When you think of snorkeling, you might assume it’s an activity that’s only done around coral reefs or in the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. And while saltwater offers plenty of opportunity for underwater adventures, snorkeling is something you can do in the ocean, a lake, or even a swimming pool.
Unlike its more specialized cousin—scuba diving—snorkeling requires minimal equipment and no technical training. (However, it’s important that you know how to swim.) When snorkeling, you swim face-down along the surface of the water. A mask and snorkel enable you to see what’s underwater while still being able to comfortably breathe.
The only gear you really need is a mask and a snorkel. Though if you want to swim faster and more easily, fins are worth considering too.
Equipment
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need before heading to the water.
Mask and snorkel: Often sold in a set, the standard snorkel mask is made to cover the upper part of the face including eyes and nose. (Although full-face snorkel masks are becoming more popular.) The best masks are made with anti-fog glass and a plastic or rubber frame that should fit snugly against the face. Masks usually have a loop to attach the snorkel, a long, flexible tube that allows you to breathe fresh air through your mouth.
Fins: Fins aren’t absolutely necessary but they tend to make snorkeling a lot more fun because you can swim faster and farther when you wear them.
Wetsuit: If you’re swimming in fairly warm water on a hot day, you won’t need a wetsuit. It’s nice to have, however, when the water temp is cool or it’s not a hot, sunny day.
How to Snorkel
1. Choose equipment that fits and test it before you head far from shore. Snorkel masks come in different sizes so make sure the one you purchase fits your face. To test this, press the snorkel against your face and breathe in. If it’s the correct fit, the mask will suction to your face and create a seal. (Don’t worry, it’ll still be easy to remove the mask.) The mask strap should stretch over the back of your head at the widest part.
2. Before you enter the water, practice. Put your mask on and place the snorkel’s mouthpiece in your mouth. Practice breathing a few times so you get used to it. Breathing only through your mouth might seem strange at first.
3. Start in shallow water where you can float comfortably. (Wearing a life jacket can help you float on the surface.) Put your face in the water and practice breathing and floating while wearing your mask and snorkel. If water gets in the snorkel, simply surface. Or, you can also usually clear the water with one big exhale. There are also snorkels that come a splash guard that will prevent water from getting in.
4. Explore! Once you’re used to breathing underwater and floating, start to swim and explore.
7 Best Snorkeling Masks
Whether you’re looking for a traditional mask, full-face snorkel mask, or one made just for kids, we’ve got you covered:
Classic Masks
Wacool Outdoors Snorkel Set
- SIZE :Adults (suitable for almost any one at the AGE above 12 years old.)
- ONE SIZE FITS Adults and Teens: This snorkeling set for Adults and Teens 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. With adjustable head strap.
- ANTI-FOG COATED TEMPERED GLASS: Enjoy maximum under-water visibility. 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 under water.
- FULL DRY SNORKEL with PURGE VALVE + SPLASH GUARD: 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.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE MATERIALS: The snorkeling set are manufactured using top grade materials. The silicon skirt and mouth-piece provide maximum comfort and long-lasting performance.
ProDive Snorkel Set
- MAKES SWIMMING MORE FUN, SAFER, AND EASIER! This scuba mask and snorkle let you enjoy PERFECT VISION from the moment you put it on to the time you take it off! Durable adjustable silicone head strap has secure ratcheting buckles; mask strap clip features a quick-release design to allow the snorkel and diving mask to be separated quickly. Snorkeling gear for adults that is sure to be a hit!
- TEMPERED GLASS LENS IS IMPACT-RESISTANT! Safety comes first! Not even the hardest knock from the sharpest or heaviest object can crack or break the lens in this full face snorkel mask. It's engineered to withstand DEEP WATER PRESSURE, too!
- ANTI-FOG LENS GIVES CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISION ALL THE TIME! When you're underwater, your breath can fog up the lens of cheaper face masks. But this mask is specially designed to be FOG-FREE - giving you hours of enjoyable swimming, diving, or snorkeling.
- BREATHE-EASY DRY SNORKEL LETS AIR IN, KEEPS WATER OUT! This high-tech, DRY swim snorkel keeps air out until you're READY to breathe in! No more surprise gulps of water in your mouth when you're trying to breathe!
- COMFORTABLE LEAK-FREE FIT: The soft, ribbed silicon face seal molds to fit the faces of most children, youth and juniors; soft silicone straps can be adjusted for a perfect fit and a watertight seal
Zeeporte Snorkel Set with Fins
- Full mask fin snorkel set: 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.
- Panoramic view snorkel dive mask: made of a four-window design for a panoramic view with tempered glass lens and hypoallergenic silicone skirt, zeeporte 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 creates a watertight seal with the any driver's face and attached to your mouth perfectly without any peculiar smell.
- Unobstructed breathing dry top snorkel: a high-quality 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.
- Flexible adjustable trek fins: 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.
- All-in-one packing gear bag: 3 essential items in one quick-dry mesh bag. re-usable zip-up bag with a shoulder strap, perfect for travel and recreational use. amazing low package for all four items and good for traveling.
Full-Face Masks
OUSPT Snorkel Mask
- ★【UPGRADED VERSION OF OUSPT SNORKEL MASK】Our newest snorkel mask folding the tube by a elastic rubber band which can be rotated in any direction. High-quality and safe liquid silicone in interior, which is more suitable for the face and tightly waterproof solves tube (with a button) snorkel mask's problem and the installation difficulties. When snorkeling occurs an emergency, you can quickly get out of the mask with one button and get more self-help time.
- ★【 SAFETY BREATHING SYSTEM 】OUSPT snorkeling mask is made of High Quality PC and medical grade silicone Non-toxic and environmental. New add fish gill design breath circulatory system, exhaust gas can be out faster. We are not only greatly improved the airflow, visibility, fit, but also camera mount and safety of the full face snorkeling mask. All we do just order to bring the safe and comfortable snorkel experience.
- ★【AMAZING ANTI-FOG TECHNOLOGY】We improved the breath system fish gill breath circulatory (Intermediate air intake, air outlet on both sides) which make exhalation and inhalation have completely isolated to prevent the mixing of exhaust gas and fresh air. It will keep you snorkeling comfortably longer and not fog from your breath or the water temperature.
- ★【EXPLORE MAGNIFICENT UNDERWATER WORLD】Our full face snorkel mask are designed with a natural curved, which perfectly fit human face. Seaview 180 degree panoramic design that allows for the ultimate in comfort and visibility! Snorkel mask With detachable GoPro Mount can easily attach GoPro camera. Capture your adventure and share with friends and family,Enjoy your vacation.
- ★【100% SATISFIED WARRANTY SERVICE】Our diving mask has 12-month warranty! If you have any dissatisfaction, welcome to contact us. We will provide you worry-free shopping experience and satisfied after-sell service.
Greatever Snorkel Mask
- [PANORAMIC VIEW AND SUPPORT CAMERA MOUNT]Our snorkel mask adopts transparent flat lens made by high definition premium PU resin, preventing from distortion the view and eliminating the dizziness underwater. With the removable motion camera mount allows you to clearly discover the underwater world.
- [G2 DRY TOP SYSTEM] G2 snorkel mask is designed by a famous designer. We adheres to folding design, as well as the addition of a two-channel exhaust valve,and to expanded the diameter of the top snorkel to 1.26 inches.
- [BREATHING FREELY AND MAXIMUM AIR INTAKE] After two years of repeated exploration and improvement, our G2 full face snorkel mask has the outstanding performance in breathing and air intake. When you use our snorkel mask for surface snorkeling, you will feel comfortable and smooth breathing.
- [PROFESSIONAL ANTI-FOG&ANTI-LEAK]The full face snorkel mask is made of high-quality silicone, the entire snorkel mask is fully wrapped to achieve a leak-proof effect, and the silicone layer inside the mask directly isolates the air from the nose and mouth, and the heat air is not easy to condense on the mirror surface.
- [AFTER SALES SERVICE] As long as you are our customers,since the day you buy G2 snorkel mask. We will provide 24-hour uninterrupted service. We sincerelly believe we will bring the customers the most satisfied buying experience.
Snorkel Masks for Kids
Kuyou Snorkel Set
- 【Safely and NO Leaking】Snorkel set - Swimming Goggles are made of tempered glass which helps to make it durable, strong ,explosion-proof and IMPACT-RESISTANT ,Not even the hardest knock from the sharpest or heaviest object can crack or break the lens in this mask.The skirt of diving mask is designed with soft and flexible silicone to provide a watertight seal for face.
- 【For Youth Junior and Kids with Reflective】: Children Snorkel Set for age from 5 - 12 years old; High elastic strap ensures for effective adjustment ,increased flexibility and comfort and food grade silicon face skirt which molds to fit kid's face shape .The goggles frame has a reflective effect ，Let you kids in the multitudinous crowds blooming.
- 【Wide View and Anti-fog】 Wear snorkel set enjoy maximum underwater visibility. When you're underwater, your breath can fog up the lens the face masks,But this mask has special fog-free design provides you ultra clear and beautiful underwater view when you swimming, diving, or snorkeling.
- 【Dry Top Anti-Splash Design 】 Our snorkeling equipment has advanced anti-splash system ,which can prevents water from entering the snorkel when you descend below the waterline and the purge valve allows for easy clearing and draining water out of the snorkel.
- 【Explore the underwater world】: Whether your child is a little explorer? If yes,just give them this kid's swimming&diving gear and let them explore the sea with safety! The snorkeling gear set including a snorkel mask and a snorkeling tube with beautiful colors! Enjoy a wonderful parent-child time together.
RayCue Full-Face Snorkel Mask
