Amazing Snorkeling Tips For Beginners That Will Make You Look Like a Pro
Category: Island LifeApril 10th 2023Back to our Sandals Blog > > >
The life changing magic of snorkeling is second to none. When it comes to exploring the depths of the undersea with a diving mask and a snorkel, there's a lot you need to know. Read on as we attempt to answer all your burning questions about snorkeling - from how to prepare for your under-water expedition, to how to defog your mask.
If you're ready to dive in, here's what you need to know...
In this article on our Sandals Resorts Blog:
Why snorkeling is simply amazing
Snorkeling is a chance for the adventurous traveler to become one with nature. It is an opportunity to witness firsthand the mystical wonders of the sea.
"Often snorkeling is a first peek into the underwater world. This is where people learn to enjoy live beneath the surface of the sea and become one with it."
Places like the Caribbean are famous for their versions of undersea adventures that can be both intimidating and majestic. In the Caribbean, activities like scuba diving and snorkeling allow for optimal discovery opportunities.
Snorkeling is often promoted as the simpler of the two, and for that reason it is the go-to activity for most beach vacationers.
Before getting your swim fin moonwalk on...
Keep in mind that most people require practice before setting out on a snorkeling expedition. Expect a safety session if you sign up with a diving company or resort.
Do a practice dive. This is highly recommended as it is a chance to get familiar with snorkeling gear, practice breathing techniques, and get comfortable in the water.
"Most people are not used to breathing through the mouth and so it takes some time for them to get comfortable."
Ensure you have the right gear. Styles, sizes and prices are all things to consider when getting snorkeling gear. It is also important to decide whether you want to invest in your own equipment or rent some out for the day.
Choose a location. Several factors are important when selecting a location. Choose one that matches your level of experience and inquire about regular sea life sightings in that area before making a commitment. Understand that the day you choose may not be the best day for sightings. Nevertheless, you're bound to spot something exciting!
Snorkeling equipment: What you need and what you don't
Expert tip: Get your snorkeling equipment ahead of time to ensure you find the right fit!
Getting mentally prepared and ensuring you have all requisite equipment are the first two steps to an amazing snorkeling experience. Personal items can enrich the experience but can also weigh you down. Remember, take only essentials on the trip as valuables can be lost or stolen. Here's a list of the equipment and terminologies you'll need to get familiar with before setting out:
Diving mask / goggles - These are essential, and they're going to take a bit of getting used to. Snorkeling / diving masks keep the water out of your eyes and ensure you can see the wonderful wild life under the waves.
Swim Fins - Fins are useful as they help you conserve energy and swim fast. Fins will also come in handy if you find yourself swimming against a current. For these reasons, they're worth investing in or renting out.
Wet suit / dive skin - Ideal for warmth or protection, especially in cooler waters. These come in various sizes (shortie or full length).
Booties - These are great for protecting your feet during underwater expeditions like scuba diving and snorkeling.
"Try the equipment on prior to going out for fit and comfort, and wear sunblock. Wearing a rash guard will protect your skin too."
Flotation device - A flotation device like an inflatable snorkeling vest is recommended for added safety. Ensure you have one that inflates or deflates easily.
Snorkel Keeper - The snorkel keep fastens the diving mask to the snorkel and keeps the two safely connected.
Snorkel - Shaped breathing tube to ensure you can stay under water long enough to take in the sights!
Dry Snorkel - Specialized breathing tube that prevents water from getting in. The sole purpose of a dry snorkel is to prevent water from getting into the snorkel itself. It is not intended to allow you to breathe underwater like a scuba tank.
Purge valve - The purge valve contained within a snorkel makes it easier for water that enters the snorkel to drain back out.
The five best snorkeling tips: All it takes is a few simple tips to be snorkeling like a pro!
1. Find the perfect fit for your mask
First things first - fit the mask over your eyes and strap the elastic over your head. Make sure there are no twists and that the straps are flat above your ears. Don't wear your mask strap at the base of your head as the mask can slip out of place and cause water to seep in. The mask strap should fit snugly around the widest area of your head. This is one of the most important tips for snorkeling to remember.
There are ways to ensure your mask fits your face properly before heading out. Press the mask to your face and breathe in through your nose slightly. If the mask fits snuggly to your face once you let go, that's a sure sign you've found the right size, but don't fasten it too tightly to your face either.
A mask that is too tight can cause a headache, or general discomfort, and besides, the pressure on the mask once you hit the water helps it to stay in place. Keep in mind that mustaches and hair can also get in the way of proper fitting of a snorkeling mask. Brush your hair away and out of your face to avoid leakages, which can be slow and steady. The 'mask test' is important because it helps to ensure water will not leak in while you're snorkeling.
2. Defog your mask with baby shampoo or defogging gel
Defogging your mask is perhaps the single most important skill to know as a beginner - the condition of your mask can make or break your experience. Most skilled snorkelers recommend baby shampoo as a defogging solution. There are also gels which are often sold at resort or dive shops which work well to keep your mask from getting fogged up. Remember, when snorkeling, optimum visibility is key. Defogging solutions work by creating a layer between the air moisture in your mask (your breath) and the glass of the mask itself.
3. Get excess water out of your mask when needed
One of the most important things to learn about snorkeling is how to get water out of your mask. It is better to learn this before getting into the water. There are various techniques to keep your snorkeling mask from getting filled with water, although it is completely possible to clear the excess water from your mask under water if you wish. Remember, if your mask fills up with water, don't panic. You can always surface to get the water out.
If you're in a situation where you've spotted something amazing and don't want to risk losing sight of it, you'll need to learn how to quickly clear your mask under water. To get the water out, pull the bottom of the mask away from your face and blow outward. Keep your breathing normal, make sure you're comfortable and relax. Before you submerge again, check if your mask is leaking. Always make sure that your mask is fitted properly!
4. Preserve energy with full-foot fins
There's no question that fins add to under water mobility making the experience a more dynamic one. Newbie snorkelers will find themselves having to choose from full-foot or adjustable fins. Full-foot fins are often the recommended choice for beginners; ensure you find the right fit before you set out. Steer clear from fins that are too tight, too loose, or too painful.
Once your fins are on securely, slide into the shallow end of your practice pool, or do the 'moon walk' carefully across the sand into the ocean to an area where water is waist deep. It's always a good idea to go for a trial run before making the rounds underwater.
5. Take deep focused breaths to help yourself relax
Deep breathing is the key to life... or at least it is when scuba diving or snorkeling. Breathing can be limited through a snorkeling tube, so it's important to take deep focused breaths, which can help you relax.
Dos and Don'ts for first time snorkelers
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Don't touch the coral. Coral is a living organism - don't stand on them, and try to look down while you're trashing about to stay afloat to ensure you're not kicking anything you shouldn't be. Also, try to avoid standing on any rocks. What you perceive as a rock, may actually be a vulnerable underwater organism.
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Use biodegradable sunscreen - it's better for the eco system. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science have listed oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients commonly found in sunscreen, as harmful to coral reefs. Sun screen chemicals such as these can contribute to coral bleaching. Other potentially harmful ingredients to watch out for are PABA, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben (a preservative). In general, steer clear from sunscreens which contain oils and potentially harmful chemicals.
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Don't interfere with the sea creatures or other marine life as this could be hazardous. Some species are poisonous, and some may react defensively causing injury to you, or to themselves.
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Respect other people's personal space - even underwater. As excited as you may be, and as much as you might want to reach out to the person next to you to ensure they see the spectacular lion fish just sailing by, not everyone appreciates the intrusion.
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Don't feed the fish - they're quite alright without your help. Doing so can throw off the natural balance of things. To share is to care, but interfering can cause problems in the long run.
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Practice reef etiquette. Snorkeling is great for acquiring knowledge on marine life, so take in the sights and sounds. Make mental notes for later.
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Don't take anything home with you - that goes for starfish, sand dollars, coral fragment (even if they appear dead), sea urchins or shells. It is illegal in some places to acquire conch or lobster while diving. Penalties are stiff for people caught doing so, so avoid this at all costs.
Safety precautions for snorkeling
Important: Accidents are avoidable if you stay alert and informed.
It can be hard to find accurate tips for snorkeling that don't scare you out of getting into the water, but it is important to be informed. Most of the dangers of snorkeling have to do with people not following the rules. This can be you, or others around you, but it pays to stay alert.
"Always wear a life vest, listen to your guide, and you will have an awesome time."
Pay attention - Photos and videos are all well and good, but try to avoid doing this during safety instruction sessions. It is important to create memories but it is more critical to be safe.
Use safety equipment - It is highly recommended that snorkelers use floatation devices. Inflatable vests for example, aren't only for people who don't know how to swim - they can save your life if you get tired. Some vests come with features that allow them to be inflated by mouth for added buoyancy. There is also a release valve which allows snorkelers to dive to the bottom to get a closer look at fish and other marine life.
Never snorkel alone - Having a partner is recommended for beginners, and even advanced snorkelers. A snorkeling buddy enriches the experience - they're also right next to you if something goes wrong.
Look but don't touch - Think of your experience as a virtual tour. Don't touch the marine life, and definitely don't try to take anything home with you.
No sinking, swimming only - Basic but formal swimming lessons may be necessary to make the most of your snorkeling experience. Floatation devices like inflatable vests are recommended. Water noodles can also be a fun floatation device for snorkeling in an informal setting.
Know your equipment - Practice in a swimming pool if necessary, as practicing beforehand with your equipment helps build up your confidence. If you don't have access to a pool, somewhere shallow with calm water is good for practice as well.
Weather conditions matter - Check the weather forecast before heading out. Optimal conditions for snorkeling are calm, smooth seas. Keep in mind that as the hours go by, weather patterns may change. Even with sunny predictions, it's important to check for yourself whether waters are conducive for snorkeling. If you take a break for lunch, ensure that waters are conducive before resuming your snorkeling session.
Know your location - Learn as much as you can about your snorkeling destination. During your snorkeling tour be sure to come up for air frequency to see what's happening around you. This can also help you keep track of your location as tides can pull you out to sea. Watch your surroundings and ensure there's not a lot of wave action. Follow all safety regulations, and be vigilant.
Know your limits - Once you get out into the ocean, remember; it's important not to over extend yourself. It's a new experience; take it one step at a time. Some first-timers have reported not finishing the snorkeling course as a result of being too overwhelmed. If you are too tired to finish, or just don't feel comfortable, indicate that to your tour guide. If you're on a private trip with a snorkeling buddy and feel tired, let them know and make your way back to the boat together.
Undersea dangers - The scariest things to look out for include sharks of barracudas, but depending on the location you choose, it is unlikely you will encounter any of these. Find out more about the commonly spotted wildlife before choosing a location. Other potential dangers include lion fish, an invasive predatory species form the Indo-pacific, and jellyfish. Lion fish are usually harmless and sting only in defensive situations. They can appear scary to first timers, and they have venomous spines which can be dangerous if you get too close. Jellyfish on the other hand travel frequently in schools. Stings can cause small itchy welts. Large jellyfish tend to be more dangerous but are not commonly spotted on snorkeling expeditions.
Secure your belongings - Whether you leave your personal items on a boat or on the beach, ensure your belongings are in good hands. Most resorts will let you leave these in the dive shop, or in a safe location on the boat. It is best to keep valuables at home!
Boat or no boat?
You decide. The pros and cons of boating versus starting off from the beach are important to note.
Boating Pros:
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Boating plus snorkeling equals twice the fun - you're not only getting the undersea vantage, but a pretty exciting and scenic boat tour.
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On the upside, snorkeling by boat is often a better experience because visibility tends to be superior.
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Out in the open sea, reef and coral formations are often more distinct and there's wider possibility for the sort of marine life you will encounter.
Boating Cons:
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It can be difficult to determine the exact location that the company will take you - often this can change depending on how clear the waters are on any given day. Weather can also be an influencing factor.
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Snorkeling from a boat is often the more expensive option. Aside from equipment rentals, snorkeling from the beach is free.
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Snorkeling by boat is not often recommended for beginners, although in some instances where pool training is initiated from a resort or dive center, first timers too can be well prepared for a spectacular snorkeling / boating experience.
Bonus: Best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is great for snorkeling. The stillness and serenity one can find there is second to none and snorkeling in the region is wholly rejuvenating. The Caribbean is filled with amazing snorkeling locations. Here are a few that are worth a visit:
Booby Cay - From coast to coast Jamaica is filled with great sights and sounds. The Booby Cay reef complements the island which boasts a seven mile long beach, making for an amazing snorkeling experience. Azure waters, stunning cliff sides, and captivating sea creatures make for an experience like no other. Booby Cay, a small offshore island near Negril, is recommended by USA Today as one of the best spots for snorkel newbies.
Insider tip: Find Booby Cay on a 10 minute boat trip from
Tobago Cays - Lots of Caribbean islands have managed to turn snorkeling into big bucks, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of them. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is actually a pretty amazing place for snorkeling. With a sprinkling of islands one can escape to at a moment's notice, it's no wonder travelers flock there to take in the experience. The Tobago Cays Marine Park features one of the most popular snorkeling sites with fish plentiful, as well as colorful sponges and other wild life.
Anse Chastanet - St. Lucia is known to be an ideal snorkeling destination, and this reef located in Soufriere in the south of the island is second to none. The shallow end of the Anse Chastanet reef has a depth of 5 to 20-feet, while the deep end measures up to 150-feet! The Piton Wall in Saint Lucia is also a snorkeling site worth exploring for both new and experienced divers.
Regular snorkeling and scuba diving trips to Anse Chastanet are organized from any of the
The Goulding Cay Reefs - Known for world class snorkeling opportunities, the islands of the Bahamas aim to please. Locations in Nassau, the capital, offer a wide variety of wildlife for persons wishing get at one with nature through a snorkeling experience. The Goulding Cay Reefs near New Providence Island are highly recommended, as are the Rose Island Reefs. These are perfect for tours with a guide, or with a private group.
Check out Sandals Royal Bahamian, our
Eliminate the Fear
There is a sense of fear and anticipation that always comes with trying something new. Accompanied by rushing adrenaline, being overly excited can affect your experience. Skilled snorkelers speak about relaxation being the key to an enjoyable experience - this cannot be discounted. Think about it this way, if you've made it to the water and you've done your research and asked all the right questions, relax. Taking the snorkeling tips in this article to heart, you will learn how to snorkel in no-time.
Snorkeling in itself is a lot more fun than it is dangerous, and experiencing an undersea perspective different from your own is humbling, to say the least!
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At Your Wedding Reception
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and non-alcoholic beverages
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with white or magenta dendrobium topper
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cushioned Chiavari chairs
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• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
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(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
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At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
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from the plated or buffet menus and a premium
bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
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standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned
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On Your Honeymoon
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in resort specialty restaurant
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• $100 Credit towards either a private
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At Your Wedding Reception
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• Single-tiered white fondant cake
with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen
& white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
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• Honeymoon Package
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Some of our destination weddings
Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding
I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!
Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.
Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!
From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding
Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!
Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!
Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.
Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.
Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!
The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding
I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again,
Darby Brown
UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding
Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason
Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!
Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.
As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.
UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen
Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!
Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding
I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!
Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!
Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!
Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding
We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!
Dreams, Puerto Aventuras Resort, Destination Wedding
Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!
Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"
The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.
Thank you again for all of your help!!!
Dreams, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!
I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!
Grand Fiesta Americana, Los Cabos, Mexico, Destination Wedding
This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!
Finest, Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything
We have been in business since 2013, and booking destination weddings since 2002!
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