The Best Full Face Snorkel Masks In 2021

Full face snorkel masks can give you more flexibility and enhanced vision in the water.

Unlike a traditional mask, a full face mask allows you to have a full panoramic view while snorkeling.

The popularity of these masks is skyrocketing thanks to their ease of use, accessibility, and crystal-clear visibility below the waves.

Best Full Face Snorkel Mask Criteria

If you’re ready to try out a full face snorkel mask for yourself, you’re in luck.

We’ve compiled a list of the eleven best masks out there based on some precise criteria.

All of these masks exceed expectations.

What We Looked For In The Mask

The best full face snorkel masks have a few things in common.

We took comfort, construction, and visibility into account when putting together this list.

1. Fit

Proper fit is one of the most important aspects of any snorkeling mask, and it’s even more critical for full face snorkel masks.

Too-small masks can irritate your skin and cause tension headaches. Masks that are too big can leak.

2. Materials and Construction

Many of the best full face snorkel masks are made of hypoallergenic materials and silicone with a flat lens that allows the wearer to have complete visibility under the water.

Many also have a silicone skirt to keep the water out.

3. Strap

The straps should have enough give to fit snugly, but not too tightly, around your head.

They also should be easy to maneuver and not come loose during your snorkeling expedition.

4. Breathability

Breathability is easily one of the most important aspects of any excellent snorkeling mask.

Therefore, we looked for masks that featured dry snorkels.

Dry snorkels keep water out of your mask, even when you’re submerged.

Since one of the significant objections to full face snorkel masks is leakage, breathability and the option to keep your snorkel clear and dry are essential.

5. Safety Field of View

The best part of snorkeling is soaking up all of the wonders that exist beneath the surface.

Unlike traditional snorkeling equipment that fogs up and gives you limited visibility, your full face mask will allow you to have an unobstructed, panoramic view of the deep.

The Best Full-Face Snorkel Masks

These snorkel masks are some of the best on the market.

In addition, this and should give you that immersive snorkeling experience that you crave.

Pair them with some snorkel fins and an underwater camera, and you’re ready to go exploring.

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The Seaview 180 V2 Snorkel Mask is an excellent model featuring the Flowtech Advanced Air Intake System.

This system filters your air, circulating fresh oxygen throughout your mask for effortless breathing.

Additionally, this model was both developed and tested in the United States and modified by a team of designers and engineers to perform as well as possible.

The airflow system is only one piece of the puzzle.

This model also comes with a swiveling camera mount and offers excellent visibility.

It truly ticks off all of the boxes for us.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Flowtech Advanced Air Intake System
• Tested and developed in the U.S.
• Swiveling camera mount allows you to get some great underwater pics

What We Don’t Like

• When submerged, it might be harder to exhale
• Not good in rough waters
• Snorkel valve can be a little finicky

Aqua Lung Sport Hydroair II Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Aqua Lung is a legacy company when it comes to underwater sports, and their full face snorkel mask doesn’t disappoint.

It’s built for open water, and its sophisticated construction puts it on par with some of the best diving equipment on the market.

So if you want a scuba mask caliber piece of equipment, this is a good option.

Even so, don’t try to dive in this mask. It’s for snorkeling only.

One of the key differentiating factors of this Aqua Lung model is its shatter-resistant lens, making it easy to transport and good for snorkeling around coral.

In addition, it has a dry top snorkel that won’t fill with water if you’re submerged and a double chamber breathing system that keeps too much CO2 from going into your mask.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• The lens is shatterproof
• Double chamber breathing system
• Sophisticated silicone construction

What We Don’t Like

• Fit can be challenging to get right
• Occasionally the mask may fog up
• Pricier than other models on the market

Cressi Baron Full Face Snorkel Mask

If safety is one of your biggest concerns when choosing a full face snorkel mask, Cressi Baron’s full face mask is a great option.

It gives you the best breathing experience underwater.

You should be able to inhale and exhale effortlessly for the entire duration of your snorkeling adventure.

This mask also has a water draining purge valve to whisk away any accidental leakage.

As with many full face snorkel masks, you should only use the Cressi Baron Full Face Snorkel Mask on the surface of the water.

With a dry snorkel and hypoallergenic silicone skirt, this model is one of the more comfortable ones on the market too.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Complete ease of breathing underwater
• Hypoallergenic silicone skirt for maxim comfort
• Draining valves

What We Don’t Like

• Straps can be difficult to adjust
• It doesn’t come with its own transport bag
• One of the more expensive models on our list

Thenice Full Face Snorkel Mask Kids

Kids are great candidates for full face snorkel masks because they don’t have to remember to keep the top of their snorkel out of the water or clench onto the mouthpiece.

These types of masks make exploring the ocean safe and easy.

Thenice Full Face Snorkel Mask for kids is silicone-based with cute designs that children will love.

It also comes with an 18-month180-degree warranty, 180-degree visibility, and two air channels to ensure that CO2 isn’t building up inside of the mask.

In addition, each mask comes with its own mesh carrying bag, a manual, and an extra waterproof ring for the snorkel.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• 18-month warranty
• Cute animal patterns for the children
• Dual air filtration system for easy breathing

What We Don’t Like

• Straps are too short for some children
• Will leak if the fit isn’t right
• Kids can grow out of them quickly

SUBEA TRIBORD Easybreath 500 Full Face Snorkeling Mask

The SUBEA TRIBORD Easybreath 500 mask has dry snorkel technology, complete panoramic vision, and anti fog technology that will allow you to enjoy every second below the waves with total clarity. Its elastic/textile strap won’t rip your hair or sit too tightly on your head. Every aspect of this mask was specifically designed for comfort and ease, especially on long snorkeling adventures.

Choose from three different sizes, including teenage sizes. This particular mask isn’t made for children under ten, and you shouldn’t take it free-diving. Instead, stay strictly on or right underneath the waves for the best possible experience.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Great anti fog technology
• Elastic straps are kind to your hair
• Three different sizes

What We Don’t Like

• Elastic straps loosen occasionally
• The masks tend to run narrow
• Exhaling may be difficult

SEABEAST AF90 Full Face Snorkel Mask

This full face snorkel mask is one of the easiest ones on our list to travel with.

The snorkel tube folds up for easy transport.

Even though you can bend the snorkel tube to hit the road, this mask is definitely sturdy enough to withstand just about any snorkeling conditions.

With a full panoramic view and a camera mount, the SEABEAST AF90 Full Face Snorkel Mask is an excellent option if you want to get some seriously amazing snaps.

It also has sophisticated anti leak technology and a silicone-based watertight seal with anti fog coating.

If you do happen to get any water inside of your mask, there’s also a drain valve.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Excellent anti-leak technology
• Camera mount
• Foldable snorkel tube

What We Don’t Like

• Occasionally tricky to put on
• Can fog up under certain conditions
• Curved lens

TRIBORD SUBEA EASYBREATH (2021 Version) Full FACE Anti – Fog Snorkel MASK

This mask comes with a two-year warranty, a shatterproof mask, and four different sizes to fit every member of your family snugly.

One of the best aspects of this model is that it rarely, if ever, fogs up.

Visibility is a concern with any snorkeling mask, and although full face snorkel masks alleviate a lot of visibility woes, even the best ones fog up from time to time.

This TRIBORD model prides itself on never fogging up, so you’ll get crystal-clear viewing in any conditions.

There are two separate breathing channels, plus a silicone base that prevents any type of leakage.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Rubber
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Two-year warranty
• Anti-fog technology
• Leak-proof design

What We Don’t Like

• Exhaling can be difficult underwater
• Some users find it to have a strong odor
• Can put pressure on the neck

Ranersports Second Generation 180° GoPro Compatible Full Face Snorkel Mask

This comfortable mask is excellent for people who are just learning how to snorkel.

It’s easy to put on and operate.

You’ll enjoy a full panoramic view, dry snorkel technology, and a silicone mask skirt designed to sit comfortably on your neck.

Plus, there’s a GoPro mount on the mask itself, perfect for grabbing those underwater pics.

One of the best aspects of the Ranersports Second Generation mask is the fact that it won’t chafe during long snorkeling adventures, unlike a traditional snorkel.

Instead, it’s built for comfort and longevity.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• GoPro mount on the side of the mask
• Silicone mask skirt won’t chafe
• Easy to operate, even for kids

What We Don’t Like

• Higher price point
• It can leak if it’s not secured properly
• May get foggy

Deep Blue Gear – Vista Vue Full Face Snorkeling Mask

Deep Blue Gear’s mask is one of the easiest ones on our list to breathe in.

It uses purge valves on the side of the mask to get bad air out and keep oxygen in.

You won’t have to worry about rebreathing CO2, even if you’re underwater for a longer period of time.

This full face snorkel mask is also exceptionally comfortable, with a snug silicone mask skirt.

It also doesn’t fog up, thanks to a superior ventilation construction that wards off condensation from the interior of the mask.

Although this mask is designed to be totally leak-proof, it’s only suitable for surface snorkeling, and you shouldn’t use it for free diving.

Get this mask in small/medium or large/extra large.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Effortless breathing
• Comfortable design
• Anti-fog technology

What We Don’t Like

• Might not fit very narrow faces
• Hair can get stuck in the straps
• Snorkel angle is not adjustable

HJKB Full Face Snorkel Mask with Anti-Fog Wipes

HJKB Full Face Snorkel Mask with Anti-Fog Wipes has a unique breathing system that’s the brainchild of British and Australian designers.

As a result, it’s one of the safest options on the market for providing you with clean, filtered air.

You’ll also enjoy a full 180-degree panoramic view of the underwater world, although the exhalation system in the mask does produce bubbles that may obscure your view temporarily.

However, this is a minor downside and really doesn’t affect the whole experience overall.

Additionally, this product is made out of medical-grade silicone and is completely non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• State-of-the-art breathing system
• Hypoallergenic
• Medical-grade silicone

What We Don’t Like

• Straps can be difficult to adjust
• Bubbles occasionally obscure mask view
• Model is heavier than others

HEAD Sea VU Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask

The HEAD Sea VU Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask has anti-fog technology and is virtually leak-proof with an in-mask purge valve.

It’s an excellent option for people who want to be sure that their faces will stay totally dry during their entire time underwater.

It’s also relatively comfortable and can fit on a variety of different faces.

Since some masks pinch larger faces or sag on narrow ones, this is a huge perk.

On the other hand, these masks tend to run a little bit large, so it’s a good idea to get a size smaller than you think you’ll need.

Overall, this is a really great mask for surface snorkeling.

Specifications

• Snorkel: Dry
• Strap Type: Elastic
• Field of View: 180 degrees

What We Like

• Almost completely leak-proof
• Will not fog up
• Can fit wide and narrow faces

What We Don’t Like

• The sizes tend to run a little big
• You can hear the bubbles when you exhale
• Must be thoroughly cleaned after every use

Frequently Asked Questions

These frequently asked questions should help you find the best full face snorkel mask for you.

Is it easy to travel with a full-face snorkel mask?

It really depends on the type of mask that you purchase.

Some full face snorkel masks are heavier than others, which makes them difficult to travel with.

On the other hand, you can find snorkel masks that fold up or come apart.

Look for masks that are lightweight, and have folding or detachable snorkels on them.

Those are your best bets for traveling.

Before you travel with your snorkel mask, make sure that your snorkel gear is thoroughly cleaned and dry

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of routinely cleaning out your snorkel gear after you get out of the water anyway.

Clean your equipment and GoPro mount with warm water and a dab of non-toxic dish detergent.

Can you breathe underwater with a full face snorkel mask?

You can breathe underwater with a full face snorkel mask, but there are some caveats.

For example, they are not interchangeable with a scuba diving mask.

Snorkeling masks are strictly for surface snorkeling.

Attempting to free-dive can put you at serious risk.

The best full face snorkel masks have dry snorkel technology, which prohibits water from getting into the snorkel if you go under.

This technology is a serious upgrade from traditional snorkeling gear.

With a traditional mask, the top of your snorkel is open to the air, and if you accidentally submerge it, you can expect a mouth full of seawater.

Most full face snorkel masks automatically shut the top of the snorkel with a small ball so that no water can get inside.

If some water does sneak in, the mask’s purge valve should get rid of it right away.

This lets you technically breathe underwater but isn’t sufficient enough for scuba diving.

Does a full face snorkel mask prevent water from coming in?

Full face snorkel masks are designed to prevent water from getting into your mask.

Some companies and mask types achieve this goal better than others, but all of the masks on our list are highly effective at keeping water out.

Many of the best full face snorkel masks have a silicone mask skirt that attaches firmly to your face and neck, creating a watertight seal.

Additionally, dry snorkel technology lets you temporarily dip underwater without getting the inside of your snorkel or mask wet.

Finally, if water does happen to get inside, many masks have unique vents to whisk it out by your chin, leaving your mouth and nose open to breathing.

Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Dangerous?

There is some controversy about whether or not full face snorkel masks are dangerous or not.

Although these masks can be hazardous if you don’t put them on correctly, they’re perfectly safe if you invest in a good product and follow the instructions.

In fact, one of these masks can be superior to your traditional snorkel mask in terms of keeping water out and eliminating fogging.

In addition, reputable manufacturers will always test their products rigorously to ensure that they don’t leak and you’re getting good quality air.

To have a totally safe experience, use your mask in calmer, shallower water.

A full face snorkel mask is not the same as a diving mask, and you shouldn’t attempt to take it scuba diving to the depths.

Also, these masks aren’t as effective in rough waters.

However, when used correctly, this type of snorkeling equipment is entirely safe for children and adults alike.

It’s also far more comfortable than a regular mask.

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An Overview of the Full Face Snorkel Mask Debate

The controversy really started in Hawaii, where some deaths and accidents were attributed to full face snorkels.

Tour companies started banning the equipment, and a debate raged over whether or not these new snorkels were safe.

Ultimately, as with many other types of sporting equipment, it all comes down to quality.

If you get your full face snorkel mask or snorkel set from a reputable company that tests the product properly, you should have no issue.

Don’t buy copycat or cheap versions of these snorkels.

All of the products on our list have been thoroughly vetted and are widely considered to be safe.

Additionally, problems can arise if people misuse their full face snorkeling masks.

These masks are not meant for use in rough water or for diving.

Only snorkel in calm conditions near or on the surface of the water.

What are the Safest Full Face Snorkel Mask Brands?

The safest full face snorkel mask brands are legacy companies that do a lot of testing on their products.

Although we can certainly make recommendations based on our industry knowledge and brand reputation, we can’t make any safety guarantees.

Ultimately, it’s up to the buyer to research each product thoroughly and make an educated decision for themselves.

SEAC is a trendy and reputable brand for snorkeling equipment.

Their full face snorkel masks facilitate natural breathing.

They also have different tubes for inhaling and exhaling, so you’re getting a lungful of excellent air every time that you breathe in.

These masks also tend to be exceptionally comfortable, watertight, and easy to use.

Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Worth the Risk?

When appropriately used, full face snorkel masks don’t pose much of a risk at all.

They also give you an unparalleled glimpse into the oceanic world and maximum comfort by enhancing your peripheral vision and keeping water out of your mask.

In addition, these types of masks are great for children and beginners because there’s no learning curve for figuring out how to operate the snorkel.

Instead, you just breathe as you normally would in the mask.

Full face snorkel masks are also great for people who have jaw or tooth pain, as you don’t need to clamp down on a rubber mouthpiece to use them.

They’re also suitable for people with facial hair and contact lenses or glasses.

In addition, your face will stay completely dry in the mask.

This makes it superior to a traditional snorkel mask.

Wrapping Up

Snorkeling is a great family-friendly activity that gives you a glimpse into a whole new underwater world.

Full face snorkel masks allow you to have the best aspects of snorkeling without worrying about water flooding your snorkel or experiencing jaw pain.

Although these masks are relatively new, if you use them properly, you should have an enhanced, more pleasant snorkeling experience if you use them properly.

Check out some of the options on our list today!