BEST SNORKELING GEAR 2023

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, yet high-quality snorkeling set then you might want to pick up the W WSTOO. The mask has anti-fog tempered glass lenses that provide you with a 180-degree panoramic view and has a detachable action camera mount. The snorkel is a dry-top one with food-grade silicone mouthpiece, a flexible silicone tube and a buckle for a secure fit to the mask. It also comes with silicone ear plugs and a mesh bag for safe storage and transport.

TYPE: Dry Snorkel
BRAND: W WSTOO
WEIGHT: 19.4 ounces
MATERIALS: Silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling and freediving

Everything you need from snorkeling gear is packed in this Aisrida set. It comes with an anti-fog, anti-leak mask with a 180-degree panoramic view and soft silicone skirt. The snorkel tube is made from PVC material with a dry floating valve and a drain valve at the end. Fins are adjustable with an open heel design, mesh on the top for easy drainage and a strong polymer blade for less water resistance. Additionally, the gear comes with silicone earplugs, a storage bag, and a complimentary waterproof phone case.

TYPE: Dry Snorkel
BRAND: Aisrida
WEIGHT: 55 ounces
MATERIALS: Silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling and freediving

The U.S. Divers Admiral Premium snorkeling set comes with a mask, dry top snorkel, fins, and a bag for transport. The mask is a two-window one with a built-in purge and a hypoallergenic skirt that makes it fit around any face shape. The snorkel employs U.S. Divers Pivot Dry Technology that makes it 100% submersible in water. The dual-composite fins are short, travel-sized with an open heel design.

TYPE: Dry Snorkel
BRAND: U.S. Divers
WEIGHT: 127 ounces
MATERIALS: Silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling

The Ninetails Snorkel set is a great 4 in 1 set ideal for travels. It comes with a 180-degree panoramic view mask with anti-fog tempered glass, adjustable buckles, and a soft silicone skirt. The dry top snorkel has a floating ball that prevents water from coming in when diving. The fins are lightweight, with an open-heel design and a non-slip sole and can fit most foot types. Additionally, you get a pair of diving socks for the fins for maximum comfort.

TYPE: Dry Snorkel
BRAND: Ninetails
WEIGHT: 44 ounces
MATERIALS: Tempered glass and silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling and freediving

The four-window design of this Zeeporte mask offers panoramic views underwater, making it one of our top-rated snorkel sets. It features a tempered glass lens and a hypoallergenic silicone skirt, as well as a snorkel mouthpiece constructed from food-grade silicone. The dry-top valve closes off the breathing tube when you dive beneath the water’s surface. It also boasts a purge valve so you can quickly expel water if needed. The long, lightweight fins boast responsive blades that help to reduce fatigue when kicking. They’re well designed with open-heels and adjustable straps so you can get the correct fit. All up, this Zeeporte kit is among the best snorkeling gear on the market and rates well in snorkel set reviews.

TYPE: Dry snorkel
BRAND: Zeeporte
WEIGHT: 71 ounces
MATERIALS: Neoprene
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling, Freediving

The Rapido Boutique Collection from Phantom Aquatics is ideal for any snorkeling vacation. It comes with a 3-lens tempered glass mask, with side windows for a bigger field of view. The snorkel has a low-profile dry top, a purge chamber, and a replaceable mouthpiece. The fins have an open-heel design, with an extended sole plate and contoured foot pocket for increased thrust and comfort. It also comes with a mesh bag for easy transport.

TYPE: Dry Snorkel
BRAND: Phantom Aquatics
WEIGHT: 53 ounces
MATERIALS: Tempered glass and silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling and freediving

This full-face snorkel receives great snorkel gear reviews and comes in a set complete with short, open-heeled fins. It’s a good option for kids who aren’t comfortable breathing through a traditional tube as it allows you to breathe naturally and without worrying about fogging up. The mask is designed with a polypropylene frame and a shatter-proof polycarbonate window. If water does enter the mask, you simply need to blow forcefully to remove it. The adjustable fins are easy to don and remove, with easy-click buckles and a soft foot pocket. Because of its ease of use, this is among the best snorkeling gear for beginners.

TYPE: Full-face snorkel
BRAND: Cozia Design
WEIGHT: 46 ounces
MATERIALS: Polycarbonate mask and silicone fins
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling

This snorkel gear kit comes with everything you need – open-heeled fins, a dry snorkel and a single lens mask. It’s packaged up in a nylon mesh bag with a cord drawstring so you can easily carry it to and from your underwater adventures. The fins feature a soft rubber foot pocket for a comfortable fit and can easily be adjusted using the release buttons. The one-window, tempered glass mask features a silicone injected skirt and strap, as well as wide peripheral views. The dry-top snorkel allows air to easily enter the snorkel so you can breathe normally while cover guards prevent water splashing in. If you plan on freediving below the surface, the patented hinged seal reacts to prevent water flowing in.

TYPE: Dry snorkel
BRAND: Promate
WEIGHT: 16 ounces
MATERIALS: Silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling, Freediving

This cheap snorkeling gear does the job, with a dry top snorkel that prevents water from getting in. The purge valve on the base allows you to quickly expel water if needed by simply exhaling. The tempered glass mask is anti-fog treated for your convenience and boasts a one-pane lens for wider vision. The high-grade silicone skirt seals to prevent water from seeping in while the short, lightweight fins are ideal for throwing in your travel backpack.

TYPE: Dry snorkel
BRAND: WACOOL
WEIGHT: 18 ounces
MATERIALS: Silicone
SUITABLE FOR: Snorkeling, Freediving

Buying vs renting snorkeling gear

When you consider how easy it is to rent snorkeling gear sets around the world, you might be wondering why you should buy your own. But the truth is, rental snorkeling gear varies drastically in quality and may not always fit your face. This means you could spend your entire snorkeling adventure trying to de-fog your mask, clear water from your snorkel and compete with unruly fins.

When you purchase the best snorkeling gear for your needs, you can enjoy all the features you want. You can also become accustomed to using the gear before you head off on vacation. Most snorkeling gear takes a bit of time to get used to, which you don’t want to do during the short session you have out on a beautiful coral reef! It’s best to give yourself a chance to practice using the equipment in shallow water before you jump off a boat into the middle of the ocean.

Also, not all rental companies are stringent on proper sanitation procedures and you never know who’s used the snorkeling set previously. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, having your mask as part of a top-rated snorkel gear set is also a great investment, as you can have the glasses fitted to your prescription.

So as you can see, there are plenty of reasons to purchase a set of the best snorkeling equipment available. But with so many options on the market, how do you decide which of the best snorkel sets is right for you? In this guide, we’ll explain the features of each piece of gear in a classic snorkel set – a mask, snorkel and fins – and what to look for when purchasing your own.

Mask

Finding a snorkel mask that fits securely and doesn’t fog up is essential, as water leaking in and reduced visibility can severely hamper your snorkeling experience. You can find masks with single lens and two-windowed designs, with the former usually offering the greatest range of view. Some also offer multiple windows on the side of the mask to enhance your peripheral vision.

Most masks are made from tempered glass that’s durable but also look for scratch-resistance to ensure a long life. Masks with an anti-fog treatment are also a great idea so you don’t have to constantly clear your mask. If you want to have prescription lenses put in, look for a two-pane mask as part of a top snorkel gear set.

The silicone lining of the mask that fits around your face is called the “skirt”. When you breathe in with the mask positioned at your face, it should create an airtight suction, without you having to hold on. A mask that leaks due to bad design or because it fits your face poorly is frustrating. You’ll spend your entire snorkeling session trying to adjust it and remove water.

Plastic skirts are more prone to tearing and leaking compared to silicone skirts, so look for the latter when purchasing a mask from one of the best snorkel gear brands. Men with mustaches should remember that achieving a watertight seal where there is hair can be difficult and you may need to apply vaseline.

Aside from traditional masks, you can also find full-face masks, which are among the best snorkel gear for beginners. They combine the snorkel and mask in one, making it easier to breathe. Full-face masks feature an innovative float system that prevents water from being able to enter the snorkel in choppy waters or if you submerge slightly. However, you cannot dive down if you see something deeper and want to take a closer look. One of the main benefits of a full-face mask over a traditional mask is that there is little to no fogging as the breathing and viewing chambers are separated.

Snorkel

A snorkel is a tube that allows you to breathe at the surface of the water, without having to constantly come up for air. While classic snorkels are quite basic, many modern snorkels employ various features to help prevent water from getting in the top or to eliminate it if it does. When purchasing a snorkel from one of the best snorkeling gear brands, there are a few different options to select from:

A classic snorkel features a complete opening out the top, allowing you to breathe easily but also letting water splash in. If you’re an experienced snorkeler and comfortable with constantly blowing water from the tube, then this is an affordable option. Some classic snorkels are equipped with purge valves to help you eliminate water with little effort.

A dry snorkel features a float valve that closes completely when you submerge beneath the water’s surface. This prevents water from flowing in if you want to dive down to see something. But some snorkelers find that the design of a dry snorkel restricts their breathing.

A semi-dry snorkel is a combination of the two, with a partially closed and slanted top that features slits and vents to prevent water from entering the tube. While you will still have some water entering (and need to purge it), this type of snorkel doesn’t restrict your breathing as much as a dry snorkel.

In addition to the opening and purge capabilities of a snorkel, the barrel (tube) is also of importance. Snorkel barrels come in various shapes and designs, including the classic “J” shape and flexible options that can be contoured to your individual preference. Most snorkels are between 15 and 17 inches in length, with a longer tube a good option for snorkeling in choppy conditions.

Fins

Fins are used to propel you through the water and will help to decrease fatigue during long snorkeling sessions. With a good set of fins, you can explore further, dive deeper and stay in the water for longer. Finding fins that fit comfortably and securely is essential, so you aren’t subjected to chafing around the heels or worried about them falling off.

When purchasing snorkeling fins, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer open-heeled fins or full-foot fins. Open-heeled fins have an adjustable strap around the heel which can be altered to achieve a secure fit. But they do leave the heel unprotected and some snorkelers prefer to wear socks or booties beneath open-heeled fins for added protection.

Full-foot fins enclose the heel but cannot be adjusted, so you must find the exact fit for your foot. Some snorkelers find that full-foot fins feel more secure and the thrust of their kicking is transferred to the entire fin. When purchasing your fins, you want them to fit snuggly as your feet will shrink slightly in the water. But you don’t want them to be rubbing against any part of your foot or feel uncomfortable. If you’re in between sizes, opt for the smaller size, as it’s better to have your fins a little bit tight than constantly falling off.

Snorkeling fins also come in various lengths, which affect how far you will be propelled with each thrust. A longer fin will help you to move faster through the water or swim against currents. But on the flip side, they will be more cumbersome to transport. Freedivers tend to prefer longer fins to help them dive to depth swiftly. Shorter fins are ideal for gentle snorkeling on calm, coral reefs while on vacation as they can easily be transported in your luggage.

How does snorkeling work?

Snorkeling is a recreational activity that involves swimming at the water’s surface while viewing what’s beneath you. Equipped with a mask and a snorkel through which you breathe, you can observe marine life and underwater attractions for extended periods, without having to surface. Fins help to propel you through the water so you don’t get fatigued and can be useful if you want to dive down to see something on the ocean floor.

Unlike scuba diving that requires training and lots of equipment, snorkeling is an easy activity that all ages can try. It’s incredibly popular at tropical resorts where there are coral reefs and on organized boat cruises. Some experienced snorkelers progress to freediving, which involves diving to significant depths with a similar gear setup. Alternatively, snorkeling can be a stepping stone on the path to becoming a certified scuba diver.

What to wear snorkeling?

Aside from your mask, snorkel, and fins, what you wear snorkeling will depend on the water conditions you will encounter. In tropical locations, many people snorkel in just their swimsuit or board shorts while others prefer the added protection of a rash vest or T-shirt.

If you plan on snorkeling in cool or temperate waters, then wearing a wetsuit is a good idea. It will keep you warm so you can stay in the water for longer periods and there are various thicknesses available. Some snorkelers like to wear a “shorty” wetsuit (short arms and legs) even in tropical waters as you may start to feel the cold after an extended period.
In some snorkeling locations, exposure to stinging jellyfish or other marine creatures means you should wear a protective wetsuit or rash guard, no matter what the water temperature is.

How to breathe while snorkeling?

When snorkeling, you should be able to breathe normally, just as you would on land. However, a dry-top snorkel can make breathing feel more restrictive because of its float valve. If water does enter the snorkel, your breathing will be disrupted as you purge the water out of the tube. It will also be disrupted if you want to dive down to see something below, as you won’t be able to continue breathing once your snorkel is submerged.

Understanding how you breathe while snorkeling is something that comes with experience and will depend on the type of snorkel you are using. A dry-top snorkel will feel different from a classic snorkel and different again from a full-face snorkel mask.

How to clean snorkeling gear?

Keeping your snorkeling equipment clean is essential for your health and also to ensure your gear has a long life. It’s important to rinse your snorkeling equipment after each outing and/or use a soft sponge to clean it. Getting into the habit of cleaning your snorkeling gear as soon as you’ve finished will help to remove any ocean debris, bacteria or filmy residue that can damage it.

Snorkels can be washed with fresh water or using dishwashing detergent if you want to remove any trapped debris. Fins can be cleaned by simply rinsing in freshwater or you can leave them to soak in a bucket of warm, soapy water.

When it comes to cleaning your mask, you should always follow the care instructions provided as you don’t want to use a product that scratches the mask. Never use an abrasive sponge or brush to clean your mask. If you don’t have the recommended silicone-based cleaning solution, stick to warm water and dishwashing detergent. It’s a good idea to dry your mask with a soft cloth and keep it stored in a case if you have one.

How to defog a snorkeling mask?

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to constantly surface from snorkeling to defog your mask. But there are a few anti-fogging solutions that are available on the market which can be applied before you go snorkeling. Alternatively, simply rub some no-tears baby soap into your mask, then rinse with clean water before you go snorkeling.

What equipment do you need for snorkeling?

One of the best things about snorkeling is how little equipment it requires. All you need is a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins. Other optional gear includes an underwater camera and flotation devices if you’re not a comfortable swimmer. If you’re planning on snorkeling in cool water, then you’ll probably also want a wetsuit to protect against the cold. Even if you’re snorkeling in tropical waters, you may want a rash guard or thin snorkeling vest to protect against the sun.

Remember, it’s easy to get burnt quite severely while snorkeling as the water feels refreshing against your skin. So always protect your back, arms, and legs with a high-spectrum sunscreen that’s water-resistant and re-apply every couple of hours or as indicated on the bottle.

How to buy snorkeling gear?

Before you rush out and buy new snorkeling gear, it’s important to research the various options that are available to you. While you can buy a separate mask, snorkel, and pair of fins, it’s more convenient to buy one of the best snorkeling sets available with the features you’re after. Open-heeled vs full-foot fins, dry top vs semi-dry snorkels and single vs double-paned masks – there are so many choices to make! Our guide helps to explain the benefits of each type so you can determine which of our best-rated snorkel gear sets is right for you.

Snorkeling equipment has come a long way in recent decades, with lots of new patented technology used by different brands. So it’s a good idea to read snorkeling equipment reviews from other users to figure out whether it’s as good as the brand claims it to be. Some snorkeling equipment is not designed to fit children while others are one-size-fits-all, so carefully check the product description before purchase.

Where to buy snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is available for purchase at various outdoor stores, specialist snorkeling, and scuba diving shops, as well as online. Most stores will only stock a select number of brands. So if you want the widest choice of the best snorkeling kits, then look online.

Purchasing snorkeling gear online also means you can read snorkeling set reviews from others who have bought the gear. They will offer tips and advice regarding its design and performance, as well as insights about who it might be good for. Online marketplaces such as Amazon tend to offer the most competitive prices for the snorkel equipment and they will deliver it directly to your front door.

Where to buy cheap snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling gear is available at a wide range of prices, from simple snorkeling sets sold at beachside stores to top-of-the-range gear constructed using high-quality materials. But it’s important to keep in mind that cheap snorkeling gear often results in a sub-par performance. Leaky masks, cracked snorkeling tubes and flimsy fins are just some of the issues that might arise, as well as constant fogging up. This can make snorkeling a frustrating experience as you’ll spend the entire time adjusting your gear, rather than discovering the underwater world.

That being said, there are still affordable snorkeling sets available online that are made from high-quality materials. They’re designed to fit snuggly and some even have anti-fog treatments. You can browse snorkeling gear reviews to read what other users have to say about what is the best snorkel and mask set currently available. So rather than looking for the cheapest snorkeling gear on the market, look for the best beginner snorkel set for your budget.

What kind of fins are best for snorkeling?

When purchasing fins for snorkeling, you have two options available – open-heeled or full-foot fins. Open-heeled fins come with an adjustable strap around the heel that you can tighten or release to find the perfect fit. On the other hand, full-foot fins enclose the heel completely but they cannot be adjusted. Some snorkelers prefer full-foot fins as they feel the thrust of their kicking is transferred to the entire fin. Others prefer open-heeled fins so they can wear wetsuit socks or booties in cool water conditions.

Another feature to look for in a snorkeling fin is its length, which will determine the propulsion. A longer fin will propel you further with each thrust but will be more cumbersome to transport. If you’re planning on traveling with your snorkeling gear by plane, then a shorter fin might be more convenient. Snorkelers who plan on doing some freediving will probably want a longer fin so they can easily dive down.

Remember that your feet will shrink slightly in the water, so you want to purchase fins that are a snug fit on land. That being said, you don’t want them to be digging into any part of your foot or they may end up chaffing. If the best snorkel gear set doesn’t have the fins you prefer, you can just purchase the mask and snorkel and find the fins elsewhere.

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!