Q: Hi, I'm visiting Tampa the first of March and wanted to try snorkeling for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico not too far from Tampa. I've been unable to find any info on this and would appreciate any suggestion on where to go, etc. Thanks -- Mary G.

A: Hey, Mary, sure thing.

Snorkeling is pretty easy, and you can probably go to any public beach in the Tampa area to try it out for the first time. Unlike scuba diving, you don't need a lot of instruction to have a good, safe time. In fact, you can go to any sporting-goods store or gear outfitter and purchase a mask and snorkel (and fins for your feet, if you like), and be on your way. The mask goes over your eyes and nose, of course, and the pronged end of the snorkel goes in your mouth so you can breathe while your face is in the water. A life jacket / safety vest or a diving vest or jacket may make it easier for you to float. Then you don't have to move your arms and legs around as you normally would when swimming -- and moving your arms and legs may scare away the fish you could see and kick up sand, making it harder to see.

If you feel you need some instruction your first time out, try any dive shop in the Tampa area, and ask if someone there would help you. Try Scuba Haven Dive Center in Tampa for starters.

Now for the beach! There's an excellent Tampa beach guide by a local news station that could be helpful to you. It includes articles, video and a poll that asks which is the best beach. (Currently, it seems to be Clearwater Beach. And that brings up a good point -- you may want to try Clearwater or St. Petersburg, which are right on the ocean, instead of Tampa, which is on the bay.)

Other tips: If you have time, consider going to the Florida Keys to snorkel so you can see the coral reefs. And keep in mind that no matter where you snorkel, if the water is churned up from wind or boats, you may not be able to see much.

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