Hello Ina:
Snorkelling in the traditional sense doesn't give you enough bottom time if you are trying to scan for targets but it does extend the depth you can wade out for the richer targets. Trying to snorkel along the surface and sweep a detector is something I haven't tried but seems like it would be very difficult to swim and swing at the same time.(plus carry a scoop)
By using a snorkel and mask while sweeping for targets at shoulder depth you can see what you are digging more easily. Most detectorists that use scuba, dig with a small flipper to fan the sand away rather than carry a scoop. Wading in deep water with a scoop is my preferred way of hunting as I find some neat stuff in neck deep water.
A quick release weight belt would be helpful to knock down the bouyancy that increases as you go deeper, bouyancy is a problem because it makes it harder to dig. The quick release is important as you want to be able to drop those weights quickly should you step off into a deep section suddenly.
Hookah is a better option but entails dive training, ditto for scuba so I would say don't bother unless you really want to learn to scuba. Most of the resorts have PADI certified instructors if you are interested.
Have Fun and be Safe Pirate Gal,
BDA
All of these finds were from water that was over 5 ft. deep at low tide.
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