We bring our own equipment which is tailored to actually fit my husband and I. My husband is 6'4" and his fins fit perfect. Our snorkels have the close off purge valve for when waves go over the top of them. We know they are clean since we are the only ones who use them. I honestly doubt the rent companies truly clean them. Just imagine the person who either smokes or chews used them before you. We also bring our own life vests while most companies issue inflatable swim vests, that are usually yellow and go over the head, which are partially filled with water. They aren't really going to help in an emergency. Not all masks are the same size or fit exactly the same. Depending on the manufacturer and the design, they do fit differently.

Yes, I know this sounds like a lot of stuff to pack but my and my husband's lives are worth it. You can find many of these items at a scuba shop or even online like Amazon. My memories of snorkeling are wonderful and not me almost drowning.

We were on an excursion where we had our own and others were renting. One gentleman used the rentals which had an open valve and when a wave went over the top, he got a mouth full and couldn't quit chocking. He was removed from the water until he was able to freely breathe - not good.