Ultimate Buying Guide Best Snorkel Gear for 2022

Here, we have an ultimate buying guide to help you choose the best snorkel gear for a safe and cheerful snorkeling experience in 2022!

Snorkeling is a mesmerizing water activity! You swim beneath the waves to explore the underwater magical world.

You can’t fully enjoy the drifting tides or have a carefree underwater experience without the right snorkel gear: mask, snorkel tube, and swimming fins/flippers.

First and foremost, make it clear whether is it good to have your snorkel gear! Because you can also rent them from a yacht charter or a snorkeling boat tour.

Comparison Between Rental Snorkel Gear vs Your Own

Pros of Rental Snorkel Gear

• Prefer rental snorkel gear if you are not a frequent swimmer.
• Don’t want to spend more.
• Don’t want to carry it while traveling.

Cons of Rental Snorkel Gear

• You may don’t get your perfect mask fit.
• Rental companies usually don’t provide quality snorkel gear, thus, you may end up with:
  • Scratched or fogged masks
  • Water leak masks
  • Snorkel tubes that allow water to come in
• Don’t get proper mask seals.
• You don’t know the sanitation mechanism of the snorkel gear, especially during the time of Covid.

Reasons to Buy your Snorkel Gear

• Before purchasing, people generally did good research and find quality snorkel gear.
• Secondly, they know what they are getting in their snorkel gear instead of being surprised in the water with the rentals.
• Next, they have the opportunity to practice them before actually drifting along the waves.
• Finally, you can adjust them in advance to ensure comfortability, perfect fit, and safety.

Purchasing the Best Snorkel Gear

After deciding to buy your snorkel, it’s time to know what are the basic snorkel gear, extra snorkel gear, and factors to consider before purchasing your gear! In short, it is an ultimate buying guide that helps you to get the best snorkel gear for a magical snorkeling experience to cherish in 2022.

Basic Snorkel Gear

There are three basic snorkel gear components to start a snorkeling adventure: mask, snorkel, and fins/flippers.

Mask

Without a mask, the whole essence of snorkeling (to see the underwater marine life) can’t be possible. A snorkel mask is a pair of eye goggles that allows you to enjoy the underwater breathtaking marine life. Next, it also features an integrated nose pocket that covers your nose and helps you to breathe comfortably from the mouthpiece snorkel tube. Finally, there is a skirt that hangs below the lens and offers suction to one’s face to avoid water leaks. Make sure to buy masks with the following features:

• Wide lenses that offer a clear view of the underwater magical world.
• Prefer high-strength tempered glass lenses, as they are more durable, and withstand shocks and underwater pressure. Further, they don’t get scratches easily as plastic lenses.
• Also, make sure to have a fog-treated lens. This will avoid fog on the lens that occurs as a result of deep diving or changes in temperatures.
• Choose a silicon skirt rather than a plastic skirt. As silicon skirts give better airtight suction, prevent leaks, and don’t get ripped easily as plastic skirts.
• Go for wide, adjustable, and ratcheting-designed straps. As they spread across the backhead comfortably and offer an easy adjustment. Moreover, the adjustable buckle straps come in various materials such as:
  • Silicone straps are more sturdy, long-lasting, and don’t often crack over time as compared to rubber straps.
  • Nylon straps are stretchy, flexible, and feel more comfortable on the head.
  • Neoprene straps are an ideal choice for long-hair snorkelers, as they come in slick material that doesn’t tear your hair while wearing off the mask.
• Finally, prefer a snug-fit mask but make sure that it is not too tight to feel a little uncomfortable.

Check Cressi F1 Scuba Diving Snorkeling Frameless Mask for an amazing snorkeling experience.

Snorkel

The snorkel is used to breathe surface air while being underwater. It has two main components: a long breathing tube and an attached mouthpiece. There are three main types of the snorkel to choose from according to your needs and preferences:

• Classic snorkel: Great option for freedivers. The classic snorkel comes in a standard J-shape design, is lightweight, and has an open-top. However, the only drawback with this classic design is that its open top allows water to come inside if you are suddenly cuddled with a giant wave. Thus, less experienced snorkelers don’t usually know how to clear their snorkel properly and end up with a gulp of salty water.
• Dry-Top snorkel: Perfect choice for beginners. The dry-top as its name implies features a specially designed top valve that completely seals the snorkel tube if you are submerged in water. Thus, a waterfree tube allows the novice to comfortably breathe without the need to clear the tube. But, the downside of a dry-top snorkel is that it not only stops the water but also seals the airflow when you swim underwater. So, it’s good to learn how to get back the valve open to breathe again when get resurfaces.
• Semi-Dry snorkel: Best for scuba divers. It comes with a special slanted valve that partly closes the top to avoid the water entering the tube. The positive side of this semi-dry snorkel is that it still allows you to breathe. Moreover, it also comes with an exclusive one-way purge valve to help you get the water out of your snorkel without disturbing the airflow to breathe comfortably.

For confident, safe, and comfortable breathing, check Amazon’s Choice Diving Snorkels by Cressi.

Snorkeling Fins/Flippers

They help you to swim easily and effortlessly like a mermaid. Following are some of its types and variations:

• Closed Heel: The classic closed heel fully covers your foot like a shoe. It gives you better protection against abrasions or scratches underwater. Also, traditional closed heel costs you less. But, make sure to get the correct size for a perfect fit because they are not adjustable. If you don’t get a snug fit, you may end up with a slip-off.
• Adjustable Heel: Another type of snorkeling fin comes with an open or adjustable heel. It has adjustable straps on the back that allows you to adjust for a comfortable and snug fit. Moreover, it allows good space for adjusting wider feet or wearing extra neoprene socks for extra warmth. However, they don’t offer good protection to your feet underwater as they leave your heels exposed.
• Short Fins: The short fins/flippers provide good mobility for snorkeling in shallow waters. Moreover, they are easy to pack for travel, easy to change directions quickly, and are more durable because of their natural stiffness. However, you need to kick hard to propel forward in deep waters with these thicker and less flexible short blades.
• Long Fins: The long fins on the other hand offer more power with each flip, are more flexible, less stiff, and make gliding easy in deep waters. Thus, a great choice for scuba divers and snorkel deep dives. But, these giant fins are hard to pack and less durable as compared to short fins/blades.

For maximizing the gliding underwater and power-kicking, try Amazon’s Choice and also #1 Best Seller Diving Fins by CAPAS.

Extra Snorkel Gear

Here, you’ll find some extra but essential snorkel gear to make your snorkeling experience more comfortable, safe, and pleasant.

Quality Wetsuit

Snorkeling doesn’t certainly need to have a wetsuit. However, it is highly recommended to have your own as it protects your body from the risk of hypothermia. Thus, wetsuits are meant to help you snorkel for a longer duration to explore the marine life in deep down cold waters.

In tropical places, wetsuits not only protect your body from losing natural warmth but also keep you safe from stinging creatures and rocky reefs. In addition, it provides you with a natural buoyancy while snorkeling in shallow waters.

Before purchasing a wetsuit for snorkeling, consider good thickness that is enough for thermal insulation, long enough to protect against abrasions and scratches, and flexible enough to move freely.

Check Amazon’s #1 Best Seller Full Wetsuits by Seaskin Store.

Snorkel Vest

For beginners and kids, it is highly recommended to have a snorkel vest that allows natural buoyancy and flotation. Moreover, it helps you in gliding through the water that’s why you don’t feel too tired after a long time snorkeling in the water with a quality snorkel vest.

For kids, try Amazon’s Choice Snorkel Vests by Gogokids.

For Adults, check Lyuwpes inflatable snorkel vest.

Antifog Mask Spray

The Anti-fog mask spray is highly suggested to those who don’t have an anti-fog lens mask. As its name implies, it is used to ensure fog-free masks even in deeper waters and during temperature variations.

Our recommendation is #1 Best Seller in Diving Mask Defoggers by Optix 55.

Mask Strap Cover

The mask strap cover is generally appreciated by both girls and boys. As it gives you a more comfortable and safe mask experience. It covers the mask straps to eliminate any annoying tugging as a result of the readjustment of the mask.

Great and comfortable gear for long-hair snorkelers who are usually irritated to have their hair tangled in the strap.

Check Cressi Neoprene Mask Strap for a fuss-free snorkeling experience.

Dry Bag

A dry bag is an essential thing to be with you while going for a water activity. It keeps your stuff dry even in most wet surroundings. Moreover, it comes in various colors, sizes, designs, and variations from packable to eco-friendly ones. Choose one of them and have a happy water adventure!

Must try Amazon #1 Best Seller Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag. 

Factors to Consider before Buying the Snorkel Gear

Convenience and Ease

Always prefer easy-to-use snorkel gear, especially for novices and kids. Having a convenient and easy-to-use mask and snorkel is good for safety and comfort. As with tricky adjustments, beginners get easily confused within the water, that’s not good for their safety.

Prefer safe and easy features like choosing dry top valves snorkels that keep water from coming in the tube. Go for quick-drain purge valves for beginners who don’t know how to clear water from the tube, while maintaining the proper airflow.

Prefer a Snug Fit

Choose a snug fit mask that doesn’t need various adjustments, doesn’t allow leaks, and also doesn’t pinch your face. Find a comfortable fit mask and fins that allow you to adore the underwater scenery, while not irritating you to adjust the mask or slipping fins.

Quality Details

It is highly recommended to go for high-quality material and useful features while buying your snorkel gear. Also look for quality details like preferring ergonomic mouthpieces snorkel to avoid jaw fatigue, silicone skirt masks to prevent leaks, and adjustable fins to get good mobility and power with each kick.

Durability & Portability

Always prefer durable snorkel gear even at a comparatively high cost because it gives you more safety, quality, little maintenance, and lasts long to compensate for the cost.

Go for silicon material snorkel gear and try to avoid plastic for having durable snorkel gear. Choose lightweight, portable, and compact snorkel gear that helps you to travel light.

Buying a Set or Individual Components

Individual pieces or components come separately while the sets feature either all three basic components i.e. mask, snorkel, and fins, or come in 2-piece i.e. a mask and snorkel. In the second option, you have to buy the fins separately.

• Reasons to Buy a Set
  • The main advantage to buy a set is the “Value”. Even if you purchase a premium quality snorkel gear set, you end up buying a reasonably less-priced gear as compared to purchasing individually.
  • Secondly, sets generally come with synchrony among the components which means to better go together and complement each other.
• Reasons to Buy Individual Pieces
  • Prefer buying individual components, if you are searching for something particular such as a mask fit for a specific face or special fin-type, length, etc. While on the other hand, sets usually come generic, thus, they couldn’t help you if need some gear specifications.
  • If you already have a complete set of snorkel gear and you need to change one of the components, it is obvious that you need to buy an individual piece.

After reading the above ultimate buying guide for buying the best snorkel gear, now we provide you with some of the best snorkel gear in sets and also in individual pieces on Amazon. 

Our Top Picks – Best Snorkel Gear Sets (3-in-1)

ZEEPORTE Dry Top Diving Snorkel Set

With a high-quality dry top snorkel, lightweight short blades, and a snug-fit dive mask, the ZEEPORTE aquatics dry snorkel set is perfect for any leisure or avid snorkeler. It especially offers top splash protection and a float system that blocks water from entering when getting deep into the sea.

Package Includes

• Snug-fit Snorkel Mask * 1
• Dry Top Snorkel * 1
• Snorkeling Fins/blades * 2
• Gear Mesh Bag * 1
• User Manual * 1

Size or Measurements

• S/M- US 
  • Mask: 17 * 9cm/ 6.6 * 3.5in
  • Snorkel: 48 * 4.5cm/ 18.8 * 1.7in
  • Fins: 4-8(40.5 * 19cm/ 15.9 * 7.4in)
• ML/XL- US 
  • Mask: 17 * 9cm/ 6.6 * 3.5in
  • Snorkel: 48 * 4.5cm/ 18.8 * 1.7in
  • Fins: 9-13(42 * 19cm/ 16.5 * 7.4in)

Features

• The ZEEPORTE comes with a mask that is:
  • Anti-leak and anti-fogging
  • Completely adjustable to adapt most faces
  • Allows a 180°Panoramic view
  • Ergonomic-design features offer secure, comfortable, flexible, and custom-fit
  • Two-window
  • A double seal mask and non-toxic silicone skirt prevent leaks and offer fog-free snorkeling
  • High-strength tempered glass anti-fog lens
• The dry top snorkel comes with:
  • A dry-top valve that seals the breathing tube to prevent water
  • An adjustable and detachable snorkel keeper for better securing to any mask
  • Non-toxic food-grade soft liquid silicone mouthpiece
  • Soft and flexible mouthpiece bitewings that give a secure grip and lessen jaw fatigue
  • The longer oval upper tube offers good airflow
  • The lower purge valve expels water swiftly
• Snorkel fins offer ultimate feet protection, easy kicking, and offers more efficiency.
  • A spacious non-slip inserts for the sole.
  • Easy-kicking and powerful humanize short blade that offers a great transmission of the leg-fin effort.
  • A soft elastomer foot pouch that is in ergonomic shape is great for a comfortable fit.
  • An adjustable open-heel design makes the fin more accommodative and adaptive for various foot sizes.
• The complete basic snorkel gear set comes in a zip-up mesh bag with comfy shoulder straps that is super compact, fast-drying, and portable during traveling.
• Comes in 4 different colors.
• It is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in Snorkeling Packages.

Zenoplige Mask Fins Snorkel Set

The Zenopilge 3 in 1 snorkel gear set is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and also the training of diving learners and junior lap swimmers.

Package Includes

• Mask * 1
• Snorkel * 1
• Fins * 2
• Mesh Bag * 1

Size or Measurements

• XXS/XS- US
  • Mask: 16 * 7.6cm/ 6.3 * 2.9in
  • Snorkel: 36.5cm/ 14.3in
  • Fins: Kids JR9-13, 18.5 – 22.5cm/ 7.3 – 8.8in
• S/M- US 
  • Mask: 16 * 7.6cm/ 6.3 * 2.9in
  • Snorkel: 36.5cm/ 14.3in
  • Fins: Adults 4.5-8.5, 23 – 26.5cm/ 9 – 10.4in
• ML/XL- US 
  • Mask: 17 * 11cm/ 6.7 * 4.3in
  • Snorkel: 53cm/ 20.8in
  • Fins: Adults 9-13, 27 – 31cm/ 10.6 * 12.2in

Features

• It comes with a set of snorkel gear that includes:
  • Swim goggles also with an attached nose cover
  • Dry top anti-splash snorkel
  • Adjustable swim fins
• The mask offers a wide and clear view underwater. Mask comes with:
  • 180 Panoramic View
  • Giant two-window design
  • Anti-fog lenses technology for a blurr-less vision
  • Tempered glasses lens withstand scratches
  • Soft silicone skirt for an ultimate seal against leaks
  • An adjustable head strap offers a perfect fit
• For un-interrupted breathing, the Dry Top Snorkel comes with:
  • A floating ball that installs on the top of the tube to prevent inflow of the water
  • The lower drainage valve expels the water quickly
  • Flexible drain tube with a fixed buckle
  • Non-toxic comfortable mouthpiece
• Comes with adjustable fins that have:
  • High-strength blades for increasing the kick-power of the kick, maximizing the speed, and making the snorkeling effortless.
  • Open toe and drop-shaped mesh fins instep that offers a multi-channel for drainage to lessen the resistance.
  • An open heel with an adjustable strap fits various foot types and sizes. Also, give you enough room to wear water socks or shoes.
  • A quick-release buckle for making wearing in and out, a breeze.
• The complete set of snorkel gear comes with a quick-dry compact mesh bag to make packing and carrying easy.
• The company offers replacement or refund of goggles, fins, and fins buckles if your snorkel set has any issue or problem.
• Available in 7 chic colors.

COZIA DESIGN Snorkel Set Adult – Full Face Snorkel Mask 

Enjoy the best, safest, and longer snorkeling experience with COZIA DESIGN’s advanced dual airflow mechanism.

Package Includes

• Full Face Snorkel Mask with Camera mount * 1
• Fins * 2

Size or Measurements: Please note that the snorkel mask measurement is provided from the bridge of the nose to the chin. Moreover, the adjustable snorkeling fins come in one size.

• S/M – US
  • Snorkel Mask: < 12cm/4.7in
• L/XL – US
  • Snorkel Mask: > 12cm/4.7in

Features

• The company comes with a special full oxygen snorkel mask that has:
  • Snap-on Camera mount for capturing unforgettable moments underwater
  • Separate inhale and exhale chambers
  • Foldable tube make it an ultra-compact snorkeling set
  • Extra-long tube
  • Durable Polycarbonate plastic material
  • Anti-fog design
  • Flat lens for a clear 180° panoramic view
  • Soft medical-grade silicone seals for anti-leak system
  • Adjustable soft elastic straps for the best fit
• Adjustable fins come with:
  • Super flexibility and extra propulsion
  • Perfect travel size
  • Soft and spacious foot pocket
  • Non-slip bottom for a firm grip
• Available in 5+ color combinations.

Our Top Picks – Best Snorkel Gear Sets (2-in-1)

Greatever Dry Snorkel Set

Being Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in Diving Snorkels, Greatever snorkel gear 2-in-1 set is a great choice of adventure snorkelers. The snorkel mask set is conveniently adjustable with a small skirt that’s why it adapts to many face types and sizes. The mask’s low inner volume makes it ideal for deep free diving.

Package Includes

• Mask * 1
• Snorkel Tube * 1
• Storage Bag * 1
• User Manual * 1

Size or Measurements

• Adults
  • Snorkel Mask: 3.1 x 6.5in
• Kids
  • Snorkel Mask: 2.8 x 5.7in

Features

• Mask comes with:
  • One layer of impact-resistant tempered glass lens that prevents strong ultraviolet rays, specially designed for snorkeling, swimming, and deep diving.
  • Anti-fog treated lens surface.
  • The single lens and frame’s unusual shape provide 180-degree ultra visibility.
  • Not just the skirt, all the parts that are in contact with the human body are made from soft hypoallergenic non-toxic transparent silicone material.
  • Adjustable ratchet buckle for a perfect fit.
• Snorkel features:
  • A dry floating valve design for confident breathing
  • Flexible breath tubes and mouthpieces are made from food-grade, transparent, and odor-less silicone material.
  • Dual-channel breathing tubes.
  • The company offers 24-hour uninterrupted service to their customers, only.
  • A fall-free mask strap clip.
• Available in 10+ exquisite color combinations.

WildHorn Outfitters Seaview Full Face Snorkel Mask with FLOWTECH Advanced Breathing System

The WildHorn Outfitters not only features natural and comfortable breathing from your mouth but also your nose.

Package Includes

• Mask with camera mount * 1
• Snorkel with FLOWTECH advanced breathing system* 1

Size or Measurements

• Large
  • Snorkel Mask: 13cm to 14cm / 5.2 to 5.8in
• Medium
  • Snorkel Mask: 11.5mm to 12.5cm / 4.51 to 5.1in
• Small
  • Snorkel Mask: 9.5mm to 11cm / 3.8 to 4.5in

Features

• The mask comes with a 20% larger view area to offer excellent visibility underwater.
• The camera mount near the chin area is now coming in adjustable mode and can swivel.
• Snorkel mask comes with much-improved ergonomics and fit.
• The additional one-way valves and the separate breathing chamber lessen fogging.
• The snorkel tube angle-design is easily staying above water, offers less resistance, and 2-way airflow, and gives your head more mobility.
• Advanced Flowtech technology features:
  • Two chambers and 4 intake valves allow air’s inflow and outflow easily.
  • The one-way valves and isolated breathing chamber offer constant fresh air circulation throughout the mask.
  • 50% easier and more comfortable breathing as compared to others in the market.
  • The safe levels of CO2 make it an easy-breathing tycoon.
• Seaview 180° V2 snorkeling mask comes with ideal airflow, clear visibility, perfect fit, swivel camera mount, and safety of the full-face snorkeling mask.
• Make sure to have shallow snorkeling with this full-face snorkel mask, as it is not designed for adventurous freediving because it needs friction-less breathing.
• Comes under Amazon Choice articles.
• Available in 5 colors.

WACOOL Adults Teens Snorkeling Set

With a size that fits all, the WACOOL snorkeling set features fully adjustable head straps and a high-grade non-toxic silicone mask skirt that adapts to any face type and size.

Package Includes

• Mask * 1
• Snorkel * 1
• Waterproof Tote bag * 1
• Instruction Guide * 1
• After-Sales Service Card * 1

Features

• The mask comes with:
  • Anti-Fog treated Tempered Glass lens.
  • The inverted teardrop design and one-piece glass mask broaden the view.
  • The ribbed silicon offers added support and a 100% leak-proof seal in the mask.
  • Adjustable straps and soft food-grade silicone skirts adapt to any face.
  • The silicone mouthpiece enhances the comfort level and eliminates jaw fatigue.
• The Ultimate Full Dry Snorkel features:
  • The purge valve expels water easily.
  • The splash guard prevents incoming water.
  • Angled-shape design for comfortable & smooth use.

How to Clean and Maintain your Snorkel Gear?

Snorkel gear cleaning and maintenance are not only crucial but easy too. Just take a while after every snorkeling adventure and follow the following tips to make your gear last for years!

• Mask Cleaning:
  • To remove sand, debris, and salt from the mask, submerge it in lukewarm and soapy water. After that rinse it with fresh water.
• Lens Cleaning:
  • Use toothpaste or mild liquid wash to thoroughly cover the lens, then use your fingers to scrub. Finally, rinse it with water to remove any residue. It is highly recommended to avoid using any abrasive as it can damage the plastic part of your mask. 
• Snorkel Cleaning:
  • It doesn’t need much cleaning as compared to the mask but good to clean it with mouthwash. First, block the top valve and fill it with a good mouthwash. Now, shake it well and rinse with fresh water.
  • The mouthpiece must be clean & sanitized after each use. Use a quality mouthwash to get rid of the germs. Use this procedure even if you get it sealed.
• Fins Cleaning:
  • Use soap and warm water to wash them thoroughly after each use, Next, rinse them and let them completely dry.
  • It is highly recommended to check them for any cracks, rots, or tears before each use.
• Always try to keep some replacement parts:
  • Have some extra “Snorkel keeps” that is attached to the mask to hold it in place.
  • Mouthpieces are often damaged from being cut by teeth or the constant contact with saliva makes them quite unhygienic.
  • Mask Straps
  • Fin Straps
• Storage Tips:
  • Always store them in a dry place and avoid sunlight.
  • Keep the metal items away from the gear as the snorkeling gear will deteriorate prematurely if exposed to metal and direct sunlight.
  • Store them in well-ventilated places to avoid mold and mildew.
  • You can also hang them on a hook.
  • It is highly recommended to put them in a mesh bag to keep all the gear protected in one place.

Check Also: Best Beach for Snorkeling in the US