Cheap or mediocre snorkel gear can make or break a well-planned snorkeling trip. Imagine your mask constantly leaking or fogging up while trying to enjoy the beautiful ocean. Beyond being a simple distraction, a leaky mask can ruin your experience altogether due to poor visibility.

The same goes for a low quality snorkel. Settling for a model that doesn’t have a one-way valve will leave you gulping mouthfuls of saltwater. The snorkel sets that are carried by big box chains can’t compete with the quality of gear offered by manufacturers like Cressi, who specialize in snorkeling gear. To enjoy your snorkeling experience to the fullest, a small investment in decent snorkel gear is well worth it. Our guide will help you choose the best snorkeling gear to enjoy your day on the water!

Best Snorkel Gear

	Cressi Palau Snorkel Set	U.S. Divers Admiral Adult Snorkeling Set	Seavenger Snorkel Set
Mask:	Two window mask, liquid silicone skirt	Two window mask, hypoallergenic silicone skirt	Single Lens Mask with panoramic view
Snorkel:	Dry Top Snorkel	Dry top Snorkel	Dry Top Snorkel
Fins:	Medium size, open foot	Open-heel composite fins	Medium size, open foot

For more of my snorkel gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Snorkeling Cameras, Full Face Snorkel Masks, Wetsuits.

Quick Answer: The Best Snorkel Gear Sets

1. Cressi Palau Snorkel Gear Set
2. U.S. Divers Panoramic View Lux Snorkel Set
3. Seavenger Snorkel Gear Set
4. Phantom Aquatics Snorkel Gear Set
5. U.S. Divers Adult Cozumel Snorkel Gear

Let’s take a look at our top rated snorkel gear, then we’ll talk about how to find the right set for you in our buyier’s guide below.

Snorkel Gear Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set

Cressi is known for their high-quality snorkeling equipment at affordable prices. The Palau snorkeling gear set has everything you need for an exciting trip, and it comes with a practical travel bag to carry everything on the go. The snorkel is ergonomically designed with a built-in curve of the snorkel tube. With a typical snorkel, you have to bite pretty hard on it so it doesn’t come out of your mouth. After a while, this can cause jaw fatigue. This 100% dry snorkel comes equipped with a unique, anti-splash guard and uses a floating purge and seal valve. You can snorkel with confidence, knowing that even if you dive under the water, you won’t get salt water in your mouth. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know how unpleasant it is.

The high-quality, soft silicone mask provides a secure watertight seal on most faces, while the two-window design provides excellent visibility. You can easily adjust the buckles on the straps to get a comfortable fit. It also comes in 3 sizes, so you can carefully measure your face and compare with the mask’s measurements. This will ensure a perfect fit and minimize the risk of jaw fatigue with a mouthpiece that’s either too big or too small. The Palau short fins are great choice because they’re easy to fit in your fully-packed suitcase, and are easy to walk around with on the beach or boat. The short, thin fins allow you to swim without struggling to avoid accidentally kicking coral. Though longer fins are usually faster, the stiff nature of the Palau fins create a strong thrust without cumbersome length. These open heel fins are comfortable, equipped with a large foot pocket and are adjustable to four foot sizes. The buckle is easy to adjust and releases with a quick push of a button when you’re ready to take them off.

#2 Runner Up – U.S. Divers Admiral Adult Snorkeling Set

If you’re looking for a premium quality set of snorkel gear, the US Divers Admiral Adult Set may be just what you’re looking for. I have to admit, I was surprised at the mask. It’s high quality and has a medical-grade soft silicone skirt – rather than a typical plastic one – that provides an excellent seal and is also comfortable to wear. The mask is a 2-pane design that gives excellent visibility, although it’s not the same panoramic views as a mask with 4-panes. The snorkel tube is also designed to be curved, it closes for dry breathing so water can’t get inside.

While I can’t say how well it works if you have a beard, from what I understand it should seal effectively. You may just need to adjust the strap to be a little tighter. U.S. Divers offers 3 different sizes to choose from, differentiating between male and female sizes so you can choose your ideal size. If you’re worried about the risk of jaw fatigue (your jaw feeling sore and tired if your mouthpiece doesn’t fit properly), this can be prevented by finding a mask and mouthpiece that perfectly fits your face shape. Snorkel sets are clearly not a one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to check the measurements carefully before making your purchase.

Video: Overview of the US Divers Snorkel Mask.

The fins that come with the US Divers snorkel gear set are an open heel design, meaning you secure your foot into the snorkel with a strap around your heel. The fins have a wide range of adjustability, so anyone other than Shaquille O’Neal (or anyone under 7 feet tall) should be able to get a decent fit. They’re also available in a handful of different sizes to help you get the most comfortable fit. The buckles on the fins are easy to adjust, and they’re also a “quick release” design that makes it simple and fast to get the fin off your foot. To top it off, this set includes a lightweight, portable gear bag with mesh panelling so your gear can dry after a day in the water. It also features a carrying strap to help transport your gear to and from the beach.

#3 Best Cheap – Seavenger Adult and Junior Snorkel Gear

If you’re looking for a durable snorkel set that’s made for long-term use, this Seavenger product is one of the best on the market. The frameless mask is made from 100% high-grade silicone for a water-tight seal. The sturdy mask is equipped with a single lens made out of high quality tempered glass. Seavenger specially designed the lens in a teardrop shape, allowing your eyes to be close to the lens to give you a better view of coral and fish. The panoramic viewing ensures you won’t miss a thing while enjoying your snorkeling experience.

The dry snorkel comes equipped with a protective splash guard and highly effective purge valve. Say goodbye to sore muscles and jaw fatigue from clenching the mouthpiece, due to the angled mouthpiece and flexible barrel of the snorkel tube. The short, trek-style fins are easy to walk around in, which is especially nice if you’re snorkeling from a boat. And if you enjoy other water sports such as body boarding, you can get an extra “bang for your buck” with these multi-functional fins.

The vented blades on the fins produce maximum thrust for their size, allowing you to quickly and efficiently swim around, reducing fatigue. The open heel fins have a convenient rapid release strap that is also easy to adjust to get a good fit. The foot pocket is surprisingly comfortable for such a budget snorkel set. The fins travel easy in their quick-drying gear bag, which is made from plastic mesh. Not only will you get great value and a quality set of gear, but you also have the choice of thirteen stylish colors. The Seavenger is easily the best snorkel set for the money.

#4 Best for Travel – Phantom Aquatics Sport Snorkel Set

If you’re after a quality set of snorkel gear that will give you a great experience on the water at a low cost, this mask, fin and snorkel set by Phantom Aquatics may be perfect for your needs. It comes with all the essentials including open heel fins with a rapid release button for easy, fast adjustability. The Phantom Aquatic fins pack power and thrust with their jet vented design. This design allows you to just enjoy the snorkeling experience while reducing fatigue. The skirt of the frameless mask is made of a liquid-injected silicone, enabling a natural and comfortable watertight seal. The attached straps (made from the same material) are easily adjustable with swivel buckles. The double layered, tempered glass is crystal clear, giving you excellent visibility of sea life.

The semi-dry snorkel tube prevents unwanted saltwater from entering your mouth with a one-way purge valve. This budget set comes in nine vibrant colors so you can snorkel in style. The set also comes with a convenient storage bag made from mesh to drain the water, allowing your gear to dry inside the bag. The set is compact and packs up in just about any suitcase so you can take it anywhere. You can’t go wrong with the Phantom Aquatics Sport Snorkel Set.

#5 Best for Adults – U.S. Divers Adult Cozumel Mask Snorkel Gear

The US Divers Cozumel snorkel set is another top quality, affordable option. The mask is a two-pane design offering superb visibility. The glass is tempered and crystal clear, and I’d recommend you use an anti-fog solution on the mask before getting into the water. The Cozumel set is unusual in that the fins are a closed foot design. This gives you more thrust when kicking because more energy is transferred from your foot to the fin. This design will lessen fatigue, but there are also some disadvantages. You’ll have to make sure to order the correct size because there’s no adjusting them.

Also, if you like to wear fin socks, you have to get a very thin one so your foot will fit comfortably inside the foot pocket. My only complaint about the set is the snorkel. The design is splash-proof so waves won’t allow water to get in the snorkel and into your mouth. However, if you dive down under the water as I like to do, the snorkel doesn’t seal as well as others, so you’ll probably get some water in your mouth. This is a compact snorkel set that will fit in your luggage easily enough and comes with a mesh bag to carry the set. Having a mesh bag gives you the advantage of letting your gear to drain and dry inside the bag, without waiting for it dry first.

Snorkel Gear Comparison Table

Recommended Snorkeling Accessories

Booties for Snorkeling, Diving & Watersports

While most snorkel fins are comfortable, if they’re a bit tight, they may cause some rubbing and chafing on your feet. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen to you – and potentially ruin your day on the water – is to spend a few extra dollars and get yourself a pair of snorkel booties, like this popular pair from Tilos.

FUN TOES Neoprene Fin Socks

As an alternative to booties, you can also purchase fin socks to protect your feet from chafing and keep warm in your fins. FUN TOES offers this neoprene pair that’s available in 4 sizes for kids, men and women and is suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and many other water sports. Fin socks are ultra-durable and often have thick soles to keep you comfortable in your fins. Think of them as an extension of your wetsuit!

Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Snorkel Vest

While most people don’t have too much trouble staying afloat – particularly in salt water – it can be tiring if you’re constantly having to tread water to stay afloat. This can be especially true for men as we tend to have more muscle mass and find it harder to float. Having a snorkel vest will reduce your fatigue and make for a more enjoyable day on the water. The other big reason it’s worthwhile to purchase a flotation vest is that it will give you more confidence on the water. You wont have to worry about the possibility of drowning, and it should give you that extra boost to try out snorkeling if you have any fears.

GoPro HERO Black

There’s no better way to record all of the beautiful sites you’ll see while snorkeling. While the GoPro costs a little more than other underwater cameras/video recorders, there is just no substitute for it. I’ve tried some of the cheaper ones and trust me, they are NOT worth it. Go with the best and don’t take a chance that you’ll miss recording everything you see with an inferior camera, plus the picture/video quality is outstanding.

O’Neill Wetsuits Mens 2mm Reactor Spring Suit

A wetsuit can really make a huge difference in how comfortable you are snorkeling. If you get cold easily then you will really appreciate the extra warmth a wetsuit will give you. Unless the water temperature is above 85 degrees F (29.5C), you’ll quickly get a chill. Nothing will ruin your day faster than having to get out of the water because you’re too cold. The wetsuit also has the added benefits of making you more buoyant, so you don’t have to worry about treading water. Plus, it gives you protection from accidentally brushing against coral and other sharp objects. If you’ve never brushed against it, trust me – it stings. The O’Neill wetsuit is a relatively thin 2mm, giving you enough protection and warmth without being uncomfortable or feeling bulky.

How To Choose and Evaluate Snorkeling Gear

• Rent or Buy Snorkel Gear?
• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Defogging Your Mask
• FAQ

Why You Should Buy Instead of Rent Snorkel Gear

When deciding to go on a snorkeling adventure, many people don’t consider the importance of quality personal gear. Some snorkeling trips offer “included gear”, which is always a mistake to rely on. The included gear is typically low quality and can be the difference between observing the beautiful aqua-world, or spending your trip fumbling with your leaky mask and snorkel, or even having limited visibility due to scratches. Salt water in your eyes can turn your snorkeling trip into a painful experience (especially if you wear contact lenses), or plan to bring children on your expedition. The same problem can occur with leaky snorkels. Keep in mind that “complimentary” equipment rarely undergoes proper sanitation procedures.

This is a large concern for objects that come in direct contact with your mouth, noes and eyes. Finally, if it’s your first snorkeling adventure, it’s best to give yourself (especially children) a chance to practice using the equipment prior to jumping into the middle of the ocean. Not only is this important in order to familiarize yourself with the equipment, but also to account for the fact that salt water adds a new dimension to the experience. You don’t want to attempt to get comfortable with new equipment while adjusting to snorkeling in salt water for the first time. Snorkel equipment is worth researching and finding the best product for your family. If you simply grab a set from a local discount store, you’ll almost certainly be disappointed when you inevitably encounter leaks and limited visibility. Consider the advice below to determine what the best equipment is for you and your needs.

Snorkel Mask

– Fit

The portion lining the snorkel mask is called the skirt. The skirt should have an airtight suction around your face, preventing leaks. Dealing with a leaky mask while attempting to snorkel can cause frustration and fatigue as you constantly manipulate it, treading water instead of effortlessly floating on top of it. If you’re able to try on various masks in person, gently place it against your face while holding your breath. The ideal masks should cling to your face without you having to inhale deeply or strap it on. If the mask has a proper fit, there’s no need to over-tighten the strap, which can make it more comfortable. Men who intend to snorkel with a clean-shaven face should try on masks in this way to ensure the same fit.

Consider the material of the skirt when choosing the right mask. Plastic skirts are lower quality, more prone to tears and leaks than silicone skirts and are typically what you’ll find in “complimentary” or rental sets. Silicone makes for the best seal and keeps water out, while also being slightly more comfortable to wear than plastic skirts. If you’re deciding to purchase rather than rent a snorkel set, keep an eye out for soft silicone skirts and see if the manufacturer mentions how comfortable it is on the face.

– Lens Quality and Visibility

The main reason you’ve chosen to embark on a snorkeling adventure is to see amazing underwater life. If you have poor visibility through the lens of your mask, you’ll undoubtedly be disappointed with your experience. Typically, lenses are made of either plastic or glass. Impact-resistant glass is by far the highest quality lens available. The classic “old style” lens is one lens fitting the eyes in the same compartment.

The more modern version provides a modest separation between the nose and eyes, though they’re still within the same lens. If you’re looking for a complete split between the nose and eyes, consider choosing a split or two lens mask. This is a higher quality mask allowing for a better seal against the face. Take it a step further by adding windows to your snorkel mask with the three or four lens mask. They’ll both offer great visibility, but the one downside to a one pane model is that you can’t have prescription lenses put in.

Snorkel

Since snorkeling takes place on top of the water, it’s essential to find a great snorkel so you can effortlessly breathe while you admire the beautiful nature under the sea. Finding a top quality snorkel is the difference between breathing in oxygen and breathing salt water.

The Three Types of Snorkels

Classic – A classic snorkel has a complete circle or oval opening at the top. This category is usually the most inexpensive and is typically the default one found in most low quality sets or rentals. Experienced snorkelers may easily use this type of snorkel, but it can be a challenge for first-timers or children. Just as air can easily flow in and out of the tube, so can water if the snorkeler dips below the water, encounters a wave or a splash from someone nearby.

If you’re more experienced, you can easily clear the tube by blowing the water back out. This can be difficult if you’re new to snorkeling and are trying to adjust to both your new equipment and the salt water. Some classic snorkels are equipped with purge valves to allow water to easily be purged while swimming. The snorkeler can blow the water out with little effort, while their head remains in the water.

Dry Snorkels – These have a float valve that closes fully when submerged in water, restricting water flow into the mouth. Some find these to be ideal for snorkeling, though others report that their breathing is somewhat restricted.

Semi-Dry Snorkels – These have a partially closed, slanted top with various slits and vents to avert water from entering the hole. This snorkel is popular because it diverts most of the water without causing a significant obstruction to breathing.

Snorkel Barrel

The barrel (or tube) comes in various shapes and designs. Some snorkel tubes are flexible, some maintain the rigid ‘J’ shape, while others are contoured around the head of the snorkeler. Most barrels are made of a combination of silicone and plastic. Many snorkelers prefer the total length of the snorkel to be between fifteen and seventeen inches, though there are various lengths available. Determining which shape, size and style of snorkel tube is right for you is a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Fins

Fins are the propulsion system in snorkeling. A good pair of fins can increase your speed up to fifty percent and decrease fatigue significantly. Many people overlook purchasing personal fins, only to be disappointed with the cheap fins available to rent (or complimentary ones provided on excursions). It’s always better to spend a little time and money to find fins that properly fit you and feel comfortable to maximize your snorkeling experience.

Open Heel vs Closed Foot

Fins comes in two basic styles: open heel fins and full foot fins. Open heel fins are adjustable in size, which can provide a more secure fit. However, they leave the snorkeler’s heel unprotected. Full-foot fins keep the heel safe but aren’t adjustable, therefore it’s difficult to get a secure fit. It comes down to personal preference and determining what the snorkeler finds most comfortable.

Sizing Your Snorkel Fins

When you get into the water, your feet will slightly shrink. Consider this when purchasing your fins. It’s ideal to get fins that feel snug, but not so tight that they become uncomfortable. Move your foot around to ensure that there are no hard spots rubbing against the foot. If you’re having difficulty deciding between two sizes, it’s better to go with the smaller size. It’s more comfortable to have your fins a bit too tight than to deal with them falling off while you’re trying to snorkel.

How to Defog A Snorkel Mask

The best way to prevent fogging is to ensure your mask fits properly and to refrain from taking it on and off during your snorkel trip. De-fog drops are available to help prevent condensation. When initially purchase your mask, it will likely have a protective coat over it. There are many de-fog/cleaning solutions available for purchase at a modest price. If you prefer to go the ‘home-made’ route, you can create a mixture of three parts water and one part baby soap. Gently clean the mask with the solution, rinse with water, and air dry your mask prior to using it the first time and after each subsequent use.

Conclusion

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best snorkel gear to fit your needs. There are tons of manufacturers out there that make high quality sets so that you’re set for your next snorkeling adventure. If you want to comment or recommend a set I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch. And if you’re new to snorkeling, see our beginner’s guide on how to snorkel.

FAQ

How do I clean my snorkel gear?

After every use, first rinse off your gear with fresh water and for best results clean with a light detergent such as dish or baby soap. After cleaning, let your gear dry first before storing.

Is it worth buying snorkel gear?

Even though it’s a bit more of a hassle to purchase and take your new snorkel set with you, you’ll know that everything fits properly. Alternatively, if you opt to rent snorkel gear, these usually aren’t top quality and you don’t know if or how well the gear has been sanitized.

What should I look for when buying snorkel gear?

A set of snorkel gear will consist of a mask, fins and snorkel. The mask is the most important by far. A quality mask will give you good visibility and be made from tempered glass for safety. Look for a flexible silicon skirt so it seals well around your face. Fins should be sized accordingly and have an adjustable strap to easily get in and out of them. The snorkel should have a one way valve known as a dry snorkel. This seals out water when you dive underwater or a wave splashes over. Lastly, make sure the set has a mesh bag for storage and to allow any water to drain out.

Can I dive underwater with my snorkel gear?

Absolutely! When you see something under the water that looks interesting, take a breath of air and dive down. The dry top snorkel will keep the water out so you don’t get a mouthful of salt water. This is where having a good fitting mask is helpful, as it will seal out the water. When you surface, blow into the snorkel to clear out the water so you can breath again,

Is snorkel gear expensive?

It doesn’t have to be. All the gear on our list costs between $30 and $70. This will give you everything you need to get out on the water and enjoying the scenery! If you can afford it, the higher end sets will come with a better mask with tempered glass and a dry top snorkel.

What is jaw fatigue and when can this happen? 

When snorkeling, jaw fatigue may happen if your mask and mouthpiece isn’t properly sized to fit your face. Just like eating something that’s really hard to chew, this can make your jaw feel sore as it’s being overworked. If the mouthpiece is too big for you, you might be constantly adjusting the mouthpiece, widening your mouth and biting down so that it fits. If it’s too small, it might cause tension in your jaw which will be extremely uncomfortable while snorkeling. That’s why it’s important to look at the product’s measurements carefully so it will fit you perfectly. 

Recent Updates

May 19, 2022: Verified availability of all products. Included a popular pair of neoprene fin socks to our recommended accessories list, the FUN TOES Neoprene Fin Socks. Added more FAQs to address common customer queries.