Fancy going on a snorkeling holiday or just looking to upgrade your old mask There are many reasons why you might need to purchase a mask.
Choosing a snorkel mask can sometimes seem like a hard task.
With so many varieties (there are even prescription snorkel masks), shapes, sizes, and colors on offer, how are you to know which one is right for you?
Learning the different components of a mask and how you can use them to your advantage is a good start.
The whole point of a mask is to provide comfort, security, and clear vision once you go into the water.
So, you’re standing in front of a wall of masks, they all look professional and reliable, but how do you know which one will work for you?
Well, this is why we have created this snorkel mask guide, to help you decide, whatever your level is, on the perfect mask to suit you.
If you’re looking for a Full Face Snorkel Mask, go here.
The Oceanic Shadow mask is perfect for travelers. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to pack. Underwater, this mask performs well and the frameless design offers a wide field of view. The Oceanic Shadow is also a comfortable mask.
Unlike other masks that feature a silicone strap, this mask comes with a comfortable neoprene strap, and the buckles swivel for maximum comfort. With its convenience, durability, and performance, the Oceanic Shadow is an excellent choice for both freedivers and scuba divers alike.
Kraken Aquatics prides itself on being a company focused on innovation in the design and functionality of high-quality diving equipment. They are dedicated to providing top quality products at reasonable prices so that everyone can have access to this incredible sport.
The Dive Snorkel mask by Kraken is an ideal product for beginner free-divers, snorkelers, and scuba divers who are looking to get a head start on their underwater adventures.
When you’re scuba diving or snorkeling, vision is so important to the experience – but it’s hard to get a clear view through a mask with a small lens or one that doesn’t fit your face.
That’s why the Kraken Aquatics Dive Snorkel Mask is designed with a single-piece, tempered-glass lens and flexible silicone skirt; this enhances the comfort of the fit and improves the watertight seal, ensuring that you can see as much detail of your underwater surroundings as possible, minimizing leakage.
The TUSA Freedom HD mask is a single-lens mask with a wide field of vision, offering panoramic views while diving or snorkeling.
When it comes to silicone softness, TUSA’s masks are at the top of the list. The Freedom HD’s skirt is made with TUSA’s Freedom Fit Technology, which features dimples, stability ridges, and varied silicone thickness to increase the comfort and seal of the mask. One key feature of this mask is the 180° Rotational Buckle System, which allows it to accommodate various head sizes.
This mask is best suited for divers requiring a mask with a larger frame.
Dive into our in-depth review to find out more about the TUSA Freedom HD mask.
Why dive in standard definition when you can dive in high definition? The TUSA Paragon mask was designed for professional divers and underwater photographers to be durable, stylish, and improve visibility underwater.
This mask features lenses that allow 95% of available light while also reducing glare, so that clarity of colors is optimized underwater. The Paragon HD also has built in UV protection to help shield your eyes from harmful UV rays while diving. Say goodbye to squinting underwater.
The TUSA Paragon features a professional-looking, sleek design—not only will you see better while diving, but you’ll also look good while doing it. The skirt design provides comfort and may be the best fit for divers with a medium to large face.
The Cressi A1 comes ready to dive. Pre-treated with anti-fog technology, this mask does not need to be scrubbed or burned before the first dive, nor do you need to apply anti-fog gel before jumping in the water.
The A1 is an attractive, single-lens mask and is available with either a clear or UV 420 yellow lens. This mask is available in several cool color combinations that have a flat, metallic-looking finish, making this mask look sleek and high-end.
The buckle design of the A1 makes this mask easy to adjust with one hand or with gloves on. The skirt and strap of this mask are made of a soft silicone, designed to provide a good fit for most faces and increase comfort.
The Genesis Icon is a comfortable and affordable diving mask. It features a double feather-edged skirt, wide split strap, and quick disconnect buttons. This mask has an easily adjustable strap.
With its low profile and teardrop lenses, the Genesis Icon offers comfort and improved vertical vision. Available in five colors, the Icon is a great choice for beginners or recreational divers who want a reliable mask. The user-friendly nature of this mask helps divers feel comfortable in the water.
General things to know before buying a mask.
Out of the thousands of masks available, not only have we narrowed down the selection above, but also, you’ll find a great guide to helping you decide what mask to go for, below…
When buying a Snorkel Mask, check to see if the mask creates a seal.
This is one of the most important steps to follow when choosing a snorkel mask as there is nothing worse than not testing your mask out and arriving on your snorkel boat, getting kitted up, jumping in and being welcomed into the sea with a face and nose full of water. Testing your mask out before buying it is essential.
Here is the best way to see if your mask creates a perfect seal around your face.
- Hold the mask up to your face without securing it with the straps.
- Make sure all hair is out of the mask.
- Inhale through your nose slightly until you feel the mask grip your face.
- If it fits you, you will be able to release the mask and it should stay in place without the straps and your hands.
- If the mask does not stay in place or you cannot get a good grip when inhaling through your nose, then the mask does not fit you properly and it is time to try a different one.
What to look for in a snorkel mask
Feathered, Double Skirt Seal – this is the seal around the mask, make sure that whichever mask you choose, has this feature as this will be more reliable when it comes to leaking and will also be more comfortable against your face.
Enclosed Nose – whether you are using your mask for snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving or skindiving, make sure that it has an enclosed nose, within the eye pockets. This way it is easier to equalize if you are going below the surface and will also prevent you from inhaling any water in through your nose whilst snorkeling.
Tempered Glass – Plastic masks tend to fog up easily and can spoil your dive or snorkeling trip. If you choose normal glass, then this can be extremely hazardous if an accident should occur under the water. If you choose normal glass, you won’t be able to use your mask for scuba diving as the pressures can cause this glass to crack and shatter under the water. Tempered glass is your safest option.
Low Volume – low volume masks tend to sit closer to your face and reduce the amount of drag in the water. However, sometimes divers or snorkelers may require a slightly larger volume mask, so choose the one that best suits you. Low volume masks are also easier to clear when under the water.
Wide Head Strap with Touch Adjustment Buckles – a mask should fit comfortably around your head and should also be easy to adjust, if necessary under the water.
Shaped Lens Panel – When choosing a mask you should think about how much of the ocean you would like to see. If you’re hoping to have peripheral vision to see what is going on around you, shaped lens panels are the choice for you as this will give you the ability to see side to side as well as up and down.
Additional Extras
If you’re looking for a little bit extra from your mask, you may want to consider a purge valve. A purge valve isn’t 100% necessary as you can still blow the water from your mask without one, this just makes it slightly easier. Prescription Lenses, if you wear glasses on a daily basis, there is absolutely no reason why your mask should not be fitted with the same prescription. If you cannot see well without glasses on land, it won’t change when you’re under the water so make sure you look into getting your new mask fitted with your prescription lenses.
Types of Mask
There are so many different types of mask that one can get lost in a sea of information, so here are the 7 most common types of mask to choose from…
Side Window Masks
Side window masks have 2 extra panes of glass found on the sides of the mask. These not only allow for extra light to penetrate the mask, it also increases the snorkelers, skindivers, freedivers and scuba divers field of vision. These types of masks are usually slightly larger than other masks, so they may require slightly more air to clear them.
Two Window Masks
Two window makes are known for having two panes of glass that are separated by a frame. The shape of these masks usually means that they sit very close to the face, making it easier to clear and to equalize. One thing to be aware of when choosing a two-window mask is to make sure that the frame does not press against the bridge of your nose. In the event of a snorkeler not seeing you behind them and kicking out this can be extraordinarily painful and can cause an issue when under the water.
Corrective Lens Mask
There are many mask production companies who provide a wide variety of corrective lenses for their clients. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, make sure you look into this option, as it will be extremely beneficial to you when under the water. Some manufacturers even create masks that have interchangeable lenses.
Single Window Mask
Single window masks have a continuous window of glass that covers the whole mask. Many divers opt for this particular style, as it has no frame between the divers eyes, providing comfort and maximum viewing ability.
Color Correcting
At around 3m below sea level the color red is lost and at 6m below sea level the color yellow is lost, so having a color correcting mask can help to define objects under the water in a clearer way and provide a clearer depth perception.
Built In Purge Valve Mask
These masks are much easier to clear when under the water. Divers find these masks much more convenient than snorkelers. Additionally, if you’re considering this mask, it would be good to know that if the purge valve breaks, then the whole mask can flood, ending your dive or snorkel almost immediately, however this is very rare.
Take a look at our guides if you are looking to pair your mask with a classic snorkel or a dual tube snorkel system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snorkel Masks
The Best Snorkel Mask depends on your individual needs. At DIVEIN, our divers tested a whole lot of Snorkel Masks and reviewed the best of them.
These are their top picks:
Before buying a Snorkel Mask, it is important to be aware of some basic features to choose the Best Mask for your snorkeling activities.
These are most important Snorkel Mask Features to consider:
Mask Seal
Enclosed Nose
Tempered Glass
Low Volume
Head Strap & Buckles
Shaped Lens Panel
Take a moment to look at this.
Hi Roz,
It’s always difficult, but possible.
To find a large mask, go for models like the Panoramic(front and side lenses) here the Cressi Panoramic from this guide, or go to our: Scuba Mask guide and look at a mask like the Mares X Vision or Cressi SF1
Here are a few options. Hope it helps.
My sons have very large heads. Genetics LOL It’s been very difficult finding a comfortable mask. Recommendations?
Hi Terrie,
Uh, that’s a hard one. You might need to go the hard way and try when on in shops until you find one that fits.
I have a small face and have trouble with masks pressing on my brow when I tighten to get a tight seal. Any suggestions for a mor comfortable mask?
Hi Ox,
That’s a good point, but to be honest I don’t know. This is not our strong sides, we know a lot about the gear, but not that much about viruses.
My experience with snorkels is a bit dated. I stopped diving a while ago.
My experience is that sputum or saliva and mucus, from the mouth and lungs, gets into the mouthpiece. In order to expel such, blowing out is necessary. The pressure would be determined by model of snorkel and amount of sputum.
In this Covid 19 day of masks and social distancing, isn’t that a problem in a pool? Doesn’t that ejection send potentially dangerous sputum spayed up in the air? If so, isn’t that a potential danger to others in the pool?
I’ve looked online and am puzzled why I can’t find articles on this.
Thanks So Much,
OX (That’s my entire legal name.)
What, they wouldn’t let you try it, or they won’t let you try it in a pool?
I have never been to a place where you can try on masks; wish the article explained this….
This was a great article! Glad I found this site. Will be following from now on. Thank you for putting it together!
Have you tried a low volume mask? – these are often used for skin diving but might solve your issues.
A nose clip and Googles might help you if you stay at the surface all the time. You can not dive down with the googles as you can’t equalize the airspace in the googles.
Every snorkel mask I’ve used leaks water! I have a thin, small upper lip and any movement of my lips is enough to break the seal. I dont like the new style full face masks. Any suggestions? Googles and nose clip?
Hi Don,
You can, but you’ll not be able to swim down, as this will create pressure on the mask that you can not equalize. MIght also consider a nose clip :)
I’d still suggest you find a fitting mask.
Hello
I have had problems with my mask sealing. I feel I have bought quality masks in past with a small leak under nose. My question is as I am just a snorkler could I just use mask without nose piece or just swim googles or any suggestions on a good sealing snorkel mask
Thanks
Don