to changing conditions.
Snorkeling Techniques
Practice proper breathing, mask and snorkel use, finning, and simple clearing techniques that help you move comfortably on the surface.
Buoyancy & Body Control
Understand how buoyancy works and how to maintain relaxed, balanced movement while floating and swimming at the surface.
Equipment Knowledge
Learn how to choose, adjust, and use essential snorkeling equipment so it fits correctly and feels comfortable in the water.
Questions? Let’s dive in!
Who this course is for:
- Those who would like to experience the underwater world
Course prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18, 4 with parental consent
What you can expect to learn:
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
How to take this course.
- Take it online. SDI Scuba Discovery is available in eLearning:
- Find your local dive center
Review the Course Standards and Procedures
SDI Snorkeler Diver Course





















