The Best Snorkel Gear for Quality and Safety [2024 Guide]

Enjoy your underwater adventures more with the best snorkel gear of 2023. Find out which snorkeling equipment is best for your next trip out on the water!

With so many options out there, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the top 7 snorkeling sets so you can make the best decision on which is right for you.

We’ve thoroughly researched and sampled a variety of snorkeling gear and are confident that you’ll find the perfect one that meets your specific wants and needs.

BEST RATED
Cressi Palau Premium Snorkel Set

Our Pick – Cressi Palau Premium

Dry snorkel for submersion

Comfortable, flexible fins

Affordable price point

Other Great Options…


Top Recommended Snorkeling Gear

PRODUCT

PRICE RANGE

Weight (Lbs)

Type of Mask

Type of Fins

Type of Snorkel

$60 - $80

3

Two Window

Open Heel

Dry

$40 - $60

1.5

Two Window

Open Heel

Semi-Dry

$40 - $50

3

Two Window

Full Foot

Semi-Dry

$60 - $80

2.5

One Window

Open Heel

Dry

$70 - $90

3.3

Two Window 

Open Heel

Dry

$40 - $50

3.2

One Window

Open Heel 

Dry

$60 - $100

3.5

Two Window

Open Heel

Dry


The Best Snorkel Gear – Our Expert Guide

Today, we’ll look at a few kits that provide fins, a breathing apparatus, and a mask ready for a splash.

Each one of these snorkeling gear sets is comprised of high-quality parts that stand out on their own and work as a unit to provide a complete gear bag ready to take things up a notch. 


NOMADasaurus Pick: Cressi Palau Premium

Cressi Palau Premium
  • Price Range: $60 – $80
  • Type of Mask: Two Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heeled
  • Type of Snorkel: Dry

Cressi’s Lightweight Premium Travel Snorkeling Kit is incredibly lightweight and ships ready to roll. The highlight is Cressi’s Supernova dry snorkel and a great set of open-heel fins that adjust to all kinds of feet.

The classic Onda Mask brings it all together to provide a reliable set of snorkeling gear ready to get your vacation started.

The mask provides a wide look at all sorts of underwater life with single-tempered glass and easy equalization. There’s nothing complicated up top, just a wide window, a solid, watertight seal, and a soft silicone skirt.

The supernova dry snorkel is where things get really interesting. This is one of the best snorkels in the business and is what really sets this kit apart from the competition.

Finally, the adjustable strap and open-heel fins support booties and all sorts of feet for a comfortable snorkel gear set at a price that makes traveling with your own snorkeling gear a no-brainer. 

PROS

  • A 2-year limited warranty helps you swim free
  • Snorkel can stay dry through quick submerges 
  • Good mask, flexible foot fins, fantastic supernova dry snorkel 

CONS

  • Advertised as made in Italy but the Supernova Dry snorkel actually comes from Taiwan
  • The snorkel can only be mounted on your left 

Phantom Aquatics Velocity

Phantom Aquatics Velocity
  • Price Range: $40 – $60
  • Type of Mask: Two Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heel
  • Type of Snorkel: Semi-Dry

This kid-friendly mask and semi-dry snorkel set is the easiest way to get the whole family kitted up.

The Phantom Aquatics Velocity set doesn’t include fins, but it comes with a tempered glass snorkel mask and a one-way purge valve that feels like classic snorkels.

The Velocity set makes our list thanks to its affordable price point, but the mask features a few tricks up its sleeve that is sure to help out your next snorkel trip.

The low lens cut-out makes a face mask that stays comfortable through long forays beneath the surface and supports a full field of view while checking out the deep blue sea.

This snorkel features a splash guard and a button adjustment clasp that allows you to move your snorkel up and down the mask until you find a comfortable fit.

At the top of your breathing tube, a nifty low-profile shape invites fresh air while keeping water out to round out a quality snorkel at a great price. 

PROS

  • An affordable and high-quality way to explore the underwater world
  • High-quality snorkel mask features a tight seal that keeps water out and the views on
  • You can choose between a wide range of colors to make sure the family doesn’t mix up their masks

CONS

  • Semi-dry snorkel is good enough for calm conditions but lacks strength through troubled waters 
  • There are some quality control issues with the construction of the snorkel and fins

READ NEXT: Be sure to check out this post on all of the best dive watches on the market.


U.S. Divers Cozumel

U.s. Divers Cozumel
  • Price Range: $40 – $50
  • Type of Mask: Two Window
  • Type of Fins: Full Foot
  • Type of Snorkel: Semi-Dry

U.S. Dive gear is helping travelers collect their own gear for less than the price of a week-long rental. This complete set is compact and affordable enough to make sure you never have to put your credit card up as collateral again. 

This snorkeling equipment isn’t anything fancy, but it certainly isn’t just a mask, either.

A banging full-face snorkel mask, snorkel tube, and fins ship inside their own mesh gear bag and feature a Pro Glide adjuster that fits all sorts of faces.

The snorkel combo features sweet quirks at every piece, like the flexible tube that helps reduce jaw fatigue and the short fins made to pair with bare feet. Cozumel waters are crystal clear and tranquil, which is where these snorkel sets excel.

The affordable kit isn’t ready to dive deep, but it’s a perfect introduction to the snorkeling experience. 

PROS

  • A scuba diving ready snorkel set ready for a trip this weekend
  • A tempered glass lens and short fins are solid aspects of such an affordable kit
  • Compact fins make this snorkel gear set incredibly easy to pack 

CONS

  • Not the snorkel equipment that will push your freediving 
  • Most U.S. divers masks require an anti-fog treatment before every splash

Promate Snorkeling Set

Promate Snorkeling Set
  • Price Range: $60 – $80
  • Type of Mask: One Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heel
  • Type of Snorkel: Dry

The Promate full face masks really set this set apart from the rest. Unlike traditional masks that split your view in two, this full-face snorkeling mask uses one huge tempered glass lens to give you an extended view across the middle and on the edges.

These deluxe scuba and snorkeling gear sets are the second option on our list that features dry snorkels, an essential perk for troubled waters.

With that kind of protection on top, hopefully, you won’t be using the purge valve too often, but it’s there, ready for clean air without jaw fatigue.

The fins lose this panoramic snorkel sets a few points, as the plastic can be a bit stiff for bare feet, but this unique face snorkel mask makes the Promate Panoramic the best snorkeling gear for getting the full picture.

PROS

  • The best snorkel gear set that includes full-face snorkel masks
  • Both the mask and breathing tube include a purge valve
  • A completely dry flexible tube top works great in rough waters

CONS

  • Only comes in two different sizes 
  • Tough rubber snorkeling fins can wear you down over time

Tusa Sport Adult

Tusa Sport Adult
  • Price Range: $70 – $90
  • Type of Mask: Two Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heel
  • Type of Snorkel: Dry

Tusa Sport’s adult snorkeling kit with an extended silicone skirt makes this face mask a great choice for anyone with a big ole noggin. The mask’s snorkel and its comfortable adjustments already piqued our interest.

A double-feathered edge skirt that helps lock in watertight without squeezing any cheeks completes the deal.

Unfortunately, the short fins don’t take on the XL-friendly features of the face mask, so some larger scuba divers might have trouble fitting in the dive fins. The open heels do provide classic adjustments that will help most feet fit this snorkel gear.

Another key perk of the Tusa Sport is the completely protected snorkel opening. This tube features a dry top and a purge valve on the bottom, so you’ll never have to take your eyes off a roaming ray. 

PROS

  • A stretchy silicone face snorkel mask is great for larger heads
  • Packs some of the best purge valve and splash guard systems out there
  • Travel gear bag allows you to pack up your wet snorkel gear without getting saltwater inside your suitcase

CONS

  • XL mask but not an XL foot pocket for the fins
  • The most expensive snorkel set on our list  

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Check out these posts on great scuba diving opportunities such as swimming with whale sharks!


Seavenger Voyager

Seavenger Voyager
  • Price Range: $40 – $50
  • Type of Mask: One Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heel
  • Type of Snorkel: Dry

Our second snorkel set featuring full-face snorkeling masks won’t quite give you superpowers, but they will provide you with your own snorkel gear ready to explore on your next vacation.

The panoramic single-lens mask provided by Seavenger Voyager provides plenty of vision under the sea, and the package is rounded out with quality parts throughout.

These panoramic scuba masks stayed affordable while adding on small dive fins that still provide a big kick and a completely dry nozzle that keeps your head below water and your eyes on the show.

These frameless masks also provide a great head fit that stays comfortable over extended dives.

At the bottom of the snorkel set, the fins are at the ready with a soft rubber foot pocket that squeezes in your feet and locks in your snorkel with a kick.  

PROS

  • Some of the best snorkeling gear out there that stays affordable 
  • Full face snorkel mask opens up your field of view 
  • Dive fins pack a serious punch at a small size 

CONS

  • If it’s not attached perfectly, the dry top works more like semi-dry snorkels 
  • Tough to fit inside these fins while wearing booties 

Aqua Lung Zephyr

Aqualung Zephyr Duetto
  • Price Range: $60 – $100
  • Type of Mask: Two Window
  • Type of Fins: Open Heel
  • Type of Snorkel: Dry

We’ll wrap up our list of the best snorkeling gear with a set from a brand synonymous with water sports.

Aqua Lung’s Zephyr complete package offers up their signature fins, breathing apparatus, and classic mask set-up. to provide one of the safest bets in snorkeling.

The weak link of this set is the old-school mask set-up, which has one of the smallest viewing chambers of any mask on our list.

Instead, Aqualung favored a comfortable fit with soft silicone and a wide nose chamber to quickly accustom yourself to new depths.

It makes for a great diving mask, and the zephyr flexible tube helps make up some serious ground. This snorkel has great movement in all the right places, allowing you to easily discard the mouthpiece without losing track of things.

One quick hook keeps your tube nearby and a solid purge valve clears out salt water in a hurry. 

PROS

  • A collection of Aqua-Lungs three featured pieces of snorkeling equipment
  • Comfort is valued at every piece to make a great companion for longer sessions
  • Really smooth glide for short fins

CONS

  • The included mask could use a face-lift
  • One of the more expensive options on our list, without providing loads of value besides the brand name

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Choosing the Best Snorkel Gear

Everyone should experience an afternoon underwater – whether scuba diving or just snorkeling. Snorkeling is a great reminder that there is a whole world out there beneath the sea.

There’s just something about it, the sounds, the flotation, the feeling of being a fish out of the water, to put a highlight on the vacation and keep you looking forward to summertime. 

The first few times you splash around in waist-deep water, you may be comfortable enough with goggles or rented equipment, but to take things into the deep end and really start exploring, you should seriously consider your own set. 

As you’ll read, you’ll be able to get a complete package of snorkeling equipment for less than it costs to rent it for a week at Sandals. There are a few great snorkeling sets out there that travel light, fit tight, and unlock new levels of exploration. 

Whether you’re heading out this weekend and need a kit in a hurry, or are preparing ahead for days spent at sea. These sets are readily available while taking care of everything you need to grow as a snorkeler. 

That’s a lot of great options – all for less than $100! The truth is, you’re next vacation will be better off with any one of these snorkeling sets.

Still, as you could see from our variable list, no two snorkeling options are quite the same, so it all depends on you. 

You’ve got more choices than ever when it comes to places to snorkel and equipment to make it happen. Choosing the best snorkel gear starts by selecting a kit from our list, but don’t stop there. 

Let’s take a look at a few key ingredients that compose a kit. Each factor will have a different weight on a different adventure, so set your own scales and find the collection that brings balance to your wading! 

Buy as A Set or Individually?

Our reviews focused on the complete package, but each part of these parcels are also available individually.

Going with a set is the budget-friendly choice, and each of the kits on our list is made up of high-quality pieces of snorkeling equipment that will be more than enough for most days in the water.

Therefore, buying a set is the best choice for getting your toes wet, stocking up fast, or providing a kit for the kiddos. 

Once you’ve put your set through the wringer and you know you’re in it for the long haul, you should probably consider selecting each part individually. Picking out each individual part of your kit means you can have the best of all aspects. 

While our editor’s choice Cressi Palau provides incredibly high marks across the mask, fins, and snorkel, the truth is that individual manufacturer’s all excel in different areas.

For example, pairing the supernova dry snorkel with form-fitting full-foot fins and a full-face snorkeling mask simply isn’t possible when buying from a set. 

Before you can go and choose your equipment individually, however, you’ve got to know your own quirks and preferences. The best way to find out what makes your underwater adventures trick is to get a full set and spend some quality time in the water. 

Snorkeling
Spend some time in the water to find out what you need in a set of snorkel gear.

Durability

Without a large difference between most snorkel gear sets, durability is what separates the contenders from the castaways. 

The first thing we looked for to figure out these sets’ durability was the materials used in the seal, snorkel, and mask. Many cheap options will rely on plastic across the edges of your gear, but it’s only a matter of time before a crack ruins your trip.

Therefore, high-quality silicone is the only acceptable answer for any part of your equipment that works to keep the water out. 

Another great durability hint is the warranty offered by your product. No company would offer up a warranty if they actually expected over half of their customers to require a claim.

Any snorkel offering two years or more of protection is worth an extra investment if you plan on keeping your equipment around for the long haul. 

Budget 

As you can see from our list, you won’t have to carve out a significant portion of your vacation funding on your snorkeling gear. If you are shopping for a one-time occasion, you can find a perfectly potent complete set for under $40.

Anyone looking to make a habit out of this hobby should spend a bit more, but our editor’s choice kit still won’t set you back triple digits. 

You can find plenty of wildly expensive dive and snorkeling gear, and if you plan on spending a few hours at 100 meters deep, sure, you should consider dropping top dollar.

For any snorkeling expedition where no tank is required, the largest expense you should seriously consider is splurging for a dry-top snorkel valve. 

Individual Components

A snorkeling set is a combination of a mask, fins, and snorkel. Let’s break down each one of these three critical components so you can build up your perfect set. 

Mask 

This component of the kit sports the most variability. 

Fog-treated Lens

Some snorkel masks will advertise an anti-fog lens, but in my experience, the only way to guarantee a completely clear viewing window is by adding on a thick layer of anti-fog spray before every dive.

Some high-tech full-face snorkeling masks will make large promises, but no entry-level masks will deliver without a bit of help. 

If you forgot to bring your defoggers, a quick spit and rinse is the next best thing. 

Silicone Skirt

This is one of the most critical aspects to look for in your snorkel mask. Masks will either have plastic outer edges or utilize silicone, which is the clear winner.

A silicone skirt of your snorkel mask will create a watertight seal that will keep water out while staying comfortable through the changing pressures of the sea.

Snorkel Mask
Your mask is one of the most important items for snorkeling!

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Some of the best places in the world to snorkel are Koh Samui, Key West and Western Australia.


Tempered Glass

Every reputable snorkeling manufacturer has switched over to tempered glass face masks as it is stronger, clearer, and breaks into granules instead of splinters.

Don’t mess around with anything less than tempered glass. 

Window type

Masks will come in either one-window, two-window, or full-face varieties. It’s mainly a matter of taste until you start diving deep. Once you hit a few meters of depth, a two-window mask will be easier to equalize.

At significant depths, the less volume of air, the better. At the surface, the larger surface area of your tempered glass gives you a fuller picture, however, the difference is very subtle.  

Overall Fit

Your mask should fit tightly enough that not one spec of water breaks through the seal, but not so tightly that it feels like an octopus has attached to your face. A bit of tightness is just fine.

After an hour or two in the water, it’s totally normal to have a bit of an indent marked across where the seal connects to your forehead. 

Fins

Too many snorkelers neglect packing fins, as they are the largest piece of your kit and take up quite a bit of luggage. However, the speed and buoyancy advantage of fins is too great to overlook. 

Close-heeled Vs. Adjustable

Most manufacturers have shifted towards adjustable fins for convenience’s sake. Close-heeled options offer a more comfortable fit once you find the right size. 

Adjustable, open-ended fins can better accommodate booties and different foot sizes, and all it takes is a quick tug to lock the fins into place. 

Long Vs. Short

Short fins are a traveler’s best friend, as they can reach the same speed and flotation power as long fins while taking up way less space in a suitcase. They are a bit more rigid and may put the emphasis on your calves more than the plastic fins themselves.

So long fins still have a niche for creating a more comfortable snorkeling experience. But short fins have come to dominate the industry. 

Snorkel Fins
It’s important to decide whether you want long or short fins.

Snorkel

Your breathing apparatus will consist of a mouthpiece, purge section, tube, and some sort of cover to keep air flowing and water out. 

Classic

Many trips won’t require much more than the rigid tube and mouthpiece of yore. Classic snorkels have no purge valves or water-resistant tops, but who needs ’em?

You can always stick your head up and flip your snorkel upside down to clear things out. 

Dry 

The latest and greatest in snorkeling technology is a top valve that completely seals when you submerge, allowing you to dive down while snorkeling and take a quick breath without forcing water through the purge valve. 

Semi-Dry

Semi-Dry snorkels are classic snorkels with a splash guard that will help keep a bit of wind swell from dripping inside your unit.

A semi-dry protector will do nothing to prevent your tube from filling with water upon submerging, so be sure to pair up a semi-dry top with a purge valve to keep the lines clear. 

Snorkel
Last but not least, get the best snorkel for you!

Conclusion

The best snorkel gear doesn’t have to be complicated. The sets you’ve seen today ship with everything you need to get your adventure underway at a great price.

Any one of these units will get you closer to the action, but none will stand the test of time better than our editor’s choice the Cressi Palau, which has the credentials and craftsmanship to keep you underwater for decades. 

NOMADasaurus Pick:

Cressi Palau Snorkel Set

Our favorite snorkel equipment, from the comfortable nose pocket down to the Cressi Palau short fins, is ready to explore the rich coves of the Mediterranean, white sandy Caribbean Beaches and just about everywhere in between.

This is a serious snorkel set at an affordable price that comes all wrapped up in a practical travel bag. 

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Alesha and Jarryd

Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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1 thought on “The Best Snorkel Gear for Quality and Safety [2024 Guide]”

  1. Thank you for posting this! Snorkeling is so fun to do with loved ones or friends but we need to ensure our safety, so investing in the gear we use is a good thing.

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