[ad_1] Whether you’re packing your bags for a tropical getaway or just want to take an underwater look at your local beach, having your own set of snorkel gear is a convenient, comfortable, and hygienic way to explore any body of water. Our guide will help you choose the right snorkel for you and includes
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Whether you’re packing your bags for a tropical getaway or just want to take an underwater look at your local beach, having your own set of snorkel gear is a convenient, comfortable, and hygienic way to explore any body of water. Our guide will help you choose the right snorkel for you and includes our top 10 picks.
At first glance, it might seem like all snorkels are the same. But snorkels have come a long way from the curved plastic straws they once were.
Before looking at any features a snorkel has, you should first focus on fit. Your lips should rest comfortably around the mouthpiece. A snorkel that’s too large or too small could lead to jaw fatigue. If your lips feel like they’re stretching or you’re forced to bite down to keep the mouthpiece in place, it’s likely the wrong size, and you should choose another model.
Snorkels come with a variety of features that cater to a snorkeler’s personal preference. The classic snorkel shape, which looks like a solid J, is made with a single tube connected to a mouthpiece. These snorkels are popular among free divers and people who spearfish thanks to their sleek design with little drag. However, water can enter classic snorkels easily from the top of the tube, and it takes some effort to clear once the tube is flooded.
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Some snorkels have a flexible tube, allowing the mouthpiece to move easily and drop away from the face when the snorkeler lifts their head out of the water. Purge valves make clearing the water out of a snorkel tube easy, because you blast water out near the mouth rather than up the top of the tube.
If you’re snorkeling in choppy water or want to bob below the surface, opt for a snorkel with a splash guard. A splash guard is placed at the top of the tube and helps prevent small amounts of water from entering the snorkel. For the most amount of protection, consider a snorkel with a dry top. Dry snorkels have a valve at the top of the tube that closes whenever the snorkel is submerged.
We recommend beginners and children look for a snorkel that has a purge valve, flexible tube, and splashguard to start. Some snorkels also float, making them great picks for snorkeling in deep and murky water.
As an AIDA 3 free diver, advanced scuba diver, and regular snorkeler, I’ve tested tens of different snorkels in a variety of conditions. My writing has appeared in outlets such as Scuba Diving, Vice, Moon Travel Guides, and I am the founder of The Salt Sirens, a website devoted to ocean sports. While searching for the best snorkels, I prioritized comfort, durability, ease of use, and value for money. I asked other snorkelers for their recommendations and researched best-selling models from trusted brands. I also consulted popular diving forums, review websites, and magazines to see which snorkels rose above the rest.
Best Overall
Scubapro Escape Semi-Dry
$39.00
The Escape Semi-Dry is a top all-around snorkel for beginner and experienced snorkelers alike. The mouthpiece is soft and comfortable, enabling long snorkel sessions without worrying about jaw fatigue. The purge valve clears water easily, and the splash top helps keep minor chop from entering the tube. The clear silicone mouthpiece and flexible tube might yellow with time or if you leave the Escape in direct sunlight.
Best Value
Cressi Supernova Dry
$34.99
For a quality snorkel that won’t drown your budget, the Cressi Supernova Dry is a top contender. A comfortable mouthpiece, flexible tube, purge valve, wide bore (for the uninitiated, that means tube), and dry top valve make this snorkel one of the easiest to breathe through. The mouthpiece tends to run large, making it a better pick for snorkelers with wider faces.
Best for Kids
Cressi Mini Dry
$18.00
The Cressi Mini Dry Snorkel is the youth version of the Supernova. Key features include a dry top, purge valve, and flexible tube that all allow for a more comfortable swim. The mouthpiece is replaceable, making it a great pick for kids with a tendency to chew through them.
Easy to Clear
Aqua Lung Impulse 3
$49.99
People who struggle to clear their snorkel should consider the Aqua Lung Impulse 3, a snorkel that has two valves to easily purge water within. The bore of the snorkel is on the larger side, allowing for easy breathing, and the upper valve keeps water out. This snorkel comes in both flexible and rigid variations.
Best for Long Snorkel Sessions
Mares Ergo Dry
$39.95
The Ergo Dry is ideal for long snorkel sessions in choppy waters and rain. The snorkel has a comfortable silicone mouthpiece, flexible lower tube, purge valve, and dry top to prevent leaks. Clearing the snorkel takes little effort, though there are times when the dry top closes unnecessarily. Accordingly, this snorkel is a better pick for people who are comfortable with readjusting it in the water.
Best for Travel
Aqua Lung Nautilus Travel
$39.99
The Nautilus is a simple J-shaped classic snorkel that folds into a round carrying case. This is a perfect pick for travelers with limited luggage space or scuba divers looking to stash their snorkel while they dive. Like all classic snorkels, this model requires effort to clear but is great for snorkel sessions in calm water.
Low-Drag Snorkel
SalviMar Bite Air
$19.95
The SalviMar Bite Air is a popular snorkel among free divers and spearfishermen who prefer a simple, low-drag snorkel during their dives. The easily adjustable mask clip and soft silicone mouthpiece make this snorkel a comfortable and reliable pick. Beginners might want to opt for a snorkel with more features.
Best for Choppy Water
Oceanic Ultra-Dry 2
$59.95
The Oceanic Ultra-Dry 2 Snorkel is a durable snorkel that breathes easy in choppy water. The soft silicone mouthpiece is replaceable, and the flexible tube helps prevent jaw fatigue. The dry top valve keeps the tube water-free on quick dives. But should water dribble in, a quick puff blows it out of the purge valve.
Best for Free Diving and Spearfishing
Scubapro Apnea
$30.00
Free divers and people who spearfish often reach for the Scubapro Apnea on account of its sleek design and ergonomic construction. The J-shaped snorkel is made from flexible silicone and can be folded for travel. The top of the snorkel can easily detach, allowing for a shorter tube and less drag on deeper dives. Although this model appeals more to breath-holding divers, scuba divers and snorkelers who want a no-frills snorkel won’t be disappointed.
Comfortable
Tusa Hyperdry Elite II Snorkel
$52.95
The Tusa Hyperdry Elite II comes in multiple color variations and was designed by scuba divers. Snorkelers will find it comfortable for long swims. Highlights include a dry top, purge valve, and flexible tube. Although the clip makes it easy to attach and detach the snorkel to the mask, it tangles easily in long hair.
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