Best Snorkel Set
Snorkeling is a great activity across all ocean destinations. More people across the globe are getting into snorkeling & buying their own snorkeling set. Enjoying the ocean life and getting to know what’s below the waves. Purchasing a set is more cost effective than buying individually. From our own experiences and feedback we have gathered, we have chosen 6 of the best snorkel sets out there for you to chose from.
A good snorkel set will make or break anyone’s experience & is important when going on your trip, so understanding what the best snorkel brands are is important along with what makes the best snorkeling equipment.
Having your mask get foggy or start leaking is certainly not what you want while snorkeling. So you can ensure you get the most out of your trip. Picking the best snorkel gear that meets all your requirements & suits you is paramount.
Snorkel set Basics
There are three main components when it comes to snorkeling sets & snorkel brands: mask, snorkel and fins.
There are different variations of each of these pieces of equipment. So it’s important to find what snorkel set works best for you and your needs.
There are three different types of snorkels: classic, dry and semi-dry.
The main difference between this snorkeling gear is the opening at the top. Which either allows or blocks water from getting in.
Classic Snorkel
Classic snorkels have a full opening at the top. That allows you to breathe in and out clearly if you’re floating on top of the water. This is the type of snorkel that most companies hand out as a part of their gear.
The downside to a classic snorkel is if you go below the water or are hit by a wave, you’ll end up with a mouthful of saltwater. This type of snorkel is not ideal for beginners. Because it can be challenging to clear the snorkel to make way for airflow.
Semi-dry Snorkel
A semi-dry snorkel is partly closed at the top. Due to a slanted valve which keeps water from coming into the tube while still allowing you to breathe. Semi-dry snorkels also tend to feature a one-way purge valve. To get water out of your snorkel without interrupting your breathing.
Dry Snorkel
Dry-top snorkels have a valve at the top that closes when you go underwater. This stops water from coming in, but also stops airflow. dry top snorkel normally are the most expensive.
It’s a good choice if you plan on submerging often but be sure you know how to properly use it so that when you resurface. You can get the valve back open and start breathing again.
Mask
To have the best snorkeling gear. It’s very important to have a snug-fitting, clear and comfortable mask. This to ensure you have the best visual experience possible. When going underwater, your mask shouldn’t leak or fog. It should stay suctioned to your face to keep water out.
What to Look for in a Mask:
Impact-resistant (tempered) glass lens rather than plastic. Plastic lenses scratch easily, while glass masks are high quality and durable
Fog-treated lens. This way your mask won’t fog up if you dive deep or experience temperature variations.
Silicon skirt. The skirt is the piece that hangs below the lens and suctions to your face. It’s best to get a mask with a silicon skirt as they create a more airtight suction than plastic skirts. Plastic skirts also rip more easily and are more likely to let water into your mask than silicon.
Fins
Fins are a great piece of snorkeling gear. That allow you to travel through the water quickly and reduce fatigue. Also when choosing between an open or closed heel. You also need to decide whether you’d like your fins to be short or long.
Closed Heel vs Adjustable Heel
Closed heel fins completely cover the foot to make sure that it’s protected. Yet, this type of fin is not adjustable. So it’s important to get a comfortable size to make sure that your foot isn’t sliding around while you’re exploring. On the other hand, adjustable heel fins leave the heel exposed. But have an adjustable strap to make sure you have a comfortable and secure fit.
Short Fins vs Long Fins
Short fins are practical if you plan on traveling around with your gear. They’re easier to pack and fit in more places than a pair of giant fins. Short fins are not as powerful as longer fins, but are better for shallow water. Longer fins are slightly more difficult to travel with. But they’re much more powerful in the water and good for diving deep.
Why buy a set instead of individually
When buying a snorkel set. You can either purchase a set or each piece of equipment individually. Sets normally include mask, snorkel and fins or a mask and snorkel. With fins being purchased separately, they sometimes come with a handy storage bag.
There are many advantages to purchasing snorkel sets rather than buying piece buy piece.
The biggest reason to purchase a set is value. Buying a snorkel set, even a very high-quality one. Tends to be much less expensive than buying each piece of equipment individually. As well as good value, sets generally have gear that is meant to go together. Meaning they are designed to fit together without creating any issues.
However, sets aren’t a good option if you are looking for something specific, like a mask fit or certain types of fins. Snorkel set tend to be generic, one-size fits all so they aren’t practical. If you are looking for a mask designed for a specific face shape or other gear specifications.
so we have had a look at the best snorkel sets so have a look at our snorkel set review.
SwimStar Snorkel Set
First up is the swimstar snorkel set. This snorkel set is great for outfitting the whole family. With a variety of different colors you are sure to find something for the whole family. Snorkel mask comes with fully adjustable head straps and a high-grade silicon face skirt which molds to fit different face shapes, fit for women and men.
Anti-fog coating for clear viewing; tempered glass lens lasts longer than regular; Comfort-fit liquid silicone skirt for water-tight seal, Hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece for comfort, especially suitable for long-term use in free snorkeling.
This scuba diving mask features a single lens design giving you an unobstructed clear view of the beautiful underwater world. The skirt edge expertly conforms to the shape of your face giving you watertight performance. With an easy to adjust buckle you will be able to get the perfect fit from this mask.
100% dry snorkel. This is great for those who are swimming in choppy waters or with kids around which eliminates any chance of surprise water entering the snorkel. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with families. A large purge valve makes cleaning this snorkel easy.
What worked well
The goggles are extremely comfortable
Comfortable stretchable fully adjustable strap
Easy to adjust
The mask seals well
Fits well
Mouthpiece on snorkel is comfortable
What didn’t
Snorkel has poor airflow
Mask leaks through nose area
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WACOOL Snorkeling Package Set
Second on our list is the Wacool snorkel set. This snorkel set for adults comes with fully adjustable head straps and a high-grade silicon face skirt which molds to fit virtually any face shape. The ribbed design provides extra support and ensures a water-tight seal.
Advanced lens shape design and tempered glass with anti-fog treatment means you’ll have a crystal clear underwater experience, especially for beginners. One piece glass design enables better and wider vision underwater.
The advanced anti-splash system prevents water from entering the snorkel and the purge valve allows for easy clearing and draining water out of the snorkel.
The portable short Fins are ideal fit for any backpack or travel. The short blade is made of a highly reactive and light material which guarantees agile and effective kicking while not tiring out your legs. Foot pocket is made from soft rubber elastomers – great deal of comfort, even during long swimming sessions .The Light fins are specifically designed for swim training, but can also be used adequately for recreational swimming and snorkeling.
What worked well
Comfortable to wear
The snorkel splash guard and purge valve works very well
Easy to adjust
Mask has a good field of view
Snorkel works well at keeping water out
Silicone skirt is soft & fits well
What didn’t
Fins prone to snapping
Attachment from snorkel to mask breaks
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U.S. Divers Lux Mask Fins Snorkel Set
Next up is the Lux snorkel set. This snorkel set has a four-window design for panoramic view with tempered glass lens and hypoallergenic silicone skirt for ultimate comfort
Easy equalization nose pocket with patented soft purge for effortless purging and equalization
Submersible dry top snorkel, designed to keep water out of the breathing tube with an ergonomic silicone mouthpiece for maximized comfort, and compatible with GoPro cameras
Designed with patented technologies and premium silicone materials the U.S. Divers LUX Platinum Snorkel Set is the perfect choice for a casual snorkeling adventure or an intense diving experience.
The Phoenix LX Snorkel is a submersible dry top snorkel, designed to keep water out of the breathing tube above and below the surface of the water, with an ergonomic silicone mouthpiece for maximized comfort and reduced jaw fatigue. With an integrated compatible GoPro camera mount at the bottom of the snorkel to allow you to record your underwater experience hands-free and without interference from surface splashes.
The Pivot Fins feature dual composite vented blades for excellent power and energy saving efficiency, soft and comfortable foot pocket with composite heel strap and easy to adjust buckles.
This premium snorkel set also includes a gear bag designed with heavy-duty nylon durability ideal for travel and features an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transport, and extra storage pocket to carry your anti-fog solution, keys, cellphone and more.
What worked well
Fins fit well
Great storage bag
Mask fits well
Snorkel works well at keeping water out
What didn’t
Mask leaks through nose area
Mask leaks after a small amount of time in the water
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OMORC Snorkel Kit,[1/2 Pack] Anti Leak Dry Snorkel Set
Tempered glass lens lasts longer than regular; Comfort-fit liquid silicone skirt for water-tight seal, Hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece for comfort, especially suitable for long-term use in free snorkeling.
OMORC snorkeling package adopts an adjustable buckle, which can easily adjust the headband and fit the head .Snorkel gear is perfectly suitable for men, women, teenagers, perfect for different face shapes, no need to worry about leakage. The breathing tube can be fixed on the mask to complete your free diving.
OMORC snorkel set comes with a convenient waterproof bag so you can quickly grab your gear when headed to the beach,The perfect snorkeling combo for your next adventure!
Breathe easier underwater with the innovative dry snorkel that keeps air out until you’re ready to breathe in again.
Soft, Flexible Bite Valve – The mouthpiece on our snorkeling tube is made from high-quality silicone that contours to your mouth and helps minimize jaw fatigue when you bite down and breathe.
Space-saving & portable after folded.OMORC snorkel set comes with a convenient waterproof bag. Simple to use, reliable, and comfortable.
What worked well
The purge valve worked great
The mask is comfortable
Water did not get into the snorkel
No leaks in the mask
Works well when diving down
Mouthpiece is comfortable
What didn’t
Hurts forehead & nose
Can fog up a lot
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PALAU LAF SET
The Palau Bag Set . This snorkel set includes the Palau Long Blade Snorkeling Fins, the Onda Mask and Gamma Snorkel
The Palau Fins are perfect for recreational snorkeling and can fit a wide range of foot sizes due to the adjustable open heel. Although short blades are compact and easy to travel with, it requires more energy to kick. Short blades also don’t move you forward as far as a long blade would. Long blade fins allow easy forward propulsion with less energy needed allowing you to stay in the water longer without exhaustion.
The Cressi dry snorkel has a special valve on top of the tube that completely seals out all water when a wave comes over, or when you dive underwater.
The mask has a silicone skirt for ensuring comfort and a perfect seal. Thanks to the adjustable buckles, it is possible to adjust the length of the silicone strap.The Onda Mask features tempered glass for safety and a silicone skirt for great comfort and fit
The Palau Bag set includes a re-usable zip-up bag with a shoulder strap, perfect for travel and recreational use
What worked well
Mask comfortable & does not leak
Snorkel works well
Fins move well in the water
Good field of vision from the goggles
Light & good quality
What didn’t
Fins felt hard
Bag is not ideal
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Odoland Snorkel Set 6-in-1
Last one on our list is the Odoland, 6-In-1 Snorkeling Set: Includes 6 products in 1 package—1x silicone diving mask, 1x dry top snorkel, 1 pair fins, 1x mesh bag for carry, 1x waterproof phone case, 1x Beach Blanket (59*55’’).
Anti-Fog & Wide View Snorkel Mask: Made of advanced tempered glass lens, this snorkel mask is anti-fog and anti-leak, providing you with high-level eye protection and an ultra-clear and beautiful underwater view. You can enjoy maximum underwater visibility.
100% Dry-Top Snorkel: The dry snorkel has a closing valve which seals the tube automatically as you dive while it allows air to easily enter the snorkel for clean and unobstructed breathing when on water surface. It will keep water out if you dive under the water surface.
Easy to use: The diving mask with adjusted swivel buckles on the strap can be quickly adjusted to suit different diver’s heads. Squeeze the quick release snorkel holder to slide the snorkel onto, or off of, the mask strap. With the quick release fin buckles, there’s no need to adjust straps for every use.
Safer & Have More Fun: The highly durable and shatter-resistant glass of mask protects you from all sorts of hard or sharp objects in the water, bringing you extra safety when you’re swimming or snorkeling. If water enters the snorkel, you can simply exhale and force water out.
What worked well
Snorkel very easy to breather from
Mask fits well & makes a good seal
No leaks
Fins comfortable
Mouthpiece very comfortable
Lightweight & easy to wear
What didn’t
Snorkel clip breaks
Mask strap broke
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What Is a Good Snorkel Set?
Either two or three components make up a good snorkel set: mask and snorkel, or mask, snorkel, and fins (flippers). Of course, you are able to purchase each of the parts separately. But given all the options available, knowing where to start can be difficult.
That’s why some of the top scuba and watersports brands, such as Cressi and Mares, offer complete snorkel sets. They take away the hassle of the endless search and research. As an added bonus, buying everything together generally works out cheaper than purchasing the individual parts.
A good snorkel set should consist of a quality mask that fits well without leaking, and a snorkel that allows you to breath when face-down on the surface of the water. Some snorkel sets come with fins, others don’t. You don’t have to use fins if you prefer, and many snorkelers choose not to. But they can be a useful piece of kit, as we will explain later on.
What Is the Best Mask for Snorkeling?
Getting a good mask in your snorkel set is important. The whole point of snorkeling is to see the underwater life and without a mask, that’s impossible. Masks come in different styles and which is best for you really comes down to personal preference. Some people like masks with one window so there is no obstruction between the eyes. Others prefer two-window masks. You can also look at frameless masks which are designed to give better peripheral vision.
The most important point, though, is that a good mask should fit well and create a watertight seal around your face. Lots of rental and cheap masks have plastic skirts that are more prone to splitting. A silicone skirt will give a good seal and be much more comfortable. Also, check whether the mask is made from tempered glass as it offers greater protection for your eyes.
What Is a Dry Snorkel Set?
Snorkels have come a long way from the rigid tubes they once were. The majority of today’s snorkels are flexible and come with dump valves to make clearing the water easier than with previous models — one sharp exhalation and water is pushed out of the one-way valve at the bottom of the snorkel.
The traditional J-style snorkel is easy to use but these have an open top, so water can enter the snorkel. If you’ve ever been snorkeling when there are waves, you’ll know that open-top snorkels take on a fair amount of water and need to be cleared regularly.
They are still a good option, but manufacturers today aim to prevent water from entering the snorkel in the first place. Semi-dry snorkels come with a splash guard that gives some protection. But a semi-dry snorkel is not great for snorkeling in the ocean or if you plan to dive below the surface. The other option is a dry snorkel. So, what is a dry snorkel set?
A dry snorkel has a valve at the top of the breathing tube that completely seals when it is submerged. This keeps water out and also prevents you from mistakenly taking a breath when underwater. When you return to the surface, the valve opens and you can breathe easily without having to find enough breath to blow and expel the water. Dry snorkels are an excellent choice if you’re a fan of diving down while you’re snorkeling.
What Are the Best Flippers for Snorkeling?
Fins, or flippers, are a great accessory to a snorkel set. They allow you to move quicker and maneuver better in the water than you can with just bare feet. There are two different types of fins you can buy for snorkeling: full foot or open heel.
Full foot fins have a closed pocket which your foot fits snuggly into. Open heel fins have an adjustable strap that goes around the back of the foot. They allow you to wear neoprene booties with a thick sole, which is great if you have to walk over rocks or stones to get into the water before snorkeling.
There’s really no single best pair of flippers for snorkeling gear. It really depends on your circumstances. For example, where will you be snorkeling? Full foot fins are great for warm water but for cooler waters, you may want to wear socks or booties for warmth, in which case open heel would be the better option. Not a lot of room in your luggage? Short fins may be better suited for traveling as they are lighter and take up less room.
As a general rule though, sticking with respected brands goes a long way toward fin quality. There’s a reason you’ll see so many dive instructors and snorkel guides wearing Mares Avanti Quattro fins: they perform well and they last.
Do You Want Durability?
If you plan on using your snorkeling gear more than once, I highly recommend purchasing durable gear.
As mentioned above, less expensive gear typically isn’t as long lasting as gear you pay a higher price for. If you’re an avid snorkeler or even plan to take a long trip on the water, it’s worth investing in gear that will last you through your trip and beyond.
The most durable snorkeling gear is made of silicon. Stay away from pieces made from plastic or PVC as they’re less reliable and more prone to breakage. This applies not only to the snorkel, but to your mask as well.
You can also determine the durability (or at least dependability) of snorkel gear by checking the warranty. Many high quality, reputable brands will offer 1 to 2 years coverage, while the more fault-prone gear may not have any coverage at all.
A last tip on durability is to check where the gear is coming from. If it’s coming from China, you can bet that isn’t going to last you as long as gear from Europe or America.
Find the Right Fit
Another consideration when choosing your snorkel gear is to find pieces that fit you and your needs. Masks, snorkels and fins all come in a variety of shapes, materials and fits so it’s important to pick the one that’s best for you.
When choosing a snorkel, find one that fits your jaw shape. A smaller jaw requires a smaller snorkel, and vice versa with a larger jaw.
If you choose a snorkel that’s too small for you, you’ll have some difficulty keeping it in your mouth and experience jaw fatigue. A snorkel that’s too large for you will also be difficult and uncomfortable to keep in your mouth. Look for one that’s just right and you should have a pleasant experience.
If you aren’t sure what snorkel to choose, have no fear. You’ll be able to swap out the mouthpiece for one that fits right without having to replace the whole snorkel.
You should also 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 and an unpleasant experience.
Finally, you’ll want to choose a pair of fins in your correct size so that you don’t spend your snorkeling adventure constantly 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 heel so that you can create a fit that’s right for your foot.
Conclusion
We hope after reading our review of the best snorkel gear. You found it insightful. Provided you with enough valuable Information to chose the best snorkel gear. 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. We found that the Omorc was the pick as this product first had some great reviews & feedback. We found that it actually delivered on what it said. It was comfortable, the snorkel & mask did their jobs as did the purge valve. There were very reports of leaks. It also worked well when diving down as well as on the surface. So it covered all what a good snorkel experience needs. Overall we all agreed this snorkel gear was good value for money. With little poor feedback. When compared to others.
Click here to check it out for yourself.
We would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on snorkel sets you have purchased.
