[akol]

Hi,
I have just discovered snorkeling as a hobbie, and I'm looking to buy my own snorkeling gear for an upcoming trip to the Caribbean. Could anyone give some suggestions on what I should be looking for? For example, I heard that it's better to have a snorkel with a top that closes by itself when it goes under water... Anything else? Are there any 'brands' that are better? Thanks for your help!