It would be a shame to visit a beautiful island without taking a closer look at its underwater beauty. More and more travelers realize this and so the popularity of snorkeling keeps rising! Coinciding with that, more snorkeling centers and services are open, which is great for beginners, especially if you don’t know where to go. Since these services provide snorkel gears for rent, why should you buy one for yourself, you ask? Besides more hygienic and fits better, you can assure yourself of getting the best snorkel gear for beginners. Don’t risk having the best time of your life ruined by discomfort!
How To Choose The Best Snorkel Gear For Beginners
Snorkeling is so popular that it has become one of the things to do in Phuket, Galapagos, and even the Cayman Islands. If you plan to visit those places or any other world’s snorkeling sites, you should definitely get your own snorkel gear. And if you’re planning to snorkel at night, you may consider getting one of the best headlamps for backpacking that can be used underwater. To help you make the decision, here are some aspects you need to consider:
Full Set vs. Individual Purchase
All of the snorkel gears we have on this list are sold as a full set. You may think you only need the snorkel mask to start with. But especially as a beginner, you need all the tools available to help you get used to the activity itself. Plus, buying snorkel gears in a full set is cheaper than buying one piece at a time.
Snorkeling vs. Diving
If you’re planning on going deeper underwater someday, you may consider getting a snorkel gear that can be used for diving as well. Besides, diving gears are more durable. Of course, it comes with a price. But why settle for less when it comes to comfort and safety?
Size
The most important thing to consider when choosing the best snorkel gear for beginners is its function. Are the fins comfortable? And most importantly, will the mask keep the water out the entire time? To make sure the answer is yes to both questions, you need to get one that fits your size perfectly. If it’s too tight, it’s not going to be comfortable. But if it’s too loose, water may creep in and that is not fun.
Phantom Aquatics Foldable Full Face Snorkel Mask Set
13
Want to try on snorkeling but discouraged by the learning curve? Phantom Aquatics Set may be the answer to your problem. Explore the underwater world without the hassle of constantly breathing to your nose. Let’s find out what’s inside the gear bag.
This type of mask is gaining popularity among first-time snorkelers thanks to its ability that allows you to breathe through the nose and mouth. The snorkel barrel sits right on top of the mask that covers your entire face. It’s a one-way snorkel that only circulates air and keeps the water out. The mask size may differ depends on the face. There are 2 sizes to choose from, SM and LG.
The snorkel can be folded and easily fit into your suitcase. Experience the full spectrum of your 180 degrees vision from its polycarbonate lens. Don’t forget the Voda fins that come with the package. They’re short sturdy fins with shoe pockets in various sizes (2-12).
What we love
The mask allows you to breathe from both nose and mouth.
Pros:
- Foldable snorkel mask
- Polycarbonate lens
- Sturdy fins
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Buy on:
Cressi Clio Full Foot Fin Frameless Mask Set
12
One may wonder how a line of product by Cressi could be quite affordable yet with such quality that blows our mind. Buy Cressy Set made up by Clio Fins, Frameless F1 Mask, and a Supernova Dry Snorkel, and you won’t be buying another for a long time. This set comes with a gear bag to protect all items.
The Clio fins are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba-diving. The EVA-rubber material combination makes the wearer use less effort yet still retains their maneuverability and speed. Break in the shoe pocket with some neoprene socks on first uses. The Supernova Dry snorkel is Cressi’s go-to snorkel for beginners and frequent snorkelers.
The one you’ll like the most is the Frameless F1 Mask. This mask will hug your face securely with its soft silicone skirt without hurting your nose. The adjust buckles are also molded into the skirt to maintain constant grip. Make sure you clear up the factory-coating on the tempered glass before using it if you don’t want any foggy situations.
What we love
The fins are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba-diving.
Pros:
- Supernova Dry snorkel is great for beginners
- Frameless mask with soft silicone skirt
- Buckles are adjustable
Cons:
- Not anti-fog.
Buy on:
Mares Avanti Tre X-Vision Scuba Diving Mask Fin Snorkel Set (CU)
11
Board a plane to Kauai, Hawaii and swim among schools of fish to have a time of your life. Mares is one of the biggest brands in the scuba diving industry. They constantly innovate and upgrade their product including the set we’re introducing next. So, it should come as no surprise to see Mares on our list of best snorkel gear for beginners. Mares Avanti Tre Snorkel Set compiles their mid-range products for snorkeling enthusiasts: an X-Vision, a semi dry-top snorkel, and a pair of Plana Avanti Tre. This set only comes in Blue and sizes from 3.5-9.
The Plana Avanti Tre fins are orthopedic, close-heel fins that wrap your feet firmly even in barefoot. Thinking of swimming with whales on deeper sea-bed? These fins are perfect for you. Since these are close-heel fins, we recommend you to wear it with fin-socks to prevent blisters.
The X-Vision mask is one of their best-selling masks. Featuring two-window with an optimal viewing angle, you will see everything in clarity. The adjuster buckles sit right on the skirt which enhances comfort and adherence. The snorkel in this set is a Mares’ standard semi-dry top snorkel featuring a splash guard and an exhaust valve for an easy blowout. Indeed, this set is on the pricey side, though it makes sense considering the quality.
What we love
The full-foot fins are well-suited for open-sea diving.
Pros:
- Orthopedic fins
- X-Vision mask
- Splash guard system
Cons:
- May require fin socks to prevent blisters.
TUSA Sport Adult Black Series Visio Tri-Ex Mask, Dry Snorkel, and Fins Travel Set
10
Residing in Bali – Indonesia, Tusa is a Japanese well-known company in the scuba-diving world. As the sport is getting a tract on a wider audience and branches into several subcategories, Tusa began developing its products to reach free-diving and snorkeling hobbyists. Tusa Sport Adult Travel Set is available on Black/Metallic Blue and Black/Metallic Red in Medium and Large size. A dry-snorkel, Travel Fins, and a Visio Tri-Ex Mask, all fitted into a clear nylon gear bag.
The fin in this set is the long-blade type with Hybrid Blade System; it’s engineered to give efficient and responsive propulsion utilizing the rigid rail but flexible membrane. The included Hyperdry Elite snorkel has a high buoyancy system and high-flow water purge that ensures the barrel stays dry for your breathing. A mouth-piece protective cover comes along the snorkel.
See the underwater life clearly through the ClearVU tempered glass from the Visio Tri-Ex mask. Once you try this mask, you won’t want to choose others in the market. This set goes to high-end products, but the little extra will make this set worth every penny.
What we love
Prices don’t lie. Tusa offers the best snorkel gear for beginners.
Pros:
- Long-blade fins with a hybrid system
- Flexible membrane for better movement
- High-flow water purge
Cons:
- On the pricey side.
Buy on:
Promate Snorkeling Mask Fins Dry Snorkel Set
9
Next on our list of best snorkel gear for beginners is one of the most wallet-friendly sets in the market. Promate Snorkeling Set is intended for recreational snorkelers who want to stop renting snorkeling gear without spending too much on their vacation budget. A nylon mesh bag is included in the purchase and it houses a mask, a dry snorkel, a pair of fins, and a swim vest (on some options). There are 6 color combinations in 2 main sizes (SM-MLXL) available.
The mask provided a panoramic view, single-lens tempered glass that fits most sizes. The mask offers a wide peripheral view that allows you to see more. A dry snorkel featuring a hinged top and bottom seal has a pre-curved silicone mouthpiece that doesn’t tire your jaw. In the set, a pair of full fins will take you further in the open-sea explorations. Take this set with you whenever you want to go off into the sea. Take a bigger suitcase if you could, since this set takes up more space than other sets mentioned.
What we love
It’s one of the most wallet-friendly sets in the market.
Pros:
- Single-lens panoramic mask
- Pre-curved silicone mouthpiece
- One of the cheapest options available
Cons:
- It’s quite big and might take up a lot of your luggage space.
Buy on:
Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set
8
Look at the color options on this set by Seavenger! There are 12 available colors and fits all sizes of family members (XXS-XL). Introduce the marine life to your family and dive into the diverse Palawan in The Philippines or snorkel spots in the Maldives.
The Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set fits a mesh gear bag provided in the purchase. It features a top-dry snorkel (with a purge bottom) that has a flexible section for an unobstructed breathing experience. The panoramic tempered glass is perfect for deep-sea adventure. Get an anti-fog spray to make sure the fog won’t get in the way of your view. The included fins measures only 16 inches. These are open-heeled fins with a water drain at the front. Adjuster straps are ready and reliable. There won’t be any excuse not to go to another underwater exploration!
What we love
This could be your next travel mate for its compact and lightweight features.
Pros:
- Panoramic tempered glass mask
- Open-heeled fins
- Straps are adjustable
- Flexible material for easy breathing
Cons:
- Not anti-fog.
Buy on:
U.S. Divers Adult Cozumel Mask/Seabreeze II Snorkel/Proflex Fins
7
U.S. Divers is back with the most sought-out set in the market. This time, they’re taking on the best snorkel gear for beginners. This set is a collection of their entry-level diving equipment like Cozumel Mask, Seabreeze II Snorkel, and Proflex Fins. It also includes a gear bag to store them neatly. Our favorite yellow is one of 5 available colors. The fins are in Small to Extra Large sizes.
The Seabreeze II Snorkel is equipped with a hydro-adhesion technology on the barrel top and a water purge on the bottom to clear water out. This snorkel doesn’t have a flexible part, but the mouthpiece is made of silicone that won’t hurt your teeth. It’s best to get a defogger to prevent fogging on the Cozumel mask’s tempered glass. But if you don’t have one, the old saliva trick will do.
The Proflex fins are quite powerful in propelling your body in the water. The vents on the blades will prevent muscle strain, hence give more time for fun-snorkeling. Buy yourself a couple of neoprene socks for these close-heeled fins to ensure a snug fit.
What we love
With little adjustments, this product offers the best value.
Pros:
- Hydro-adhesion technology
- Silicone mouthpiece
- Water purge mechanism
Cons:
- The mouthpiece has no flexible features
Buy on:
Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set
6
One of the best brands out there, Cressi has been providing professional products in the diving gear industry since 1946. They released their snorkel set for recreational snorkelers who want to start investing in good equipment. That is Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set. This traveling set includes a mask, a pair of Palau short fins, an Onda mask, and Supernova snorkel. There are 7 color combinations to choose from and sizes ranging XS to XL.
Their Palau fins are open-heeled, short, lightweight, and compact. They’re ideal for those who like to snorkel closer to the reef bed. The strap is decent enough, but you might want to pair each with a fin grip just to be sure.
This set also features a dry snorkel with a water purge and an anti-splash mechanism with a special auto-close valve. The Onda mask features a single-lens tempered glass and silicone skirt that seals well. Quick-release adjuster buckles are positioned on the sides. You can put all of the equipment into a mesh bag provided in the purchase.
What we love
The fins are lightweight yet strong to aid maneuverability with less fatigue.
Pros:
- Anti-splash mechanism
- Auto-close valve
- Single-lens tempered glass mask
- Silicone skirt seals well
Cons:
- You may need to get extra fin grips for the strap.
Buy on:
Innovative Scuba Concepts MSF4611 REEF (CU)
5
The professional look on this set will give an extra feeling of safety in the sea once you put it on. Whether you choose Black, Blue, or Pink, it will never go out of style. That’s one of the main reasons, this is one of the best snorkel gear for beginners. The package contains a mesh bag with a semi-dry snorkel, a durable mask, and a pair of short fins in it. Take this set with you if you’re going snorkeling. Innovative Scuba Concepts comes in 2 major sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large.
The mask has bifocal tempered glass that’s already coated with an anti-fog layer. On the sides of the mask, there are quick-release adjustable buckles. The skirt is made of hypoallergenic rubber to maintain a tight seal without the itch.
This set’s semi-dry snorkel has a splash guard on top to help limit water access to the tube, but a water purge is ready if it happens. It also includes a neoprene hair strap to protect your hair from being pulled by the rubber strap. Even though the fins are made of plastics, the double vent will make your legs less fatigued.
What we love
The adjustable fins are perfect for reef or open-sea snorkeling water time.
Pros:
- Bifocal tempered glass
- Anti-fog layer
- Double vent fins
Cons:
- Fins are made of plastics
SealBuddy Maui Mask Snorkel Mesh Gear Bag Combo (CU)
4
You will regret traveling to the Caribbean without taking this set with you. SealBuddy Maui Mask Snorkel Mesh Gear includes a mask, a snorkel, and a pair of fins, all fitted into a spacious bag. There are 4 colors and two sizes to choose from. Small/Medium size fits 4-7.5 shoe size and Large/XL size fits 8-12.
Caribbean famous spots like Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia have a huge coral reef bed that’s rich in marine life. That said, the composite snorkel fins will be your reliable companion since its length is safe for the reefs. Each fin is secured with a quick-release buckle to keep it snug on your feet.
The snorkel tube is made of strong polyurethane. It has a flexible section that connects the tube to the mouthpiece and the water purge. The best feature of this set is the panoramic mask with tempered glass; perfect to have an unobstructed view while you’re sea-viewing. Have eye-problems? Great news: you can add lenses inside the mask.
What we love
It’s a dry-top snorkel, so you won’t have to worry about water flowing into the tube.
Pros:
- Lenses compatible
- Water purge system
- Panoramic mask
- The fins have the perfect length for exploring reefs
Cons:
- Not fog-resistant
ZEEPORTE Mask Fin Snorkel Set with Adult Snorkeling Gear (404)
3
Maybe you have tried snorkeling once. And now you feel like doing it more when you travel. Would it be nice to have the best snorkel gear for beginners yourself? ZEEPORTE Mask Fin Snorkel Set is recommended as your first owned set. The price may be lower than the rest but the quality stands above other sets in its tier. This set will arrive at your door in a mesh bag containing the mask, snorkel, and a pair of short fins. For color, you can choose between Blue or Gray and S/ML or ML/XL for sizes.
With the splash guard and dry-top valve sealing the upper part of the snorkel, you shouldn’t be worried about water coming into your mouth. A water purge positioned at the bottom features a sealant diaphragm activated by a short blow to let water out should water enter the tube. The fit-all-size fins will serve pretty well for reef-snorkeling. The mask is panoramic in tempered glass and a silicone skirt that fits most sizes comfortably. Be sure you adjust the fin strap in the water to prevent snapping it.
What we love
It has everything you need to start, perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- Dry-top valve keeps water out
- Panoramic mask with tempered glass
- Adjustable fin strap underwater
Cons:
- The fins are all size only
WACOOL Snorkeling Package Set for Adults
2
WACOOL Snorkeling Package Set is every bit cool like its name. You will get a diving mask, a dry snorkel, and a pair of short fins in a single buy. It comes in 3 colors: black, blue, and yellow-black combination. There are 4 sizes available to accommodate everyone (S-XL). And you don’t need to look for a container for this set because it also comes with a mesh bag.
The snorkel features a splash guard that works like a charm in keeping the water out of the tube. But even if it does, the water purge at the bottom should clear it out before taking your breath. The visor is made of tempered glass with an anti-fog coating to prevent condensation.
Though compact, the short fins shouldn’t take away the fun, especially if you snorkel by the reefs. Make sure you check the measurement so you don’t end up with wear-bruises on your way home. Every fin includes a pad to keep the boot in shape.
What we love
Since the set was intended for traveling, it’s equipped with short fins instead of full-size ones.
Pros:
- Splash guard keeps water out
- Water purge system
- Anti-fog coating
Cons:
- You have to get the right size to avoid wear-bruises
Buy on:
Phantom Aquatics Italian Collection Legendary
1
Take a break from your daily hustle by going to an island in the Bahama. Grab Phantom Aquatics Italian Collection before you head there. This set is something you don’t want to miss: quality control of a big name in scuba/snorkel world, affordable price, and a range of colors you can choose. There are 2 sizes available: 5-8 boot sizes fit S/M and 9-12 sizes fit M/L. The set includes a mask, snorkel, snorkel fins, and a bonus bag to carry them.
The dry snorkel sports a breathing tube with a flexible part for the mouthpiece. With dry snorkels, a mechanism to keep water from entering the tube is attached to the top. Make sure to clean the snorkel time to time so sand and dirt don’t stick in it. A water purge is positioned at the bottom for uninterrupted breathing.
The fins are fantastic for beginners and frequent snorkelers. The material is rigid enough for open-sea exploration and the groove in the middle enhances glide. The mask is adjustable on the strap at the back. And the quick-release buckles on one side that make taking off this mask a breeze.
What we love
The star of this set is its panoramic tempered-glass mask with beveled sides for a wider view.
Pros:
- Rigid material
- Flexible mouthpiece
- Dry snorkel features a water-repellent mechanism
- Quick-release buckles
Cons:
- Nothing significant! It just needs a thorough cleaning from time to time. Definitely one of the best snorkel gear for beginners available!
Buy on:
