12 Best Snorkeling Gears For Your Next Underwater Adventure

Last Updated 18 Apr 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
Best Snorkeling Gear Set
Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set thumbnail

4.9/5

  • The snorkel is a truly dry snorkel
  • The short fins are perfect for calm water snorkeling
  • Easy to put on and off
Recommended
Best Dry Snorkels
Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel thumbnail

4.6/5

  • Works with any type of goggles or mask
  • Doesn't allow water in
  • Lightweight
Recommended
Best Semi-dry snorkels
Atomic Aquatics SV2 Semi-Dry Snorkel thumbnail

4.6/5

  • Easy breathing snorkel
  • Extremely comfortable. No jaw ache nor pull on your teeth
  • It folds nicely for traveling and is super light

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

Endless sunshine, palm-fringed beaches, and lush scenery are a tropical vacation's must-haves. Whether you need a serious break or are looking for the next destination to explore, tropical spots can be affordable, relaxing, and fun. Perfect for both romantic getaways and family fun.

When it comes to tropical vacations, snorkeling is a must-do excursion. There is nothing quite like peeking at and discovering the underwater world through snorkeling and scuba diving. While diving underneath gives you an unforgettable experience, investing in the best snorkel gear brings your experience to the next level.

By having your own snorkel gear, you can use them over and over during your vacation and beyond. While most vacation spots allow you to rent snorkeling gear, they don't always carry a wide array of sizes. Not to mention, many others have used the same snorkeling equipment.

The snorkeling gear checklist is minimal and worth adding to your packing list for your next tropical vacation. We have some research for you if you are considering investing in your own snorkeling gears. Here are some of the best snorkeling gear on the market.

The 12 Best Snorkeling Gear Selections

Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set

Best Snorkeling Gear Set

overall 

4.9/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set

Features:

  • A single-tempered glass lens
  • Open-heel design fins
  • A splash guard on the top reduces the entrance of water
  • It comes in a practical travel bag

While you can shop snorkel gear in individual pieces, a snorkel set offers great value. In addition, a gear set will pair well together, and it is convenient for those new to snorkeling or planning on traveling with their gear.

You must check out Cressi LightWeight Premium Travel Snorkel Set for anyone seeking a snorkel gear set. The set includes:

An Onda single-tempered glass lens goggle that is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. A double feathered edge gives this mask an excellent seal and gives you clear underwater vision.

A Palau Short Adjustable fin works just like its counterpart Long Blade Palau fin, except it has a compact, shorter blade. The open heel can be used for bare feet or with neoprene socks. The foot pocket and the strap are made from long-lasting rubber that ensures a comfortable fit.

The Supernova Dry Snorkel is a dry-top snorkel with a splash guard on top to prevent water. The top also features a special valve that seals the tube when diving when it's fully submerged.

The set also comes with a travel bag! It makes traveling with snorkel equipment much easier. Having portable gear that travels well is crucial as it protects your gear and makes packing a breeze.

This set is perfect for adults, men, and women. When buying snorkel gear, it's important to take the necessary measurements to ensure you can get the perfect one, as size matters!

Material

Tempered Glass, Silicone, Neoprene

Weight

2.85 Pounds

Dimensions

16.1" l x 9.1" w x 0.6" h

Pros:

  • The snorkel is a truly dry snorkel
  • The short fins are perfect for calm water snorkeling
  • Easy to put on and off

Cons:

  • Mask can leak if you don't get the perfect fit

Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel

Best Dry Snorkels

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel

Features:

  • High-quality, comfortable, and durable silicone mouthpiece
  • Adjustable clip for securing to any mask
  • 360-Degree dry top
  • Flexible lower bore reduces jaw fatigue

Dry snorkels will keep out the maximum amount of water. A splash guard, purge valve, and seal prevent water from entering the breathing tube. This makes a dry snorkel the perfect option to fully submerge underwater without the need to continue cleaning out the water.

With a dry-top design and comfortable mouthpiece, Cressi's Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel makes an excellent option for lengthy snorkeling adventures. Designed to prevent water entry while using it on the surface in any position.

Constructed from high-quality soft silicone, it features a wider elliptical bore shaped for increased airflow capacity and comfortable breathing. Soft silicone and ergonomically angled mouthpiece designed for prolonged use without gum and jaw fatigue. With a lower purge value and 360-degree dry top, it clears and prevents water entry regardless of the angle of the snorkel when you surface dive. Use the adjustable clip to secure it to your face mask strap before you hit the waves.

Perfect for free-diving, spearfishing, and any snorkeler who likes to dive deeper.

Material

silicone

Weight

179 Grams

Dimensions

15.75" l x 3.94" w x 1.57" h

Pros:

  • Works with any type of goggles or mask
  • The mouthpiece is fairly comfortable
  • Doesn't allow water in
  • Easy to attach and detach from your goggle or mask
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Lack of instructions on how to thread the strap

Atomic Aquatics SV2 Semi-Dry Snorkel

Best Semi-dry snorkels

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Atomic Aquatics SV2 Semi-Dry Snorkel

Features:

  • Scupper Valve (SV) for self-draining and effortless clearing
  • Posi-lock flex retainer to secure flex section and mouthpiece
  • Dual silicone mouthpiece to prevent over-clenching teeth
  • Semi-dry top designed to limit splashed water from entering the breathing tube

Unlike the dry snorkel, semi-dry snorkels come with a splash guard and purge valve to prevent water from getting inside. But they don't create a watertight seal when fully submerged.
This Atomic Aquatic Semi-Dry Snorkel is worth the splurge as it features a scupper valve for self-draining and easy clearing. A silicone mouthpiece with a rotational design prevents over-clenching from minimizing jaw fatigue. A semi-dry top design prevents splashes from entering the tube without adding drag when you're fully submerged.
This type is the perfect choice for scuba divers, as they create less drag than buoyant dry snorkels do.

Material

silicone

Weight

N/A

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • Easy breathing snorkel
  • Extremely comfortable. No jaw ache nor pull on your teeth
  • It folds nicely for traveling and is super light

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • When small amount of water enters, it may require a few blows to get it out

Speedo Bullet Head Snorkel

Best Open-Top Snorkels

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Speedo Bullet Head Snorkel

Features:

  • Engineered with the most hydrodynamic features
  • Padded TPR headband for comfort, eliminating headaches and pinching
  • Low profile shape offers maximum vision and drag reduction
  • Adjustable headband with notches on the tube for consistent fitting

The open-top snorkels are exactly what they sound like. It consists of a J-shaped snorkel tube and a mouthpiece, and it doesn't have a purge valve, splash guard, or watertight seal—this type of snorkel is an ideal choice for freediving and beginner snorkelers.

Engineered with hydrodynamic features, Speedo Bullet Head Snorkel allows you to focus on proper body position and head alignment during swimming. Its low-profile design maximizes your field of vision with minimal drag. A padded TPR headband holds your snorkel securely in place with an adjustable strap that eliminates headaches and pinching.

Material

100% Silicone

Weight

0.25 pounds

Dimensions

1" l x 1" w x 1" h

Pros:

  • The strap is comfortable on the back of the head
  • Great learning tool for learning to swim

Cons:

  • It can have small leakage but can be cleared with a strong blow

Speedo Explorer Dive Mask

Best Traditional Mask

overall 

5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Speedo Explorer Dive Mask

Features:

  • Speedfit goggle straps are easy to adjust for a custom fit
  • Adult Size – fit most 14+ years and older
  • Watertight silicone skirt

Traditional snorkeling masks are affordable and provide you with what you need to snorkel. This Speedo's affordable Explorer Dive Mask offers excellent underwater clarity. Its two-window glass lenses enhance your visibility underwater while a tight seal around the edge locks out water for a leak-free swim. An adjustable head strap ensures a comfortable fit on every face shape and head size.

Material

Polycarbonate, Rubber, Silicone

Weight

.54 Pounds

Dimensions

7.87" h x 8.66" w x 3.93" d

Pros:

  • Works on kids
  • Excellent view
  • Easily adjustable
  • Comfortable fit

Cons:

  • Water may enter on occasion

Ocean Reef Aria QR+ Full Face Snorkeling Mask

Best Full face Snorkel Mask

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Ocean Reef Aria QR+ Full Face Snorkeling Mask

Features:

  • Fog-less mask design
  • A 180° panoramic view
  • A comfortable and flexible retaining strap
  • Quick release system

Full masks are also known as dry masks and are ideal for snorkelers who don't like getting their face wet or biting onto a mouthpiece. Some will say this type of mask is the best snorkel mask to have. The unique design of a full snorkel mask allows snorkelers to breathe normally and be able to enjoy 180-degree vision. Unlike traditional masks, full-face snorkel masks are more expensive.

Streamline your snorkeling gear with the Ocean Reef Aria QR+ Full Face Snorkeling Mask. The 2-in-1 snorkel mask boasts a patented dry-top breathing system and special air circulation system that prevents your mask from fogging up when you exhale or filling with water when you're fully submerged. Comfortable and flexible, it offers an unobstructed 180-degree view of your underwater surroundings.

Material

N/A

Weight

1.87 pounds

Dimensions

11.81" l x 8.27" w x 4.33" h

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • It offers a good seal around your face if you can get the perfect fit
  • Offers great view
  • It allows you to breathe through your mouth and nose at the same time

Cons:

  • Size matters
  • Pricey compared to some of the other full-face snorkel masks

Cressi Open-Heel Snorkel Fins

Best Snorkeling Fins

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Cressi Open-Heel Snorkel Fins

Features:

  • Patented foot pocket
  • Dual-density technopolymer
  • Blade material is extremely durable and nearly indestructible

Cressi's Open-Heel Snorkel Fins utilize a patented three-material injection molding process for superior comfort and durability. Sturdy adjustable straps wrap behind your heel for total support and security. They're comfortable, versatile, and worth every penny.

Material

N/A

Weight

1.56 pounds

Dimensions

33" l x 12" w x 5" h

Pros:

  • Comfortable fit
  • Durable and lightweight
  • Allows you to swim faster
  • Rigid but flexible
  • Easy and quick to put on and take off after use

Cons:

  • Pricey compared to some diving fins
  • Recommend you wear it with neoprene booties

Stream2Sea Reef-Friendly Biodegradable Mask Defogger

Best Anti-Fog Mask Cleaner

overall 

4.4/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Stream2Sea Reef-Friendly Biodegradable Mask Defogger

Features:

  • Fast and easy application
  • Perfect for glass and plastic lenses
  • All natural, ocean-safe, and reef safe

No one wants to snorkel with a foggy mask on. Unfortunately, things like greasy sunscreen, fingerprints, and other particles can also affect your vision. The good news is there are a few ways you can prevent a foggy mask, and one is a defogger.

Stream2Sea's professional-strength Mask Defogger is formulated with biodegradable, reef-safe ingredients that won't harm the marine life you love. Simply add a few drops to the inside of your lenses, rub, and you're ready to hit the water. Non-abrasive and ammonia-free, the USDA-Certified bio-based product is safe for use on all glass and plastic lenses.

Material

Natural Ingredients

Weight

.07 pounds

Dimensions

4.17" l x 3.39" w x 1.3" h

Pros:

  • Everything stays clear throughout the session
  • Works for both water and mountain goggles
  • Natural options without using chemicals that can tear up your eyes

Cons:

  • It will need to be rinsed well. Otherwise, it can cause a sting for people with sensitive eyes

O'Neill Epic Back-Zip Full Wetsuit

Best Men's Wetsuit

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

O'Neill Epic Back-Zip Full Wetsuit

Features:

  • 3/2 mm neoprene
  • For temperatures around 59°F
  • Firewall Insulation
  • External key pocket

Depending on the temperature and UV index, you may want to wear a rash guard or wetsuit for your snorkeling activity. A wetsuit can provide warmth and some sun protection.

Stay warm no matter the water temperature with O'Neill's Epic Back Zip Full Wetsuit. It's made from SuperStretch neoprene with lightweight thermal insulation, abrasion-resistant knee pads, watertight seams, and strategic paddle zones. An external key pocket ensures easy access and secure storage during your adventure.

Material

UltraFlex DS (neoprene), FluidFlex Firewall (neoprene), Krypto

Weight

N/A

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • Well sealed seams
  • Fits well
  • Keeps you pretty warm

Cons:

  • It can be difficult to get in and out of the suit

Roxy 3/2 mm Syncro Back-Zip GBS Wetsuit

Best woMen's Wetsuit

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Roxy 3/2 mm Syncro Back-Zip GBS Wetsuit

Features:

  • 3/2 mm FN Lite neoprene
  • For temperatures around 59°F
  • Warmflight thermal lining
  • Glued & blind stitched (GBS) seams

Stay warm snorkeling with this Roxy 3/2 mm Syncro Back-Zip GBS Wetsuit for all the ladies. The versatile winter wetsuit is crafted from FN Lite neoprene, and this Syncro 3/2mm steamer is packed with naturally occurring air cells that make it the lightest, warmest wetsuit yet! Perfect for packing in your suitcase for your next underwater adventure.

Material

Neoprene

Weight

2.4 pounds

Dimensions

n/a

Pros:

  • Offer great warmth in the water
  • It gives you a good mobility
  • Easy to put on and off
  • Very comfortable

Cons:

  • It may not be the best choice for a curvy body type
  • Pricey compared to other wetsuits

Scuba Choice Snorkeling Vest

Best Snorkel Vest

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Scuba Choice Snorkeling Vest

Features:

  • Fits children up to 100 pounds
  • The removable strap keeps the vest from riding up when inflated
  • Easy oral inflator

Snorkeling vests are designed for snorkeling, as they can help you dive down deeper or stay on the surface. It can also help balance your body in water so you can stay floating.

Available in both children's and adult sizes, Scuba Choice's versatile Snorkeling Vest makes a practical addition to your gear bag— and an affordable one too. The straightforward personal floatation device features a TPU-reinforced nylon body with an adjustable strap and easy oral inflator. Snorkelers can choose between highly-visible, safety-driven colors like neon yellow, hot pink, and electric purple.

Material

N/A

Weight

.05 pounds

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • Light and packable for travel
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Have enough buoyancy to keep kids on the surface while enjoying the reef

Cons:

  • Could rub at the neck area

DiveSafe Surface Marker Buoy

Best Surface Marker Buoy or Dive Flag

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

DiveSafe Surface Marker Buoy

Features:

  • It can be seen at night
  • Includes a strobe light and a diving flashlight or torch
  • Rupture resistant
  • Included 100ft dive reel and whistle accessories

Whether you are a pro and snorkeling in open water or new to snorkeling, a dive flag or surface maker can be very useful and worth adding to your snorkel gear. Some areas even have a law requiring snorkelers to wear one.

Equipped with reflective bands and strobe light/ flashlight holders, DiveSafe's Surface Marker Buoy helps you dive safely, day and night. The 6-ft inflatable buoy is made from ultra-durable nylon fabric with reinforced stitching and a TPU coating for superior strength. Its 100-ft-long spool is contained in a practical mesh bag that connects easily to your life jacket or buoyancy control device.

Material

Nylon Fabric

Weight

1.19 pounds

Dimensions

1" l x 1" w x 4" h

Pros:

  • Deployed easily
  • Easy to use
  • Highly visible on the surface of the water
  • Built-in bungee cord got keeping it all together underwater
  • Good dump valve for easy rolling up

Cons:

  • It is big (better for visibility)
  • Radar-reflective tape could be bigger

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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