snorkeling
masculine
In French, snorkeling is translated as snorkeling or randonnée subaquatique.
Meaning: the act of swimming using a snorkel (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| snorkeling | masculine |
| randonnée subaquatique | feminine |
The term refers to the act of swimming using a snorkel. You can use the expression faire de la plongée avec tuba to say 'to do snorkeling' or pratiquer le snorkeling to say 'to practice snorkeling'.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term randonnée subaquatique literally means 'underwater hike', from randonnée (hike/trek) and subaquatique (underwater).
Which one should you use?
randonnée subaquatique is a descriptive and formal French term, whereas snorkeling is a direct loanword from English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term la plongée en apnée is used to refer to snorkeling.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the loanword snorkeling as a noun in French, it is masculine and is typically preceded by the definite article le.
Did you know?
- While la plongée en apnée is used for snorkeling in Quebec, in France it refers to freediving, where the swimmer intentionally holds their breath for long periods.
- French speakers often use the general term la plongée for both snorkeling and scuba diving, relying on the context or the mention of a tuba to distinguish them.
- If you use the phrase faire de la plongée avec tuba, you are literally saying 'to do diving with a tube'.
Examples in context
- J'adore faire du snorkeling pendant les vacances.I love snorkeling during vacations.
- Nous allons pratiquer le snorkeling demain matin.We're going to snorkel tomorrow morning.
- Le snorkeling est très relaxant.Snorkeling is very relaxing.
- Elle adore faire du snorkeling en vacances.She loves going snorkeling on vacation.
- Le matériel de snorkeling est disponible ici.Snorkeling equipment is available here.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing activities for their beach holiday.
- HugoTu veux essayer le snorkeling avec moi ?Do you want to try snorkeling with me?
- LéaOui, j'aimerais beaucoup voir les poissons.Yes, I would love to see the fish.
- HugoLe snorkeling est parfait pour découvrir le récif.Snorkeling is perfect for discovering the reef.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, Hugo.That is an excellent idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snorkeling” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
