Snorkelling Gear

What you actually need to go snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways into the underwater world, and the kit list is short. A mask lets you see clearly, a snorkel lets you breathe with your face in the water, and fins let you cover ground without wearing yourself out. Everything else is optional. If you are heading somewhere cool, a wetsuit adds comfort and lets you stay in longer.

If you already scuba dive, most of your kit crosses over. The mask and fins you dive with will snorkel perfectly well, and plenty of divers use a simple folding snorkel that stows in a pocket rather than a dedicated snorkelling set.

Choosing a mask

A mask has one job above all others, and that is to seal against your face. No amount of features makes up for a mask that leaks. Faces vary enormously, so the only reliable test is to try masks on: hold one to your face without the strap, breathe in gently through your nose, and see whether it stays put on its own.

Beyond fit, the things worth thinking about are the field of view, whether the frame is low volume, and whether you want a single or twin lens. If you wear glasses, some masks accept prescription lenses, but availability varies by model, so check the manufacturer specification or ask us.

Browse the full range in Masks.

Choosing a snorkel

Snorkels differ mainly in what they do about water getting in:

• Classic snorkels are a simple open tube. Light, cheap to replace, nothing to go wrong.
• Semi-dry snorkels add a splash guard at the top to cut down on water coming in from waves and spray.
• Dry-top snorkels add a float valve that closes the tube when it goes under the surface.
• Purge snorkels have a valve below the mouthpiece so you can blow water out without taking the snorkel from your mouth.
• Folding and travel snorkels roll up small enough to live in a BCD pocket, which is why divers like them.

Features vary between models, so check the manufacturer specification for any snorkel you are considering. Comfort at the mouthpiece matters more than most people expect, particularly if you are in the water for a while.

See what we have in Snorkels.

Full-face snorkelling masks

Full-face masks combine the mask and snorkel into one piece, and let you breathe through your nose and mouth rather than biting a mouthpiece. Many people find them more relaxing for gentle surface snorkelling, and the field of view is wide.

They are not simply a better version of a mask and snorkel, though. They behave differently in the water, they are not intended for breath-hold diving down, and designs differ significantly between manufacturers. If you are considering one, read the manufacturer specification and instructions carefully, and talk to us about the specific model.

Fins

Two styles turn up in snorkelling:

• Full-foot fins are worn barefoot or over a thin sock. They are light, pack down small and are the usual choice for warm-water snorkelling and holidays.
• Open-heel fins are worn with a boot and adjusted with a strap. They are the normal scuba choice and work fine for snorkelling, particularly in cooler water where you want something on your feet.

Fit is the whole game. A full-foot fin that is too tight will cramp you and one that is too loose will chafe or come off. Try them on. There is more detail in our guide to choosing fins, and the full range is in Fins.

Snorkelling with children

Junior masks are built on smaller frames with smaller skirts so they seal on a smaller face. An adult mask on a child rarely seals well, however good the mask is. We stock junior masks, snorkel sets, fins and shoes, and the same rule applies as for adults: bring them in and try a few on.

Matched sets take some of the guesswork out of it. Have a look at Mask & Snorkel Packages.

Brands we stock

Our snorkelling range includes Aqualung, Mares, TUSA, Beaver, Fourth Element, DynamicNord, Ocean Reef, Oceanic and XS Scuba. Stock moves, so if you are after something specific it is worth calling ahead.

Come and try it on

Fitting a mask takes five minutes in the shop and saves a lot of frustration in the water. We are always happy to go through masks, snorkels and fins with you, whether you are kitting out one person or a whole family. Pop in, or give the team a call.