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Snorkelling holidays are a popular type of holiday that more and more families are discovering. But you don’t necessarily have to travel across the world to snorkel. You can easily do it right here at home in Ireland too. All it takes is a bit of snorkelling gear. And then you’re good to go.
In this guide, I have therefore set out to give you a thorough introduction to the snorkelling equipment you need if you want the best snorkelling experience.
👆 Click on each model to jump down to the section where we review each one in detail.
Best snorkel sets with fins for your child 
Best Snorkel Set without Fins for Kids (9–16 Years) 
Best snorkel set for your child (4-12 years) 
Best value for money snorkel set: Watery Winslet/Bimasha 
Best snorkel set without fins for kids (4-8 years) regardless of price 
Watery Snorkel Set for Adults (+15) - Fenton/Breeve 
Best diving mask for kids (4-12 years) – 
Best Aqua Lung snorkel set without fins regardless of price 
Best diving mask for adults for the price 
BEST VALUE FULL-FACE SNORKEL SET FOR KIDS (3-15 YEARS) 
BEST FULL-FACE SNORKEL SET FOR ADULTS (+15 YEARS), VALUE FOR MONEY 
Best diving mask for kids (4-12 years) –
Best diving mask for juniors (12-18 years) 
Best diving mask for adults for the price
Best snorkel for adults (12+ years) 
Watery short swim fins - Fisher - Black 
Best water shoes for kids 
Best value water shoes - Adult 
Best swimming socks for kids 
Best value swim vest 12-30 kg 
Swim vest available in 4 great colours 
Watery swim vest for children (1-6 years) - Splashy 
BEST VALUE FULL-FACE SNORKEL SET FOR KIDS (3-15 YEARS)
BEST FULL-FACE SNORKEL SET FOR ADULTS (+15 YEARS), VALUE FOR MONEY
You can save a lot of money when you buy a complete snorkel set with a diving mask, fins, and snorkel all included. A complete set costs significantly less than buying all the parts separately.
So unless you already own one of the parts, the best thing you can do is buy one of the complete snorkel sets below.
The absolute best snorkel set for children aged 4 to 12 is this Watery Snorkel Set for kids – Fisher/Cliff. Here, your child gets a snorkel, diving mask, and fins of the absolute highest quality, ensuring the best experience and longest durability.
With the Watery snorkel set for kids – Fisher/Cliff, your child gets the best features from adult top models. They are simply scaled down with a smaller mask, snorkel, and fins adapted to children’s anatomy.
If you want the best snorkel set for adults (from age 12 and up) and you want plenty of propulsion from your fins, the best snorkel set you can get is the Watery Snorkel Set – Fisher Hudson.
What makes the Watery Snorkel Set – Fisher Hudson special is the included medium-length fins. They provide an incredible amount of propulsion with each kick, helping you move through the water faster when swimming back and forth or diving down to explore something exciting.
The diving mask itself is also the most comfortable diving mask I have ever worn. And since it offers a 180-degree field of view and is anti-fog treated, you can easily see everything going on underwater. On top of that, the strap is made of durable quality and is super easy to adjust!
The snorkel even features a built-in splash guard so water doesn’t get into the snorkel. And should it happen anyway, it has a one-way purge valve at the bottom so you can quickly blow the water back out.
The Watery Snorkel Set – Fisher Hudson is by far the best snorkel set you can get if you want medium-length fins.
The absolute best snorkelling set you can get if you prefer short fins is the Watery snorkelling set – Pike Hudson. The only difference between this set and the Watery Fisher Hudson above is the length of the fins. So both the diving mask and the snorkel are completely identical!
The small fins are fantastic if you want to protect the muscles, tendons, and joints in your legs. The larger the fins, the more strain you put on your legs. So with these short fins, you best protect yourself against cramps as well as muscle and tendon injuries.
On the other hand, the short fins do not provide quite as much propulsion.
As mentioned, both the mask and snorkel are the same as in Hawkeye. So here you also get a 180-degree, anti-fog field of vision. And you get a splash guard and a one-way purge valve to ensure the best possible protection against water entering your airway.
If you already have fins or simply prefer not to use fins when snorkelling, I have gathered the best snorkelling sets without fins below. When you buy a set containing both mask and snorkel, you can save a bit of money compared to buying the parts separately.
This doesn’t compromise the quality of the recommended sets – because both snorkel and diving mask are among the most popular and acclaimed on the market. The only thing you don’t get in these sets is simply the fins!
The best snorkel set without flippers for kids (aged 4-12) is this Watery Combo Snorkel Set for Kids – Cliff. Here, you can give your child a snorkel set where real thought has gone into every detail.
One of the most important things when choosing a good diving mask for kids is that it must be ultra-durable. Children aren’t always great at taking care of their gear, so the shatterproof mask in this set is a massive plus. It’s also super easy to adjust, ensuring a comfortable, snug fit on your child’s face.
The included snorkel also benefits from a fairly wide profile. This allows for excellent airflow, making it much easier for your child to breathe in and out. What’s more, the snorkel mouthpiece is soft and ergonomically shaped, making it comfortable to keep in the mouth for hours at a time.
Watery are well known for making top-quality swimming and snorkelling equipment, and this junior set is definitely no exception!
If you just want to test whether snorkeling is right for your child, or if you are very budget-conscious, the best value snorkel set you can buy is this Beco Ari snorkel set.
It is a thoroughly sensible snorkel set specifically designed for children aged 4 to 12. And since it is available in blue or pink, you can be sure the design will appeal to your son or daughter.
The diving mask’s strap is easy to adjust. The wide lens offers a 180-degree field of view. The nose is enclosed so your child will not get water up their nose. On top of that, the snorkel’s mouthpiece is surprisingly comfortable to hold in the mouth.
The materials are generally very durable, so even though the price is far from the highest, your child gets a snorkel set that can withstand plenty of use.
All in all, your child gets a really good quality snorkel set without you having to pay an arm and a leg!
The absolute best snorkel set for adults when you don’t need fins included is Watery’s own combo snorkel set for adults – Hudson Full-dry. It is essentially the same set that I recommended as the top pick with fins. This set just comes without the fins.
Here you get the exact same high-quality dive mask and snorkel, ensuring you get the best and most comfortable snorkeling experience.
We are talking about a dive mask with 180-degree fog-free vision and a snorkel with a wave guard and one-way purge valve, preventing water from getting into your airways.
In short, the best of the best, without having to pay for fins you might not even need!
If you are very budget-conscious, or perhaps just want to see if snorkelling is for you, you won’t find a snorkel set without fins that is better than this Beco Porto snorkel set.
Overall, the features of the Beco Porto come very close to what you get when buying a more expensive snorkel set. The lens on the diving mask gives you a 180-degree field of view, while the mask itself sits really comfortably on your face.
The snorkel is also wonderfully comfortable because the mouthpiece is made of soft silicone. Additionally, the tube has just the right diameter to allow plenty of airflow.
An extra great feature of the snorkel is that it has Beco’s so-called dry top. It acts like a wave guard, preventing water from entering the snorkel tube. And that is the single most important difference between the Beco Porto snorkel set and all the other cheaper snorkel sets on the market!
If you already have a snorkel and possibly fins, there is no reason to spend money on a complete set. In that case, you naturally just need to buy a diving mask.
I have therefore gathered the absolute best standalone diving masks you can get below.
If you are looking for the absolute best diving mask for children aged 4 to 12 years, you should without a doubt choose a Beco Ari diving mask. It is by far the most comfortable kids’ diving mask on the market.
And it never fails to do its job: keeping water away from the eyes and providing a wide, clear view.
With its covered nose pocket, it also ensures that your child won’t get water up their nose. This guarantees the best, safest, and most reassuring experience for your child.
The exceptionally high comfort comes from its ergonomic design and the soft material used for the skirt. It also helps that the strap is quick and easy to adjust, allowing the mask to fit any face shape.
On top of that, it is incredibly durable. A huge advantage when it comes to kids, who aren’t always great at looking after their things.
If you have a slightly older child (from 12 to 18 years), you get the best of the best with a Beco Bahia diving mask. In itself, it is essentially the exact same mask as the previously mentioned Beco Ari. Just in a larger size to fit a teenager’s larger face.
The lens offers a wide and clear view. It has a covered nose pocket. Plus, the strap is both high quality and easy to adjust.
The materials are exceptionally durable, meaning it can easily handle being used a lot, frequently, and for long periods at a time. This ensures your child a great snorkelling experience for many years to come.
There is no doubt that Beco makes the best diving masks for kids. But they are also the best for adults. Because with a Beco Porto diving mask, you get the absolute best diving mask for adults.
The Beco Porto is completely identical to the two kids’ models. It is simply larger to fit adult head sizes and facial shapes. You therefore get all the same great features!
It offers a 180-degree field of view. The strap can be adjusted easily and quickly. It is the most comfortable diving mask on the market. Plus, it has an enclosed nose pocket that ensures you won’t get water up your nose.
In short, with a Beco Porto diving mask, you get the absolute best diving mask for adults!
If you already have a diving mask and perhaps fins as well, but just need the snorkel, I have gathered the two best snorkels below. One is for kids and the other is for adults.
Keep in mind that children should never use an adult snorkel. Children simply cannot blow enough exhaled air out of an adult snorkel before breathing in again. Kids therefore need a dedicated children’s snorkel, while adults get the absolute best experience with an adult snorkel.
When you want the absolute best snorkeling experience, it is important that the snorkel keeps you comfortable in the water. And this Watery Hudson snorkel does just that. It features both a splash guard and a one-way purge valve, preventing water from getting down into your airways.
The mouthpiece is made of soft silicone, making it comfortable to keep in your mouth for hours at a time. The tube allows plenty of air to flow through. Additionally, it has a flexible section between the mouthpiece and the tube itself, allowing you to move your head much more freely.
With these features, the Watery Hudson Snorkel is the best snorkel I have ever used. This makes it our top recommendation in the Best Snorkel for Adults category!
If your child aged between 4 and 12 needs the absolute best kids’ snorkel on the market, you should get a Watery semi-dry snorkel for kids – Triton. It is truly in a league of its own compared to all other snorkels for children.
First and foremost, it features a splash guard on top that prevents water from running down into the snorkel tube. Additionally, it provides excellent airflow. The mouthpiece is also made from soft silicone, which is great if you plan on being in the water for longer periods at a time.
The Watery semi-dry snorkel for kids – Triton gives children the greatest sense of security in the water. This enhances comfort and thereby improves the overall experience.
If you are looking for the best flippers for snorkeling, I have gathered the two best snorkeling fins below based on all my recommendations across numerous different models. There is a slight difference between the kids’ and adult versions.
That is why I have selected a top pick for both children and adults.
Snorkelling is at its most fun when you can move quickly through the water. Both on the surface and when diving down to take a closer look at the marine life. And your child will get plenty of speed by using Watery short fins – Fisher
For a children’s size, they are actually quite long. And that is exactly what makes them so fast.
However, their unique heel strap also greatly contributes to making these fins the best snorkelling fins for children. The strap can be adjusted on both the right and left side of the ankle, giving your child an even fit all the way around the ankles and Achilles tendons.
An extra bonus is the two large flow channels on both sides. These channels allow a relatively large amount of water to pass through, reducing the strain on muscles, tendons and joints in the legs. And that is without compromising on propulsion.
Watery short fins – Fisher are by far the best and most well-designed snorkelling fins for children on the market. On top of that, they are also super comfortable. And that makes them our clear winner!
If you want fins that are just as good as the top choice for kids, you should go for the adult version of the Watery diving fins – Delphina. They are slightly larger, fit bigger feet, and come in a different colour. But apart from that, they offer the exact same great performance.
You get plenty of propulsion with every kick you take. And that comes with reduced strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints, thanks to the two flow channels found on both fins.
You also get the clever adjustable heel strap that keeps the fins securely in place on your feet without making them uncomfortable.
You simply won’t find a pair of snorkelling fins better than the Watery diving fins – Delphina. That is why they are our top recommendation for adult snorkelling fins.
Beach shoes are not strictly essential for snorkelling, but they are still a fantastic investment. They protect your feet against sharp objects in the sand, both above and under the water.
Beach shoes are also designed to be worn in the water. Plus, the vast majority of models are non-slip, so you won’t slip when walking on tiles to and from the water, for example.
I always wear beach shoes myself whenever I head to the beach, whether I’m just going for a swim or out snorkelling. For me, they make a huge difference—and they certainly will for you too.
If you want your child’s feet to be well protected, you won’t find better swim shoes than Aqua Sphere Beachwalker for kids. They are available in a wide range of children’s sizes and offer both great protection and comfort in one and the same shoe.
To protect feet against sharp objects in the sand, the sole is made from vulcanised rubber. A material that also makes them very non-slip. And on the upper, 2-millimetre thick neoprene is used, providing insulation, sun protection, and great comfort.
The insole is also made of soft neoprene, which contributes greatly to the fantastic comfort.
Aqua Sphere Beachwalker shoes are super easy to take on and off because the neoprene makes them extremely flexible. On top of that, they are breathable and lightweight, ensuring great comfort when worn for long periods at a time.
Please note that they run relatively large in size. So when purchasing Aqua Sphere Beachwalker for kids, you should generally choose a size smaller than your child’s normal shoe size. If your child normally wears a size 28, you should generally opt for a size 26/27.
Watery water shoes for adults – High Catfish are hands down the best water shoes for adults. You get the exact same beach shoe as the kids’ version, just in larger sizes and different colours. So the benefits and features are completely identical!
Distinct advantages such as the non-slip and protective vulcanised rubber sole and a 2 mm neoprene upper are naturally present in the Watery water shoes for adults – High Catfish. The same goes for the insulating properties, keeping your feet nice and warm.
At the back of the water shoes, you’ll also find a small pull tab that makes them quick and easy to slip on and off. And despite being so easy to take off and on, they stay firmly on your feet, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off.
One thing to keep in mind when buying a pair of Watery water shoes for adults – High Catfish is that they run relatively large in size. Therefore, it’s best to buy a size smaller than your regular shoe size. So if you typically wear a size 44, you should generally go for a size 42/43.
If you feel more confident with your child wearing swim socks rather than traditional swim shoes, Duukies swim socks with UV protection are by far the best of their kind. They are just as easy to put on as regular socks. And they provide, to a large extent, the same benefits as standard swim shoes.
The major advantage of Duukies swim socks is that they provide full freedom of movement for the feet. This gives a more natural movement that feels just as natural as if your child were barefoot. With swim socks, your child is simply better protected.
The entire swim sock protects the feet with factor 50 UV protection. Additionally, the sole is made of non-slip neoprene, offering the highest level of safety for your child.
A little bonus you get when purchasing a pair of Duukies swim socks is an included wristband where you can write your child’s name and your phone number. So if your child gets lost on the beach, it is easy for other beachgoers to contact you. It provides that little bit of extra peace of mind.
In terms of sizing, they run a bit small. Therefore, feel free to go up one size compared to your child’s normal shoe size.
When you are going to be in the water for longer periods at a time, it is an advantage to wear proper snorkelling clothing. It helps you and your child stay warm, while also protecting against marine life. This can, for instance, be protection against jellyfish.
The most ideal snorkelling clothing is either a wetsuit or a neoprene swimming suit. A snorkel vest, on the other hand, is the most common form of snorkelling gear. Therefore, I have gathered the best snorkel vests I recommend below.
A snorkel vest is also known as a swim vest. What you call it does not really matter compared to what it does. Because one thing is certain: a snorkel vest is a clear advantage when taking your child snorkelling.
Based on our experience with different models, I have gathered the best options below.
If you are very price-conscious, or if you just want to see if snorkelling is fun for your child, a Beco Sealife snorkel vest is the best value purchase you can make. It provides really good buoyancy, helps retain warmth, and is incredibly adjustable.
The advantage of a snorkel vest is that it gives your child full freedom of movement while keeping them afloat. And the Beco Sealife does that completely.
For safety’s sake, it has a crotch strap that ensures it does not slide off when your child moves in the water. And just like the vest’s other straps, it can be adjusted to fit your child’s exact build.
At the end of the day, it offers great safety and comfort. And at a price that very few people would turn their nose up at.
If you are travelling to go snorkelling, having a slightly smaller snorkel vest is a big advantage. The smaller it is, the less space it takes up in your suitcase. That is why the Watery Swim Vest – Splashy is the best snorkel vest when heading on holiday.
Overall, the Watery Swim Vest – Splashy is very similar to the Beco Sealife. It is just slightly thinner. And it also has a crotch strap that provides that extra security to ensure it stays securely in place.
Therefore, you don’t need to worry about safety. It fits snugly and securely onto children’s upper bodies. It also allows complete freedom of movement, so your child can move entirely naturally in the water while still enjoying more than enough buoyancy.
What’s more, the Watery Swim Vest – Splashy is sold at a significantly lower price than the Beco Sealife. And the design certainly isn’t anything to scoff at either.
If you are looking for the absolute best snorkel vest, there is no getting around the Watery swim vest for kids (2-8 yrs) – Basic. Because here you get everything you could possibly want in a snorkel vest!
The clear advantage of this vest is the handle on the back. When your child is in the water, you can easily help them navigate simply by holding onto the handle. This provides extra safety for both you and your child.
And of course, it also offers the same benefits as the other snorkel vests I’ve named as the best. It provides unmatched buoyancy, is fully adjustable, and offers sun protection for the areas of the body it covers.
As it is designed to help children learn to swim, it also allows complete freedom of movement. And that’s whether your child is floating on their stomach or their back.
I would go so far as to say that the Watery Swim Vest for Kids (2-8 yrs) – Basic is the absolute best swim vest on the market. Whether you are going snorkelling with your child, or teaching them to swim at the beach or in the pool.
To get the best snorkelling experience, there are a few pieces of equipment you’ll need. There is the essential gear, and then there is the gear that is nice to have, but not an absolute necessity.
Below, we’ll take a look at it all. I’ve listed the most important equipment at the top, and the less essential gear at the end.
A diving mask is essential so you can see what is happening underwater. And the better the diving mask you have, the better you can see and the more comfortable it is. You can either buy a set with both a diving mask and snorkel, or you can simply buy the diving mask on its own and the snorkel on its own.
The most important thing about a diving mask is that it fits snugly and comfortably on your face. If it does not create a tight seal, water will get in. And trust me, that is really not pleasant for your eyes. Additionally, it is quite annoying to constantly have to clear water from your diving mask.
You should also ensure that the strap is made of durable, high-quality material. It should neither come loose nor stretch and loosen every time you use it. A sturdy, quality strap ensures that the mask stays right where it should.
In principle, you could use your swim goggles. But I do not recommend it. To get the most out of your snorkelling trip, you really do need a diving mask.
With a diving mask, you get the widest possible field of vision so you can see everything happening around you—including in your peripheral vision. Furthermore, a diving mask also covers your nose, preventing water from getting into it.
If you are not an experienced swimmer or diver, it can be quite tricky to breathe in through the snorkel without also breathing in through your nose. And if you try to breathe through your nose underwater, you will naturally get water up your nose. That is far from comfortable, and it also disrupts your breathing.
So to avoid that, I recommend that your nose is completely sealed off from the water. And that is exactly what happens when you use a diving mask.
Just as a diving mask is essential for seeing underwater, a snorkel is just as important so you can breathe without lifting your head above the surface. Deep down, a snorkel is probably the single most essential piece of equipment when snorkelling.
There are several different types of snorkels available. There are budget-friendly options, high-end models, and those in between.
The cheapest ones are simply a tube with a mouthpiece. High-end snorkels, on the other hand, provide features like splash protection to stop water from entering the tube. Premium models often also have a more comfortable mouthpiece, preventing jaw fatigue when you have it in your mouth for hours on end.
Please be aware that if you are taking your child snorkelling, they must under no circumstances use an adult snorkel. Their lungs simply cannot expel enough of the exhaled air from an adult-sized snorkel, meaning when they breathe in again, a large amount of the stale air will be inhaled back into their lungs.
Initially, this can cause dizziness, followed by loss of consciousness. And in the absolute worst-case scenario, it can lead to drowning.
In general, it is vital to be extra vigilant when taking children out snorkelling—especially young ones. If they spot something exciting, they may hyperventilate slightly, which can easily lead to fainting.
That is not to say you shouldn’t take your kids snorkelling. You just need to be extra mindful and keep a close eye on them.
Strictly speaking, fins are not the most essential piece of gear when you go snorkelling. But they make the experience significantly more fun, better, and more comfortable. So they are definitely a great investment.
When you wear fins, you move faster and more effortlessly through the water. This means you can dive down quicker and use less energy than without fins. This is especially an advantage if you spot something underwater that you want to get closer to and explore.
With fins, you can dive down and come back up faster. This gives you more time underwater to study all kinds of interesting things you come across.
Aqua shoes are not strictly necessary, but they are still great to have. They protect your feet against sharp objects on the beach, both in the sand and in the water. At the same time, aqua shoes are also significantly more comfortable to walk in than going barefoot.
Most aqua shoes also have non-slip soles, so you will not slip on wet surfaces or paving when leaving the beach.
Aqua shoes can easily be worn out in the water as long as you are not using fins. They are built to withstand it, so you do not have to worry about them falling off or getting damaged while using them in the sea.
If you plan to be in the water for long periods at a time, or if you feel a bit uneasy about coming across marine life, wearing snorkelling wear is highly recommended.
Marine life could, for example, be common jellyfish like the lion’s mane or blue jellyfish. Or, if your snorkelling trip takes you further south, the somewhat nastier Portuguese man o’ war.
Snorkelling wear primarily protects against the sun’s UV rays, preventing you from getting sunburnt while floating on the surface for hours. But an added bonus is that it also shields the covered areas from jellyfish stings.
The term snorkelling wear covers several different types of clothing. It can be a UV shirt that protects against the sun’s rays. It can be a dive skin that protects against both the sun and marine life. It can be rash guards, which also provide sun protection.
And it can be an actual wetsuit, which adds buoyancy, helps keep you warm, and protects against things like jellyfish.
While snorkelling wear is not the most crucial piece of gear, it is fantastic to have if you want a great snorkelling experience!
If your child is not yet completely confident in the water, or if you simply want extra peace of mind as a parent, putting a snorkel vest on your child can be a great idea. A snorkel vest provides plenty of buoyancy across the entire upper body, ensuring both you and your child can be confident that they stay afloat.
In simple terms, a snorkel vest works just like a swim belt and armbands. It is just far more comfortable, provides more buoyancy, and allows full freedom of movement. It also protects against the sun’s rays while helping your child stay warm.
It also protects the entire upper body (except the arms) against things like jellyfish.
Snorkel vests for children give you and your child ultimate peace of mind in the water, making them a fantastic investment.
When snorkelling is on the agenda, most families choose to travel abroad to do it. It is simply much more enjoyable to snorkel when the water is warm and there are underwater rocks, coral reefs, and exotic fish to explore.
That is why it is a huge advantage that all the snorkel sets I have mentioned come with a travel bag. This makes it much easier to keep all your snorkelling gear organized so it does not end up scattered around your suitcase.
The travel bag is also perfect for carrying your snorkelling gear back and forth to the beach.
Whether you should choose a snorkel set with or without fins comes down to personal preference. Personally, I prefer not to snorkel without fins, but there can of course be individual reasons for not using them.
So what are the actual advantages and disadvantages of buying a snorkel set with fins compared to one without? Let’s take a closer look.
It is unavoidable that your diving mask will sooner or later start to fog up. Even when it has an anti-fog coating. The coating will gradually wear off as you use the mask.
Often, fogging can be prevented if you spit in the mask, rub it around, and then rinse it with clean water. But this solution is not very appealing to many people.
Instead, you can regularly treat your diving mask with a special anti-fog spray. All it takes is two sprays on the lenses, spreading the liquid with gentle circular motions, and then rinsing off the remaining liquid with clean water.
If you do this roughly every ten times you use your diving mask, you are guaranteed a fog-free snorkelling experience. And since anti-fog spray is quite inexpensive, it won’t break the bank when you want to treat your diving mask.
I personally use this anti-fog spray. It is good and affordable. And it does the job.
Snorkelling gear can quickly get expensive. Especially if you want high-quality equipment and you are buying for the whole family. That is why I imagine you would like to take the best possible care of your snorkel set, so it lasts for many years.
Fortunately, snorkelling gear does not require a PhD in maintenance to last for several years. In fact, it takes very little effort.
First and foremost, make sure to rinse your diving mask in clean water immediately after each use. Both chlorinated water and saltwater are harsh on the materials, so by rinsing away the chlorine or salt from the mask, you already extend its lifespan considerably.
At the same time, make sure you do not put a wet diving mask into a bag or a case. This creates a risk of mould and mildew forming, which is neither pleasant nor good for its longevity.
And do yourself the favour of storing your diving mask in a case or a storage pouch (it must, of course, be dry first). This prevents the lenses from getting scratched or the straps from coming into contact with anything that might damage them.
If you follow these three simple tips, you are guaranteed a long lifespan for your new snorkel set.
My guide to snorkelling gear is now coming to an end. I hope you’ve learned a lot more about your options when it comes to buying a snorkel set and all the other accessories that go with it.
To round off my guide properly, I’d like to share 10 quick tips to ensure you have the best snorkelling holiday possible.
Being out in the sun for several hours can quickly lead to sunburn. And when you’re floating on the surface of the water, the risk of getting sunburned is even higher. So remember to apply water-resistant sunscreen, or use another form of sun protection.
Up until now, I have never experienced sea water that is around 37 degrees. So even if the water you are snorkelling in feels warm, you still risk getting hypothermic. If you plan to be in the water for many hours at a time, I would therefore recommend wearing a wetsuit. It will help keep you warm.
When going on a snorkelling holiday, buy your snorkelling gear before departing. It’s the cheapest option and ensures you get gear of decent quality. The equipment you can buy in various beach shops is often not of particularly great quality. And in such places, it is also frequently overpriced relative to its quality.
There’s nothing worse than getting out into the water only for your diving mask to start fogging up. So spit in your mask before entering the water, or use an anti-fog spray. That way, you’ll prevent fog on the lenses.
Before heading out to the sea, check in advance where the good spots are. I personally use Google Maps, where you can see the colour shades in the water on the map. Where the water is darkest is usually where snorkelling is most exciting.
It is good practice never to be alone when snorkelling. Always have at least one other person with you in the water. If an accident were to happen, you will always have someone close by who can help you get back ashore. At the same time, you also have someone to share the experience with.
Breathing through a snorkel feels different than breathing normally. Before heading out of your depth, practice breathing calmly and steadily through the snorkel.
Once you are out in the water, it is essential that you can breathe in a relaxed and effortless manner. Therefore, don’t just dive right in. Focus on keeping your heart rate down so you maintain an inner calm.
You don’t need to dive down more than a metre and a half before the water pressure changes. To prevent ear pain, it is important to know how to equalise. Make sure you know how to equalise before jumping into the water.
In simple practical terms, all it takes is pinching your nose and gently trying to blow air out through it.
When you’ve had a great experience, it’s wonderful to be able to look back at photos later. Consider getting a waterproof action camera (or a dedicated underwater camera) so you can photograph everything you see below the surface. Or record it on video.
This also gives you something to show your family and friends when you get back home.
A little bonus tip here is to dive below the subject you want to photograph. This creates a much nicer and more dynamic angle than simply staying at the surface and shooting from above.
Admittedly… it can be tempting to attempt long, deep dives. But it is also very dangerous. Leave that kind of diving to experienced freedivers. Instead, stick to what snorkelling is really about: floating on the surface, observing what’s happening in the water, and only making short, shallow dives when you spot something exciting.
Snorkelling gear can be bought in many places. However, high-quality snorkelling gear requires a bit more searching.
That’s why we recommend buying your snorkelling gear from us at Watery, where you’ll find a massive selection of snorkelling sets, individual parts, and snorkelling apparel. Our prices are very reasonable. In addition, our Trustpilot score is top-rated, and you get fast delivery.
In short: If you need to buy snorkelling gear, we recommend doing it with us at Watery.
