Good snorkel equipment makes your time in the water a lot more fun, compared to a leaky fogging mask, a snorkel that floods easily, or fins that blister your feet. Perfectly fitting snorkel gear gets out of your way, out of your mind, enabling you to relax and focus on the great stuff underwater. Here you’ll learn all of your snorkeling equipment options, and how to get a perfect fit for your face, feet and mouth. That’s why it is best to buy vs. rent, even for beginners. Rentals rarely fit right. And once you have a good set of snorkeling gear, it will last you for years with minimal care. Our snorkeling gear guide will answer all your questions. If you are looking for the best places to snorkel, visit here for our Top 10 Snorkeling Spots.
Snorkel Mask
Snorkel masks come in a large variety of styles and sizes and materials. You can get them with one window, or up to four. Some have plastic skirts, but 100% silicone is far better. The main thing is to get one of good quality that fits you perfectly.
Mask Construction
Make sure your mask of choice is a “real” diving or snorkeling mask. By this I mean that it should be made for the purpose of diving or snorkeling, rather than a cheap mask bought in a supermarket. Properly constructed masks will feature shatterproof glass, and are made so they can withstand pressure if you go for breath-hold dives.
Mask Design
When choosing a mask, pick one with a relatively small volume, meaning that the air space trapped inside the mask isn’t larger than necessary. This will make it easier to clear if water should come in, and makes it easier to equalize it if you dive below the surface. 
Go for one with a good field of vision.
Fit of the Mask
The fit of the mask is crucial. Check the fit by putting 
the mask on without putting the strap around your head, inhaling lightly thru your nose, and then letting the mask go. 
If the mask sticks to your face simply from the vacuum you create by inhaling, it has a reasonably good fit. 
Put the mask strap on and exhale from your nose. You should be able to force the exhaled air out under the mask skirt without too much effort. Otherwise, emptying the mask if water comes in will be difficult.
Top 3 Snorkeling Masks:
Anti-Fog Adult Snorkel Mask
Anti-Fog Adult Snorkel Mask180° large field of view : Better field of vision, increasing the field of vision on both sides, a visual experience that other masks can not provide. Safety Reinforced Anti-Fog Lenses with polycarbonate and added with anti-fog treatment. The skirt of the mask is made of soft food-grade liquid silicone, which fits the face better and will not cause pressure on the face. The side adjustment buckle is convenient, can be adjusted with one hand. << Click Here >>
Zipoute Snorkel Dry Top Snorkeling Gear for Adults
Zipoute Snorkel Dry Top Snorkeling Gear for AdultsZipute Snorkel is a professional manufacturer of research, development, production and sales of diving products for adults and children. Their goal is to provide safe and practical snorkeling gear to every guest, so that guests can easily enjoy the time of snorkeling.<< Click Here >>
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Zenoplige Full Face Snorkel Mask
Zenoplige Full Face Snorkel MaskZenoplige full face snorkel mask offers a curved high-quality clear material to cover your face and provides a clear uninterrupted 180-degree vivid viewing. A specially designed camera mount makes it convenient to put on and take off. The snorkeling mask is perfect for more professional snorkelers or beginners who want to get a wonderful snorkeling experience. << Click Here >>
Snorkel Fins
There are two choices of snorkel fins, close and open foot. The primary reason to use an open foot fin is it allows you to wear a boot. Mostly divers wear boots because they need the insulation (colder water at depths), and because they often are walking with a lot of heavy gear, over rocky shores. A snorkeler can also benefit from wearing boots. If you enter the water on a rocky beach very many times, you will know why.
There are a couple reasons why a closed foot fin is a good choice. First, compared to heavier dive fins, they weigh less. Extra weight at the end of your foot means you have to work harder to move it. Second, efficiency tests have proven that a closed fin is more efficient than an open fin. I am not exactly sure why. It could be because they are less bulky, offering better hydrodynamics around the foot area. Or it could be because your connection to the fin is more positive (without a boot between).
Top 3 Snorkel Fins
Greatever Snorkel Fins
Greatever Snorkel FinsOpen heel design and adjustable straps make the swim fins suitable for different foot types and sizes. GREATEVER Snorkel Fins with scientific design, minimize fatigue and prevent cramps, it uses the unique open toe and cool flame shaped mesh instep design, it will help to reduce resistance and you will feel more comfortable and breathable. The foot pocket with TPR material+Buckle with PC+ blade with PP. That’s anti-deformation, lightweight, corrosion resistant and durability. << Click Here >>
Cressi Adult Snorkeling Fins with Self-Adjustable Comfortable Full Foot Pocket
Cressi Adult Snorkeling Fins with Self-Adjustable Comfortable Full Foot PocketThe Agua is a very easy-to-use snorkeling fin that does not require special skills and at the same time gives excellent performance without straining your feet. The foot pocket is made using the last technology, called Self Adjusting Foot Pocket System, which ensure a perfect fit to different shapes of foot. A truly light fin that brings an excellent performance without tiring your feet. Durable blade for powerful kicks. Light weight, excellent reaction and comfortable fit are the most appreciated features of this Cressi fin. << Click Here >>
Cressi Adult Short Light Swim Fins with Self-Adjustable Comfortable Full Foot Pocket
Cressi Adult Short Light Swim Fins with Self-Adjustable Comfortable Full Foot PocketThe Cressi Agua Short swim fin is the shorter version of Cressi’s popular Agua long blade fin. The fins are ideal for travelers and they are a concrete swimming aid either for pool or sea swim-lovers or snorkelers. It has the same features of Cressi fins such as an above the blade, self-adjusting foot pocket for incredible flexibility and comfort. The Agua Short fin is great for any level of users and it is a must have for your next tropical vacation or water workout next time you travel. << Click Here >>
Other Important Items for Snorkeling
Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen
Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe SunscreenSafe mineral zinc oxide sun screen protects from sunburn & skin damage. All natural sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA UVB protection for sensitive skin. Designed for full-body use, the Badger SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Cream is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it a great pick for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen free from oxybenzone & any chemicals that harm coral reefs. << Click Here >>
Rash Guards For Sun Protection
Using sunscreen is good, but when you go in and out of the water several times in a day, it becomes a pain to re-apply every time. So it’s a good idea to wear long sleeve rash guard shirts when you snorkel. This reduces the area you need to sunscreen by a bunch. And the rash guard provides a small amount of insulating warmth and jellyfish sting protection.
TSLA Women’s UPF 50+ Rash Guard Long Sleeve
TSLA Women’s UPF 50+ Rash Guard Long SleeveTSLA Original Rashguard Series designed specifically for water sports and surfing. Durable high-density fabric protects against rashes, abrasions, and harmful UV Rays. Flatlock seams with minimum stitch allow a smooth silhouette and comfortable fit. << Click Here For Women’s >>
HUGE SPORTS Men’s Rash Guard
HUGE SPORTS Men’s Rash Guard50+ UPF rating provides excellent protection against ultraviolet rays, It can protect your skin away from UVA, UVB rays. Breathable, Lightweight, Quick-Drying fabric actively wicks moisture away from the skin. Four-way stretch fabric stabilizes muscle with compression to prevent fatigue and energy loss. << Click Here For Men’s >>
Stinger Suits (Full Body Suit)
In some places, tours often require you to wear a full body rash guard, which includes covers for your head and hands. They call it a stinger suit. It prevents sunburn, but is primarily worn to prevent getting stung by the Box Jellyfish, the sting of which is lethal.
Seavenger Odyssey 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit
Go right from snorkeling at the surface to diving in the deep; this 3mm neoprene full-body wetsuit forms to your body for maximum comfort and doesn’t irritate your skin. Super-stretch panels around your knees and armpits make sure your wetsuit flexes where it should and doesn’t lose its elasticity. Special knee pads and shoulder pads have anti-abrasion technology, making it perfect for water sports that require extra gear, like scuba diving and snorkeling. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner to wearing a wetsuit, this one lasts through the wear and tear. For more information or to purchase, << Click Here >>
Visit here for the Top 10 Best Snorkeling Spots!
Very informative post! I didn’t know that split fins existed to tell you the truth. I think I may buy me some gear to do a little snorkeling in the summer. I live in Greece and there is water all around us although the sea isn’t exactly what it used to be when I was a child. Decades of tourism and fishing have altered the panorama but then again, the sea is always of interest even if it may be for our lack of contact with it. Thank you for the article. It was good and interesting reading. Cheers!
I am glad you enjoyed and you live in a very beautiful country! I know that you will find a great snorkeling spot near you. I would love to know where you ended up and how it turned out with your new snorkeling gear!
What an excellent guide, I really enjoyed the reading!
I am sailing to the Bahamas, more precisely in the Exumas and I wouldn’t miss for the world to see the underwater sea creatures and coral reefs. As I had an awful experience with a snorkel tube and a mask, I will opt for a full face mask so I can breathe like I usually do on land.
And I will also need a wetsuit to protect my skin from the sun.
If something wrong with the product, will it be possible to return it?
I don’t want to be a pessimist, but We never know:)
Thank you for this great post!
Yes, you will be able to return any item I have listed with free return shipping and generally a full refund within a couple of days of the return. Any I have listed will be great, as they are all the best for your money. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
I usually only snorkel when we’re on vacation somewhere. I know that plenty of people rent gear but the idea of using a mask used by someone else really grosses me out. I don’t care how well they say they cleaned it. I often don’t have space to pack everything I’d like to take but I can make room for a high quality mask so that I can have the best experience possible. Plus, rental fees add up so I save money by bringing anything of my own that I can fit in the suitcase. These recommendations are very helpful.
I agree Ginger! I don’t use used snorkeling gear. I’d rather have something that fits me and I know it’s clean, and only I use it LOL. And yes, the mask does not take up too much space in the suitcase and well worth it!
Hi,
This is a great site. We have always wondered why we couldn’t get a mask to seal. Guess they were all rented masks while we were on vacation.Your set up of the site is appealing and we wanted to keep reading until the end. The length was just right. The photos and the images are all where they are supposed to be, makes for easy reading. Your explanation of the “Atomic Aquatics Full Foot Split Fins” gave us a whole new outlook on what we used to call flippers. First time I have ever seen split fins.The site has a real good feel about it. It feels happy and makes you want to get out and get into the water and start snorkeling with the right gear. Your presentation has left a lasting impression on us, and when we go snorkeling we will come back to the pros and cons you covered here. It will make snorkeling much more pleasurable with some simple fixes on our part.Invaluable for anybody that only goes out occasionally (that’s us) and hasn’t had the experience of knowing the latest trends in this quite specialized field. Felt like it brought us up to date with the latest in snorkeling gear.We cannot think of anything you could add or take away from this site. We’d be proud to have built it.Thanks,
Rob & Michelle
Great Rob & Michelle! Now you are ready to go snorkeling with the proper gear, and enjoy it a whole heck of a lot more! I just don’t like to rent gear that is that personal for me, and when it can just take away from the whole experience. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I love beach vacations but has never thought of venturing into snorkeling ,i see all these amazing pictures of the underwater life and think it would be incredible to see them firsthand. I now pride myself as knowledgeable on matters snorkeling gear and may just consider joining one of the training clubs in my area,i know what brands are best and that i will not find them in supermarket shelves.Good stuff.
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Great Florence, glad you agree
You will absolutely love snorkeling. It is awesome to see the marine world come to life. Thanks for visiting my snorkeling gear guide.
Thanks for such a comprehensive and helpful Snorkeling Guide. I learned so much from this one article. To be honest with you, I was going to simply settle for the U.S. Divers Sea Lion Floating Fins, the most economical of the fins that you have listed. However when I learned of the mechanics of the other two fins and how they were made(by observing Marine life), I gained a more deeper appreciation and ultimately changed my mind to go for the best.
Thanks for all the help.
See you at the sea!
Yep, the U.S. Divers Sea Lion Floating Fins are best if you just cannot afford the other two options. They are a lot better for sure. But you do have to start somewhere for sure. Thanks for stopping by my snorkeling gear guide.
This was exactly what I was looking for! Myself and my hubby are planning a trip to Cuba in the new year, and I wanted to try snorkeling while we were there. I absolutely love the Unigear 180!
As a person who is very new to snorkeling, this page was very helpful. I was able to everything in one spot!
Wish me luck in Cuba LOL
Great Brenda, have a wonderful time in Cuba…..it’s beautiful! Please let me know if you have any further questions.
The snorkels are really the best to go deeper, i really love swimming but not to go deeper , i used to watch my friends diving deeper. i am just imagining my self diving deeper on my snorkels seeing all the beautiful animals underwater will give me a great and wonderful experience. I really would love to have my own snorkels because they also can last me longer.
Yes, owning your own gives you a personal fit that won’t leak and only you have worn. You take care of them, and they will last a long time. I don’t go deep under water when I snorkel. I only hover at the top looking in. I think a scuba diver is what you are thinking of, yes they do go way deeper in the water to see some things really close up that are lower in the water. It is beautiful for sure. I think you will love snorkeling!
I’ve had two full face snorkel masks and they have been superb. I only got the second one as I lost my first one.
The field of vision they give you is superb. I like the fact that if you go below the surface you don’t get a mouth of sea water and it’s very easy to clear the water out of the snorkel when resurfacing.
I’m pleased to see you included sun lotion as this can be overlooked sometime!
Oh yes Darren, a lot of people don’t even use sunscreen, which is a must in my book. Glad you enjoyed the read and I agree that full face snorkel masks are the only way to go.
I have been wanting to go snorkeling for a while now, and just starting to look to see what I need. Snorkeling sounds like a wonderful experience. To see what the underwater life looks like with all the little fish and turtles and all kinds of sea life. It’s a good thing to know what you need, and to have all the right equipment, so that you can enjoy the world under water. You have answered all my questions for me, thanks.
You will have a lot of fun snorkeling. It really is an amazing experience. Thanks for visiting my snorkeling gear guide.
What a helpful guide! I’m new to snorkeling, so I’ll definitely be needing all this gear.
If I’m buying gear online, do you have a recommendation for finding the right product without being able to try then out first? I usually bank on being able to return items, but maybe there is a better way for snorkeling gear!
Thanks for the info!
All of the equipment I have listed can be returned with free return shipping. All are great buys and the best equipment
You would be happy with any selection. Please let me know what you end up with!
The fit of the mask is quite important. However I have never tried one and I am thinking of buying one. Do you have any recommendation for someone like me?
One of the three masks I have listed would work, any of them actually. They are all great
Thank you for a very informative snorkeling gear guide, I found it very helpful.
As someone who is new to snorkeling and doesn’t have the proper snorkeling gear, I am so happy I came across your site.
I now have a much better understanding of what to look for when buying snorkeling gear and I feel more confident in what I need to buy.
Thank you again.. keep up the good work!
Thanks Moni! It is important to buy the right snorkeling gear the first time. Then you are not throwing money away. Snorkeling is amazing, and the right gear makes the experience! Thanks for visiting my snorkeling gear guide.
As a British expat living and working in Thailand for over 16 years now, I can recommend many beautiful beach and island destinations where snorkeling is great. There’s also a lot of PADI diving courses available, and the place here to go for that is mostly Koh Tao which is near Koh Samui, a larger island.
I’ve suffered through wasting money on cheap snorkeling gear bought in supermarkets and shops near beaches. It’s definitely worth the extra effort to get decent gear in a decent shop before you go snorkeling. It’s such a big let down having leaky gear, especially.
Great read, thanks.
I agree James! Cheap snorkeling gear ends up just being thrown away, yes because it just ends up being super leaky. Thanks for visiting and yes great snorkeling in Thailand!