The first time many people ever put their head underwater is while snorkeling on vacation. With no certification or complicated equipment required, it’s a relatively easy point of entry for those who are interested in the marine world.  Because you only need a mask, snorkel, and fins, snorkeling is quite simple in theory. In practice, though, it's easy to have an unpleasant time if your mask keeps leaking, your snorkel fills with water every time a small wave rolls...

Unlike a dedicated dive expedition where proper gear is the priority, a family trip usually demands a "bit of everything." One day might be spent snorkeling from shore, while the next involves a spontaneous boat dive to a nearby cove.  For these types of vacations, the challenge is often taking all you need without overpacking. On a recent trip that spanned several different aquatic environments, I used the Cressi Maui fins to see how they handled the transition between casual...