The Best Snorkeling Gear

Buying Guide for Snorkeling Gear

Why should you buy snorkeling gear?

If you’ve never tried snorkeling before, but it’s something you want to do, high-performance snorkeling gear can make all the difference. Without foggy or leaking masks, you can enjoy the wonder of the ocean.

What should you consider when shopping for snorkeling gear?

• Materials: Masks should be crafted with durable, waterproof materials designed to last a lifetime. Be on the lookout for masks that have been lined with soft, pliable silicone, as these are designed to create a leak-free seal around your eyes and nose. If you want to ensure that you’ll be getting a crystal-clear look at the underwater world around you, look for lenses made with tempered glass that has been treated with an anti-fog coating. Your snorkel should come equipped with an anti-splash system that prevents water from going down the tube, allowing you to breathe freely throughout your time in the water.
• Type of Snorkeling: Your type of excursion will help you determine the proper gear to purchase. One example is with flippers. Longer flippers are better for longer swims, while shorter ones are more effective for providing extra thrust during a shorter dive.

Is there a way to help keep your mask from fogging?

Word on the snorkel street is that washing your goggles with dish soap or baby soap can help protect your lens from fogging. While snorkeling masks have an anti-fog coating, proper care before use and maintenance can keep them at their best dive after dive.

Our Picks for the Best Snorkeling Gear

Pros: These flippers are designed to fit like a shoe. The closed toe and heel prevent cramping and hypertension in your foot during use. A Velcro strap at the ankle can be adjusted for a more supportive fit. The base of the flipper is actually the bottom of a shoe, so you can walk comfortably on land. The boot is made of neoprene which allows for not only comfortable movement but also flexibility in sizing. And finding the right size is important when shopping for flippers. These include a variety of sizes for both men and women and a precise size chart so you can find the best fit. These come in five color options and a drawstring bag for easy toting.

Cons: These can be difficult to put on when the neoprene boot is wet.

Bottom Line: It’s important to note that these flippers have a shorter length, which is purposeful. They are meant to add strength to your shorter excursions. If that suits your purpose, these fins can take you comfortably from land to your underwater adventure. These thoughtfully designed snorkeling flippers are available in several sizes for both men and women.

 

Pros: If you’re in need of a complete snorkel mask and fin set for your next excursion, this is a great choice. The mask has a four-window design for a panoramic view with tempered glass lenses. It features a hypoallergenic silicone skirt for better comfort, too. The mouthpiece of the mask is made of food-grade silicone. The dry-top snorkel valve seals the tube when submerged, and a lower purge valve allows water to be quickly expelled, so you have unobstructed breathing. The flexible fins are medium-length, lightweight, and adjustable for a comfortable yet powerful swim. All of this gear can easily fit in the mesh bag that’s included, so you can easily tote it around. This set is available in eight different colors.

Cons: Proper care is required to keep glasses from fogging up after use.

Bottom Line: This set can work for those who are snorkeling enthusiasts as well as first-timers. The convenient mesh bag keeps all your pieces together, and if you’re using the set for a vacation, the medium-sized flippers fit nicely in luggage as opposed to longer fins. Each piece is designed with quality materials for comfort during use. While they hold up well on your excursions, be sure to read instructions for proper care so you can enjoy them to the max.

 

Pros: The innovative breathing system has three completely separate air channels, thus ensuring that you inhale fresh air every time. This snorkel mask features a wide 180-degree view. The flat lenses do not distort your view underwater, therefore limiting dizziness issues. The lenses are tempered and have an anti-fog coating. To assist in anti-fog and anti-leak protection, the mask features a double exhaust passage which will increase the ventilation speed to prevent the exhaled breath from entering the observation sun visor and fogging. The mask is made of high-quality materials and has a food-grade silicone skirt for greater comfort and performance. If you like to document your adventures, this mask features a removable camera stand. This innovative mask comes in 11 colors.

Cons: Be sure to measure according to the guide so that you get the right fit.

Bottom Line: This snorkeling mask stands apart from the traditional masks thanks to the wide, single view, the breathing system, and the anti-fog passage. Regardless of whether you are a newbie or a seasoned snorkeler, you can appreciate the quality and comfort of this mask. Be sure to follow the sizing guide before selecting your size.

 

Pros: This set is designed for kids ages 6 and up, with the flippers fitting shoe sizes 9 and up. The mask features shatter-resistant and anti-fog lenses. The snorkel has a comfortable mouthpiece and a splash guard at the top for additional help keeping water out of the snorkel. The flippers are easily adjustable thanks to a three-way buckle system. The open-heel design grows with your child. This set comes with a bag that makes toting around your snorkel gear easy, which is extremely helpful when you and your kiddo have enough beach and vacation gear to carry. This set is available in three different colors.

Cons: These can be a bit pricey in comparison to other kids’ snorkel sets.

Bottom Line: If you’re a snorkeling family and want an easy and quality set for your children, this is a great option. While they may be pricier than other kids’ snorkel sets, they are made with quality materials and design elements that will keep your little one comfortable and confident in the water.

 

Pros: The head strap on the mask is fully adjustable to accommodate men, women, or teens. The mask has a silicone skirt for a comfortable fit, and the lens is made from tempered glass with an anti-fog coating making visibility clear. The snorkel features an advanced anti-splash valve to keep water out of the snorkel, and a purge valve allows for easy clearing and draining. If you want the set of two, there are two color combinations to choose from.

Cons: This mask and snorkel set doesn’t come with a tote bag or flippers, so you may have to purchase additional gear.

Bottom Line: If you’re planning a dive for you and a buddy, this pack of two masks and snorkels is a great option. Made of quality materials and design features, you can expect high performance without breaking the bank. While the masks and snorkels have all the features you’d expect in quality snorkel gear, you will have to purchase a tote bag and flippers separately.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, everyone deserves to enjoy their snorkeling experience instead of fighting with underperforming gear. Choosing any one of these options for your next underwater adventure may help boost your confidence and level of enjoyment while snorkeling.