Choosing the best snorkel mask is a personal decision based on style and function. I am going to review some of the snorkel masks so you have a place to start when making your decision.
Going snorkeling is a wonderful experience but if you don’t have the proper equipment you will not enjoy your time underwater. We learned this the hard way early on but as you can see here we finally found the right snorkel gear and have had an amazing time. See our Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean article HERE.
I have personally tried many of the snorkel mask including full face snorkel masks. Finally, I settled on one perfect for me and my partner in crime found one perfect for her as well.
Below you will find the best snorkel mask, as well as some alternatives, that I have found have the features and fit to make the most of our snorkeling trips.
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Best Prescription Snorkel Mask
My Snorkel Mask Pick
ScubaMax Abaco Single Lens Oversize Dive Mask
This mask by ScubaMax is the best snorkel mask for me. It is the one I personally own and the one I have been using for my snorkeling trips.
I have tried several other masks but for my face, it fits the best and is the most comfortable. The ScubaMax Abaco seems to be a good fit for people with a wide face or large head.
Features Include
- Oversized lens design for better viewing
- The widest viewing area of the ScubaMax brand
- Air tight double edged facial seal
- Tempered safety glass lens
- Soft crystal silicone skirt for comfort
- A “Zip Strap” with single button release and swivel buckles
Why I love my ScubaMax Abaco Dive Mask
I love my ScubaMax dive mask because it fits me perfectly. It appears that I have a wider face or larger head than I thought. Most snorkel masks I tried early on were a little snug for me. I found out they only got tighter as I dove down under the water.
Another benefit I found is that it seals really well. Sure I still have to do some prep work to stop leaking because of my facial hair, but even when I do not, the leakage is minimal.
The ScubaMax mask has a very wide field of view. This feature makes it easy for me to see what is around with very little obstruction. Technically, it is a dive mask but it is great for snorkeling too. This way if I ever decide to take up SCUBA I won’t have to buy all new gear.
I HIGHLY recommend this snorkel mask, especially if you think you might have a large head or wide face.
Her Snorkel Mask Pick
TUSA Freedom TINA Diving Mask- Pink
This mask is the best snorkel mask for her! She has the opposite problem that I had. Her head is small and she is quite petite so it was a struggle for her to find the perfect snorkel mask.
The TUSA M-1002 Freedom Tina Scuba Diving Mask solved her problem quite nicely!
Features Include
- One window design and a low profile for a perfect field of vision
- Multiple color options
- Low friction silicone skirt
- Rounded edge for a soft and comfortable fit
- Quick adjust buckle system
- Great snorkel mask for small faces
Why She Loves Her TUSA “TINA” Freedom Dive Mask
She feels this is the best snorkel mask for her because it is comfortable and fits her perfectly.
The mask has a wide field of view and it comes in multiple colors.
It is also designed in such a way that it is remains comfortable even when she is diving beneath the surface.
This mask is actually a dive mask so if we ever decided to take up SCUBA we don’t have to buy new dive gear.
Best Budget Snorkel Mask
DIVE IT Snorkel Mask – Snorkel Set – Scuba Mask with Dry Snorkel Anti-fogging Lens & Dual Strap System
If you are looking for the best snorkel mask but you are on a budget, here is a good choice.
Features Include
- Comes as a set Snorkel and Mask
- Panoramic lens for maximum viewing
- Dry Snorkel technology
- Budget friendly package
What to Love about the DIVE IT Snorkel Mask and Dry Snorkel Set
If you are just trying out snorkeling this might be the best snorkel mask for you! This set comes with the mask and dry snorkel at a very friendly price.
The mask features anti fog technology, a dry snorkel, a wide viewing area and easy adjust buckles.
There is also a 100% money back guarantee and super fast shipping.
Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
Adepoy Full Face Snorkel Mask with Camera Mount
If you prefer a full face snorkel mask the Adepoy might be the best snorkel mask for you!
Features Include
- Dry Snorkel technology to keep water from entering the mask
- Anti Fog
- Detachable Camera Mount
- Full Face Design with large viewing area
What to Love about the Adepoy Full Face Snorkel Mask
Some people just cannot get used to a separate mask and snorkel. We have a friend that has tried several snorkel mask combos and could never find one he could truly enjoy snorkeling with. The Adepoy full face snorkel mask solved his problem.
The mask is made from high quality medical grade materials which assures high quality and is helpful for those with sensitive skin. It also solves the problem some people have, not breathing with your nose. This issue is more common than you would think. A full face snorkel mask is the answer for those that still would like to enjoy underwater beauty.
This is ideal for kids and beginners as well. One side note, this is not meant for people who like to dive deep below the surface. Masks of this type are primarily designed to remain on top of the water or to dive six feet or less under the surface.
If you want to take pictures, you can easily mount your GoPro or other underwater camera directly on top of the mask.
Best Prescription Snorkel Mask
ProMate Prescription Optical Snorkel Mask
If you are going to snorkel you probably want to see. Anyone that needs corrective lens may find that the ProMate Optical Snorkel Mask is the best snorkel mask for them!
Features Include
- Optical Correction lenses available from -1.0 to -10.0 by increments of 0.5 (for near sighted)./OP250
- Optical Correction lenses available from +1.0 to +4.0 by increments of 0.5 (for Far sighted)./OP250
- Bifocal Optical correction lenses, also called Gauge Reader available +1.0, +1.5, +2.0, +2.5, +3.0, +3.5, +4.0./OP251
What to Love about the ProMate Prescription Snorkel Mask
If you have a vision problem this mask will help you enjoy your snorkeling experience. This snorkel mask has almost 600 reviews at the time of this writing and it still maintains a solid FIVE star rating!
The ProMate mask is not just a top seller because of its prescription lens function it is also a quality mask.
Like most others masks I have reviewed it has a great viewing area, good seals and quick adjusting straps that do not slip.
Most Popular Snorkel Mask
Cressi Snorkel and Mask Set
If you are looking to buy what many excursion companies give their clients then the Cressi Snorkel and Mask Set might be the best snorkel mask for you.
Features Include
- Frameless Mask with Tempered Glass
- Push Button Buckle
- Dry Snorkel Technology
- Ultra Clear Lens
- Comes as a Set (Snorkel and Mask)
What to Love about the Cressi Snorkel and Mask Set
If you read the article I referenced early in this review then you probably notice that we have snorkeled with many tour groups. We have found that the majority of these tour operators used Cressi snorkel gear for their clients.
Having been on excursions with as many as 50 or 60 people these sets seem to work well for the majority of people. I would have to assume if a company wants to provide the best user experience possible, while not breaking the bank, they would choose a snorkel mask and snorkel that is reliable, fits and is durable.
In fact, when we first started snorkeling we did not have our own gear and often used what the tour company would have available. I found that the Cressi brand of snorkeling gear to be reliable and functional.
While I prefer my current mask, which I described earlier in this article, I still use a Cressi brand Dry Snorkel.
I feel comfortable suggesting this snorkel set considering how often they are used as well as the fact that this particular set has over 1200 reviews.
How to Choose a Snorkel Mask
I hope that I was able to steer you in the right direction based on your needs. In this section I want to cover how to choose the snorkel mask for you!
How does the mask fit?
When trying on your snorkeling mask you should be able to put it on your face, take a breathe in with your nose and it should stay on your face even when leaning slightly forward. This is done without securing the mask with the straps. If it stays snug to your face, then you will have a good seal, which will keep water or out.
How Comfortable is the mask?
The same seals that keep the mask from letting water in is going to be against your face for at least several minutes while you are snorkeling. At this point you should try the mask on with the straps and adjust them as necessary to have a good fit. In case you did not know, the straps should sit on the crown of your head, not just over your ears. For ladies, think of where your pony tail might site. For men, think about where most men start to lose their hair.
How well can you see with the mask?
The lens should allow you an unobstructed view of your surroundings. Some people prefer anti glare technology and others prefer a clear mask. I use a mask with a slight tint. Fogging can sometimes be an issue and mask masks have anti fog technology. You still might get a little fogging but I will discuss how to prep your mask to prevent that.
If possible, try to use the mask before you go on your snorkeling adventure. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination only to discover something is not quite right with your gear.
Snorkels
Some of these sets come with the snorkels included but others do not. I will cover some basic features of a snorkel.
Dry Snorkel
A dry snorkel has a valve at the top that sticks out of the water while you are snorkeling. The purpose of this piece is to prevent water from getting in if you happen to get splashed by a wave.
I can tell you, that on one trip I forgot my snorkel so I had to borrow one that was not a dry snorkel, I had to clear my snorkel several times because the water was a little bit choppy that day.
Flexibility
A nice flexible snorkel comes in handy especially when you are packing and storing your gear. You should also make sure it is comfortable enough when you secure it to your snorkel mask.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece should be soft and flexible also and have a secure fit. When we snorkel sometimes we can go for two hours or more, so having a mouthpiece on our snorkel that fits well is vital. A poor fitting mouthpiece might cause you to end your snorkeling trip early.
Snorkel Mask FAQ
How do I keep water from getting in?
A- Make sure the mask fits. When trying a snorkel mask place it against your face without the straps and breath in through your nose. This should create an airtight seal. Once you have that seal, lean forward and the mask should stick to your face. If it does not, you don’t have a seal. If air can get in, so can water.
For men with facial hair, you might consider a thin layer of Vaseline or even some reef safe sunscreen. I have facial hair and just a dab above my upper lip works just fine for me.
How do I keep my mask from fogging?
A- There are a number of ways to keep your mask from fogging while snorkeling.
There is anti fog spray that is sold online and in dive shops. However you can also use some regular toothpaste or even baby shampoo.
Simply put either the baby shampoo or toothpaste on your finger and lightly coat the inside of the mask. Then rinse it and swirl with water until the shampoo or paste disappears.
How do I keep my mask clean?
A- You want to keep your mask clean because salt or sand can create issues for you down the road. Luckily this is really easy.
Simply rinse your mask and snorkel with clean, fresh water to keep the salt and debris off of it. Sand and salt can slowly damage your gear and sometimes the sand can cause scratches on the lens as the mask shifts around during storage and transport.
How do I store my Mask and Snorkel
A- I personally have a bag where my gear is stored once I have cleaned it and let it air dry. The mask itself I keep in an Akona mask bag then I keep THAT bag inside of a ScubaMax Dive/Snorkeling Bag.
You can check out the Akona Snorkel mask bag HERE
You can check out the ScubaMax bag HERE
I hope that the information contained in this article helps you buy a snorkel mask that fits your needs. There are few things more enjoyable than experiencing the underwater world. But you have to have the right gear to do it!
If you are interested in seeing some of the places we have snorkeled and the images we have captured visit my Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean Article!
Enjoy!!
Just a few pics of our Snorkeling trips so far!
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Started Snorkeling recently and ready to buy my own snorkeling gear. This was very helpful.
