You can explore the deep like Jacques Cousteau without the hassle of getting your scuba diving certification. But first you’ll need to buy a snorkel mask to take a closer look at the beautiful underwater scenery. A great alternative to diving and a lot less expensive, snorkeling is a blast and the gear is quite affordable. We’ve researched the best snorkel mask brands and hand selected our top five picks for you, along with a buying guide.
Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Lens/Window
Sizes
Features
Color
Our Top Choice
US Divers Snorkel Kit
U.S. Divers offer complete snorkel sets, as well as separate masks, fins, snorkels, and various diving gear for underwater explorers.
One-stop shopping. A great classic snorkel kit. Everything you need to enjoy the scenery of the ocean, including a convenient travel & storage bag for all your gear.
Some users may want just the mask, or a different style mask like our full face masks or GoPro compatible option.
Snorkel set: mask/snorkel/fins
Low profile mask
Small-X Large
Splash-proof snorkel
5 color options
Best Value
Tribord Easybreath Snorkeling Mask
Tribord has gear for sailing, diving, paddling, or snorkeling to keep outdoor and underwater enthusiasts safe and comfortable all day long.
Water stopper design keeps water out of snorkel. Engineered for excellent ventilation through nose and mouth, and increased visibility. No fogging.
May not deliver sufficient oxygen if you like to snorkel for intervals over an hour.
Full mask w/snorkel
No fogging 180 vision
X Small-X Large
Highly visible snorkel tip
3 color options
SnorkelinGear Full Face Snorkel Mask
SnorkelinGear is a family-based business that works on developing snorkel masks that children and adults will love.
Enjoy breathing through your nose and mouth without a mouthpiece. Includes a waterproof case to keep your cell phone and money dry. Comes with a spray bottle to de-fog mask.
Snorkel is short.
Mask w/cell phone case & spray
180 vision full face mask
S/M or L/XL
No uncomfortable mouthpiece
5 color options
Cressi Snorkel & Mask Set
Cressi is a diving company rich in heritage. An Italian family-owned business, they are a worldwide manufacturer of water sports equipment.
A great go-to snorkel with mask, the frameless design gives you a broad viewing spectrum with little interference. Dry top snorkel keeps water out. Flexible and foldable.
One size means it won’t fit everyone perfectly. May fog up a bit.
No frame mask & snorkel
Extremely low volume mask
One size fits most
Dry top to keep water out
10 color options
WildHorn Outfitters GoPro Snorkel Mask
Making gear for the outdoor enthusiast, WildHorn Outfitters has snorkeling gear, trekking and camping equipment, and even beach tents to keep you comfortable.
The Seaview offers a wide viewing range and a GoPro camera mount. Just attach your GoPro camera and breathe freely from your nose and mouth while capturing your footage.
Deep diving with a full face mask can create too much pressure on your face.
Bubble your way through the deep blue sea and spy on a school of colorful fish or a flying manta ray with a fun snorkeling expedition. We’ve made the selection process easy for you with a buying guide and our top five picks in snorkel masks from a few of the most popular brands. You can buy a full snorkel kit with everything you’ll need or buy your snorkel separately, the choice is yours. For the serious underwater enthusiast, we also offer buying guides for wetsuits and dive watches.
Price
There are cheap snorkel masks out there, but it’s best to invest in a good-quality snorkel mask, as they make a huge difference in enjoying your snorkeling experience. If you’re looking for a bargain, the best bet is to buy one of the snorkel kits, which will run you anywhere from $30 to $60 and include the mask, fins, and snorkel.
A good snorkel mask will increase your field of vision, be comfortable to wear, and suit your style. You can purchase one for around $20 to $50, depending on the brand and what comes with the purchase.
If you need special features, like a full face mask in extra-large or a snorkel mask that is compatible with active camera gear like a GoPro, then you can expect to spend a little more, around $50 to $120.
Features
These days, you can go way beyond your basic snorkel mask, so there are a few features you may want to consider before making your purchase. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the classic snorkel mask, but if you’re adventurous, you might as well take a peek at some of the optional features on the market these days.
Here are a few of the optional features you can look for when purchasing a snorkel mask:
A full snorkel kit with fins, mask, and snorkel
A classic profile snorkel mask
A low-profile snorkel mask
A full face mask with a built-in snorkel
GoPro-compatible face mask
Snorkel mask with a splash-proof snorkel
Anti-fogging technology
Bonus gear like a carrying bag or waterproof case
Stylish color options
Of course, you’ll want to buy the right size as well. Many snorkel masks come in children’s sizes, if you want to get one for the kiddo.
Construction and Design
We’ve come a long way since the creation of the first snorkel, which was basically just a piece of rubber hose.
Snorkel masks started to hit the scene around the 1940s to make your snorkeling experience more enjoyable and improve your underwater vision drastically. Since then, there have been some remarkable innovations in snorkel mask construction and design.
You can go frameless for a wider view of all the action; of course, technically there is still a frame, it is just less obtrusive then the classic snorkel or diving mask, which is also known as a low-profile snorkel mask.
You can also buy a full face snorkel mask, which is a completely different feeling than using a traditional snorkel mask. With a full face mask, you can breathe through your nose, as your entire face is covered, not just your eyes.
Some snorkel masks are sold separately in case you prefer to piece together your snorkel kit individually, or already have a snorkel you like to use. Many snorkel masks come with a snorkel included with purchase. These snorkels can incorporate features like a splash-proof guard at the tip, or a brightly colored tip to make you more noticeable to passing boats. Other innovations include positioning the snorkel above your head and centered, which is available with a full face mask.
Photography has become so popular with the advent of smart phones and active cameras like the GoPro. Obviously, you’ll want to capture the moment on film if you come across some spectacular underwater beast, so you can also pick up a snorkel mask that has an attachment for your GoPro camera for hands-free movie-making. We’ve featured one in our top five picks.
Performance and Ease of Use
One of the best ways to simplify the task of purchasing snorkel gear is to just get a full snorkel set. Plenty of manufacturers offer a combo kit including a mask, fins, snorkel, and gear bag to take the fuss out of buying each individually.
If you like to feel free and unfettered by your gear while underwater, a frameless or low-profile snorkel mask is a great choice. These tend to weigh less and don’t interfere as much with your peripheral vision.
Tip: I know it’s a little unladylike for the women, but rubbing some spit in your face mask, then rinsing it out before donning it will help keep the mask from fogging up while swimming underwater.
Now on to some of our fave picks in snorkel masks…
What is the Best Snorkeling Mask?
The best mask on the market changes with time. No doubt, the innovations in snorkel and scuba gear will keep on coming. Any improvement in gear is a welcome addition if it improves your comfort and enjoyment while exploring underwater. A simple, low-profile mask may be just what you are looking for, or you may want to check out one of the newer styles in masks for snorkeling, like the full face mask that allows you to breathe through your nose. We also have a GoPro-compatible option so you can take videos hands-free with your GoPro camera. But first, let’s look at some of the factors that will affect your purchase in more detail, such as price, design and performance.
Our Top Choice
U.S. Divers offers a complete snorkeling set for one-stop shopping before your trip. If you are taking your children on the journey, you can also add the U.S. Divers Youth Flare Jr Silicone Snorkeling Set, and have a complete snorkel set for the whole family.
US Divers Snorkel Kit — Mask, Snorkel, Fins & Travel Bag — Available in 5 Colors & 4 Sizes
US Divers Snorkel Package 257205 - Black - Small 5-6.5
Features
U.S. Divers have some great options for underwater explorers. While there are many individual masks, snorkels, and fins available from this brand, we chose to highlight a total snorkel package for you. This set has everything you need for one-stop shopping before your next grand adventure. Just select your favorite color and enjoy your journey to the sea.
A terrific purchase to get you right where you want to be: snorkeling. You are going to need a mask, snorkel, and fins to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery, so it makes sense to buy them in a set. Not only does this matching set of high-quality snorkeling gear look great, but it comes with a gear bag for easy traveling and to keep your snorkel gear neat when it’s in storage.
The Cozumel mask fits most adults and is a low profile mask, which means it rests closer to your face and can easily be cleared of water. Low profile masks also create less distortion in your field of vision versus high volume masks.
The Seabreeze snorkel offers a one-way purge valve for efficient clearing, and there is also a splash guard on top to keep water out. The Proflex fins that come with this purchase have a closed heel and are soft and comfortable. The vented blades make for greater efficiency when navigating the ocean blue.
Choose your favorite color from the following options: Electric blue, Yellow, Titanium white, Red, or Black.
The Tribord Mask has changed the face of snorkeling. Making the experience vastly more comfortable, it is a great addition to your next snorkeling trip. If you are particularly sensitive, you may want to select the hypoallergenic model, The EasyBreath Full Face, Anti-Fog, Hypoallergenic Silicone Facial Lining.
Tribord Easybreath Snorkeling Mask with Anti Fogging System Available in 3 Colors & 4 Sizes
Tribord Snorkeling Mask 3 - Atoll - M/L
Features
There’s no end to the water sports products Tribord has to offer. Covering all your needs in underwater, wave, and wind sports, as well as paddling and sailing, they keep the innovations coming year after year.
There are a few great features in this EasyBreath snorkel mask that make it a standout. The first is the uniquely engineered breathing vent inside the full mask that allows you to breathe through your nose. The second is the anti-fogging design that truly keeps your vision crystal clear while snorkeling. The third is the easily identifiable tip that stands out in vivid orange, keeping submerged snorkelers safer when there are boats passing nearby, or when snorkelers are drifting out of sight.
This mask is a keeper, and works well for people of all sizes. There is also a splash proof guard to keep water from entering the snorkel. Available in X-small, Medium, Large, or X-large, so pick up one for the whole family before heading off for your next expedition. There are three vivid colors to choose from including pink, blue, or atoll (which is an aqua hue).
If you want to breathe comfortably while enjoying your snorkeling trip and secure your cell phone and money, buy this mask, snorkel, and waterproof case package. If you would prefer a different color than our featured item, no worries. Choose an alternative color like vibrant yellow in this Full Face Snorkel Mask by SnorkelinGear.
SnorkelinGear Full Face Snorkel Mask & Waterproof Case for Cell Phone with Anti-fog Spray – Available in 5 Colors & 2 Sizes
SnorkelinGear Snorkeling Mask Set - Blue - L/XL
Features
A family-based business, SnorkelinGear aims to provide its customers with excellent customer support and innovative solutions to keep them comfortable while snorkeling and exploring underwater vistas.
This new design of snorkel masks changes the way you breathe underwater while snorkeling. Rather than have a mouthpiece attached to a long tube that reaches the surface, the snorkel comes straight out of the top of the mask. The mask covers your entire face and allows for oxygen consumption without having an uncomfortable mouthpiece to bite on. The most crucial component to keep this mask working is a tight seal.
This package includes a waterproof case for your cell phone and money, a great idea as most people can’t part with either of these essential tools. There is also an anti-fog spray to keep your mask fog-free. The anti-fog spray comes in a solid state—just partially fill the spray bottle with water and shake to create the anti-fog mixture.
With a large viewing area to take in the underwater action, a waterproof case, and lots of colors to choose from, this mask will make your ocean experience that much more enjoyable. The colors to choose from include blue, green, pink, yellow, and black. Size options are S/M or L/XL.
A sleek and streamlined mask for underwater exploring, Cressi keeps it simple with their mask and snorkel set. If you aren’t fully outfitted yet for your snorkeling trip, you may want to consider buying the Cressi Palau Mask Fin Snorkel Set with Snorkeling Gear Bag, which includes fins.
Cressi Snorkel & Mask Set — Good for Snorkeling, Scuba Diving or Freediving - Available in 10 Colors
Cressi Snorkeling Mask 2012 - Lilac
Features
Cressi has its origins in Italy and is a family-owned business that specializes in diving equipment. A global manufacturer of scuba, snorkel, and water sports equipment, they have been in business since the 1940s.
Their mask is a great classic option with a twist. Offering a sleek and streamlined design, this snorkel with mask gives clear viewing with very little obstruction of the lens/window. The snorkel has a dry top design to keep water out of the tube, even when submerged.
The mouthpiece is flexible and made of soft silicone. The open viewing design makes it ideal for photographers, free divers, or hunters. There are many vibrant colors to choose from including white, all black, green camouflage, brown camouflage, pink, blue, lilac, yellow, white, or transparent. One size fits most.
If you’re going to get wet, you will need a towel to dry yourself off after having fun down under. A great addition to your snorkel mask is the WildHorn Outfitters Microlite Travel Towel Bundle that has a convenient travel pack and three different towel sizes to choose from.
WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° GoPro Compatible Snorkel Mask- Panoramic Full Face Design - Available in 4 Colors & 2 Sizes
WildHorn Outfitters Snorkeling Mask - Panoramic Navy Blue / Gray - Small/Medium
Features
WildHorn Outfitters have a lot of cool designs for outdoor lovers, including beach tents and trekking and camping gear. With a unique design, this full face mask by Wildhorn is great for snorkeling and includes a mount at the top for your GoPro camera.
Now you can take pictures of the gorgeous scenery underwater without using your hands. Just attach your GoPro camera to the center mount at the top of the mask, and get incredible underwater footage.
The full face design of the Seabreeze snorkel mask offers a snorkel at the top and easy drainage underneath the form-fitting mask. With the panoramic view, you can take in more of the action all around you. Comes in a beautiful array of colors like Plum/gray, Navy blue, White/blue, White/pink, or White/teal. Select the right size for you in S/M or L/XL.
We’ve sifted through the chaff to fine-tune your selection of a highly-rated snorkel mask with lots of options to choose from. Whether you want a complete snorkeling set, a full face snorkel mask, or a children’s snorkel mask, we have the right one for you from excellent manufacturers.
