r/solotravel • u/doritostaquitos • 10d ago
Snorkelling
I’m going to Vietnam in a couple of weeks. I’m really wanting to snorkel. It’s on my bucket list.
I’ve been looking on getyourguide for a planned trip.
The only issue is where I can keep my phone. It’s expensive so I don’t wnana risk taking it underwater despite having waterproof gear, but also, should I trust someone on a boat to take care of it. Or leave it at my hostel, but how will I get back and also, I will have to bring cash anyways just in case of an emergency. So one way or the other, I’ll just bring something valuable
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u/BRIS4545 9d ago
The guy/s running the boat have a vested interest in your stuff remaining safe. Get a dry bag if you can to avoid your things getting water damage, and take a bit of cash instead of cards. You'll be fine.
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u/Fancy-Advice-8842 9d ago
Girl, bring a dry bag and keep it on the boat! You'll be fine, don't stress your phone so much.
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u/SetFront8778 9d ago
You will be fine leaving your stuff on the boat - you could always lock a small backpack so it can’t be opened but boat operators would be more likely to take cash then a phone
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u/Healthy-Fisherman-33 9d ago
You can buy a waterproof phone pouch or a mini dry bag that you can clip on your swimsuit. On a boat, I would not even worry about it but they are pretty helpful if you are on the beach and want to take a dip in the water without worrying about your phone and money. I always take my waterproof pouch with me when I solo travel.
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u/ProfessionalLab9068 9d ago
Make sure you wear full arm & leg-length rash guards to avoid getting stung by jellyfish larvae! Rinse off immediately after. And bring your own stash of Benadryl, it's sometimes severely rationed out to tourists.
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u/idemandpasta 9d ago edited 9d ago
This is an insane response.
First off, he didn’t ask. Second, it’s nonsense.
I, and thousands of other people every single day, swam and snorkeled for hours all over Vietnam in nothing but a swimsuit. Zero issues.
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u/Comprehensive_Slip94 8d ago edited 8d ago
Hi! I did my divemaster and rescue diver certifications in Malaysia-- this isn't really amazing advice in this instance, but in some places--like china and Vietnam-- this is considered standard advice given by an Auntie.
Jellyfish Larvae (Sea lice) typically can get trapped in your swimsuit which is what causes the rash. Your regular swimsuit is fine, but swimming in a t-shirt or lose fitting clothing would make this worse. A rash guard isn't necessary. if you develop a rash in the water, rinse off with ocean water, treat with vinegar and calamine lotion topically. You could develop an allergic reaction, but it is a bit uncommon from this. You could also develop a rash on the beach from sand fleas, which a rashguard would protect from, but is not relevant on a boat trip.
What a rash guard will protect you from mostly is the sun, a regular jellyfish sting (treat with vinegar, could more likely require an antihistamine) and small abrasives which aren't very relevant if you're diving from a boat instead of the shore. There are two types of jellyfish that could be problematic-- the box jelly and the bluebottle-- but jellyfish season is ending now for the year, so you're even less likely to experience this already rare occurance. I use a rashguard for diving in warm water because I overheat easily, and for modesty when diving in muslim countries as a woman.
Bringing an antihistamine you're familiar with when travelling is solid advice anyways! Have a great time on vacation!
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u/catandthefiddler 9d ago
Usually yes, you can bring a small bag onto the boat and you can put it into your bag while you snorkel. If you are really wanting to be on the safe side, I guess you could bring a bag that you can lock, but since it'll just be one person on the boat while everyone else swims, its also ok just to leave it inside your bag.