A snorkel is a device used for breathing air from above the surface when the wearers head is facing downwards in the water with the mouth and the nose submerged). It is a flexible tube that allows the user to breathe while their face is in the water. The snorkel may be either separate or integrated into a swimming or diving mask). The integrated version is only suitable for surface snorkeling, while the separate device may also be used for underwater activities such as spearfishing, freediving, finswimming, underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and for surface breathing with scuba equipment). A swimmers snorkel is a tube bent into a shape often resembling the letter "L" or "J", fitted with a mouthpiece at the lower end and constructed of light metal, rubber, or plastic). The snorkel may come with a rubber loop or a plastic clip enabling the snorkel to be attached to the outside of the head strap of the diving mask). Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort locations, and it provides the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.