When buying any kids snorkel set which contain kids snorkel fins, it is important to know the difference in open heel and closed heel fins. Closed heel fins are often used in scuba shops due to their relative sturdiness and ease of putting on and off due to lack of straps. However, they are not adjustable, which is why no closed heel options are on this list. Open heel fins have an adjustable strap which allows a swimmer to customize for their foot size, making them some of the best snorkeling fins. In this list, the Promate Spectrum, U.S. Divers Youth Flare, Head Pirate and Mares Sea Pals sets all have open heel fins to best suit sizing needs.
Popular Choice
Hanalei SEAVENGER
★★★★★
Top PickMost Popular
Dorado 2 Snorkeling Package US DIVERS
★★★★★
Best Value
Snorkeling Package Set WACOOL
★★★★★
ALL THE KIDS SNORKEL SET THAT WE TESTED
US DIVERS Dorado 2
General Impression
The US Divers Dorado II set comes with a Snorkel mask, fins, and a mesh gear bag to store the equipment. The mask features an anti-fog PC lens that’s designed to fit the faces of children from 6 years and up. The mouthpiece is designed for maximum comfort with an additional valve and a splash guard to prevent surface lever water from entering. The fins have a unique design that’s meant to increase efficiency with less physical effort. Additionally, the open heel design ensures that your children will be able to adjust them as their feet grow which makes this the best kids snorkel set on the market.
PROS
- Anti-fog shatter resistant PC lens
- Splashguard and an additional valve
- Open-heel Proflex fins
CONS
- Snorkel doesn’t have a closing valve
WACOOL Kids Snorkel Set
General Impression
The minimalist Wacool Snorkeling Package Set contains a mask, snorkel, and slim gear bag. The kids’ snorkel mask features an easy pinch and pull buckle design with a high-grade silicone skirt for comfort and fit, to smaller swimmers’ face shapes. The mask has tempered glass with high durability and anti-fog coating to provide a clear view during the entire snorkel. The one-piece glass design of the mask allows for a wider range of visibility. Plus, the snorkel has an anti-splash system to help prevent water from getting into the snorkel, although some users do report leaking. The snorkel package comes in either yellow or sky blue. This kids snorkel set is for kids roughly 6 to 12 years old.
PROS
- The mouthpiece is smaller to fit younger swimmers
- Users note the set is highly durable
- Users report that the mask does not leak or fog up
CONS
- Clip that attaches the snorkel to the goggles is not strong enough
SEAVENGER Hanalei Kids Snorkel Set
General Impression
The Seavenger Hanalei kids snorkel set is a great set for getting your youngest interested in the sport. This 4 piece snorkeling set comes with a mask, a snorkel, fins, and a storage bag. The dual-lens anti-fog mask is made from durable tempered dual-lens glass. The snorkel is flexible and has an additional valve for purging water as well as a top deflector for surface-level water. In addition, the mouthpiece is made from hypoallergenic silicone. The fins are open-heel ones with quick-release buckles.
PROS
- Dual lens anti-fog mask made from durable tempered glass
- Flexible snorkel with purging valve and top deflector
- Open heel trek fins
CONS
- Sizing is inconsistent
HEAD Pirate Kids Snorkel Set
General Impression
The Head Pirate kids snorkel set contains a mask, snorkel, fins, and gear bag. The mask has tempered glass for durability, soft silicone skirt for comfort and easy fit and split strap for a no-slip grip on the back of the head. The dry snorkel has a pivoting valve seal to keep water out as well as a lower purge valve to drain any water which comes in, providing a clean exhale. Also, the snorkel has a built-in safety whistle on the bottom. The fins have pull-tab and quick release straps for easy adjustments. The vented fin blades provide excellent propulsion per kick. The recommended age range for this kids snorkel set for kids is 4 to 9 years old.
PROS
- The vented fin blades provide great propulsion
- Snorkel has seals to both prevent water and also purge easily
- Built-in safety whistle on the bottom of the snorkel
CONS
- Sizing inconsistent
PRODIVE Premium Dry Top Snorkel Set
General Impression
Our top pick contains some of the best kids snorkel set. The Provide Premium Dry Top Snorkel Set contains a mask, snorkel and waterproof gear bag. The mask has a tempered glass lens which is impact resistant and great for kids who might be rough on gear. This Prodive mask is also rated for deep water pressure meaning freediving kids and juniors won’t need to worry about the pressure cracking the mask. The mask is advertised as anti-fog, a feat that most users wholeheartedly agree with. This mask allows swimmers to see perfectly without a hint of fog. The dry snorkel prevents any water from getting into the swimmer’s mouth. If you are looking to scuba dive with your children, this mask is well suited to diving as well. However, please be sure to read up on how old you should be to scuba dive before hitting the depths. Prodive also sells this set with a 100% money back guarantee so there’s nothing to lose trying it out. The kids snorkel set comes in aqua, black, blue, pink, rose and yellow.
PROS
- Truly is a fog-free mask allowing for perfect underwater vision
- The mask glass is impact resistant, perfect for kids rough with gear
- The mask is also rated for pressure, great for freedivers
- Users report no leaking in either the mask or snorkel
- Comes with a 100% money back guarantee
CONS
- Not suitable for young kids
PROMATE Spectrum Junior Snorkeling Combo Set
General Impression
Our best value pick is one of the best kids snorkel set due to the size and quality of the set. The Promate Spectrum Junior Snorkeling Combo Set includes a mask, snorkel, fins, mesh bag, and optional inflatable snorkel vest. The set comes in either S-M or L to XL. The soft rubber of the fin strap is great for bare feet use as well as with booties. The mask features a tempered glass lens, soft skirt, and easy-adjustment buckle in the classic pinch and pull style, which can be navigated with one hand. The snorkel is advertised as a 100% submersible dry snorkel, which means kids will get a dry breath without any water to purge. However, some users have reported leaking. The kids snorkel set comes in blue, pink, and yellow options.
PROS
- The inflatable snorkel vest adds peace of mind for younger swimmers
- The soft straps of the fins are great for going barefoot or with booties
- High quality materials mean the gear will hold up and last longer
- The five-piece kids snorkel set is a great value for money
CONS
- Mask does not seal properly
UPHITNIS Seaview Kids Snorkel Set
General Impression
The Uphitnis Seaview kids snorkel set comes with a mask, snorkel, earplugs and mesh gear pouch. The tempered glass of the mask can withstand scratching and water pressure, great for any freedivers. Users are pleased to report that this kids snorkel set also comes with earplugs so younger swimmers can avoid water getting into the ear, which may cause discomfort or swimmer’s ear. The average age range for use is 6 to 12 years old. This kids snorkel set comes with a guarantee to replace any defective gear, either through manufacturing or personal use.
PROS
- Excellent quality for price.
- Comes with earplugs to avoid water getting in the ear, preventing discomfort.
- Users report that the mask does not fog.
- The set has a replacement guarantee
CONS
- Breathing tube is not very strong
MARES Sea Pals Character Kids Mask Fin Snorkel Set
General Impression
The Mares Sea Pals Character kids snorkel set contains a mask, snorkel, fins, and Sea Pals character gear bag. The mask features tempered glass capable of withstanding the impact of kids who may handle gear a bit roughly. The snorkel has a splash guard but will need to be purged. The fin straps have an easy release for removal or adjustments. The gear bag comes in a variety of colors and sea animals: aqua whale shark set with aqua gear, lime turtle set with lime gear, purple octopus set with purple gear, black orca set with white gear, green frog set with yellow gear or a plain bag with blue or pink gear. There’s an eye-catching bag and gear combination for every ocean-loving kid — not to mention it makes them highly visible when walking to and from the beach or pool. The recommended age range is around 4 to 12 years old, with this kids snorkel set being able to be considered a toddler snorkel set.
PROS
- Glass in the mask can withstand impact, great for rougher kids
- The fun shape and color of gear bag really stands out
- Users note that the mask and snorkel fit smaller faces without any problem
- This four-piece kid snorkel gear set is great value for money
CONS
- Sizing Is inconsistent
BEST KIDS SNORKEL SET
Buyer's Guide
TYPES OF SNORKELS
Snorkel shapes and valves provide different functions. There are four main snorkel types which snorkelers commonly use:
J-STYLE
This basic snorkel is a plain J shape, without any fancy accessories. However, there is no protection against splashback, so there are no J-style snorkels on this list.
FLEXIBLE
This snorkel features a flexible tube with a one-way purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel, which allows for getting rid of water easily. However, this has no splashback protection, so there are no flexible snorkels on this list.
SEMI-DRY SNORKELS
A popular snorkel type, this combines flexibility with dry snorkel abilities. The top has a splash guard to help keep water out but does not close if a snorkeler goes underwater. The bottom has a one-way purge valve for ease of water expulsion.
DRY SNORKELS
A very popular snorkel, the dry type has a valve at the top of the snorkel to prevent water from getting in — even when completely underwater — as well as a one-way purge valve at the bottom to easily flush water out. This dual-valve design is aimed at reducing the number of times a snorkeler needs to clear their snorkel due to waves or submersion. All of the snorkel sets on this list have dry snorkels as they are often seen as the best kids snorkel type.
MASK LEAKAGE
Often, the reason a snorkel mask for kids is leaking is due to poor fit, not malfunction. To test if a mask fits the face correctly, hold it up to the face with the strap flipped over the front. Hold the mask to the nose and breathe in. Remove the hand holding the mask. If it fits correctly, then it should stick to the face as long as the person inhales. That is a good fit. The best scuba masks also fit like this. For children, especially, make sure that the kids diving mask is neither too loose or too tight, both of which could cause problems. If the mask continues to leak, check for stray hairs which may be between the skin and skirt. Some masks which have been designed specifically for smaller faces include the U.S. Divers Youth Flare and the Mares Sea Pals sets.
MASK FOGGING
A common annoyance for most snorkelers, children included, is that the mask fogs up. To prevent this, buy a mask which has anti-fog on the glass and excellent field-tested user recommendations such as the Uphitnis Kids Seaview, Wacool Snorkeling Package and Prodive Premium. Before getting in the water, snorkelers can also use baby shampoo on the inside of their mask’s glass or spit.
SNORKELING SAFETY
Within these kids snorkel set, there are two safety features which stand out:
INFLATABLE SNORKEL VESTS
The Promate Spectrum kids snorkel set can include an inflatable snorkel vest. It is highlighter yellow in color for visibility. The front inflation means that if a snorkeler is struggling to swim, they will float, face up. An inflatable snorkel vest can help very young or inexperienced swimmers gain that little bit of extra confidence in the water while providing peace of mind for a parent or loved one.
SAFETY WHISTLE FOR SNORKELING
The Head Pirate kids snorkel set includes a very clever freebie feature — a safety whistle. It is built into the bottom of the snorkel. This is great for alerting others in case of an emergency.
MASK STRAP TANGLE
The straps which accompany a mask are usually split, allowing for the mask to sit firmly on the back of the head without slipping. However, it also means hair can get tangled around the straps, which can be painful. To avoid this, consider buying a neoprene mask strap cover which protects hair from tangling up in the strap mid-dive.
GEAR COLOR OPTIONS
There are actually completely different recommendations for buying kids snorkel set, depending on how the kid is using it.
SURFACE SNORKELERS
For those who are staying right at the surface, bright colors which sharply contrast blue are ideal for visibility, such as red, orange, and yellow. Especially for very young snorkelers whose parents may be watching them, having a bright color which is easy to spot is key. Also, some people say small fish are attracted to yellow. This is great for kids who love seeing fish but perhaps a color to avoid for those who don’t like being approached by fish.
FREEDIVERS OR SCUBA DIVERS
Due to how the wavelengths of light disperse underwater, the colors which are most visible are blue (visible beyond 250 ft), green (visible at 150 ft) and yellow (visible at 115 ft). Meanwhile, orange (visible to 66 ft) and red (visible to 33 ft) die out in shallower waters. This means that if the young snorkeler is also planning to use their junior snorkel set for freediving or scuba diving, then yellow, green or blue gear will still be the most visible while diving. The color can be on the kid’s scuba mask, snorkel, or fins. This can be very helpful for dive buddies. Also, some divers say that yellow attracts small fish, which is always nice to see on a dive.
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!