When choosing a snorkel, you will want to consider which type is best for you and the activity you plan to use it for. Features include various types of snorkels, how they work, and how to choose the right snorkel for you. Snorkels are typically used for freediving, snorkeling, and scuba diving activities. There are three different types of snorkel designs; the classic wet snorkel, the semi dry snorkel, and the dry snorkel.

Popular Choice

Spectra Dry Snorkel SCUBAPRO

★★★★★Scubapro Spectra Dry Snorkel for diving

Top PickMost Popular

Ultra Dry 2 OCEANIC

★★★★★OCEANIC Ultra durable dry snorkel for scuba diving

Best Value

Supernova Adult Diving CRESSI

★★★★★

CRESSI Supernova Adult Diving Dry Snorkel for freedivers and scuba divers

ALL THE DRY SNORKEL THAT WE TESTED

OCEANIC Ultra Dry 2

OUR TOP PICK

OCEANIC Ultra durable dry snorkel for scuba diving

General Impression

If you’re planning an underwater trip yet missing a good and durable dry snorkel piece, then the Oceanic Ultra Dry 2 Snorkel might be just the thing. It has an ergonomic design and a special sliding clip that allows you to position it in any way you need. The quick-release system also allows you to easily attach and detach it from your mask. The mouthpiece is made from a replaceable high-quality liquid silicone, so you won’t have to worry if anything happens to it.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 8 ounces

PROS

  • Ergonomic design and sliding clip for easy positioning
  • Quick-release system
  • Replaceable 100% liquid silicone mouthpiece

CONS

  • Slightly restricted breathing

CRESSI Supernova Adult Diving Dry Snorkel

BEST VALUE

CRESSI Supernova Adult Diving Dry Snorkel for freedivers and scuba divers

General Impression

The Cressi Supernova Adult Diving Dry Snorkel is our top pick. This dry snorkel features a flexible corrugated tube and a hypoallergenic silicone replaceable angled mouthpiece. This design prevents jaw fatigue and comes with a quick-release snorkel keeper. A popular choice among snorkelers, freedivers and scuba divers, this snorkel offers over 20 color options.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces

PROS

  • Quick release snorkel keeper
  • Flexible silicone corrugated tube design
  • Soft hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece
  • Replaceable angled mouthpiece

CONS

  • Reported rubber elliptic valve issues

SCUBAPRO Spectra Dry Snorkel

General Impression

The Scubapro Spectra is a great dry snorkel for anyone, regardless of their age or experience. It features a dry top design to ensure it’s splash-proof and no unwanted water enters your mouth. It has a regulator-style mouthpiece and it’s made from high-quality silicone. The mouthpiece part is also corrugated so it offers maximum flexibility and a better fit.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 11.2 ounces

PROS

  • Large Bore upper tube and dry top design
  • Regulator style silicone mouthpiece
  • One-way purge valve
  • Quick-connect clip

CONS

  • Reported air safety flap issues

MARES Ergo Dry Snorkel

General Impression

The Mares Ergo dry snorkel features a sliding swivel snorkel keeper and an ergonomic design making it suitable for all face sizes. This dry snorkel is made of flexible silicone with a corrugated hose and a comfortable curved mouthpiece. The patented dry top design ensures a completely dry breathing environment while snorkeling or freediving.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 4.8 ounces

PROS

  • Sliding swivel snorkel keeper
  • Comfortable curved mouthpiece
  • Corrugated hose
  • Ergonomic shape

CONS

  • Not durable

OCEANIC Ultra-Dry 2 Snorkel

General Impression

The Oceanic Ultra-Dry 2 Snorkel features high quality patented dry snorkel technology making it a reliable option for snorkeling and freediving adventures. The ergonomic design and replaceable silicone mouthpiece provide comfort to the wearer and the oversized purge valve ensures the snorkel tube remains completely dry in the water. There are also eight available color options, ensuring there is a design befitting every individual’s style preference.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces

PROS

  • Replaceable liquid silicone mouthpiece
  • Patented dry snorkel technology
  • Oversized purge valve
  • Quick release swivel snorkel keeper

CONS

  • Slightly restricted breathing

KRAKEN AQUATICS Dry Snorkel

General Impression

The Kraken Aquatics dry snorkel features a floating ball system at the top which closes the opening and effectively keeps water out. The one-way purge valve lets you expel any remaining water in the snorkel with a quick blow. The mouthpiece is made from silicone and it’s comfortable even for prolonged use. On the side, it has a quick-release clip that lets you conveniently connect and disconnect the snorkel from your mask.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces

PROS

  • Floating Ball system for keeping water out
  • One-way purge valve at the bottom
  • Comfortable silicone mouthpiece
  • Quick-release clip on the side

CONS

  • None

PHANTOM AQUATICS Dry Snorkel

General Impression

The Phantom Aquatics dry snorkel is our pick for the best value. Offering over 15 color options, a quick release buckle, and an angled replaceable mouthpiece, this dry snorkel is a perfect choice for the price. The snorkel also has a flexible tube design and an extra-large self-draining chamber ensuring the snorkel remains completely dry while snorkeling and freediving. It is also lightweight and easy to store; a top choice for scuba divers.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces

PROS

  • Quick release buckle
  • Extra-large self-draining chamber
  • Flexible tube
  • Angled replaceable mouthpiece

CONS

  • None

TUSA Hyperdry Elite II Scuba Diving Snorkel

General Impression

The TUSA Hyperdry Elite II dry snorkel is designed with a low-profile dry top and an angled purge chamber preventing water from entering the snorkel while snorkeling or freediving. With 18 color options and a flexible contoured tube, this dry snorkel is a perfect fit for anyone interested in a high quality, high comfort design. TUSA also offers a 3-year warranty for this product.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 5.2 ounces

PROS

  • 3-year warranty
  • Angled purge chamber
  • Low profile dry top
  • Flexible contoured tube

CONS

  • Some weak spots for water

AQUA LUNG Dry Snorkel with Safety Whistle

General Impression

The Aqua Lung dry snorkel is a good choice for snorkeling and freediving. Its patented hinged seal design prevents water from entering the breathing tube. The silicone material prevents jaw fatigue and the dry snorkel also includes an adjustable mask clip. The snorkel has a large, easy purge valve and a built-in safety whistle housing making it a family-friendly and safety-conscious option. This snorkel also has 4 color choices.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces

PROS

  • Built-in safety whistle housing
  • Patented hinged seal
  • Adjustable mask clip
  • Large easy purge valve

CONS

  • Oxygen valve will occasionally get stuck closed

CRESSI Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel

General Impression

The Cressi Alpha Ultra dry snorkel is a high-quality Italian design with 100% silicone making it a longer-lasting option when compared to other snorkel materials. This dry snorkel is made for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving. The compact dry top valve prevents water from entering the snorkel and the flexible foldable tube allows for easy storage in a BCD or bag for travel. This snorkel also features an angled silicone mouthpiece preventing jaw fatigue.

Specifications

MATERIAL: Silicone
WEIGHT: 9.8 ounces

PROS

  • Angled silicone mouthpiece
  • Compact dry top valve
  • Foldable tube for storage

CONS

  • Reported cases of faulty valves

BEST DRY SNORKEL
Buyer's Guide

TYPE

A wet snorkel is the classic snorkel design that has an open top and does not have a valve to prevent water from entering the tube. A wet snorkel also does not have a purge valve at the base, so you must learn how to use a snorkel clearing method. Classic snorkels are usually the cheapest and easiest to find, but also can be hard to use if they fill with water.

Semi dry snorkels also do not have a stop valve to prevent water from entering the tube, but they are made with a splash guard at the top of the snorkel tube which helps keep some water out at the surface when encountering waves. The splash guard on a semi-dry snorkel will not stay completely dry if you dive under the surface of the water as a dry snorkel would. Semi dry snorkels are considered amongst the best scuba snorkels because they have a splash guard for surface waves and are easily submersible when used with dive gear.

Dry snorkels are designed with a float system that prevents water from entering the snorkel completely either on the surface or while diving underwater. Dry snorkels also have a purge valve at the base which allows water to escape and protects the airway of a snorkeler or freediver. Dry snorkels are bulkier and tend to be more expensive due to the float valve design but provide the wearer complete protection from water entry while snorkeling and freediving.

PURGE VALVE

The purge valve is the key feature of even the best dry snorkel set. The purge valve is located at the bottom of the snorkel tube and allows the wearer to gently blow any water that may leak into the snorkel. Some snorkels are equipped with a self-draining purge valve. Without the purge valve, more intensive efforts are required to clear water from a snorkel. We are all familiar with the traditional – and often infuriating – blast method, synonymous with the usage of a classic wet snorkel. As such it is important to rinse your dry snorkel after use. While this is true for any type of snorkel, it is especially the case for dry snorkels. Doing so will retain the integrity of the purge valve ensuring it does not leak or malfunction due to sand or salt build-up. The basic maintenance of snorkel gear after its use in seawater is not a mammoth task yet it is essential in ensuring the durability of your snorkeling gear.

FLEXIBLE TUBE

A snorkel with a flexible tube bends at the mouth so that snorkel can be positioned to fit a variety of face shapes and sizes. A snorkel with a flexible tube is a good option for freedivers and scuba divers because the flexibility allows the snorkel to hang loosely in place versus a rigid tube that may interfere with swimming and comfort underwater.

The flexible tube is also helpful for snorkeling when positioning the snorkel in the snorkeler’s mouth at the surface to prevent water from splashing into the tube. It also prevents jaw fatigue in comparison to the rigid snorkel design.

MOUTHPIECE

When choosing the best diving snorkel, whether it be for snorkeling, scuba diving or freediving, you will want to be sure to take into account the comfort and fit of the mouthpiece. A snorkel mouthpiece should fit into your mouth without having to bite down too hard on the teeth grips. If a snorkel mouthpiece does not fit properly and comfortably in your mouth, there is a chance you will experience jaw fatigue after your snorkeling or diving trip or water will leak in through your mouthpiece.

After using a diving snorkel for a certain amount of time, the mouthpiece tends to become worn, choosing a snorkel with a replaceable mouthpiece will extend the life of your snorkel. With replaceable snorkel mouthpieces, family members are also able to share the same snorkel by changing the mouthpiece for each user.

TUBE DESIGN & SIZE

The newest and most popular dry snorkels are made with ergonomic tubes for ease of use in the water. The dry top valve styles vary amongst different brands and there has been a good deal of research conducted over the years which has resulted in many patented dry top snorkel designs. The most recent dry snorkels to hit the market also have a larger diameter and streamlined shape allowing more airflow while snorkeling on the surface.

The top dry snorkels are also equipped with quick release, adjustable snorkel keepers. If you plan to use more than one type of mask for your snorkeling, diving or freediving activities, choosing a snorkel keeper that is compatible with a variety of masks is key. Snorkel manufacturers also provide many color options for buyers to pick the color of their choice. Many scuba divers love buying a snorkel and mask set that matches their favorite Wetsuit, Scuba Fins, or BCD.

BEST DRY SNORKEL
FAQs

1. How do snorkels work?

Snorkels are used to assist with breathing the air above the surface of the water when a person’s mouth and nose are submerged. Snorkels allow the wearer to breathe while facedown in the water without having to hold their breath. There are many styles and types of snorkels that can be used for snorkeling, freediving, scuba diving and spearfishing. Most snorkels come with a small device called a snorkel-keeper that is used to attach to a mask that covers the wearer’s eyes and nose.

2. How do dry snorkels work?

Dry snorkels are made with a float system that keeps water from coming into the tube while snorkeling or freediving. When the wearer is above water the float still allows air to flow through and when the wearer dives under the water the float rises preventing water from filling the tube which allows the wearer to breathe freely when they return to the surface. Most dry snorkels also have a purge valve below the mouthpiece that the wearer can use to blow out any small amounts of water that may drip or splash into the snorkel tube.

3. What is a dry snorkel?

A dry snorkel is a snorkel with a valve that completely prevents water from entering the tube while snorkeling or freediving. If the wearer dives underwater or a wave comes over the top of the snorkel, the valve will lift blocking the water from entering. Dry snorkels are usually more expensive and bulkier than the traditional snorkel.

4. Can you breathe underwater with a dry snorkel?

A dry snorkel does prevent water from entering the tube, but it does not allow the wearer to breathe underwater. For this, you would need to wear scuba gear. When diving underwater with a dry snorkel the float valve will lift upwards closing off the air pathway. When returning to the surface the float valve closes again allowing the wearer to breathe normally at the surface of the water without having to use the traditional snorkel purge method.

5. What is the best dry snorkel?

The best dry snorkel for you can be chosen by considering a few factors like the size of the tube, the type of mouthpiece, color and a rigid or flexible model. In this article, we have provided detailed information to help you choose the best dry snorkel for you. Although dry snorkels may be a bit bulkier and more expensive than the traditional snorkel, the float valve system will keep water from entering your snorkel while snorkeling or freediving and prevent water from entering your lungs.

6. Dry snorkel vs wet snorkel – What is the difference between a wet and dry snorkel?

A wet snorkel is the classic snorkel design that has an open top and does not have a valve to prevent water from entering the tube. A wet snorkel also does not have a purge valve at the base so clearing a wet snorkel must be done using one of two methods. The first method is to look up when returning to the surface while gently exhaling through the snorkel to clear the water from the tube. The second method is to forcefully exhale through the tube after reaching the surface to clear the water from the wet snorkel. Unlike the wet snorkel, a dry snorkel is designed with a float system that prevents water from entering the snorkel completely either on the surface or while diving underwater. Dry snorkels also have a purge valve at the base. Wet snorkels are usually the simplest, cheapest, and easiest to find in available in store. Dry snorkels are bulkier and tend to be more expensive due to the float valve design.

7. Dry vs semi dry snorkel – What is the difference between a dry and semi dry snorkel?

Dry snorkels have a float valve system that prevents water from entering the snorkel tube while snorkeling or freediving. Semi dry snorkels do not have this valve, but they are made with a splash guard at the top of the snorkel tube which helps keep some water out at the surface when encountering waves. The splash guard on a semi dry snorkel will not stay completely dry if you dive under the surface of the water as a dry snorkel would.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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