What is the key to a great snorkeling experience?
Good snorkeling gear of course, as it is the most important factor when it comes to a snorkeling trip. As it ensures a comfortable and safe experience, that you will treasure. You want to enjoy your time in the water. We have spent several days researching the best snorkel set available. We have chosen a number that we have received the best feedback about, just for you to pick your favorite snorkeling set.
There’s nothing worse than putting your face in the water or diving down a little. Then your mask fog’s up or starts leaking. While most snorkeling tour companies provide complimentary or rental gear for the day. We recommend always bringing your own snorkeling gear.
Snorkeling popularity is increasing dramatically at ocean destinations. Experiencing the sea & getting to know what’s living below the ocean’s surface is being craved by more & more. There are many companies that offer tours & excursions for snorkeling. These provide people an unforgettable ocean experience.
Know Your Budget?
Deciding how much money you’re willing to spend on your snorkeling gear will help narrow down your choices. Snorkeling gear can be either quite expensive or pretty cheap & anything in between.
You need to consider that price also tends to be an indicator of quality with a mask snorkel. A lower price can sometimes indicate lower quality. The lower-price sets or pieces tend to come from China & can be made from cheaper material. While higher priced gear normally comes from Europe and tend to be more durable and reliable.
The kind of snorkel gear you want will also indicate the cost.
Dry-top snorkels tend to be more expensive. As they let you fully submerge without letting water in. If you’re paying less. You’ll likely end up with a snorkel that has a semi-dry valve that keeps water out on surface level. But will fill with water when you dive below. However this can be blown out when you surface, it depends on your preference.
Buying Instead of Renting Snorkel Gear
There are a number reasons why you should buy your own snorkeling gear. Instead of using what mask and snorkel are provided by tour companies.
You never know who was using the snorkel before you. Unless stated you also won’t know the sanitation process tour companies use. Or if this is strictly adhered to. it’s better to be safe with your own equipment than take your chances with unsanitary gear.
The snorkeling gear that these companies provide also tends to be low quality. Like scratched masks that can leak water or fog up when in use. Fins that do not fit properly & hurt or snorkels that let water in. If you have your own gear, you already feel comfortable in it, which is a large part of the experience.
This is more prominent when it’s your first time snorkeling trip. purchasing your gear allows you to practice before heading out into the ocean. Jump into a pool & try on your mask and fins and get used to the feeling of everything on your body. You should adjust your snorkel set to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible so it does not spoil your experience.
Durability & longevity
If you plan on using your snorkel set more than once, & why wouldn’t you? I highly recommend purchasing well made durable gear.
As mentioned above, less expensive gear isn’t typically as long- lasting as gear you pay a higher price for. If you snorkel as a hobby on a regular basis or plan to carry on after your initial trip. Especially if you have spent a lot on your trip. It’s worth investing in gear that will last you through your trip and beyond.
The most durable snorkel gear is made of silicon. Stay away from pieces made from plastic or PVC as they’re less reliable and more prone to cracking. This also applies to masks as well.
Most reputable brands will offer 1 to 2 years warranty. While the more fault-prone gear may not have any warranty at all.
Ensuring the Right Fit
Another consideration when choosing your snorkel sets. Is to find that all parts fit you and your needs.
Fins mask and snorkel all come in a variety of shapes, materials and fits. So it’s important to pick the one that’s best for you and what you are looking to accomplish.
You should have a good idea of your face shape when purchasing a mask. If you have a narrower face, you may want a smaller mask, while wider faces require something a bit larger.
The most important thing is that your mask fits snugly on your face. Otherwise you’ll have leakage which will spoil your experience.
When choosing a snorkel, find one that fits your jaw shape. & feels comfortable in your mouth.
If the snorkel is too small for you. You’ll have some difficulty keeping it in your mouth and experience jaw fatigue. If the snorkel is too large, it will also be difficult and uncomfortable to keep in your mouth. Look for one that’s just right so you can enjoy your experience.
With fins, you’ll want to choose a pair that are a correct size. so that you don’t spend your snorkeling adventure in pain or readjusting them.
Snorkeling fins are generally sized like shoes, making them fairly straightforward to choose. If you aren’t sure what size to get or are only offered a S/M/L selection. Opt for a pair with an adjustable or open heel so you can alter to fit your foot.
So now you know how to choose the best snorkel gear that suits your needs, let’s start exploring your options of snorkeling gear for sale.
ZEEPORTE Mask Fin Snorkel Set
First up is a Full Mask Fin Snorkel Set from Zeeporte.
Long Snorkel Set with Adjustable Fins, Two Window Tempered Glass Lens Mask, Dry Top Silicone Snorkel, Travel Gear Bag, It’s the ultimate travel companion and is suitable for snorkeling, swimming, body surfing, boogie boards and much more.
Made of a four-window design for a panoramic view with tempered glass lens and hypoallergenic silicone skirt, the snorkel mask can withstand underwater pressure while diving and snorkeling, ultimate comfort. The diving mask’s skirt is designed with soft and flexible silicone and the food-grade silicone mouthpiece is safe creating a watertight seal with any driver’s face and attached to your mouth perfectly without any peculiar smell.
A High-quality dry top Snorkel with a Dry-top valve that seals the breathing tube when submerged. Dry top snorkel is designed to keep water from entering the breathing tube, ergonomic Silicone Mouthpiece is comfortable and durable. Lower purge valve allows water to be quickly expelled, so you can enjoy easy and unobstructed breathing while diving underwater.
Longer, lightweight and the responsive blade assure a kick that is fluid, effortless yet at the same time quite powerful. Trek fins with open-heel style and adjustable strap, the foot pocket and the strap are made of long-lasting rubber that ensures a comfortable fit. The ZEEPORTE blade delivers excellent thrust with a modest kicking effort, perfect for your Snorkeling or Diving adventure.
3 essential items in one quick-dry mesh bag. Reusable zip-up bag with a shoulder strap, perfect for travel and recreational use. Amazing low package for all four items and good for traveling with your snorkel set.
What worked well
Mask fitted well & felt comfortable
Did not leak despite long periods in the water
Fins allowed a swift pace
Good adjustable straps
Well packaged
Mouthpiece was soft & pliable
Fins provided plenty of power to maneuver in the water
What didn’t
Mask fogs up quickly
Some users reported not enough volume of air through the snorkel
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Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set with Gear Bag
Up next is the Seavenger Aviator set. Provided in all sizes, available for kids and youth with a dry snorkel.
Dry top splash guard and purge valve keep water out of the tube. The dry top snorkel features a baffle system that keeps water from entering the tube, even when underwater. The splash guard prevents water from splashing in at the surface and the tube seals completely when underwater
16 inch short fins with an open foot pocket are great for travel. The mask has a single lens tempered glass mask that resists scratches from sand.
Fully packed set of 4 items measures 17 x 11 x 7 inches and weighs 2 pounds.
Designed to eliminate any leaking or seepage. When worn properly, the silicone-injected skirt forms comfortably and snugly to your face to keep any water from entering the mask.
With Scratch Resistant tempered glass lenses that resist scratching from grains of sand, unlike plastic. Impact-resistant and won’t shatter under pressure.
Easy Breathing food-grade hypoallergenic mouthpiece is flexible and comfortable, while the one-way purge valve lets you clear the tube of any residual water with one easy exhale which is just what you need from a good purge valve.
Short, rigid blade that’s great for kids and boosts kicking power. This unique design forces water backward, helping you move through the water quickly without bulky fins that get in the way.
Convenient quick-dry gear bag that’s quick to clean and packs easily into a carry-on or backpack. Plus, the fins include a specially-designed pad to hold their shape when packed in tight spaces.
What worked well.
Fins are sturdy & worked great in heavy currents
Good field of vision from the mask
Mask fits snug
Good volume of air from the snorkel
Easy to adjust
Comfortable to wear
What didn’t
Reports the glass in the mask can shatter easily
Intake valve kept clogging
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PRODIVE Premium Dry Top Snorkel Set
Now we have the vision snorkel set.
The tempered glass lens on our mask is made of high-density, impact-resistant plastic that’s designed to withstand the pressure of deep water diving. Most people never get anywhere near the depth of what this mask can handle.
Also, the straps and buckles on the mask are made of highly-durable plastic that comes with a lifetime refund. Just don’t leave them in the sun, and you’ll be able to enjoy them for one season after another!
The manufacturer states their mask consists of a special material that keeps your mask as clear as can be, even when you breathe heavily or it gets a little hot under your dive suit. There will be no fog to block your vision and destroy your dive!
The “Breathe-Easy” dry Snorkel that keeps virtually ALL water out of your tube so you can spend more time enjoying the wonders of the ocean and less time gulping down salty sea water! Everything is kept in place with flexible and adjustable silicone straps, as well as the customizable mouthpiece.
What worked well
Mask provides a good seal
Rarely fogs up
Good value for money
Mask Waterproof & comfortable
Fits a variety of ages well
What didn’t
Snorkels leak & let in water
Clips break easily
Glass easily scratches
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cozia design Snorkel Set Adult
With the Cozia snorkel set, choose between adult & kid sets.
They have designed our full face snorkel mask kids and adults for ease of use. You just put your full face snorkeling masks on and you’re ready to go – no learning curve and no training needed. minimal water leaks are normal, you just need to blow in the mask to evacuate the water without taking it off.
Each set of snorkel comes with its own pair of diving fins, adjustable and perfect for packing up and taking to the beach.
The adult snorkel mask and snorkel mask full face kids are extra durable, built with a polypropylene frame and shatter-proof polycarbonate window. The adjustable fins are easy and comfortable to wear snorkeling fins with adjustable straps, easy-click buckles and soft foot pockets for a perfect fit.
What worked well
Measurement guides are accurate
Keeps water out well
Very rarely fogs if at all
Great field of view
Very comfortable
What didn’t
Fins are underpowered for ocean currents
Unable to breath deep hard breaths in mask
Click Here to check them out
Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set with Snorkeling Gear Bag
Next up is the Cressi Palau, this includes short fins, silicone two window mask, 100% dry snorkel & carry mesh bag that makes up this snorkel set.
The dry snorkel has an original anti-splash end with a special valve that seals the tube as you dive & ergonomic shape for maximum comfort.
A skirt edge that adapts to most faces and a small inner volume, comes with strong rapid action buckles to adjust the strap.
“The Palau SAF set is ideal for any recreational snorkeler. The Palau open heel short blade snorkel fins are made for use with bare feet and provide outstanding comfort and versatility. The open-heel design means each fin can accommodate a wider range of sizes, so family members or friends can share equipment more easily. The short fin is an excellent choice for the avid traveler as the short blade is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for packing with ease. Equipped with the fins are the Onda mask and Supernova Dry Snorkel, both made of Soft 100% Hypoallergenic Transparent Silicone.”
What worked well
Mask provides a nice wide view
Easy to pack set
The water stop mechanism works well
Fins move great through the water
Mouthpiece is comfortable
Carry mesh bag drains gear well
What didn’t
Fitting guide inaccurate, a number of mask not fitting at all
Masks leak
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Seavenger Voyager Snorkeling Set with Gear Bag
Last up is the Seavenger Voyager
Short trek fins are just big enough to give extra power without getting in the way of your movement. Rigid blades force water backward, giving you more speed in the water with minimal effort, while the adjustable straps and quick-release buckles make donning and doffing easy.
Get a crystal clear view of the stunning underwater scenery with this lightweight, comfortable mask. The panoramic lens is completely constructed of shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant tempered glass. With adjustable straps on both sides of the frame, you get a custom, comfortable fit every time.
The soft, comfortable mask skirt and nose pocket are made of hypoallergenic liquid-injected silicone for a super comfy feeling. It seals easily to your skin to prevent leaking and doesn’t dig in, so you can stay in the water longer.
The convenient zipper bag fits all of your snorkeling gear easily into one pack. No need to run down your checklist — this set has everything you need for spontaneous snorkeling adventures.
The snorkel features a soft, hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece that forms to your mouth comfortably. Ergonomic curvature allows it to sit at the surface easily, and the dry top blocks water when descending below the surface. A quick-release snorkel holder attaches to the mask strap. Plus, one quick breath purges the snorkel of any excess water quickly.
The XS size is designed specifically for kids with a child-sized mouthpiece, narrower frame and shorter fins that are great for young adventurers. Even the bag is smaller so they can pack up and gear up all on their own!
What worked well
The purge valve on the snorkel works well
Foot pocket was very comfortable
Mask does not leak
Great travel size
Very durable products
What didn’t
Snorkel does not stay connected
Snorkel closes up when breathing normal
Click Here to check them out
Care and maintenance
If you want your snorkel set to last and fit well, here are some tips, straight from the mouths of our experts:
Always rinse and store your gear after use. Chlorine, sun, and salt can ultimately degrade and stiffen silicone. Sand will get into everything, making for sticky valves.
Anti Fog compounds for plastic swim goggles are different from those of glass dive masks. Do not use them interchangeably.
Some masks build up a microscopically thin film of off-gassed silicone molecules on the lenses by the time the mask reaches you. This can make it fog easily. Wear it around the house for a while. If it fogs heavily, consider cleaning the inside with a white, nonabrasive toothpaste, then rinse it very well.
Test a new snorkel set for failure points before you travel.
Breathing through a mouth snorkel is not a natural feeling. So if you’re not experienced with snorkeling, take your new snorkel set to the pool to practice in the shallow end.
Don’t ratchet your mask down too tight. It will generally seal better if the skirt is just gently pressing against your face.
Snorkeling should be a low-energy pursuit. Don’t overdo it on your snorkel sets.
If you’re not experienced with snorkeling, take your new snorkel set to the pool to practice in the shallow end. Want a watertight mask? Shave. Absent that, a thick coating Vaseline on your beard or mustache can help keep out the water.
Anti Fog compounds can irritate your eyes. A good layer of wet, old-fashioned spit rubbed in the lenses can work as a pretty good surfactant, spreading out water molecules in a microscopic layer so they won’t fog.
Budget
On the whole, the more you pay the better the quality of the snorkel set. And remember that quality ensures your safety when you’re in the water.
Packages with two components are cheaper than snorkel sets that include fins. Similarly, the more expensive options will often have more reliable, durable, and sophisticated features such as a dry-top snorkel or adjustable fin straps.
So how much does a good snorkel set cost?
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good snorkel set. There are some reliable options starting from around $30 which are ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget. For more frequent snorkelers or those looking for a more premium option, the best quality snorkel sets cost between $60 and $100.
The Components Of A Good Snorkel Set
Whether you choose to buy a snorkel set or mix and match individual items to create your own, these are the key components of a good snorkel set:
Mask
The mask is arguably the most important part of a snorkel set. Your snorkel mask should fit comfortably, keep water out of your eyes, and give you a clear, unimpeded view of your surroundings. After all, the views are the whole point of snorkeling!
Snorkel masks come in a huge variety of styles and which one is the best snorkeling mask for you is mostly down to personal preference.
Some prefer a single lens so their vision isn’t interrupted, while others prefer to have two windows. You can also find frameless masks that offer more panoramic views.
Many cheap or rental snorkel masks have plastic skirts. These are more prone to splitting than a silicone skirt. Silicone is much longer-lasting and creates a more reliable and comfortable seal.
We also recommend checking the lens is made from tempered glass for better protection for your eyes.
Lenses
In addition to deciding what type of snorkel mask is best for you and the number of lenses, you should also take into consideration the material of the lens.
The higher quality snorkeling lenses are made of impact resistant glass (typically tempered) which will help from them getting all scratched up.
The upside though to a plastic lens is that while they might get scratched more easily if you drop them, they won’t break. However, sometimes plastic lenses tend to pop out of the of the mask, which can become a nuisance as well.
Comfort
In any snorkel set a major comfort concern with snorkeling goggles is when it presses on your nose bridge. This is not a matter of how tight a mask is, but in the construction as well as your particular facial features. For example, a one lens mask tends to press harder on your bridge, especially if you are going to try to dive down at all. Therefore a split lens mask is best for people who have these issues.
Another comfort issue is in the head strap itself, especially if you are a female with a ponytail! Nothing hurts more than having your hair tangled up in rigid plastic!!! Consider either getting a mask that has a comfortable strap or even consider getting a strap protector, like this one.
Skirts: Silicone Vs Plastic
The skirt of the mask is the plastic or rubber section of the snorkel mask that actually touches your face and creates the seal. The skirt of a snorkel mask is important for a few reasons.
Seal: The skirt of the mask is going to be one of the most important features since you do not want water leaking! A good seal with your skirt is essential. For example, hard, rigid plastics do not always create the best seals. Instead, look for a flexible, silicone skirt.
Comfort: Again, this is so important to the experience of diving. A silicone skirt isn’t going to dig into your face the way that a hard, cheap, plastic skirt would.
Straps
The straps on your snorkel set are also another major consideration and should be easy to use. Things to look for are:
Ratchets: Does it adjust easily and not come undone
Width: Wide straps are preferable to thin, not only for comfort but also for durability
Flexible: Is the material rigid and hard or flexible
Split Strap: A strap that splits in the back is going to be the most comfortable and give you a better fit
Where It Attaches: It’s preferable for the strap to attach directly to the frame instead of the skirt
Material: Some straps are incredibly stiff and uncomfortable! I prefer a strap that has a neoprene cover. If it doesn’t come with one, you can always buy one to slip over the back strap.
If you want to take a look at more individual options, we’ve put together a whole guide to help you find the best snorkel mask.
Snorkel
Ultimately, a good snorkel is one that sits comfortably in your mouth and allows you to breathe easily. But you’ll also find snorkels with additional features that can improve your snorkeling adventures.
Components of a good snorkel set – fins Semi dry snorkel will feature a splash guard at the top to reduce the amount of water that comes down the snorkel which is ideal for a semi dry snorkel . As well as a purge valve and/or self-draining mechanism at the bottom making it easy to remove any water that does find its way into the snorkel, a purge valve works well. A dry snorkel takes this a step further.
Dry snorkels have a nifty valve at the top of the snorkel that completely seals when it’s submerged, keeping the water out if you dive under the surface. The valve will open as soon as you return to the surface. This means you don’t have to struggle to catch enough breath to blow out the water. A dry snorkel set is an excellent choice if you like to dive down when snorkeling.
Want to review more snorkels? Check out our complete guide to the best snorkels.
Fins
While it’s not essential to have fins for snorkeling, they do make it much easier, safer, and more efficient. So we highly recommend adding a pair of fins to your snorkeling set.
For snorkeling, you want a pair of fins that are soft and comfortable enough to use for several hours at a time without getting sore or tired.
At the same time, you need something with enough power and response to deal with any currents and keep up with marine life or your fellow snorkelers.
To learn more and review some different options, take a look at our full guide to the best snorkeling fins.
Snorkeling Accessories in addition to your mask and snorkel
In addition to the basics, there are some additional items that will provide you with the best snorkel set.
Diving watch
When you’re out snorkeling, it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time. You can end up snorkeling for much longer than planned and your loved ones may start to worry, or you’ll be late for whatever is next on your agenda.
And if you’re on a day trip or a snorkeling tour with several stops, then you need to be back on the boat or at a meeting point by a certain time. Otherwise, you’ll hold everyone else up.
We highly recommend investing in a dive watch to take on your snorkeling jaunts. Diving watches are rugged, waterproof, and reliable. They’ll help keep you on track in the water.
Plus, if you’re a frequent snorkel or scuba diver, it makes sense to have an everyday timepiece that you can fully immerse in the water and never worry about.
Check out our reviews of the best dive watches to learn more.
Snorkel vest
If you’re not a strong swimmer then you may also want to consider adding a snorkel vest to your snorkeling set.
A good snorkel vest helps keep you afloat effortlessly whilst ensuring you’re highly visible in the water. It’s a great piece of safety equipment that can significantly improve your overall snorkeling experience.
Take a look at our guide to the best snorkel vests to review our top recommendations.
Conclusion of the best snorkeling gear
We hope after reading our review of the best snorkel gear. You found it insightful. Provided you with enough valuable Information, So now you know the difference between a purge valve and a semi dry snorkel. That will help you to make a decision that will make your next snorkeling trip an experience of a lifetime.
Out of the six best snorkel sets we have reviewed. The general opinion was the best snorkel set. Based on general comfort & fit. Fins that worked well even in strong currents. Gear that was of a good quality & durability along with virtually no water leaks. We felt the Zeeporte was the stand out product
Overall people felt this snorkel gear was good value for money. It fitted well, there was also not as much poor feedback regarding any breathing issues. When compared to others.
Click here to check them out for yourselves.
We would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on masks you have purchased.
