Snorkeling is a great recreational activity that allows you to interact with sea life. But you can’t snorkel without goggles, as goggles provide you with an underwater view and comfort to breathe and navigate your way.
So, whether you are a beginner snorkeler or a pro looking to change your mask, there’s something for you.
Contrary to what you may have heard, there’s no such thing as snorkeling goggles. Of course, there are swimming goggles, but when you are underwater, what you use is called a mask. The snorkeling mask covers your eyes and nose, allowing you to retain vision and breath.
However, many beginners refer to snorkeling masks as snorkeling goggles and get confused, thinking they are looking for something different. This can give you a hard time in your search. In this buying guide, we will interchange snorkeling goggles and snorkeling masks.
Now that we’ve cleared this up, let’s look at the best snorkeling goggles of 2022.
Top 5 Snorkeling Goggles of 2022
If you’re in the market for a new pair of snorkeling goggles but are unsure which goggles would best fit your needs, consider one of these five options.
Best Overall
1. PRO-DIVE Premium Dry Top Snorkel Set
PRO-DIVE snorkeling goggles are designed for adults to enhance their scuba and snorkeling experience. The mask is made from tempered glass to withstand underwater pressure. The glass also gives it impact resistance so that no unexpected underwater contact can damage the glass, making it ideal for scuba diving.
This mask is coated with high-grade silicone to prevent leakage and treated with anti-fog products for crystal clear vision. The soft silicone mold on the side ensures a snug but comfortable fit for most face shapes. With a single exhale, you can clear the silicon tube of residual water, and the dry snorkel top ensures you don’t get water into your mouth.
Pros
- Has an adjustable ratchet buckle to fit over most faces
- One can use it with prescription glasses by keeping the lens in the mask
- Comes with a waterproof bag
- Mask is clear and comes in various colors apart from the signature blue and white
Cons
- No clear process for accessing the lifetime guarantee promised on the mask
These are the best snorkeling goggles for people who want something professional and multipurpose. The mask can comfortably fit during your underwater adventures and withstand heavy pressure.
Best Budget
2. SwimStar Snorkel Set
The SwimStar snorkel is made from polycarbonate and comes in different colors. The lens is made of tempered glass with an anti-fog coating, and it has speed-fit buttons to adjust the straps. In addition, it has a silicone face skirt to mold with male and female face shapes, and it has an anti-leakage seal around the edges.
The snorkel set has a hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece that guarantees maximum comfort for a long snorkeling session. It also has a single lens design for a clear view of the water and objects in your peripheral vision.
The snorkel has a dry valve, a great feature for beginners and kids, to prevent water from getting into the mouth. It also has a large purge valve for easy cleaning after use.
Pros
- Has tempered glass treated with anti-fog for a clearer vision
- Great for diving, as it can withstand up to 70 ft underwater
- Comes in a reusable nylon handle bag for easy handling
- Offers great value for money
- The long snorkel allows you to stick it up with your head fully submerged
Cons
- Does not come with an optics option for people with poor vision
- The mask doesn’t have a separate purge valve
- Instruction manual is not very explanatory, especially if you are a complete novice
The SwimStar Snorkel Set is best if you are looking for a set that’s easy to clean. The purge valves are large and can be easily reached compared to most.
Best Runner-Up
3. Bairuifu Snorkel Mask
The Bairuifu Snorkel Mask is a well-designed mask with clear glass, thanks to the tempered glass treated with an anti-fog coating that offers a 180° panoramic view, giving you a broad underwater vision. It also has a liquid silicone skirt and a hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece.
This mask has a detachable and foldable snorkel, and the snorkel has a dry valve, preventing you from getting saltwater in your mouth. The mask also has food-grade silica mouth gel suction, making it mold comfortably to your mouth for hours. In addition, the high-quality tempered glass can withstand more pressure than normal, and you can use it for recreational scuba diving.
Pros
- Has a fully adjustable and comfortable strap for all sizes
- High-grade silicone skirt allows it to mold comfortably to any face shape
- Comes with a mesh bag, a dry top snorkel, and a comprehensive user manual
- Includes a 100% money-back guarantee
- Great anti-leak seal to prevent water from getting in your face
- Very affordable
Cons
- Must clear the one-way valve often, or it may stick and cause shallow breathing
- Snorkel attachment can be a bit loose
The Bairuifu Snorkeling Mask is the best if you want something that multiple people can share.
Best Underwater
4. Jwintee Full Face Snorkel Mask
The Jwintee Snorkeling Mask is a 180° mask that provides a panoramic view. The mask is wrapped with silicon for anti-leakage and includes two exhaust channels for air on both sides of the mask to prevent it from fogging up. In addition, breathing is convenient through the inhale-exhale channels, preventing hypoxia.
The mask is lightweight to reduce neck strain during long snorkeling sessions. It has a dry top snorkel, which ensures excess water doesn’t get in the mask. Also, depending on whether you are above or below water level, the air valve will close or open accordingly, preventing water from entering your mask. The lenses are also clear, and it has an adjustable strap, although you still have to be conscious of size.
Pros
- Has a detachable camera mount, making it great for underwater vlogging
- Comes with a storage bag and a separate accessories bag
- Mask weighs less than 0.5 kg, making your neck comfortable for longer dives
Cons
- Not a good fit for hardcore scuba diving, as the snorkel balls may become clogged and restrict airflow
- Despite the adjustable straps, the mask sizes are pretty restrictive
This mask is great for people just starting with a snorkeling or diving channel, and the camera mount creates a tight hold for a GoPro camera.
Best Alternative
5. QingSong Kids Snorkel Mask
The QingSong Kids Snorkel Mask is made from polycarbonate and coated with silicon to ensure anti-leakage. The mask has various color options, such as lemon and orange, and is a great mask for kids between 4 and 11 years.
It has separate inhaling and exhaling channels, preventing the snorkel top from fogging up. The dry top snorkel also ensures that water doesn’t seep into the mask.
Pros
- Has a camera mount for kids to record their underwater activities
- Made from advanced liquid silicone to prevent skin irritation
- Has a wide range of colors for kids to choose from
- Comes with two earplugs, a packing bag, and a screw set
Cons
- Breathing during rigorous sessions can be tough, so it’s best for short-term leisure dives
The QingSong Mask is the best mask for kids. Children trying out recreational snorkeling on vacations can also enjoy capturing underwater memories with the camera mount. It has a cool design, clear vision, and feels light.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Goggles
We have covered the best snorkeling goggles on a general note in the first part of this guide. However, there are different types of masks, and you must consider several factors to choose the perfect mask. Some of these factors are:
Mask Size
The most important consideration when buying a mask is the size. You need to make sure you are getting a proper fit, and this is only possible if you have the right size.
You can look for the manufacturer’s specifications regarding size to select a comfortable mask. Usually, some masks can fit a larger range of sizes or face structures, while others may be more specific.
A too big mask will cause a leak, and one too small will cause great discomfort underwater.
Lens Type
The two most common lens types for snorkeling goggles are single and dual lenses. The single-lens mask usually has extra glass and can feel heavier, while the dual-lens mask usually has lower air volume and sits closer to the face.
If you have prescription glasses and want to customize your lens, you can only do that with a double lens snorkeling mask. Since each eye has its window, you can get an accurate lens cut.
There are also full face masks for beginners who have difficulty adjusting to a snorkel.
Mask Material
Masks are made from various materials such as polycarbonate, plastic, silicone, and tempered glass. The best snorkeling masks have silicone to ensure anti-leakage and have firm grasps. However, some materials are toxic and can react with saltwater to irritate your skin.
For example, rubber skirts will become brittle and may start to crack with time. But silicone and tempered glass give you comfort, clearer vision, and an overall premium diving experience.
Lens Clarity and Treatment
Some glass lenses are clearer than others. Some masks may give you tunnel vision and prevent you from seeing your sides, leading to you bumping unexpectedly into a rock, especially if you are diving deeper.
The best masks have a broader 180-degree view, giving you a wider field of vision to better interact with the water body. Aside from enhancing your experience, you can also avoid accidents.
Anti-Fog Ratio
Another point of consideration is whether your mask has an anti-fog lens or not. A good mask should be treated with anti-fog or technology that prevents excessive fogging. For example, while the Bairuifu mask is treated with anti-fog, the Jwintee mask has two escape channels that prevent fogging.
In reality, no mask is completely fog-free, but the best masks have extremely low fog levels.
Price
Price isn’t much of an issue when it comes to snorkeling masks, as masks usually range anywhere between $30 and $250. If you are snorkeling as a hobby or just want to take advantage of your vacation resort, it’s best to go for an affordable option. You can find a mask for beginners between $30 and $60 that will serve you well.
On the other hand, experienced snorkelers can afford to splurge more since the intention is to use the mask continuously for as long as possible. Just figure out how much you are willing to spend, and ensure you get the best specs for the price range.
Strap System
It’s common knowledge among snorkelers that one of the first parts of a mask to give way is the strap or buckle. This is usually because of the material and the ease of adjustment.
Your mask needs to have comfortable straps — some are easier to adjust and durable enough to withstand pressure and long-term use. For example, the Bairuifu mask straps are easy to adjust, as a simple pull will do the job.
When purchasing snorkeling goggles, you need to consider these factors and your personal preference in terms of brand, view, and packaging.
Best Brands
PRO-DIVE
PRO-DIVE is a subsidiary of Japan’s biggest scuba diving company, Mic21. The company was created in 1994 and makes all scuba diving and snorkeling equipment.
SwimStar
SwimStar is a Chinese brand that specializes in making and selling watersports. The company was founded in 2014.
Bairuifu
Bairuifu is a DTC company that makes various kitchen, hardware, and snorkeling products. The company was founded in 2012 by a group of watersport enthusiasts.
Jwintee
Jwintee is a very new seller on Amazon specializing in snorkeling gear. The Chinese company produces goggles, fins, and other related products.
QingSong
QingSong is a brand founded in 2010 that manufactures watersport equipment such as full-face snorkeling masks, snorkeling fins, and dive watches. The brand is Chinese, and a group of watersport lovers established it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Care For My Masks?
Rinse your equipment in fresh, clean water immediately after use and let it dry before putting it away in the storage bag. Don’t dry your mask in direct UV light for an extended period. Simply keep it in a cool, dry area. Some people also rinse their masks in soap water to remove debris.
Can I Wear My Snorkeling Masks for Scuba Diving?
The safe answer is no. If you are new to both, it’s best to buy specific glasses for them. Scuba diving demands going deeper into the water, which increases pressure, and only a snorkeling mask made of original silicone and tempered glass will be able to withstand this pressure.
So no, you can’t just use your snorkeling goggles for scuba diving unless you have double-checked that it is made of the right materials and can withstand the pressure.
Can I Use Prescription Glasses Under My Snorkeling Mask?
No, you can’t wear prescription glasses under most snorkeling masks. This is because the mask frame needs to be tight to prevent water from coming in and impeding your vision, and wearing glasses with frames will prevent that snugness.
However, you can wear contacts or, in some cases, remove the corrective lenses and put them in the mask. Unfortunately, the latter option is not feasible with most mask designs.
Can I Still Wear My Mask if It’s Cracked?
No. You should stop using the mask altogether if you find any defects on your mask, such as cracks, scratches, or even faults with the adjustable straps. Using the mask can lead to accidents, especially if you also use it for scuba diving.
Can I Customize My Snorkeling Glasses to Fit My Prescription?
Yes, you can customize most snorkeling glasses or masks to accommodate corrective lenses. You can either speak to your doctor or a snorkel mask lens customization specialist.
Can I Swim Below the Waterline With a Dry Snorkel?
You can. With a dry snorkel, there’s the assurance that water won’t get into your snorkel or your mouth. However, you may need to hold your breath until you come up unless your mask incorporates specific technology. If you want to stay underwater for long hours, invest in a mask for scuba diving.
Final Thoughts on the Best Snorkeling Goggles
In this guide, we have looked at the best snorkeling goggles and the criteria for buying the perfect fit. Remember that a snorkeling mask is not a scuba mask, and while some products can withstand both, it’s best to stay on the safe side.
Your snorkeling mask, or goggles as you may call it, is the key to enjoying your time underwater. With a quality mask on your face, you will be able to explore the beauty of life underwater fully.
