Get the Most Out of Diving With the Best Snorkeling Mask
With countless brands and models of snorkeling masks available on the market, it can get difficult to pick the most suitable one for yourself. To assist you in choosing the ideal snorkeling mask for yourself, we’ve curated a list of the finest snorkeling masks of 2024!
With six million divers worldwide and countless more hobbyists, snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular activities around the globe. A major part of your snorkeling experience depends on the type of snorkel mask you use as it can make or break the whole fun factor of the activity. Hence, it is significant that you choose the right snorkel mask according to your face shape.
Our Top Picks
- Buying Guide: Snorkeling Masks
- 1 Types of Snorkeling Masks
- 2 Single-lens snorkeling mask
- 3 Two window snorkeling mask
- 4 Panoramic snorkel mask
- 5 Big teardrop lens mask
- 6 Full-face mask
- 7 Clear, Black, and Colorful Mask Skirts: Know the Difference
- 8 Clear silicone
- 9 Black silicone
- 10 Colorful
- 11 Low Volume v. High Volume
- 12 The Purpose of a Purge Valve
- People Also Asked
Optimal Snorkeling Masks of 2024 Reviewed in Detail
Best Overall
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world with the Khroom Full Face Snorkel Mask. As a gateway to breathtaking aquatic adventures, this innovative snorkel mask redefines the way you experience underwater exploration. Crafted with meticulous precision, this snorkel mask offers an unparalleled glimpse into the marine realm.
Designed for both beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, this snorkel mask features an expansive panoramic lens. It provides an unobstructed view of underwater landscapes. Plus, the wide field of vision enhances your overall experience, allowing you to witness vibrant marine life in all its splendor. The full-face design eliminates the need for a separate mouthpiece so you can breathe effortlessly through both your nose and mouth. It combines comfort, visibility, and ease of use, making it our top choice.
Pros
- Three times larger snorkel than other brands
- Very easy to breathe through
- Patented valve system for high CO2 safety
- Extremely good fit
Cons
- Buoyancy, learning curve
Best Value
Be prepared for your next beach vacation with the WildHorn Outfitters Snorkeling Mask. The smart design includes a FlowTech advanced air intake system that helps you breathe naturally and comfortably in the water. This system has two chambers and four intake valves to allow air to circulate in and out freely. This combined with the safe levels of CO2 make this a great and easy-to-use full-face snorkel mask. Designed and tested in the U.S. by engineers, the mask was tweaked to improve airflow, visibility, fit, and allow a camera mount so you can record all of your adventures while staying safe underwater.
It’s really easy to put on and WildHorn provides excellent directions in the packaging. Be sure to measure from the bridge of your nose to the tip of your chin and follow the sizing chart to know which size is perfect for you! The enhanced angled tube design allows for a less restricted airflow while you’re breathing so you won’t feel suffocated or scared on your first snorkeling trip.
Pros
- Includes advanced air intake system
- Very comfortable over face
- Panoramic view
Cons
- Little pricey
Runner Up
If you are looking for a high-quality mask at a great price, then look no further than the W Wstoo snorkel mask! This features three different air channels that ensure you inhale fresh air each time you inhale, it is thanks to the anti-fog and anti-leak technology that you can eliminate by clearing your mask every 10 minutes.
The silicone lining does not put a lot of pressure on your nose bridge to ensure that the mask is comfortable to wear. Leading with its transparent flat lenses that prevent distortion and eliminate discomfort, you can also capture your adventures underwater with the help of removable motion camera brackets.
Aside from being budget-friendly, this mask comes in a variety of different colors.
Pros
- Advanced system provides fresher air
- Foldable storage and easy to install
Cons
- Not ideal for children
Best Quality
The Zipoute snorkel mask is a 180-degree snorkeling mask that provides you the fullest visibility for an excellent underwater experience. Thanks to the spacious design of this mask, it is very easy to breathe from your nose or mouth while snorkeling. The elastic straps allow you to adjust the size of the mask according to your comfort.
To promote safety, it is made from medical-grade silicone and high-quality PC. Featuring anti-leak and anti-fog technology that stops the mask from fogging up and prevents water from entering the mask, it also has a camera stand that’s compatible with a removable motion camera–allowing you to capture all special moments in the oceans.
This mask is foldable and easy to store!
Pros
- Great for people with allergies
- Non-toxic and safe to use
Cons
- The mask is bulky
Best Design
The Greatever G2 full-face snorkel mask is made from high-quality silicone and does not compromise durability and performance. It features a transparent flat lens made of high-definition premium PU resin that prevents image distortion, it has a folding design and a two-channel exhaust valve that allows you to breathe comfortably from your nose and mouth comfortably.
With this snorkel mask, you can rest assured you’ll experience a smoother snorkeling experience. Made from high-quality silicone, the lenses are tempered for maximum durability and are fully wrapped to achieve a leak-proof, anti-fog effect.
The collapsible design of this mask also makes it very easy to fold and store!
Pros
- Features easy breathing technology
- Durable and non-toxic
- Easy to use and store
Cons
- Straps can get tangled in long hair
Best for Beginners
The Vaincre full-face snorkel mask is another great option that offers a superior panoramic view for intense underwater adventures. The build and shape of the mask prevent any moisture from entering the mask, hence the vision is crystal clear with no fogging. Thanks to the unique full-face design of this mask, you don’t need to hold a snorkel in your mouth in order to breathe.
This mask reduces swimming energy wastage and allows you to pay attention to surface diving. Easy to use, you can capture your dives in hands-free high-definition by connecting your camera to the GoPro mount on the top of the mask.
As another design plus, this mask is very easy to clean and maintain!
Pros
- Suitable for beginners
- Eliminates fogging
Cons
- The seal could be thicker
Budget-Friendly
Last but not least, the QingSong full-face snorkel mask features the newest safety breathing system that focuses on the safety of snorkeling. Featuring three completely separate air channels that prevent the re-inhalation of CO2 exhaled in the mask, it comes with an adjustable strap that fits the face shape comfortably. As another plus, it features two quick-release buttons that allow you to take the mask off quickly.
Its sleek compact design makes it simple to install, and easy to use, and store. Available in several different colors, the innovative technology paired with the affordable price point makes this mask a great choice for anyone looking to invest in their first (or second!) snorkel mask.
Pros
- Fits on the face comfortably
- Features a sleek design
- Comes at a great price
Cons
- Not suitable for all face shapes
Buying Guide: Snorkeling Masks
Types of Snorkeling Masks
Snorkeling masks are available in different shapes. The shape of the overall mask usually depends on the type of lenses used.
Some of the most common snorkeling masks include:
Single-lens snorkeling mask
These types of masks provide the best-unobstructed view as there is no frame running between the eyes. Featuring a single lens that stretches across the length of the mask, single-lens snorkeling masks allow you to take in all the sea critters and other wildlife around you. Since these also provide a wilder field of vision, they are very popular among snorkelers and divers!
Two window snorkeling mask
These types of snorkeling masks consist of two separate lenses tied together by a frame. It helps reduce the internal volume by bringing the lenses close to the face, which makes them easier to equalize and clear.
While these masks call for the wearer to see through the center plastic section, this does not obstruct the vision while snorkeling.
Panoramic snorkel mask
These masks feature glass on the sides that provide a panoramic view and increase the field of vision. Allowing you to look sideways without having to tilt your head to the sides, they have a larger internal volume.
Ultimately, this feature does not cause any issues while swimming just above the water’s surface.
Big teardrop lens mask
As the name suggests, big teardrop lenses feature two big lenses in a teardrop shape. These allow you to see upwards and downwards without having to tilt your head much. Since you don’t need to move your neck a lot while wearing these lenses, these are a great option for people that experience neck strain with other masks.
Full-face mask
Full-face snorkeling masks cover your whole face and allow you to breathe from your nose and mouth. These masks are the most popular option among snorkelers these days since they are very convenient and comfortable to wear.
Clear, Black, and Colorful Mask Skirts: Know the Difference
Mask skirts come in three different colors: clear, black, and colored.
Clear silicone
A mask with a clear silicone skirt generally gives a less claustrophobic feel as it lets more light in and provides a larger peripheral field of vision. Since the skirt is usually transparent, it produces a more airy feel as compared to a black skirt mask. It also allows you to see along the sides easily.
Keep in mind, however, that using a clear silicone skirt snorkeling mask in clear bright sun can cause eye strain.
Black silicone
A black silicone skirt lets in the least light in the mask as it blocks out unwanted light that can lead to reflections inside of the lens. It is the most preferred by free divers, photographers, and technical divers. Black silicone skirts also help reduce glare which makes them a great option for snorkeling in tropical locations where the sun is bright.
Colorful
Some brands now offer different colored skirts, including white, yellow, blue, and red. These are not a popular option among snorkelers since the color can be slightly distracting while snorkeling. To address this, try to look for darker colors, like red and blue.
Low Volume v. High Volume
The volume of the mask refers to the amount of air present in the mask. Snorkeling masks with two lenses or big lenses are high-volume masks since they have a lot of air inside. These offer a feeling of openness and increase peripheral vision. On the downside, these take extra effort to clear.
Low volume masks feature small lenses and a skirt that wraps around the lenses tightly, eliminating as much air as possible. These are usually very lightweight and small in size, and because they sit closer to the face they are easy to clear.
Commonly used by people who dive underwater, while they restrict peripheral vision and visibility, they don’t stick to your face.
The Purpose of a Purge Valve
Some snorkeling masks come with a purge valve on the nose packet. This valve allows you to clear the mask conveniently from the water that leaks in. When you breathe from the nose, the air opens the valve, draining the water out from the valve without the need to use your hands.
Snorkeling masks with purge valves are very beneficial for Scuba divers who are usually busy photographing and find it difficult to clear the mask with their hands. Since the valve can increase the rigidity of the skirt around the nose, some people might find them uncomfortable.
For this same reason, whether you should have a purge valve will depend on your personal preference.
People Also Asked
What are the most important features of a snorkeling mask?
A quality snorkeling mask is one that fits on the face well without leaking. This mask should let you breathe when face-down on the surface of the water. Also, your face should be comfortable while wearing it. If you notice your snorkeling mask feels tight, you should discontinue its use and adjust the straps. If the straps have reached their stretch limit, your next best step is to replace them with a mask that offers a long stretch.
Does a snorkel allow you to stay underwater for a long time?
Regardless of the type of snorkeling mask you wear, it is recommended to not dive underwater for more than two minutes. Even if you are an experienced snorkeler, it is best that you come to the surface of the water every two minutes. If you’re a beginner, be sure to swim just in sight of your swimming partner.
Is a full-face snorkel mask safe?
Full-face snorkel masks can be potentially dangerous if they don’t have a patent design, don’t fit the face properly, or aren’t used correctly. There is also a risk of self-induced carbon dioxide poisoning as a result of excessive exhaling inside the mask. For these reasons, it is best to avoid full-face snorkels if you’re new to diving or aren’t planning to use one in sight of an instructor.
How can I tell if my snorkeling mask needs replacement?
Generally speaking, you’ll know when your snorkeling mask needs replacement if the straps show signs of wear. Another thing to look out for is cracks.
Should I use a snorkeling mask if I’m a beginner?
Everyone has to start somewhere, and when it comes to snorkeling it’s always best to start your experience off on the right foot by tutoring under an instructor. Aside from versing you on the things you need to improve on, like your posture and breathing techniques, their guidance can provide you with that needed boost of confidence prior to heading off on your own. Those who feel capable enough to go snorkeling on their own should only proceed to do so after they’ve mastered the basics.