On July 15, a Chinese couple tragically drowned while snorkeling near Komodo National Park in Indonesia, after being swept away by strong waves. According to police reports, the couple entered the water without life jackets and had no professional supervision at the time.
A joint Indonesian search and rescue team later recovered both bodies. Authorities are still investigating the incident, and no official conclusions have been released as of press time.
Snorkeling, which requires no heavy oxygen tanks and relies only on a mask, snorkel, and fins, is often seen as the easiest form of recreational diving. It’s simple to learn, even for non-swimmers, and appeals to all ages.
This low-intensity activity lets you float on the surface, gazing at colorful coral reefs and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters—an immersive experience you just can’t get from regular land tourism.
But here’s the flip side: because it seems so easy, snorkeling actually has a higher death rate than scuba diving. The main killers are water inhalation and sudden pulmonary edema. Even wearing a life jacket can’t fully prevent face-down choking if you lose your balance. However, if you suddenly get a cramp, your snorkel fills with water, or you’re caught in a rip current, a life jacket can keep you afloat and boost your survival chances by over 80%.
Public safety guides suggest non-swimmers should first practice snorkel techniques in a pool before heading to open water. Your mask needs to fit well and be anti-fog; choose a dry snorkel with a splash guard and test its drainage before you dive; and always pick a certified life jacket and wear it throughout your time in the water.
Between 2024 and 2026, bookings for snorkeling trips to long-haul island destinations like Fiji, the Maldives, and Indonesia’s Komodo have jumped over 25% year-on-year, with the core crowd being travelers aged 20 to 39. In the Maldives, Chinese snorkelers have topped visitor lists for years—yet in 2023 alone, over 10 Chinese tourists drowned while snorkeling there.
These waters are known for rough conditions—strong currents and big waves are common, making them a magnet for thrill-seeking snorkelers worldwide. Just last month, a German tourist was bitten by a Komodo dragon after wandering off alone, leading the park to close several high-risk trails on Rinca Island.
Following the latest tragedy, many travelers who’ve snorkeled in the area have spoken up about a lack of regulation in the local diving industry. Some unofficial guides even encourage tourists to skip life jackets, claiming it leads to a better snorkeling experience.
A woman named Tang, who snorkeled in Komodo, shared her experience: in the very same area where the couple died, numerous boats drop off groups of 10 or so tourists, with just two local guides supervising. The water is deep and rough, and if you’re not a strong swimmer or don’t speak the language, it’s easy to lose sight of your guide. These so-called “guides” often push tourists to ditch life jackets, saying it lets you dive deeper and see more.