Snorkeling is one of the best recreational water activities out there.
To make the most of it, you’ll need a great snorkel mask.
If you plan on going more than once, we recommend buying one for yourself instead of trying to rent from a local shop.
The hardest thing about buying one is the fact that there are so many on the market today.
From standard sets to full face models, finding the best snorkel mask can be a burden.
This is why we’ve helped to narrow it down so that you can spend less time sifting the web and more time in the deep blue!
Our Favorite Snorkel Masks
#1 Best Full Face: X-Lounger Foldable
- Allows for non-restricted breathing from nose or mouth!
- 180-Degree View
- Anti-Leak Design
#1 Best Set: Cressi Panoramic Wide View
- Toughest and Most Durable Standard Set
- Uninterrupted Point of View With Clear Lens
- Double-Feathered Edge Skit For Seal On Face
#1 Best Kids: TriMagic Full Face Mask for Kids, Anti Fog & Leak
- Easy-To-Breathe Full Face Mask!
- 180-Degree View
- Anti-Leak Design
The Top 13
Best Snorkel Mask Full Face
OUR #1 PICK - X-LOUNGER FOLDABLE
If you’re looking to make something cinematic out of your time in the water, get the X-Lounger Foldable with the GoPro attachment. It attaches to the upper portion of the mask with a mount and detaches just as easily when you don’t want to use it anymore. While there is no internal breath tube on the X-Lounger, the mask is completely foldable, meaning it gives you the trade off of portability. You also get the dual-vent air system to help block water from coming in once you are submerged. Once you get back out of the water, air is let back in. It’s pretty magical.
The straps and skirting on the X-Lounger are incredibly comfortable, as they’re made of a soft, elastic material. They conform nicely to your face without getting caught in your hair. As for the lens, it comes with a solid anti-fog coating, and because it is flat rather than round, you get a beautiful 180-degree view of the water around you rather than fisheye vision. Lastly, you get included ear plugs that are attached to the mask for keeping water out, as well as a drain valve for emptying your mask without taking it off. Overall, this is hands down the best snorkel mask full face out there.
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#2 - GREATEVER FOLDABLE 180 PANORAMIC VIEW
The Greatever Foldable 180 Panoramic View is another awesome full-face snorkel mask that was built with quality in mind. The first thing that you’ll notice when you slip it on is that it is both incredibly durable and comfortable. You get a flatter full face lens that isn’t curved like fish eye lenses, essentially giving you a 180-degree view underwater that is completely unobstructed. The straps are both easy to adjust and comfortable, fitting nicely to your head without any sort of discomfort or added pressure. From children to adults, this mask can be used by pretty much anyone.
The innovative dry snorkel design makes it so that saltwater can’t get into your mouth. Thanks to the separate breathing chamber, you can have airflow without fogging up your mask. You also don’t have to worry about leaking with this bad boy, as it has a folding design that keeps it tight on your head. Lastly, you have a detachable GoPro mount so that you can easily capture and share your underwater adventures with all of your friends and family.
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#3 - DIVELUX SNORKEL MASK - ORIGINAL FULL FACE SNORKELING
The DIVELUX Snorkel Mask has a wonderful full-face design that allows you to see just about everything around you in the water while still being able to breathe naturally from the mouth or nose. The mask does not sweat, leak, or fog, providing you with a solid underwater experience with clear visibility. You also get an included GoPro mount to help capture the environment around you. As for durability, this thing is tough. It’s made with a hypoallergenic liquid silicone and high-quality polycarbonate that make it both safe and comfortable too.
You never have to worry about the mask falling off, as the straps remain tight without causing uncomfortable pressure points. It also provides a soft seal so that water doesn’t come in. We love the fact that this snorkel mask comes with a stylish waterproof case and mesh pouch for storage and transport. It’s an excellent full-face mask for kids and adults alike.
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#4 - WILDHORN OUTFITTERS SEAVIEW 180° GOPRO COMPATIBLE
Wildhorn Outfitters has been making high-quality snorkel masks for quite a while now. The Seaview 180 snorkel mask has been around for many years now and is easily in the run for the one of the top full face snorkel masks on the market. It’s also probably the best snorkel mask for large faces. The design makes it easy to breathe comfortably through your mouth or nose while you are snorkeling. You don’t have to deal with the gross gag reflex or sore jaw that you get from biting on a traditional snorkel for long periods of time.
The silicone mask is both comfortable and durable and comes with wide straps that fit tightly without getting tangled up in your hair. Thanks to the dry snorkel technology, you don’t have to worry about getting saltwater in your mouth. You also get the separate breathing chamber that helps to create airflow without fogging up the mask. It’s pretty ingenious and makes your viewing experience far more enjoyable. All that and you get a beautiful 180-degree view so that you never miss a moment.
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#5 - KUSKY FOLDABLE, DETACHABLE CAMERA MOUNT
The Kusky Foldable Snorkel is another solid full-face mask that sets itself apart from other standard snorkels with the 180-degree panoramic view. You can get easy and natural breathing without the mask fogging up thanks to the separate breathing chamber. It folds up easily with the push of a button, making storage and transport, as well as keeping it safe over time. The high-quality PC and medical-grade silicone that makes up the design creates safe and environmentally friendly use that everyone will love.
We love the 180-degree panoramic view and GoPro Camera Mount. These two things allow you to see the ocean around you and capture it for all of your friends and family to enjoy. It does take a little bit of time to get used to as you go deeper, though after a few hours, you’ll be happy that you chose a full face design.
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Best Snorkel Mask Set
OUR #1 PICK - CRESSI PANORAMIC WIDE VIEW MASK DRY SNORKEL SET
The Cressi Panoramic mask provides wonderful peripheral vision to enhance your diving experience. Thanks to the wide view mask that gives you a second set of lenses on each side for more detail, you get the wide open feeling compared to your traditional snorkel mask design. The frame on this bad boy is durable and comfortable with a soft silicone skirt. It’s probably one of the most leak-free traditional masks out on the market. If you’ve ever used a leaky snorkel mask, you know how annoying that can be.
Cressi has included a larger and chunkier strap on this model, making it comfortable and easy to adjust without having to fumble around with it or get it caught in your hair. It comes bundled with a dry snorkel system that keeps waves on the surface from splashing and getting into your mouth. The snorkel is also incredibly flexible so that you don’t have to bite down on it hard the whole time you’re under. Overall, the Cressi Panoramic Wide is the best snorkel mask set on the market right now.
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#2 - SNORKELSTAR 4 PIECE SET
Looking for a great full-face snorkel mask that comes complete with a set? The SnorkelStar 4-Piece Set might be right up your alley. It comes complete with a comfortable mask, a pair of adjustable fins, anti-fog spray, and a dry bag. The mask itself is lined with cushioning around the rim and nose sections for the ultimate comfortability. This allows you to move in a full range of motion without ever feeling pressure on your face. The built-in valve is helpful for keeping water out so that you don’t inhale or swallow it.
The set is perfect for adults and kids alike, making it versatile if you want to share with the whole family. The mask itself provides a flat, 180-degree view that, when compared to fisheye-style lenses, give you a clearer and more truthful experience underwater. There is also a nifty little GoPro mount built in that allows to make cool little underwater videos for keeping memories with you.
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#3 - COZIA DESIGN SNORKEL SET
The Cozia Design Snorkel Set comes complete with a high-quality full-face snorkel mask and a pair of adjustable diving fins. It’s pretty awesome, considering you won’t have to purchase an extra snorkel thanks to the full-face design. This thing is durable. The lens is made with a polycarbonate that is completely shatterproof and has a suction-like fit so that it stays nice and secure throughout your dive. Thanks to the 180-degree wide view, you have clear and uninterrupted views no matter what angle you’re looking from.
Many have noted that it fits comfortably for adults and kids, making it very versatile. We love that the diving fins are open heel as well, ridding the need to wear diving boots with them. From the dual airflow ventilation, to the anti-fog view, to the drain valve, to the dry top seal, the Cozia Design Snorkel Set gives you pretty much everything you could want for a quality diving and snorkeling experience. Because of everything you get with this set, as well as the ease of use, it’s definitely one of the best snorkel masks for beginners
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#4 - PRODIVE PREMIUM DRY TOP SNORKEL SET
The ProDive Snorkel Set is another top-tier snorkel with a tough, tempered glass diving mask, a water and air-tight anti-fog lens, and a gear bag to hold it all in. The fact that the mask has a nice, wide view makes it perfect for taking it all in in the water. It also makes swimming much safer, as you always have a good idea of what’s around you. The tempered glass is some of the strongest out there and is resistant to high-impact for added safety and security.
The anti-fog lens is pretty incredible too. It gives you a crystal clear perspective while in the water as opposed to traditional lenses or cheaper facemasks that collect tons of condensation and fog up. The dry snorkel is great in that it allows air to come inside while keeping water out. It makes breathing feel much easier and far more natural.
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Best Snorkel Mask For Kids
OUR #1 PICK - TRIMAGIC FULL FACE MASK FOR KIDS, ANTI FOG & LEAK
If you want to make sure that your kids have a good time while snorkeling, you need to make sure that they have a comfortable mask. The main reason we love the TriMagic so much is that it’s insanely comfortable. The full-face mask and snorkel is made from a medical silica gel that forms and fit nicely on the face without adding too much pressure. It’s also incredibly easy to adjust and won’t retain nasty odors over time like other materials.
The lens is made with a polycarbonate material making it resistant to impact. Safety is important when your kids are in the water, so we’re glad they added this feature. To keep the mask from fogging up from breathing, TriMagic has added a separate breathing chamber that helps to relocate the air away from the face. This helps you to retain a crystal clear view of the ocean around you without having to constantly go up and adjust for fog. Pair that with the dry top snorkel that is excellent for keeping salt water out, and you truly have a golden snorkel. There is even a GoPro mount on top so your kid can capture all of his or her adventures!
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#2 - USNORK 180 PANORAMIC VIEW SET
The Usnork 180 is an excellent full-face mask for kids. It is not only made of high-quality materials, as well as has many of the same features as other full-face snorkels, but is also less expensive! The best thing about this mask is that your kid won’t have to suffer from jaw fatigue, swallowing saltwater, or the plethora of other consequences that you get from traditional snorkeling. The field of vision with the Usnork is also great, making your child’s underwater experience one they won’t forget.
The easy-breath mechanism makes it so that you can breathe as soon as the tube rises out of the water. It works with a small ball that drops once you hit the air, allowing air back into the tube. This thing is also very prone to leaks and fogging, making it much more convenient than other cheaply made full-face masks that we’ve seen. Lastly, it comes with a little mesh drawstring bag for easy storage and transport.
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#3 - UPHITNIS KIDS SEAVIEW SNORKEL SET
Looking for something a bit more simple, yet still high quality? Check out the Uphitnis Kid Seaview Snorkel Set! It comes complete with a full dry to snorkel that helps to eliminate water from entering when your child is fully submerged. Nothing can ruin a good snorkeling time like swallowing a boatload of saltwater. The tempered glass lenses are tough as nails and resistant against scratches and impacts, allowing your child the freedom to explore reefs or deeper waters without fear of it breaking.
Thanks to the big eyes on the mask, you have a much wider view than you would normally get with traditional masks. This makes for a far more interactive dive experience. The skirt and mouthpiece are made with a food grade silicone, making them both comfortable to use and safe. There are multiple colors to choose from as well, allowing your child to snorkel in their own personal style.
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#4 - WACOOL SNORKEL SET FOR KIDS, YOUTH, JUNIOR
If you’re in the market for a simple and inexpensive snorkel for your little ones, look no further than the snorkel set from WACOOL. It comes with a fully adjustable head straps that make it easy to form to their head with a little pinch and pull. The high-quality silicone face skirt molds nicely to the shape of the face, allowing a comfortable fit that helps to keep water out. The ribbed design adds to that by creating a bit of extra support and sealing properties.
The tempered glass on the mask is both tough and gives you plenty of underwater visibility. They have also been given an anti-fog treatment so that your child can have a crystal clear experience in the water without having to worry about coming up to clear the fog every 10 minutes. Thanks to the advanced splash guard system, they won’t have to worry about swallowing saltwater if a wave topples over the top of the snorkel. The purge valve also allows them to drain the snorkel in the case that water does get in.
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Most Important Factors To Look For When Buying
Read the 8 critical factors when choosing your next mask below.
TYPES OF SNORKEL MASKS TO CHOOSE FROM
TWIN LENS MASKS
Twin Lens Masks are made with separate lenses that rest in front of each eye. These are typically the smallest masks with the least volume on the inside. They are also typically the cheapest of the bunch. The biggest advantages of twin lens masks is that you have a low-volume that helps you to equalize pressure within the mask as you dive deeper.
Because they don’t have much volume, they don’t accumulate as much water. Unfortunately, unlike other masks, they don’t give you the best overall view, and have a few blind spots thanks to the design.
Single Lens Masks
The reason people love single frame masks is that they allow you to pick up more with your peripheral vision. This is because there isn’t a piece of the frame set between the two eyes to block out any vision. They also allow in more light, giving you the ability to see a bit better too.
The thing is, they are typically higher in volume than twin lens masks. This means that they are more prone to fogging, water entry, and pressure buildup as you dive deeper. It’s truly a tradeoff between visual experience and possible discomfort. That being said, many manufacturers of single lens masks that we listed have made wonderful strides in producing single lens masks without the typical disadvantages.
Full Face Masks
The full-face masks come complete with snorkels built in so that you have your whole set in one place. The tube extends out of the top of the mask for ease in use. The best thing about full face masks is that you can breathe normally, as you don’t have to worry about having a mouthpiece in your mouth. They’re perfect for beginners, as you truly have no learning curve.
You basically put the mask on, make sure the seal is good, and breathe. They also provide pretty incredible 180-degree views of the environment around you. Unfortunately, they’re not made for deep diving, as the build up of pressure on your face, given the volume, can be incredibly uncomfortable. It also leaves a bit more room for leakage.
CORRECT FIT
The next most important thing after you decide what type of mask you want, is how that mask will fit. Everyone has a different shaped face, meaning there is not one model of snorkel that is best for everyone. When you try on a snorkel mask, you want to hold your breath and press against it with slight pressure.
A good mask will stick to your face without you having to hold it there. A bad mask will not do this. At this point, if it not sticking, see if you can adjust it. If not, you’ll definitely have problems with leakage, fogging, etc., once you get in the water. Some manufacturers sell their snorkels in different sizes, so be sure to check with the specific model that you are purchasing.
LENS QUALITY
There are a number of things that make a good lens or set of lenses.
For starters, you want to make sure that your lenses are made of tempered glass. Tempered glass is made to withstand impact and pressure, making it safe for diving or exploring places that may be a bit more hazardous. If you can find lenses with polycarbonate construction, that’s even better.
Secondly, you want to make sure that your lenses have been treated to be fog-resistant. There is nothing more annoying than continually having to come up out of the water to clear out the fog in your lenses. Fog treatment can help to decrease the likelihood of constant fogging for a period of time.
Lastly, you want to make sure that they allow clarity. Some lenses have distortion around the edges that can blur your peripherals. This can also make you feel dizzy or disoriented when in the water. The same goes for if the lenses are rounded. People typically like to get straight or flat lenses, as they allow for a clear view without any unnatural enhancement.
SNORKEL MASK FEATURES
Different snorkel mask features can help to enhance your experience in the water. Here are a few that we recommend looking out for:
PURGE VALVE
Great snorkels should have purge valves. They essentially allow you to blow through the snorkel to get water out so that you can continue to breathe without getting water in. Not having a purge valve can also be a bit unsafe, so make sure your snorkel has one.
SECONDARY SKIRT
A secondary skirt is excellent for increasing the seal on a mask, in turn decreasing the possibility of leakage. The best kinds of secondary skirts are made with silicone. They are much thinner than traditional secondary skirts, as well as have properties that make them comfortable and safe. They are also higher quality and last for much longer thanks to their UV resistance.
STRAPS
Straps that are wider will be far more comfortable and flexible. They also won’t get caught in your hair as easy as thinner straps would. The straps on the snorkel mask you choose should be able to adjust to different head sizes too. A solid buckle system is incredibly important, as it will make your straps stronger and easier to adjust while in the water. Some top-tier masks even have little button systems for adjustment so that you don’t even have to mess with the buckles.
DRY SNORKEL
The most important thing from a great snorkel is that it keep water out. Swallowing saltwater sucks, and dry snorkels work to prevent that. They have floating balls that close the snorkel and seal out water as wave splash over you or you dive under. Typically, you’ll have to spend a bit more for a dry snorkel, though it will 100% be worth it in the end.
How To Keep Your Mask From Fogging Up & Leaking
While there are many different types of de-fogging agents on the market that you can buy, the most effective and most inexpensive choice is still to use toothpaste.
Yes, it may seem weird, but cheap brands of toothpaste without whitening agents can help to de-fog your mask like nothing else.
To begin the de-fogging process with toothpaste, make sure that your hands are clean and your mask is dry. Take a solid amount of toothpaste, get it on your hands, and rub it onto the faceplate of your snorkel mask.
The faceplate will slowly become smoother and change in texture. That’s when you know it’s working. When you’re all done, wash the toothpaste off with cool water until the mask feels smooth.
Next, breathe on your mask. If the mask fogs up, repeat the process. If it doesn’t, you’re all good to go.
As for leaking masks, there are several things you can try to fix them. For starters, try and loosen your strap a bit. If your strap is too tight, it will make the skirt splay out and let water in. Your best bet is to wear your mask a bit looser and let the pressure hold it in place.
Another thing you can do if you’re experiencing leaking is shave your beard. Masks will stick to your face better the less hair you have, so even if you’re a burly man, it might be time to let that beard go.
How To Care For Your Snorkel Mask
It is important that you know how to clean your snorkel mask, as well as how to take care of it in general. Regardless of what kind of snorkel mask you end up purchasing, you’re going to want it to last for a long time. To do this, you must be cautious what you use to clean your mask. When you wipe your snorkel down, you’re going to want to use a microfiber cloth, cotton, or anything that is made for wiping and cleaning lenses. Anything else can leave nasty scratches on your lenses that you won’t be able to fix.
Make sure to always clean your snorkel and mask after each use. From suntan lotion to sand to sea water and beyond, your mask or snorkel can retain lots of nasty build up or grime. You should be able to clean both your snorkel and mask with soap and water. Make sure that if you do use soap, you end up getting it all off before your next use.
Lastly, we recommend getting a snorkel bag for your mask and snorkel if it doesn’t already come with one. It will help to protect it from getting scratched or becoming distorted because of UV rays. Bags also make them much easier to carry from place to place.
FAQ
FULL FACE SNORKEL MASK DEATHS?
While full face snorkel masks have seen a major increase in popularity over the last few years, they are also a bit of cause for concern if you’re completely inexperienced or don’t have someone looking after you.
There have been a few deaths over the past year due to full face snorkel masks, even from those who were good swimmers. One of the main issues with full face snorkel masks is that the full face design creates a greater risk of carbon dioxide buildup. This could make the snorkeler dizzy or disoriented, causing them to pass out while in the water. Because they are typically made with tighter, higher-quality straps, they can also be a bit harder to get off in case of an emergency.
That being said, there are companies who go through rigorous CO2 testing, as well as other forms of precaution. The thing is, there are also many other copycat companies who are making cheaper full face snorkel designs that haven’t gone through the same type of testing. This is mainly because there are no regulations on snorkeling equipment in the US.
WHAT OTHER SNORKELING ACCESSORIES SHOULD I GET?
SNORKEL VEST
Snorkeling vests are great for adding a bit of safety to the snorkeling equation. This is especially true for younger kids, or those who aren’t great swimmers in general. Snorkel vests allow you to dive and swim around easily when deflated, though can inflate in a moment’s notice.
They are also great as they allow to sit at the top of the water and adjust your mask if necessary without having to tread water.
SNORKEL SOCKS
Snorkel socks are made out of neoprene material and can be incredibly helpful if you plan on using fins. They help to keep your feet nice and warm in cold waters, as well as help to stop your feet from chafing inside your fins after wearing them for longer periods of time.
To get the rest of your necessary snorkel gear before you go out, make sure to head on over to our best snorkel gear page.
Final Verdict - Which Should I Buy?
If you’re just getting into the world of snorkeling, we recommend getting the X-Lounger Full Face Mask.
It has a much shallower learning curve for those who are new, comes with tons of different features and accessories like the GoPro Mount, and allow for easy breathing and viewing underwater.
Like we said before, make sure that the snorkel mask you get is quality. There are too many cheap knockoffs out there that can be unsafe or stressful to use.
A great snorkel will take your underwater vacation from sub-par to super sweet.
