Snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular pastimes, with six million divers worldwide and countless more hobbyists.
These sports are especially popular in coastal areas such as California or Florida.
With so many people enjoying these sports, it’s important to look into snorkel gear.
If you’ve been curious about the best snorkel mask, we’re here to help.
While there are countless options on the market, your snorkel mask is one of the most important things in your snorkeling gear loadout.
To help make sure you have the best snorkel mask possible, read on for the twelve best options available in 2022.
- Low-profile design is great for packing and travel
- Made from high-grade silicon: comfortable yet sturdy
- Low internal volume means easy clearing and reduced drag
- Lenses are made from tempered glass for safety and long-term durability
- Crystal clear double sealed silicone skirt for superior fit and comfort.
- Flowtech advanced air intake system- breathe naturally and comfortably through your nose and mouth
- Designed and tested in the USA
Contents
What Type of Snorkeling Mask is Best?
One thing that we have to tackle first is how many snorkeling masks there are.
There are full face snorkel masks, diving masks, snorkeling goggles, and other things that we have to consider.
The first thing to understand is that the best snorkeling mask is the one that suits you.
Different uses and preferences will likely have different bests.
Look into what sort of diving and snorkeling you intend to do to decide what sort of snorkeling mask you’ll want.
For example, a full face snorkel mask is often more sturdy and works better in deeper, foggier water.
If you aren’t diving far, a dry snorkel and a diving mask will likely work just fine.
Your use heavily impacts which is the best, so think about your situation before you buy.
What We Looked For
To find the best snorkel mask, we weighed a variety of qualities.
Each of these is equally important and can make or break a good mask.
1. Material and Durability
Arguably the most important factor is the material and durability.
Without a strong, reliable build, your mask can prove useless within seconds.
If the silicone skirt doesn’t seal or the tempered glass is fragile enough to break easily, you won’t want the mask for long.
2. Mask Strap and Adjustability
The mask strap is one of the main features that decides whether your mask is comfortable or not.
An uncomfortable mask is bearable for a short while, but if you’re spending an entire day scuba diving, discomfort can become painful.
Mask straps are usually made of rubber, but there are fabric or cloth straps as well.
Adjustability is also vital for comfort and getting a proper seal.
If you can’t adjust your mask, it might prove difficult to get the soft silicone to seal and keep out water.
Adjustability also helps with accessibility, especially for larger divers.
3. Skirt Type
The skirt of a mask is the material around the frame or lens that attaches to your face.
This is the most important part of getting a good seal, making the skirt a crucial part.
Most skirts are made of soft silicone or rubber.
4. Lens Type and Size
The lens type relates both to the style of the lens of the mask and the material it’s made with.
Two-lens and single lens masks are the most common.
Some masks, like a full face snorkel mask, will have a large lens that covers the entire face.
The most common material for lenses is tempered glass.
Cheaper masks may use plastic instead. Some masks even have prescription lenses for divers that wear glasses or contacts.
5. Field of View
Scuba diving and snorkeling give the diver some amazing views, but a poor field of view ruins that.
Your peripheral vision is important to catch the sights and fend off feelings of claustrophobia.
To that end, we made sure that the masks on this list have a great field of view.
Best Snorkel Masks for Beginners
To start our list, we have three options for beginners.
Each of these focuses on being an easy-to-use mask that beginners can use to start learning how to snorkel and scuba dive.
1. Cressi F1 Frameless Mask
- Frameless masks are loved by many divers for their low-profile and ability to fold flat for easy car
- Cressis frameless design bonds a high-grade silicone skirt directly to a single lens for the ultimat
- The lens is made of tempered glass and certified by the ce (communaut europenne).
- The low-internal volume allows for effortless clearing and quick-adjust strap buckles are molded dir
- The f1 is designed in italy by cressi and made in taiwan. cressi is an italian brand pioneer in scub
Starting our list is the Cressi F1 Frameless Mask, a popular option among beginners.
As a frameless mask, this option is low-profile and easy to carry.
That makes it great for a casual day out snorkeling without having to haul all of your snorkel gear, though it pairs well with a Cressi Palau snorkel set for a full set of gear.
Experts can enjoy this Cressi mask for a casual day out, while beginners can benefit from the ease of use as they learn snorkeling.
Specifications
- Price: $20-$50
- Lens style: Single lens
- Skirt material: Soft silicone skirt
- Available colors: Black, clear/black, pink, white
What We Like
- The simplicity of this choice is a great place for beginners to start
- A high-quality silicone skirt helps to keep water out and the view clear, along with the single lens window
- Easily adjustable straps make the Cressi F1 as simple to adjust as possible
What We Don’t Like
- Simplicity comes at a trade-off, meaning that there isn’t much to make this mask more impressive than others
- Comes only with a mask, meaning beginners will need to make several more purchases to get started
- The frameless form makes it more difficult for divers with facial hair to use
2. Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask
- Ultra-clear dual lens design is low volume for easy clearing plus offers maximum field of view.
- Lenses are made from tempered glass for safety and long-term durability.
- Push-button buckles that attach to the skirt adjust easily to achieve a perfect fit.
- Mirrored lens option delivers a glare-free view of the underwater world.
- Note: painted finish may be damaged if cleaned with abrasive products.
Another amazing beginner-friendly option, the Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 has everything a diver needs.
A dual-lens design helps the mask fit closer to the face and provides clear visuals.
Easy to adjust, push-button buckles help even first-timers learn how to use their mask.
It’s a strong contender for the best snorkel mask for anyone still learning what they’re doing.
Specifications
- Price: Usually around the $100 range, depending on sales
- Window style: Dual-lens
- Skirt material: Double-sealed soft silicone
- Color options: black, bronze, blue, red, silver, and white
What We Like
- The wide number of colors helps make the Scubapro Spectra a customizable option
- Beginners will enjoy the push-button buckles and comfortable silicone skirt as well
- Mirrored lens option gives divers a glare-free diving experience
What We Don’t Like
- High price, especially for a beginner-focused mask
- Many reviews state that long-term use can become uncomfortable
- Without the proper treatment, many also feel the Scubapro fogs up a bit too quickly
3. Cressi Pano 4 Wide Multi-Lens View Snorkeling Mask
- The pano 4 features a four-lens panoramic design for maximum light and great field-of-view with
- It is made of 100 percent high quality silicone for comfort and longevity.
- It features easy adjusting buckles for convenience, and an easy-access nose pocket for equalization.
- All lenses are tempered glass for the best clarity and lenses are joined in a special way to minimize
- The pano 4 is designed in italy by cressi and made in taiwan. cressi has been an italian brand pione
Our third contender is a second Cressi option, available in black, lime, yellow, and orange.
Despite being the same brand, there are some important differences between this and the Cressi F1.
One of the most important is that this mask is not frameless.
It also features not a single lens as the F1 does, but four lenses for a deep field-of-view.
Though it may seem more complicated, this mask is also a strong option for beginners.
Specifications
- Price: Range of $30-$50.
- Window style: Quad-lens. Each lens has a smaller side lens, providing panoramic views and four full lenses
- Skirt material: Soft silicone
- Color options: Black/orange, clear/lime, clear/orange, clear/yellow
What We Like
- The tempered glass lens design is amazing for peripheral vision.
- Comfortable soft silicone skirt.
- While seemingly complex, this mask is amazing for beginners for its simple use.
What We Don’t Like
- High profile mask as a result of multiple lenses
- The skirt can let water in due to the style of bonding, especially for divers with facial hair
- Simple rubber straps offer little support or customizability
Best High-End Snorkel Masks
Next up are three options that are on the higher end.
These include higher costs, more features, or otherwise a higher quality mask.
Typically, these fit better for divers that have enough experience to know the differences between a low-end and a high-end mask.
1. Scubapro Solo Snorkeling Dive Mask
- A modern low profile, clear and open-view single lens mask.
- Dual colored frameless single-lens design for significantly increased field of vision
- Crystal clear double sealed silicone skirt for superior fit and comfort.
- Non-slip strap with easy adjustable buckle. tempered glass lens.
- Low volume design.
Our first mask away from the beginner options is the Scubapro Solo Snorkeling Dive Mask.
In fact, this option is popular among hire-end diving gear enthusiasts.
The single-lens design is low-profile and helps to keep vision clear underwater.
Featuring double-sealed silicone, this mask is built for comfort.
Specifications
- Price: $100-$125 average
- Window style: Single-lens
- Skirt material: Soft silicone skirt
- Color options: Black/white, clear/blue
What We Like
- The Scubapro Solo is a great, no-frills mask for people who just want clarity and ease of use
- The double-sealed silicone provides a comfortable and reliable fit
- A low-profile build helps make this option more portable and reduces drag while diving
What We Don’t Like
- Only having two available colors can make options feel low.
- This mask also doesn’t offer many of the same features that other high-end masks will.
- Most competing masks will offer more features
2. ScubaPro Synergy Snorkel Mask
- New-generation trufit technology design uses two skirts for creating a comfortable, watertight seal.
- Main skirt offers a thin and soft silicone material for the best possible fit, seal and comfort agai
- Trufit technology can be identified by its unique ribbing texture. rotating buckles work with a micr
- Buckle tabs are flexible, enabling the mask to be folded flat for traveling.
- Comes with a comfort strap. will accommodate the mask mount for the new galileo hud hands-free dive
A step above the ScubaPro Solo is the synergy.
Users will find a few more options in this one than they found in the Solo, though at a higher price.
Rigged and a bit more complex, the Synergy suits divers with experience better than those still learning.
Specifications
- Price: $100-$200, varying depending on sales and outlet
- Window style: Single-lens
- Skirt material: Dual skirt, thin silicone inner layer, and thicker silicone outer layer
- Color options: Black/red, black/silver, blue/silver, pink
What We Like
- The double-seal provides a leak-proof diving experience and pairs well with a dry top snorkel
- Rugged enough that a small GoPro mount could pair well with the Synergy
- Built for comfort, you can use this for an entire day of diving with the right snorkel tube
What We Don’t Like
- High price, making it unfriendly to beginners or casual hobbyists
- Can sometimes be difficult to find in stock unless ordering online
- Comes with less than most other masks at a similar price point
3. SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD Mask with Purge
- Purge valve
- Our most popular rayblocker model!
- The single lens provides an unobstructed field of view
- Fog resistant coating
- Plastic box with lid included
The SeaDive Eagleye is a strong, rugged mask that can withstand the elements for an entire day’s use.
Featuring a single tempered glass lens, the Eagleye also features a fog-resistant coating.
A purge valve also helps to keep everything clear, providing a pleasant diving experience all around.
Specifications
- Price: Lower $100 range
- Window style: Single lens
- Skirt material: Soft silicone
- Color options: Only available in black/orange coloration
What We Like
- This mask features more benefits than many other more simple models in the same price range
- A purge valve, fog-resistant coating, and sun-blocking lens are all highly useful features
- The Anti-UV and Anti-Glare coating make diving not just clearer but safer
What We Don’t Like
- Only being available in its stock color can feel limiting.
- Can tint underwater view with the UV/Glare coating, hampering view somewhat
- While it pairs well with a semi dry snorkel, users must purchase this snorkel tube separately
Best Snorkel Masks for Large Faces
For the next three masks, we focused on finding masks that fit larger faces.
These are great for certain facial structures, larger individuals, or even divers with facial hair.
If you struggle to find a good, comfortable fit, one of these three may be perfect.
1. ScubaMax Abaco Oversize Single Lens Dive Mask
- Easy to adjust
- Double-edged facial seal for airtight comfort
- Prevents ear clogging when divers get into deep water.
- Prevents ear clogging when divers get into deep water.
Moving out of our high-end masks, we have our first masks built specifically for those with larger faces.
The ScubaMax Abaco Oversize is great for those of us that struggle with a fit.
This mask fits well for facial hair, larger individuals, or others that may struggle on a well-fitting mask.
This size also comes with the benefit of a wide view and a double facial seal.
Specifications
- Price: Under $50 from most retailers
- Window style: Single wide lens
- Skirt material: Double silicone skirt
- Color options: Blue, clear, black, lime, gray, silver/black
What We Like
- A wide field of view helps provide an incredible viewing experience and emphasizes peripheral vision
- Larger individuals will enjoy their easier and better-sealed fit with this mask
- A wide array of colors helps customize your snorkeling set as well
What We Don’t Like
- Many larger individuals may still struggle without the proper size and prefer a full face mask instead
- While the fit is better, some customers state the nose pocket poses an issue
- As a traditional mask, it offers little extra other than being well made for larger people.
2. Promate Ocean Owl Mask
- Promate ocean owl scuba dive mask/mk160
- Ideal for large faces (face seal size w4 5/8 * h4) with oversized and double edge seal skirt for com
- Tempered glass for safety with a extra wide and long window offers incredible field of view.
- Quick release swivel buckle allowing easy removal of strap and inclinations in various angles.
Another mask ideal for larger faces, the Ocean Owl features sizable seals.
Available at a low price, this is a fantastic option for beginners and casual enthusiasts.
The tempered glass helps fend off fogging with ease.
Specifications
- Price: $20 – $30
- Window style: Single lens
- Skirt material: Soft silicone
- Color options: Black, clear, lime, yellow, and blue
What We Like
- At such a low price, this mask is available to anyone that wants snorkeling goggles
- Ease of adjustment and a large silicone skirt helps make it better for larger faces
- The wide single lens provides excellent peripheral vision while underwater
What We Don’t Like
- At its cost, some concerns grow at the quality of the build
- The adjustable strap has a quick-release buckle that can sometimes activate unnecessarily, according to some reviews
- Can struggle if the diver goes too deep, making it suboptimal for scuba diving
3. Oceanic Shadow Frameless Dive Mask
- Low volume frameless mask withmolded silicone color accents
- Extremely low volume design, swiveling, easy adjusting buckles
- Ultra clear safety tempered dual lens design
- Easy to adjust buckles for custom fit with neoprene comfort strap
- Choice of standard or medium fit: medium fit smaller faces or standard fit large faces
Our third mask for larger faces, this option focuses heavily on comfort.
Available in three fits, this mask suits every face from children to grown, large adults.
It also comes with a fabric strap to help with comfort, especially if the mask runs a bit tight.
Specifications
- Price: $50-$90, depending on retailer and sales
- Window style: Single lens
- Skirt material: Molded silicone skirt
- Color options: Pink, red, yellow, black, clear, gray
What We Like
- The design of the straps helps make this a much more comfortable option for most
- The nose pocket is sizable enough to provide ample room for nearly all users
- As a diving mask, this is a no-frills option that can fit any face with ease
What We Don’t Like
- This mask would need a bit more cleaning for the fabrics rather than silicone and plastic
- Purchasing the wrong size can also make it completely unusable, so be wary of your sizing
- At the price, many also may opt to simply find a full face snorkel instead
Best Full-Face Snorkel Masks
For our final three, full face snorkel masks are making an appearance.
As the name suggests, these masks cover the whole face.
These masks typically sport a large lens and a built-in snorkel.
1. Seaview 180° V2 Snorkel Mask
- Flowtech advanced air intake system- breathe naturally and comfortably through your nose and mouth.
- Designed and tested in the usa - the seaview 180 v2 snorkeling mask was created by our team of
- Important sizing tips- full face snorkel mask adult sizing is important to get right. be sure to
- Enhanced features- the patent pending angled tube design allows for less restricted, two-way airflow
The first of our full-face snorkel masks, the Seaview 180° V2 provides an excellent view.
This is a fantastic option for scuba diving and can fit in with most snorkel sets as well.
A long, thick snorkeling tube helps make sure that you’re getting proper airflow.
Specifications
- Price: $50 – $75
- Window style: Full face lens
- Skirt material: Anti-leak silicone
- Color options: Orange, lime, teal, blue, and black
What We Like
- The full-face design helps to fend off leaking, especially with the design of the silicone seals
- A focus on airflow helps with proper breathing
- Several different sizing options help make this mask great for any user
What We Don’t Like
- Some reviews say the fit is finicky
- Others feel the snorkel piece is difficult to remove, making cleaning a hassle
- Some feel that this mask doesn’t work at speeds, such as with scuba fins, due to limited airflow
2. Cressi Adult Snorkeling Full Face Mask
- The cressi duke & bonete is the new 2019 adult snorkeling gear designed for those who want to enjoy
- The full-face mask is designed with safety in mind. with a 30% larger viewing area, snorkelers can s
- The valves design gives the user effortless and natural breathing, with a wide breathing area around
- The cressi bonete are short open heel fins with adjustable straps. theyre are ideal for travelers th
- The duke is entirely designed and developed in italy by cressi. the duke & bonete kit is made in chi
Our third Cressi option on the list is the brand’s full face mask option.
This mask focuses on effortless, natural breathing.
The nose pocket especially has a great deal of room, with the design highlighting a wide breathing area around the nose and mouth.
Overall, it’s a strong contender for the best snorkel mask, especially for full face snorkel mask lovers.
Specifications
- Price: $50 – $75
- Window style: Full face lens
- Skirt material: Hypoallergenic silicone
- Color options: Wide selection of 17 options
What We Like
- The X-cross straps are extremely comfortable even when use lasts for hours
- Fogging rarely affects this mask, and the nose pocket is nearly luxurious in comparison to others
- As far as full face snorkel mask options go, the price competes heavily with even high-end pieces
What We Don’t Like
- At its size, this mask isn’t great on portability or a low profile
- A bit complicated for beginners, making it tough to use as your first mask
- While the water draining valve removes water entering the mask, some reviews state that it works too slowly to feel effective
3. HEAD Sea VU Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask
- No fogging natural breathing through mouth or nose
- Natural breathing through mouth or nose
- Dry top snorkel - keeps water out
- Wide lens for superior viewing
- Comfortable silicone sealing skirt
Our final mask, the HEAD Sea VU, presents an excellent dry snorkel option.
This mask features a lower profile than other full face snorkel choices often do.
This low profile also helps it pair well with snorkel fins, as bulk won’t become an issue at higher speeds.
Specifications
- Price: $50 – $75
- Window style: Full face lens
- Skirt material: Silicone
- Color options: Blue, pink, gray, and black/white
What We Like
- The breathing tube working as a dry top snorkel makes diving down a breeze
- Being usable with snorkeling fins can make depths even more achievable
- As far as a full face snorkel mask goes, this is great for beginners and experts alike
What We Don’t Like
- Some reviews claim that the snorkel doesn’t always work on keeping water out
- Others feel the fit isn’t as secure as advertised
- Reviews claim that the snorkel isn’t as long as they would like
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Snorkel Mask
With so many amazing options, it’s tough to know how to pick!
Here are four vital things to look for when buying your diving mask, whether you pick a traditional snorkel mask or another form.
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1. Check for a Proper Fit Above All Else
No matter what else the mask has, if it doesn’t fit, you can’t use it.
Typically, people want to avoid masks that are too small.
These can feel cramped, be uncomfortable or even painful, and cut off blood circulation.
However, be wary of masks that are too large as well.
If it’s too large, it may not fit properly on your face.
This is uncomfortable but also can easily lead to leaks or difficulty getting a seal.
2. Ensure the Skirt Doesn’t Leak
If your mask fits properly, the next step is to ensure that the skirt won’t leak.
If water is constantly pouring into your mask, you’ll have no reason to wear it.
Check for tears, holes, or uneven areas around the edge of the skirt to make sure it can hold a proper seal.
3. Go With a High-Quality Construction
As with anything, a mask that was built well will last longer.
Many outdoor shops sell cheap, poorly made masks that can be tempting for a day at the beach.
These will rarely last long as they may break or be outright unusable.
Prioritize a high-quality construction for a good mask.
4. Choose the Lens Type That’s best for You
Finally, picking a lens type is a personal choice. Some lenses work better if you’re moving fast, such as while using swim fins.
Others may prefer a lens type that provides your full face mask with a wide view or a built-in snorkel to avoid using a silicone mouthpiece.
To find the right lens, you may want to try out several different types.
This can help you see the pros and cons of each to your personal taste rather than what others are telling you.
Still, if you wear glasses or contacts, you may want a prescription lens or a corrective lens mask, which may narrow down your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understandably, many people still have questions about scuba diving and snorkeling, especially about gear.
Here are two of the most frequently asked questions in the diving community.
Are Black or Clear Snorkel Masks Better?
Ultimately, this comes down to your personal taste, though there are notable differences.
A clear mask lets in more light, which can help some divers with feelings of claustrophobia.
However, this can let the sun into your eyes, obstructing views.
Black masks will limit this light and make it easier to see, which many prefer.
Can I Wear a Snorkel Mask with a Beard?
The short answer is yes, with many scuba divers who wear snorkel masks having beards.
However, you may struggle to create a good seal with your mask, especially on larger or coarser beards.
Mustaches can also prevent a seal from forming.
If you’re diving often, it might be easier to shave off your facial hair for a better seal.
A larger scuba mask or full face masks are good options if your beard is getting in the way.
Swimming Out
Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find an excellent option for your best mask on this list.
If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us for more information.
