Top 10 Snorkeling Sets Reviews – Your Ultimate Buying Guide.

Are you planning on snorkeling in a beautiful tropical destination? If so, then you’d probably agree that you need a good-quality mask to clearly see underwater, a snorkel to breathe comfortably, and a good pair of fins to propel you forward. There are some places where you can get snorkeling gear freely.

For example, when on a yacht charter or a snorkeling boat tour, they provide all the equipment you need, but the problem is that the masks don’t always seal properly and the snorkel tube is not very hygienic. There are also many places where you can rent your equipment, but they are not consistently available when you need it.

So bringing your own snorkel gear might be the best option. There are lots of different snorkel equipment out on the market, and choosing the right one could be overwhelming! In this article, you will find a list of the 10 top snorkeling sets reviews and a buying guide to help you pick the right gear for your snorkeling adventure.


1. Wacool Snorkeling Set

Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5

Top Pick

If you are looking for a snorkeling set with a lifetime guarantee, then look no further, the Wacool has got you covered! This set is designed for adults and features adjustable head straps as well as a soft silicone skirt that fits any type of face.


Lens and frame
The lenses are made with tempered glass giving clear and wide vision underwater. The good thing about tempered glass is that it’s scratch-resistant and extremely strong. Almost all masks fog up while snorkeling and this is something that is hard to avoid, but it can be reduced. The Wacool’s lenses were treated with an anti-fog coating agent to prevent your mask from fogging, this helps in keeping great visibility underwater and saves you the hassle of buying an anti-fog solution.


Snorkel tube
The Wacool set comes with a dry snorkel. The tube features a valve on the top that closes every time you go underwater and opens again once you go up to the surface. There is a purge at the base of the snorkel that helps you clear water if you need to. In other words, this dry snorkel is designed to prevent water from entering the tube, and you to breathe easily while snorkeling. Additionally, there is a clip on the snorkel, allowing you to attach to the goggles so you can wear the snorkel on any side you want without having to untie it.


Fit
The Wacool is available in one size, so people with large or small heads might find it difficult to get the mask to fit. The mouthpiece is relatively large, but very soft thanks to its silicone material. The skirt is made of soft silicone too and fits practically any face.


Bonus
This set comes with a mesh bag in different colors, which helps you differentiate your set from others. Since the mesh material has holes, you can put your snorkel gear, while wet, inside the bag without worrying about it getting moldy.

Final Words

This is a fantastic set for beginners as well as for advanced snorkelers and there is no doubt that you will love it. Not to mention, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Provide clear visibility underwater
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Doesn’t fog up


    Cons
  • Only comes in one size
  • No fins are included in the set.
  • The mouthpiece is a bit large but very soft and elastic.

2. Phantom Aquatics Adult Speed

Average Rank: 3.8 out of 5

The Phantom Aquatic Speed is a complete set that includes short fins, a mask, and a semi-dry snorkel. Short fins are great for snorkeling in shallow water because they protect your feet from rocks as well as are easy to walk with. These require more kicks though to go forward in the water. This set is easy to pack and to travel with as it doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase.


The Lens and Frame
The Phantom sits closer to your eyes as it has lower air volume inside, making it easy to clear the water out.  This mask has two lenses, offering a good amount of space around the nose, and the skirt is soft to the touch thanks to its silicone material. The only drawback is that the lens has not been treated with an anti-fog coating agent. So you will have to use your own agents to prevent fogging issues. Additionally,  the mask features tempered glasses, giving excellent visibility while underwater.


Fit
The good thing about the Phantom is that it comes in different sizes, which gives you ample choices. Picking the right size is critical; you don’t want to worry about your mask slipping off your face while you’re snorkeling. Since the skirt is made of silicone, it is very comfortable to wear for long hours, and it doesn’t leave any traces on the skin.


Snorkel Tube
This is a semi-dry snorkel. There is a small splash valve on the top that blocks water from entering the tube. It’s an excellent tube for snorkeling on the surface of the water, but not really for swimming underwater. If you submerge with it, you can expect to swallow water. Like the Wacool set above, the tube has a clip on the side that enables you to attach your snorkel to the mask, which really comes in handy.

Bonus
The Phantom Aquatic set comes with great features, such as short open-heel fins and a mesh bag for carrying the set while heading to the pool or the beach. As I mentioned above, short fins won’t propel you as long blades do. Your legs will need to kick faster to move forward.  Apart from that, these are available in eight different colors, so your friends or family members can recognize their set easily by color.


Final Words
Overall, the Phantom Aquatic is an excellent set for enjoying the underwater world. It’s inexpensive for what you get. If you were to buy each piece separately, it would cost you much more.

Pros

  • The mask and fins are comfortable
  • Great quality for the price
  • Easy to adjust
  • The mesh bag allows the equipment to dry quickly.

    Cons
  • The mask is not treated with an anti-fog agent
  • There is no instruction about the inserts that are meant to hold the fins’ shape. You’ll need to take them off to wear them comfortably.

3. Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling

Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5

Cressi Scuba is one of the best-rated snorkel sets on the market. It is not surprising as Cressi only makes high-quality products. This frameless mask not only provides an excellent field of vision but it can also be packed flat as the frame is super supple. There are so many good things to say about this set, so let’s dive right in!



Lens & Frame
The Cressi Scuba features a single lens, giving you a wide field of vision so you can enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. The glass is tempered, making it resistant to scratches and durable. It also features two button buckles on the side that enable
you to release or adjust the straps to the right size. With Cressi, it’s comfortable to equalize and clear water out as it is a low-volume mask, but it tends to fog up more easily. This is because the warm air trapped in the mask cools down when it comes in contact with cold water, which makes the mask fog up. So it is recommended that you get some defoggers.


Fit
According to Amazon reviewers, Cressi provides excellent seals, allowing you to swim long distances without any leaking issues. It remains exceptionally comfortable on the face even when the pressure increases as you go deeper underwater.  Cressi Evolution and Cressi Scuba look very much alike, both masks have a similar width, but the skirt of Cressi Scuba is thinner, softer, and lighter, making it remarkably comfortable to wear all day.



Snorkel
If you like to swim underwater a lot, then this dry snorkel will come in handy. The snorkel is well-built and suits the mask perfectly! When the tube is submerged, the valve closes itself to stop water from getting inside. Now if the snorkel is in a horizontal position, then the valve might not close. So you should always keep the tube straight! With this dry snorkel, you can dive for a long time without having to clear the snorkel when you get back to the surface.


Bonus
This package comes with lots of great features, but it does not include fins, which could be a shame for some people. However, Cressi comes in eight different colors along with a synthetic bag to carry the set. The bag doesn’t have any holes, and this could be a minus if you want to dry your set while it’s in the bag. You’ll need to dry off your gear before storing it.


Final words
Although there are no fins included, it’s a great snorkeling set, and the price is reasonable for what you get. You’ll be more than pleased with this frameless mask and the dry snorkel when going on your underwater trip!

Pros

  • Provides excellent visibility underwater
  • Wide field of vision
  • Easy to pack
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Excellent product for the price

    Cons
  • Only available in one size
  • No fins included in the package


4. Seal Buddy FIJI Panoramic Snorkel Gear 

Average Rank: 3.7 out of 5

This is a high-quality set for your snorkeling adventure. The Seal Buddy FIJI includes long open-heel fins, a dual-lens mask, a dry snorkel, and a combo bag with a shoulder strap that provides lots of room to store your gear. Let’s find out more about it.

Frame & Lens
The Seal Buddy FIJI is a dual lens with two small windows on the sides, offering a wide field of vision in the water. The good thing about the dual mask is that it not only fits faces incredibly well but it also offers you space around the nose. So people with a wide nose will appreciate the comfort of this mask. The Seal Buddy is a low-volume mask, which
means it is easy to clean the water as it sits closer to the eyes. This dual-lens mask can be easily customized with a prescription lens or with a gauge-reader lens. It really comes in handy if you need a personal measurement for better vision and comfort while snorkeling. Also, the glasses are tempered so you can be reassured about their safety as it is strong and resistant to hard use.

Fit
According to most Amazon reviewers, this mask is super comfortable to wear. The skirt is made of hypoallergenic silicone, giving a soft touch on the face and an impeccably tight seal. I could easily say that this mask is a must-have, even if you already have one. It happens that many mask straps loosen because of low-quality buttons, but the buckles on the Seal Buddy are nicely constructed and hold the straps well in place. So you don’t have to worry about your straps loosening while you’re on your snorkeling trip.


Snorkel
The Seal Buddy comes with a dry snorkel. You will really like the fact that you can submerge the snorkel and breathe comfortably. This dry snorkel is flexible and easy to bend, and the tube adapts to the movements of your head. The snorkel is equipped with a valve, so no water will enter the tube in case you submerge it underwater.


Bonus
This set includes long open fins with adjustable straps that embrace your foot like a glove. These dual composite streamlined blades are designed to give you maximum thrust with minimum effort even in strong currents. This will enable you to propel yourself forward with just a few kicks. The carrying bag is great! One side of the bag has mesh fabric and the other side has sturdy plastic with a shoulder strap to carry it along the way. The good thing about the mesh is that it helps in airing and drying your snorkel gear while on the road. One more bonus is the floatation vest that comes with the set can be stored in the front pocket of the bag.

Final Words
It’s a complete snorkel set that is relatively expensive. And the thing is that not everyone is willing to shell out this kind of money for a snorkel set, especially if he/she is making the first steps into the world of snorkeling. Overall, it’s a decent quality product, and you get everything you need for your trip. Not to mention, this is the only set on the list that offers a diving vest!

Pros

  • Flexible dry snorkel
  • Provides a wide field of view
  • Comes with a floatation vest
  • Excellent quality
  • Comfortable

    Cons
  • The mask was not treated with an anti-fogging agent
  • It’s hard to equalize the ears when diving since the nose piece is hard plastic. But if you stay on the surface, you won’t need to equalize your ears.


5. Prodive dry top snorkel set

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

Top Rated

The Prodive features a watertight mask with tempered glasses, a dry snorkel, and a waterproof bag to carry your gear.  This set is inexpensive, but there is that old proverb that says, “You get what you pay for.” So the question is, will the price affect the quality of the set? Let’s see.


Lens & Frame
The Prodive allows users to see small things underwater without the mask fogging up as the glasses are tempered and treated with an anti-fog agent. This saves you time and hassle since you don’t have to pre-treat your mask with all sorts of anti-fog agents, which, by the way, don’t always work. Its two goggles are made of impact-resistant material that can withstand greater water pressure, allowing you to descend deeper into the water.


Snorkel
Here is another dry snorkel equipped with a valve that closes automatically when you go down in the water and lets you breathe naturally. There is a clip on the tube that allows you to attach it to the mask for more comfort.


Fit
The skirt of the mask is made of silicone. It is soft and pliable, but it comes in one size and according to some Amazon reviewers, it doesn’t seal for all faces. You might run into a problem if you have a big or small head. Luckily, it has adjustable straps with two buckles on the sides, allowing you to adjust the mask to the size you want it to be.

Final words
Although this set is cheap, it has excellent ratings on Amazon.  If you are a novice snorkeler, it could be the one for you as it is quite decent for the price. It’s not the highest quality, but it gets the job done and the company has you covered with their lifetime guarantee!

Pros

  • Tempered glass provides excellent visibility
  • Decent quality for the price
  • Excellent customer service
  • Lifetime guarantee



    Cons
  • The clip on the snorkel is a little fragile
  • No fins included
  • The mask is only one size


6. Cressi Palau Mask

Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5

Here is another set of Cressi brand gear that is very much appreciated by avid snorkelers and divers alike. This set includes fins and offers a wide variety of sizes and colors to choose from.


Lens & Frame
Since the mask is available in different sizes, it adapts itself easily to many faces. The Cressi Palau is a double lens with a clear edge that gives you very good peripheral vision. Its tempered glass provides excellent protection, but unfortunately, the lens is not fog proof as it has not been treated. However, many Amazon reviewers reported that after having polished the goggles with baby shampoo or toothpaste the fogging issue was resolved. The two buckles on the sides are good quality and help to adjust the straps easily.


Fit
The mask is well constructed and sits comfortably on the face. Although a few Amazon reviewers mentioned that a small amount of water could enter in the nose area if you have a large nose, but most users were generally happy with the seal of the mask. As the skirt is made of hypoallergenic silicone, the mask is soft and super agreeable on the skin.


Snorkel
The snorkel has a valve on the top that prevents water from entering the tube while snorkeling. It’s a great dry snorkel, but it seems that the clip meant to attach the snorkel to the mask is a bit flimsy. The mouthpiece is soft and flexible, so you won’t feel any pain even after snorkeling for hours.


Bonus
The good part of this set is that it comes with short open-heel fins. These fins are lightweight and easy to pack. As with any open-heel fins, these have to be worn with some foot protection to avoid any blisters. That is why it is recommended to go up a size so you can wear them comfortably with water socks or boots. These are great for recreational snorkeling but you won’t get the same propulsion as you would with long fins. They are also easy to walk with along the shore. This set also includes a mesh bag to store your gear.

Final words
Although the fins require a higher frequency of kicks to propel forward and the goggles are not fogproof, many users just love this set and would buy it again.

Pros

  • Handy mesh bag and easy to pack
  • Comfortable mask
  • Tempered glasses offering great vision
  • Excellent dry snorkel
  • Come with short open-heel fins


    Cons
  • Not fogproof
  • Some users reported that the mask tends to leak in the nose area


7. Ocean View Snorkel

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

If you are having trouble using a traditional snorkel tube and mask while snorkeling, then the Ocean View set could be the best alternative for you. This is a full-face mask that lets you breathe naturally as you would on land thanks to its double airflow system and dry snorkel. Not to mention the fact that it comes with short open-heel fins!


Frame & Lens
Many full-face masks are designed with a round lens, which tends to deform things in the water. But the Ocean View lens is flat, giving clear visibility and lets you see images as they are. The lens is made of polycarbonate, a hard plastic that resists shock. This material is lighter and stronger than tempered glass, it resists hard use but is susceptible to scratches like any plastic. The Seaview is less prone to fogging as the fan assists in circulating the exhaled air inside the mask.


Fit
The Ocean View is well designed and seals exceptionally well to the face, but it won’t work with a beard. If a beard happens to sit between the skin and the skirt, chances are the mask will leak. Otherwise, the watertight seal of this mask is fantastic, it does the job done in keeping water out and it’s comfortable! The straps are made of nylon and stretchy, making it comfortable on the head. Nylon doesn’t pull hair as rubber straps do.



Snorkel
The Ocean View comes with a detachable dry snorkel that is made of polycarbonate. The nice thing about this full-face mask is that you don’t have to bite on a mouthpiece or swallow water because of the tube being submerged accidentally.  The top valve stops water from entering the tube when submerged and the valve at the chin clears out any leaking water. You can breathe comfortably and enjoy your snorkeling excursion.


Bonus

This set includes short open-heel blades with adjustable straps that are easy and comfortable to wear. The foot pocket is soft and fits perfectly. No need to carry your fins anymore when walking from the shore to the water. You can simply slip them on and walk around. It’s also an ideal kit to travel with thanks to the compact its size. Plus it offers an 18-month warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee!

Final Words
This full-face mask is excellent for snorkeling on the surface, but not for diving as it is not designed for this. Although it’s easy to use, it’s recommended to try it first in a pool or shallow.

Pros

  • Provides a 180° field of view
  • Comfortable
  • Detachable dry snorkel
  • Allows to breathe easily
  • Does not fog

Cons

  • Not for diving
  • Does not seal properly with a beard

8. Cressi Marea

 Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5

With good snorkeling gear, you can focus on enjoying your underwater trip. And with Cressi, you can expect to have just that as they have been building quality and reliable products since 1946. If you are looking for comfort, visibility, quality, and durability, then look no further!


Frame & Lens
This cute mask has two tempered glass lenses offering excellent clarity in the water. The skirt is made of 100% silicone, which is extremely soft and comfortable on the skin. The visibility provided by the lenses of this mask is excellent and based on users’ opinions, it hardly fogs up. The clip on the mask is convenient, allowing you to easily attach or detach the snorkel tube.


Snorkel
This is a pretty decent dry snorkel with a valve on the top to stop water from entering the tube. The valve at the bottom allows you to clear the tube quickly. The mouthpiece is made of soft silicone, which reduces jaw fatigue.

Fit
The Cressi Marea mask is available only in one size, so it may not always fit on larger faces.  Luckily, it features adjustable straps that help to adjust the fit.


Bonus
This kit only comes with a plastic bag, which could be a bit pointless if you want to dry your gear while on the go. You’ll be able to store your snorkeling equipment only after drying them completely.

Final Words
Overall, this is a great set and it has an excellent rating on Amazon. There is no doubt you will appreciate the quality of the mask and the snorkel. But if you are looking for the complete set, then you may want to look for another set, as this one doesn’t include any fins.

Pros

  • Flexible tube
  • Comfortable
  • Soft mouthpiece
  • Dry snorkel

Cons

  • Only one size
  • No fins included
  • No anti-fog


9. US Divers Panoramic View Lux Platinum

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

The US Diver is another excellent set of snorkeling gear that is designed with patented technologies, making for the perfect snorkeling gear for your underwater excursion. It includes a mask, a dry snorkel, long open-heel fins, and a bag made of heavy-duty nylon. It comes in many different sizes and colors, offering something for everyone.

Frame & fit
This mask features a four-window design with tempered glass, providing a fantastic panoramic view and clear visibility while underwater. You will see more on the side than you usually do with a traditional mask, so you may need to get used to it. The skirt is made of hypoallergenic silicone, which gives a soft touch on the skin. However, a few reviewers stated that the mask leaked several times while snorkeling. Luckily, not everyone experienced the same and was quite happy with the product. The nose pocket is soft, and if you dive down, you’ll be able to equalize your ears easily.


Snorkel
The best part of the set is the snorkel as it comes with a GoPro mount at the bottom of the tube so that you can take some good pictures underwater. This dry snorkel is equipped with a clip to attach to the goggles and a purge valve to clear the excess water.

Fit
Although the mask provides an excellent panoramic view, not everyone is used to seeing the sides because it gives beginner users a weird feeling. The nose pocket features a small valve, which is meant to purge water. Several
users said they had a leakage issue around the nose area, but after getting used to it, it was okay. The edge is thin, soft, and quite comfortable on the face.



Bonus
The bag that comes with the set is convenient; there is enough room to store your gear and other stuff, such as a camera, iPhone, and keys, to name a few. The dual composite vented fins are long with an open-heel design. With these, you’ll be able to propel yourself in the water with just a few kicks. As these are open-heel blades, it would be best to wear thin socks inside for more protection. These are comfortable and fit well, but they are a bit long to travel with. Once stored in the bag, however, the packing problem is resolved.

Final words
Overall, it’s a great snorkeling set for beginners.   Everything works fine, but the mask seems to have some leakage and fogging issues. So this is something you will have to consider before purchasing.


Pros

  • Heavy-duty bag
  • GoPro mount on the snorkel
  • Provides an excellent panoramic view
  • Wide array of colors to choose from

    Cons
  • No Fog
  • Mask tends to leak around the nose area.
  • The fins are stiff

10. Cozia Design Ocean View

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

The Cozia seems to be an excellent snorkel set, as it received a lot of good ratings from Amazon users. This package comes with a full-face mask, a dry snorkel, adjustable open-heel fins, and a mesh bag. If you don’t want to bother with clearing your tube and mask while you are snorkeling, then this could be the right set for your underwater trip.


Frame & Lens
To start with, the design of the mask is stylish; expect to receive lots of compliments! The lens is flat, which means you’ll be able to perceive things in the water as they are. You won’t encounter any issues with distortion.  The lens is made of polypropylene, which is resistant to shock and provides excellent protection against UV rays. Just be aware that this material is susceptible to scratches, so it is highly recommended not to leave your mask in the sand. The skirt is made of silicone and is comfortable to wear.


Fit
The Cozia is available in several sizes – S, M, L, and X – and based on the users, it fits incredibly well for all variety of head sizes, including children. The straps are made of nylon, which won’t pull your hair when you take off the mask. The mask is comfortable and very easy to use and adjust. The good thing about a full-face mask is that you don’t have to think about when to breathe or expel the air. You just breathe normally, and that’s it! No need to use a painful mouthpiece or clear your mask of water while snorkeling.


Snorkel
The mask features a detachable dry snorkel that you can easily put together whenever you need it with a simple click. There are two valves, one on the top of the tube to prevent water from entering the snorkel and another one at the chin to clear water, which allows you to breathe comfortably.

Bonus
As for the bonus, the set includes short open-heel fins. The advantages of short fins are that you can easily move around and also travel with them. Now,
their downside is that you need to kick a lot in order to propel yourself forward in the water, which could become tiring if you swim against a strong current. That’s why these are great to snorkel in calm and shallow water. It also includes a mesh bag to carry your gear and dry it while you’re on the go.

Final words
One thing I can say about this set is that most reviewers have given a high rating on Amazon, and this means something. This is the perfect kit for people who are taking their first steps in the snorkeling world. It is also great for those who don’t want to bother clearing their tube and mask while snorkeling.

Pros

  • Nylon straps don’t pull hair.
  • Includes mesh bag
  • Excellent visibility
  • Anti-fog
  • Comfortable


    Cons
  • Fins are stiff

Guide to Choosing the Right Set of Snorkel Gear

Mask

Glass Lens: Tempered glass is strong, withstanding shock, scratches, and underwater pressure. Not only is it durable, but it also provides a high level of visibility.

Plastic lens: Made of polypropylene, this is very solid and protects against UV rays, too. However, it is more susceptible to scratches than tempered glass.

Anti-Fog:  When choosing a mask for your underwater adventure, it is better to look for one that was treated with a defogging agent. This way, you’ll encounter fewer fogging issues with your mask.

Straps: Masks usually come with an adjustable buckle system, so you can find the ideal fit. They are made of different materials, such as silicone, rubber, and nylon.

Silicone: Silicone straps are usually more durable than rubber straps. They are less fragile and don’t tend to crack as rubber ones do over time.

Nylon: Nylon straps are stretchy and agreeable to the touch, making it very comfortable on the head.

Neoprene: Neoprene straps are great for people with long hair. The material is slick and doesn’t pull the hair when taking off the mask.


Skirt
The skirt is one of the most essential parts of the mask. If the mask doesn’t seal to your face correctly, it might end up leaking or fogging up. It can be very tiring if you have to adjust your mask every time you move in the water. Let’s see what makes an ideal skirt.

1. Your mask must create a watertight seal against your face. If it doesn’t, you will probably find yourself clearing your mask while snorkeling often.

2. For a better seal, you should opt for a wider skirt.


3. Since rubber tends to degrade and crack over time, It would be best to choose silicone. Many masks today have skirts made with crystal silicone, making the fit more flexible and comfortable.


Purge Valve
Many masks with a single lens often have a purge valve inside the nose pocket. It is usually built with hard plastic, which is not durable and can be annoying when worn.

Snorkel

There are three different types of snorkels:

Traditional
The traditional snorkel doesn’t include any valve. It is very difficult and uncomfortable for beginners and even advanced snorkelers to use it in the water.

Semi-dry
This snorkel includes a valve on the top that prevents splash water from getting inside the tube. With this kind of snorkel, you can only swim at the surface of the water. If you dive down, you will probably swallow water.


Dry snorkel

A dry snorkel is a tube with a valve on the top that is meant to stop water from entering. This type of snorkel allows you to swim without swallowing water and breathe comfortably during your snorkeling excursion. If you want more comfort and safety, then you should definitely opt for the dry snorkel.



Fins

Fins play an essential role in your snorkeling trip. They enable you to explore more areas without tiring yourself out, and they can save your life if suddenly you find yourself in a strong current. There are long and short blades; both perform differently in the water. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons below.


Short Blades

Pros

  • Allows you to change directions quickly in the water
  • Easy to pack
  • More durable than long fins due to their stiffness
  • Prevents scraping against the coral reefs

Cons

  • Requires kicking at a higher rate to propel forward
  • Thicker and less flexible than long fins

Long fins

Pros

  • Allows you to cover ground faster than short blades
  • Requires fewer kicks to propel forward
  • More flexible
  • Less stiff than short fins

Cons

  • Difficult to pack
  • Not as durable as short fins


FAQ

Can You Wear Glasses with the Mask?
The answer is no, for the simple reason that the legs will interfere with the seal of the mask. The best thing to do would be to either get an optical mask or wear contacts under your mask. See other options here.

Full-face mask vs traditional mask?
This depends on your personal preferences. But in general, a full-face mask has fewer
leaking and fogging issues than a traditional mask. That’s because a full-face mask has an anti-fog chamber that allows air to circulate inside. It also has a small valve at the chin that drains water. Now, the downside with full-face masks is that it doesn’t allow the user to dive down, and if you do, the masks will leak and compress to your head to the point that it will become uncomfortable. Also, full-face masks are bulkier and heavier than traditional masks. In short, there are both advantages and disadvantages to both masks.


What is a purge valve, and how does it work?
A purge valve is a small valve that is placed at the bottom of the tube. This valve collects the water that enters into the snorkel tube.  In short, this valve allows you to drain water by exhaling without having to chuck your head back as you would with a traditional snorkel.


What is a dry top, and how does it work?
A dry snorkel means there is a small valve placed on the top of your tube. When submerging your snorkel, the valve closes itself to stop water from entering inside. When you get back to the surface to breathe in and out, the valve opens again. This is the most efficient type of snorkel for beginners.


Can you go below the waterline with a dry snorkel?
Yes, of course, you can. The dry snorkel will reduce the chance of water getting inside, and as mentioned above, if water gets in, the small valve at the bottom will help you drain water once you expel. You will, however, have to hold your breath while underwater until you get back to the surface. This is by far the best option for children and beginners, as it prevents swallowing water.



Can you dive with a full-face mask?
The answer is no. A full-face mask is designed for snorkeling on the surface of the water because it has a large volume of air inside. If you dive down, it will increase pressure, and you won’t be able to release it as there is no way to equalize. Also, forget to swim fast with a full-face mask as the tube is narrow, which restrains airflow. You must swim calmly so that the air flows smoothly.



How to pack your snorkel gear
It’s very easy to pack them. Just lay the fins on top of your clothes, and they will serve as protection for your suitcase. Measure your suitcase before buying fins so you won’t have a bad surprise.

Use the pockets of your fins to save space in your suitcase. You can fill them with socks, snorkel tubes, and other small items.

Try not to store your snorkeling gear in your dive bag; it would take up too much space in your suitcase. Instead, you can use it as a shopping bag or a laundry bag.


How to maintain your snorkeling gear
Salt and chlorinated water tend to destroy things fast if they aren’t properly taken care of. So it is highly recommended to rinse all your gear with clean water after each use and let them dry completely before packing them.

10 thoughts on “Top 10 Snorkeling Sets Reviews – Your Ultimate Buying Guide.”

  1. I am going to need a Snorkeling set this summer. I am glad that I found this article because it has the best Top 10 Snorkeling Sets. 

    Out of all the snorkeling sets listed I really like the Phantom Aquatics Adult Speed. I like it’s design and it has 3.8/5 stars which is great for me. The price is affordable for me. I am going to go with this for sure.

    Thank you so much for sharing this article with us.

    Reply
  2. I am so glad I came across this site! I frequently visit Hawai’i and snorkeling is among my favorite things. I’ve been thinking of upgrading my snorkle gear. When I started out, I just got one of those cheap ones from a superstore. There’s definitely a huge difference in quality and comfort when you invest in a better pair. I’m checking all of these out. Bookmarked the page too! 

    Reply
    • Hi Christy,

      I hope you’ll find what the right set for your snorkeling adventure.

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day.

      Reply
  3. When buying online, you would have to go with an adjustable fit, as you can’t try it on for size before you buy.

    Other features I would look at would be durability, glasses that don’t go cloudy, comfort on the face and good splash valve.

    Looking at your article, I would probably opt for the phantom, as they also come with flippers, as well as the fact the size can be adjusted, so more than one person can use them. Also the price is more affordable, especially as we only do this once a year when we go on holiday.

    Reply
    • HI Michelle,

      Thank you for passing by!

      Indeed, buying online is not always an easy task, but with today’ technology, everything is fast and so simple. Amazon sends the product in just a few days:) The Phantom is a great set, you will enjoy your underwater excursion with it. It’s perfect for beginners and not expensive.

      I wish you a lovely day!

      Reply
  4. Hi Daniela, I found interesting the information about the products, I also like the clear pictures and the way you presented the information. I noticed that you motivate your readers to take vacations, I love cruises so I will be checking Crusing of the sea web site. I appreciated people who promote healthy living activities, good luck to you and Go bless you. 

    Reply
    • Hi Jerry,

      Thank you for passing by!

      There are plenty of charter activities to inspire sea lovers:) I hope you enjoy navigating through the website and you’ll find the right fleet for your next vacation.

      Let me know if you need any help. I’ll be more than happy to assist.

      Thank you for the kind comment and I wish you a lovely day.

      Reply
  5. This is a great review! We are just getting ready to head to the bahamas for a weekend trip. We live in Florida, so the travel there is fairly inexpensive. I want to snorkel, and I don’t want to use one that has been used by a bunch of other people. I am really liking your top pick, the Waycool Snorkeling Set. Thanks for the great review. I am headed to see if I can get this in time!

    Reply
    • Hi Matts,
      Thank you, I am glad you like the article!
      Yes, Florida is not far from the Bahamas, how lucky you are:)
      You are right; it’s not really hygienic to rent snorkel gear. I don’t like this either:)
      The Waycool is a fantastic snorkeling set, I am sure you will enjoy using it!
      Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!

      Reply

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