One of the best things anyone can do around water in the summer is go snorkeling. There is something about having a new snorkel and the unobstructed view of the marine life swimming around. Alternatively, you can turn your hand to a spot of snorkel fishing.
To get the best experience from your mask and snorkel, you need one that meets specific criteria.
Things have changed in this area, and they are now very different bits of scuba equipment.
Here, we will look at the best snorkel gear you can get for this year’s vacation.
Contents
What is a Snorkel Mask?
A snorkeling mask is something you can wear underwater so you can swim with your eyes open and have a clear view.
The most common types for years have been the regular goggles and snorkel, but now things are changing.
Many new designs are a full mask, snorkel being built in or as a clip-on design.
The new designs have all-around vision with large polycarbonate screens that cover the face.
How does a snorkel work?
Old type snorkels were no more than a plastic tube that allowed you to breathe in and out. These were held in place by a mouthpiece, which is held inside the mouth.
In these new masks, the snorkels have a device at the top that prevents water from entering the snorkel. In the mask, there is often inlet valves and outlet valves where expelled air can travel.
These now allow for natural breathing underwater than having to clamp your teeth on a mouthpiece.
Top Snorkel Mask Reviews
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1. WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° GoPro Compatible Snorkel Mask- Panoramic Full Face Design. See More with Larger Viewing Area Than Traditional Masks. Prevents Gag Reflex with Tubeless Design
The Wildhorn Seaview 180 is one of the best full-face scuba diving mask you can find. It delivers comfort while remaining leak-free, and without fogging.
It is made from medical-grade silicone, which makes sure it fits many different faces sizes, and the polycarbonate lens on the Seaview snorkel mask gives clear views of everything around you.
In testing, it did make somethings appear farther away, but that is a minor issue compared to the experience it delivers.
Breathing is easy, and you can use either your nose or mouth, so there is nothing you need to clamp your jaw onto to make a seal.
Pros
- 180 degree visibility
- Dual breathing – nose or mouth
- Shatterproof polycarbonate lens
- No fogging
- Suitable for pool swimming
- No painful mouthpiece
- Built in camera GoPro mount
Cons
- Slight demagnification of lens
- Can take a little getting used to
- Not suitable for diving
Technical Specifications
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Colors: 6
- Design: Full Face
- Camera Mount: Yes
- Materials: Silicone and polycarbonate
It was a pleasure to use in testing, and with the GoPro snorkeling mount built in and out of the way, you are set to film all your underwater snorkeling adventures.
We found there wasn’t a drop of water found its way down the snorkel thanks to the dry snorkel technology.
This helps with the fogging because a separate breathing chamber takes expelled air away from the main viewing glass.
While it isn’t recommended for freediving, the guide price of a little under $60.00 makes the Seaview 180 degree snorkel mask one of the best pieces of snorkeling equipment you can ever purchase.
2. Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask Snorkel Set
Cressi is one of the largest names in premium water products. This mask is based on the more traditional design of snorkel goggles, so the field of view won’t be the same as full face snorkeling masks. Because of the frameless design, it does give a larger area to view from.
In testing, we found the dry snorkel valve worked efficiently, although water did seep in around the edge of the mask. This led to fogging and the need for draining on several occasions.
Adjusting the mask was easy with the push-button, so it can fit a number of face sizes but it isn’t suitable for smaller children.
Pros
- No frame design
- Top valve prevents water entering the snorkel
- Soft silicone mouthpiece
- Folds up for easy packing
Cons
- Mask fogs easily
- Need to adjust the mask to prevent filling
- Not an all in one design
Technical Specifications
- Sizes: One size – adult
- Colors: 10
- Design: Frameless mask
- Camera Mount: No
- Materials: Silicone and tempered glass
We found size to be the biggest issue after fogging. As there is only one size, any adjustment you make can leave the skirt of the mask loose in places. It is evident; this is how the water manages to seep in.
Because there is no separate chamber for air, which is expelled through the nose accentuates the misting.
Add to this, the soft silicone mouthpiece can cause aches after a while, so snorkeling for extended periods will need to be broken while you rest your mouth.
Priced just under $40, the Cressi snorkeling and free diving mask is geared to a backup mask for divers that are more experienced rather than a full-time mask.
3. PRODIVE Premium Dry Top Snorkel Set – Impact Resistant Tempered Glass Diving Mask, Watertight and Anti-Fog Lens for Best Vision, Easy Adjustable Strap, Waterproof Gear Bag Included
The Prodive snorkel set is about as no frills as you can get. It takes a very simple approach, and can be something for a snorkel face mask to throw in with the rest of your gear, or one for the kids to mess around with.
While the mask claims to be watertight, this will depend on the shape and size of your face. For larger faces, it worked sufficiently, but for thinner or smaller faces, it lost some effectiveness. One thing to note is that the seal wasn’t as comfortable as with other snorkel masks.
While the mask is basic, it comes with an anti-fog system built in. The snorkel is also a dry top variety, so no stray water will find its way down to the mouthpiece.
Pros
- Impact resistant tempered glass
- Good for deeper diving
- Soft silicone mouthpiece
- Dry top snorkel
Cons
- Faulty product upon delivery
- Single edge not fully waterproof
- Straps break easily
- One size fits all
Technical Specifications
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 10
- Design: Framed mask
- Camera Mount: No
- Materials: Silicone and tempered glass
This snorkel kit may be right at the bottom end of cheap masks with a guide price of just under $30.00, but you get a carry bag to keep your wet gear in once you are finished.
While priced well away from the best snorkeling gear, it was good to find the tempered glass was shatterproof, so if there is an impact, there are no worries about your eyes.
One other feature they managed to squeeze in is an anti-drain valve by the mouthpiece. Adding to this, the mouthpiece is adjustable which was a nice touch, especially if you do use this mask for children.
With a lifetime guarantee for satisfaction on the Prodive snorkel kit, it may be a case that this has been used a lot form other snorkel gear review places that show unhappy customers.
However, there is nothing to lose and you can try it knowing you won’t lose any money. That is unless you need something more, and are serious about your snorkeling.
4. Greatever Newest Version Snorkel Mask Foldable 180 Panoramic View Free Breathing Full Face Snorkeling Mask with Detachable Camera Mount, Dry Top Set Anti-Fog Anti-Leak for Adult
This full face snorkel review looks at one of the new breed of masks. These deliver viewing angles snorkelers only ever saw in movies.
With a full 180 degrees, there isn’t much you can’t see. There are many others in this style, and during testing, we did have a few concerns with this model.
We saw there were complaints that breathing was hard, and during testing, we did see this on occasion.
We also found that in some instances, the mouth area was prone to leaking. This can make it uncomfortable if too much water gets in.
The design of the foldable snorkel makes for very easy transport, but after simulating using it a few time, it started to loosen up, and the durability may not be that good over the long-term.
Pros
- 180 degree view
- Detachable camera mount
- Nose or mouth breathing
- Dry top snorkel for easy breathing
- Foldable snorkel for easy transport
Cons
- Not suitable for diving
- Unclear warranty
- Can leak in mouth area
- Not the most comfortable
Technical Specifications
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL
- Colors: 3
- Design: Full face mask
- Camera Mount: Yes
- Materials: Silicone and polycarbonate
It does come with a camera mount that is a nice touch, but there is more to a full face diving mask than being able to hold a camera. Unfortunately, this is one full face snorkel mask that is only suitable for surface swimming.
We saw signs of mask creep while trying to submerge it underwater. With a guide price of just over $40. We found Greatever snorkel mask very middle of the road, with very middle of the road build quality and features.
The design elements are there, but there are better options out there that will deliver many more years of service.
5. SeeReef Full Face Snorkel – Snorkeling Mask Set New Design With Hard Carry Case – See 180 Degrees Underwater with New 4 Valve Anti Fog Technology Breathe Easy
When you are looking for extras, then the SeeReef delivers. It comes with a carry case,
earplugs and spare seals.
Either this can be they like to care for their customers, or they are items that are likely to fail or wear.
It comes with four intake valves that makes drawing in easy, but in testing, we found the same as many other users in snorkel mask reviews we read.
There can be a buildup inside the mask because expended air isn’t removed fast enough.
It is better news for the mask, because with the flat design, it eliminates too much distortion. There was hardly any fogging while fresh air is available.
Pros
- 180 degree view
- Fog free flat viewing panel
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Extra-long dry snorkel
Cons
- Over exertion can lead to CO2 build-up
- Straps not easy to remove quickly
- Over tight seal can cause pressure floods if seal breaks
Technical Specifications
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL
- Colors: 2
- Design: Full face mask snorkel
- Camera Mount: Yes
- Materials: Silicone and polycarbonate
Guide prices begin right under the $40 mark, so the SeeReef full face snorkel is affordable. In testing, we spotted there was dampness inside the snorkel tube where it joins to the mask.
This may have been our unit, but an all in one fitted snorkel would deliver better safety.
The other area of concern was the fitting. Many masks offer one size, so you know immediately that they are unsuitable for smaller faces.
This one offers two sizes but these are open to interpretation, you can’t get an all for one mask, and even one or two sizes doesn’t fit all faces, especially while they are under water.
It was this we found for leaking around certain parts of the mouthpiece.
If there were separate sizes, then this could be close to the best full face snorkel mask with all its additional bits.
What to Look For When Buying a Snorkel Mask
The masks in our review differ greatly in their design; however, they all have a few key characteristics that you will need to check in your next diving mask.
Comfort
This is a very significant part of a full facemask. Being sure the mask fits snugly on you will mean you will wear it more frequently.
Many snorkeling masks are fitted with an adjustable strap that will allow you to have a personalized fit.
One other area is if you wear prescription lenses, you will need clearance, and a smaller diving mask may not allow this.
Antifog
There may be a lot of condensation accumulated in the snorkel masks that will eventually cause your mask to fog up. This is due to sweating and the nose.
Luckily, there is anti fogging technology in place that treats the masks to avoid this happening. This is very significant because it will obstruct your vision and you will need to resurface and clean your mask often.
Opting for a better quality mask with anti-fog features allows you to get more out of your snorkeling experience with no effort.
Vision Range
There are more styles of masks to choose from, ranging from frameless to wide-angle. This is one of the key considerations when snorkeling; your goal is to see life under water.
Full facemasks provide the largest field of view, and you can see a full 180° view without any obstructions. This is highly desirable, but not the only way to do so.
Most snorkel masks will give you a wide, angled view and sometimes even an exceptional downward view. A frameless design will also help you see even more underwater.
Seals
All masks have seals that allows them to sit securely against the face. The quality of seals is critical and prevents water entering the mask. The entry of water will cause the mask to fog up, accumulate water in the bottom, require you to surface, and clean. If you opt for a mask with strong and durable silicon skirt, your underwater experience will be much more enjoyable.
Dry Snorkel
This is the most important feature to look for. A dry snorkel will have a valve at the top of the tube that sits out of the water. This valve ensures no water enters your snorkel.
This is an important safety feature because you don’t want to let water into your snorkel. This is a very important safety feature for children and not so strong swimmers.
This snorkel is ideal for waves with the built in splashguard. Dry snorkels give you more reach, because you can submerge your head without fear of water entering your mask.
Depending on the type of mask, you can find you can breathe through the nose or mouth.
Drain Valve
These are large openings in the base of your snorkel, these make draining water and cleaning easier. For snorkels that are not dry snorkels, it makes it easy for water to escape your snorkel.
Mouthpiece
If you choose the old goggle design, these need to fit the mouth comfortably. You can have these inserted for extended periods, and they will cause ache in the jaw.
Some are also adjustable so they fit different sizes of mouth, this is vital as it is a prime area for water to enter if you can’t close your mouth properly.
There are many features that you do need to consider. Nevertheless, snorkeling equipment isn’t something you can skimp on because it can mean the difference between enjoying yourself, and feeling like the one you are drowning.
Many swimmers may be tempted to choose a full snorkeling gear set such as the offerings from Phantom Aquatics, however, in some cases, this isn’t the best option.
You may get a snorkeling bag, short fins with a built in foot pocket all for a very reasonable price.
However, in the case of the snorkel and the mask, you may find these inferior than if you purchase the items separately.
This way you can be sure you are getting great value for money.
Final Verdict
After carrying out multiple tests to find the best snorkeling mask from the list above. It was clear there was one that was standing out.
We quickly ruled out any of the masks that didn’t give a 180-degree field of view.
This left us to focus on three. We then looked at safety and a price to performance ratio.
We found the winner to be the WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° GoPro Compatible Snorkel Mask.
All who tested it felt safe and secure, and there were no concerns with CO2 build-up and because of the various sizing, there was no sign of water leaking anywhere on the mask.
Breathing was easy, and there was hardly any sign of fogging.
With the built, in-camera mount, any snorkel fishing for beginner’s moments can be captured and played back repeatedly.
It was a well-deserved outcome, and we can say it is the best snorkel mask that any member of the family can use and get lots of enjoyment from.
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