"Newbie" or "Never" -- if never suggest contacting the local scuba company and they should acquaint you and get you comfortable in the water -- If you are comfortable in a pool you will have no problems in the salt. If you need glasses for distance and really want to snorkel/scuba in the future for not a lot of $$$ can order online a good mask with optical correction for about 100USD. Or use a standard mask with contacts but if your mask floods use contacts that if you lose no big deal -- makes a big difference in the experience. renting fins is easy; a good mask with a well-fitting soft silicone skirt can make or break a good experience.