Here is my 2 cents.
Dry snorkles are a PIA. I bought one for my first snorkle. They work. The drawback is the inherent bouyancy. It is just that much more bouyancy that you have to overcome if you want to dive below the surface. I traded out to a Tusa Hyperdry snorkle. The Tusa will fill with water when you submerge, but the top design does a good job at deflecting splashed water from entering while at the surface. It is very easy to blow the water out when you get back to the surface (like a whale). The next piece of equipment that I quickly replaced was the mask with a purge valve incorporated in the nose piece. I found that after a full day in the water, I had a sore spot on the underside of my nose, where the hard plastic purge was rubbing. On the other hand, my first fins are still my favorite. They are full foot Mares Avanti fins. Another item that comes in handy for me is a weight belt. I usually carry 4-6lbs of lead while diving in salt water. This makes it easier for me to get below the surface and hover there. Before diving with ballast you should figure out what works for you. If you plan to stay on the surface, no ballast should be worn.
Mask - find one that fits (no leaks) and will be comfortable all day.
Snorkel - basic is better than fancy. Stay away from "dry" snorkles - IMHO
Fins - I like the full foot fins.
Weight belt - I find that a little bit of ballast helps with keeping my fins down (in the water) and with diving below the surface.
Licra rash guard - great for keeping your back from getting sun burned
Licra hood - good for keeping your ears and neck from burning.
Sun Block - Get a good quality water resistant sun block ie: bullfrog - apply early and often. Pay special attention to areas that do not normally get a lot of sun - behind ears, back of neck, back of knees and calves, etc.
Good luck!