I'm not getting into the fins/no fins for beginners debate, but will chime in to say that we also now travel with our own snorkel gear, mask, snorkel and fins. This takes up about half of our total packing space, but what else do we really need? It is so totally worth it. We have found equipment that really works for us and it is so much better than the guessing game of what will be available from the charter company and even then often realizing that the fins you thought fit well at the base when you tried them on make your ankles hurt after a long snorkel, or the mask that seemed to fit fine pinches your nose or gives you a headache when worn for long periods. It is just so worth having your own set, at least if you like to snorkel as much as we do.