Best Snorkel Fins of 2023

JUMP TO: TUSA FF-22 SOLLA / MARES AVANTI SUPERCHANNEL / CRESSI PALAU SHORT / ATOMIC AQUATICS SPLIT / CRESSI CLIO / U.S. DIVERS PROFLEX II / AQUA LUNG EXPRESS FULL FOOT / SEAVENGER TORPEDO / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rose Martin

The Short Version

The Long Version

If you’ve ever popped out for a snorkel and forgotten your fins, you probably know how much of a difference they make.

With them, we can glide elegantly across the water, forge our way through powerful currents, and dive down deep below the surface to marvel at marine life.

And without them… well, it just isn’t the same.

But no two pairs of fins are quite equal. Snorkeling has surged in popularity over the last decade, and there’s now a huge range of snorkeling fins on the market.

Some are designed for beginners, some for people who like to travel light, and some for people who love exploring beneath the surface.

All of this choice can make finding the perfect fins a little daunting, but the good news is that, no matter what your preferences, there are some fins out there with your name on them.

To help you on your quest to find the perfect fins, we’ve reviewed some of our favorites and given you some pointers on things to look out for when you’re shopping around – enjoy!

If you love reading this review of the best snorkel fins, then you'll likely love reading some of our other snorkeling content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Closed or open heel? Paddle or split fin? Bungee or buckle straps? If you are new to snorkeling and find yourself asking these questions, then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article!

Best Overall: TUSA FF-22 SOLLA

HEEL STYLE: Open (closed also available)

FIN TYPE: Vented blade

MATERIAL: Thermoplastic elastomer

STRAP TYPE: Buckle

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Awesome power-to-effort ratio, allow precise movements, cold- and warm-water versions available, can be used for scuba diving

CONS: Not the cheapest

If you’re after a serious pair of fins that can do it all, then look no further than the TUSA FF-22 Solla snorkeling fins.

The blades are constructed from a thermoplastic polymer that’s rigid enough to keep you on course in strong currents. It won’t be too much work either, thanks to the multi-channel design that maximizes propulsion. The gaps in the blades reduce water-resistance, making kicking that bit easier, and the 20° angle of the blades lets them cut effortlessly through the water. On top of that, the reinforced side rails provide additional stability and allow you to fine-tune your movements, resulting in one incredibly high-performance fin overall.

Bootie-loving snorkelers will be big fans of the open-heeled fins that feature highly adjustable straps and extra-large buttons that are super easy to use (even with gloves on). There are also pull-loops on the back of the straps that make fin removal in the water a walk in the park, and they come in super handy when you need to hang up your fins to dry too. But, if warm water is more your thing, fear not – there’s a full-foot version available too. Although these fins are a tad bulky for snorkeling fins, at least they’re sturdy enough to use when scuba diving as well.

They might not be the cheapest snorkel fins out there, but you can rely on the TUSA FF-22 Solla fins to propel you through the water even when conditions take a turn for the worse.

Best for Beginners: MARES AVANTI SUPERCHANNEL

HEEL STYLE: Closed (open also available)

FIN TYPE: Channeled blade

MATERIAL: Thermoplastic rubber, Tecralene

STRAP TYPE: N/A

PRICE: $$

PROS: Multi-channel design is highly efficient, great for scuba diving too, options for cold and warm weather, stabilizers prevent wobbles, good value for money

CONS: Not very portable

The Mares Avanti Superchannel fins are perfect for beginner snorkelers hoping to make their life on the water that bit easier (but intermediate snorkelers might be tempted too!).

These highly efficient fins feature multi-channel blades that slice through the water with minimal effort, while the long length maximizes the movement you get out of each kick.

The medium flexibility maintains power while providing more comfort than stiffer blades, and these fins are available with either an orthopedic closed-heel foot pocket or an open-heel foot pocket with a highly adjustable strap – so you’ll get a great fit no matter whether you’re snorkeling in cold or warm water.

This efficiency and comfort makes the Mares Avanti Superchannel fins a great choice for beginners, but don’t worry, you won’t have to upgrade them as soon as your snorkeling progresses – the power behind these fins makes them great for intermediate snorkelers too. It also makes them suitable for freediving and scuba diving, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Unfortunately, the long blade length and bulky straps (on the open-heeled model) make these fins a bit of a pain to carry around, so they aren’t the best if you like to travel light. Otherwise, they’re an awesome pair of powerful, comfortable, and versatile fins that can be used by beginners and beyond.

Best for Travel: CRESSI PALAU SHORT

HEEL STYLE: Open

FIN TYPE: Blade, short (long version also available)

MATERIAL: Plastic, elastomer

STRAP TYPE: Buckle

PRICE: $$

PROS: Very portable, can be shared among family members, pull loops for easy removal, durable, travel bag included

CONS: Not as powerful as longer fins, no vents or other fancy features

The Cressi Palau Short fins are a fantastic option for travelers thanks to their portability and incredible durability.

The short blades have kept the dimensions small and cut down on weight dramatically, making these an awesome pair of fins for traveling or taking to the beach ‘just in case’. What’s more, despite their short length, the paddle-style blades have plenty of rigidity, so you can still snorkel at speed.

The blades may lack fancy features like vents and channels, but the minimalistic style means that there’s very little to break on you – in fact, these fins are so robust they’re used by rental centers around the world. 

The open-heeled foot pocket is nice and spacious, and the straps are so adjustable you can easily share these fins with a friend or relative. The pull loops on the back of the straps mean that you can whip these fins off while at the surface or hang them up when you get home. Plus, they come with a mesh bag included – so you won’t end up losing a fin en route to your favorite snorkel site.

Overall, the Cressi Palau fins are super convenient and will last you for years to come. And if you like the sound of these fins, but prefer the power that comes with longer fins, you’ll be pleased to know that they come in a longer version too.

Best for Performance: ATOMIC AQUATICS SPLIT

HEEL STYLE: Open (closed also available)

FIN TYPE: Split blade

MATERIAL: Composite plastic, rubber

STRAP TYPE: Buckle

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Awesome power to effort ratio, great for precise movements, light despite length

CONS: Very expensive, less power than paddle fins

If you’re an advanced snorkeler looking for a pair of fins you can use to fine-tune your movements underwater, then we definitely recommend the Atomic Aquatics Split snorkel fins.

The large split down the center of the blades cuts down on drag and water-resistance drastically, making for almost effortless kicking. Yet this doesn’t come at the cost of power (like with most split fins) because the extra-long blades provide plenty of propulsion.

The sturdy outer rails optimize energy release for maximum kicking efficiency, and the blades are constructed from a mixture of flexible and rigid sections that provide awesome responsiveness. This combination of power and precision makes these fins great for diving below the water’s surface.

The open-heeled fins come with a super secure, yet surpringly comfortable, spring strap that conforms to the shape of your foot, and we love the spacious toe openings in the foot pockets that stops things feeling cramped.

Although these fins are surpringly light (considering the blade length), if you’re keen to shed some extra weight, go for the closed-heel version instead – they’re considerably lighter than the open-heeled fins (but you’ll still need to make sure you have enough space in your bag for the extra-long blades!).

Both versions are available in a range of colors, and we think the overall design is one of the most stylish ones on the market.

Our major gripe with the Atomics Aquatics is the price – they definitely won’t be within everyone’s budget – but if you’re after a pair of high-performance fins, you won’t be disappointed.

Best for Durability: CRESSI CLIO

HEEL STYLE: Closed

FIN TYPE: Blade

MATERIAL: EVA, rubber

STRAP TYPE: N/A

PRICE: $

PROS: Portable for ‘long’ fins, affordable, extremely durable, can use for diving (just)

CONS: Can’t be adjusted, not suited to cold water

The Cressi Clio fins strike an awesome balance of portability, affordability, and versatility… and they’ll probably last you a lifetime too.

Featuring a super comfortable closed-heel design and constructed of lightweight materials, these fins are an awesome shout for anyone who loves to snorkel barefoot and hates being dragged down by heavy gear.

What’s more, the full-length blades will send you flying through the water with minimal effort. In fact, these fins are so efficient that they’re awesome for duck diving and even scuba diving (as long as the conditions aren’t too hectic), making them a very versatile pair of snorkeling fins.

Despite their power, the full-length blades are slightly on the short side, which, combined with the light weight, means that they’ve remained incredibly travel friendly. You can even fit them in a backpack in case you fancy an impromptu snorkel while you’re at the beach. 

On top of that, the lack of fancy features and fiddly straps, combined with a study EVA construction, makes them some of the sturdiest snorkeling fins we’ve come across.

Granted, they can’t be used in cold water, and the lack of a buckle means they can’t be adjusted to cater for especially narrow feet… but other than that, you really can’t go wrong with these powerful, robust, and surprisingly affordable snorkeling fins.

Best for Avoiding Cramps: U.S. DIVERS PROFLEX II

HEEL STYLE: Closed (open also available)

FIN TYPE: Blade, vented

MATERIAL: Thermoplastic rubber, dual-composite (blades)

STRAP TYPE: N/A

PRICE: $$

PROS: Vents reduce drag for effortless kicking, flexibility reduce effort, solid railings provide stability, good value for money, easy to carry

CONS: Large holes and flexibility reduce power and speed, sizes run a little small

Love snorkeling but prone to leg cramps? Then you should definitely check out the U.S. Divers Proflex II snorkel fins.

The large gaps in the blades dramatically reduce water-resistance, making kicking a breeze, and you still get a decent thrust out of each stroke thanks to the flex zone in the center of the blades and the energy-harnessing side railings. Combined, this means you can snorkel at a decent pace without overexerting your leg muscles, which is awesome if you’re trying to avoid leg cramps.

The medium-length blades strike a great balance between power and portability – they have more oomph than shorter fins and they’re more travel-friendly than longer ones. The gaps in the blade have also helped to keep the weight down, and the closed-heeled version lacks a heavy strap too... But if you prefer to snorkel in booties, or you’re brave enough to snorkel in cooler waters, then you can opt for the U.S. Diver Proflex Fx instead (the open-heel version).

Either way, you’re going to end up with a pair of fins that are effortless to use, portable, and easy on the wallet.

The sizes do run a little small though, so if you’re in between sizes we recommend sizing up. Another thing to bear in mind is that although the flexibility and vents do a great job of preventing fatigue in your calf muscles, they won’t hold up so well in strong currents, so these fins are best-suited to calm waters.

Best for Comfort: AQUA LUNG EXPRESS FULL FOOT

HEEL STYLE: Closed

FIN TYPE: Blade, non-vented

MATERIAL: Techno-polymer alloy

STRAP TYPE: N/A

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Mid-foot flex joint reduces strain, ergonomic foot pocket, rubber soles prevent slips while kitting up, suitable for diving too

CONS: Not very portable

If comfort is the name of the game, then we definitely recommend the Aqua Lung Express Full Foot snorkeling fins.

The ergonomic foot pockets are so soft you’ll hardly realize you’re wearing fins at all, and the blades themselves feature a flex joint mid-foot to efficiently transfer energy while reducing strain. We also love that there are rubber soles on the base of the fins to provide grip while you’re kitting up – perfect if you’ll be snorkeling from a boat with a slippery deck.

As the name suggests, these fins can pick up some serious speed thanks to the non-vented paddle-style blades. Plus, membranes at the base of the blades harness and release energy which, combined with the sturdy railings, maximizes kicking efficiency.

The decent blade length makes these fins great for scuba diving, but be warned that they’re too large to shove in a backpack. The closed-heel design has kept the weight down, so they make decent freediving fins, but you can’t wear these fins with booties. They’re also a tad on the pricey side – but if you’ll use them for snorkeling, scuba, and freediving, then we reckon they’re worth it.

Overall, if you like snorkeling in warm water (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) and want a pair of fins that fit like a glove (…or sock), then the Aqua Lung Express Full Foot snorkeling fins could be the ones for you.

Best on a Budget: SEAVENGER TORPEDO

HEEL STYLE: Open

FIN TYPE: Blade

MATERIAL: Plastic

STRAP TYPE: Buckle

PRICE: $

PROS: Travel bag included, highly portable, affordable, quick-release buckles, available in a snorkeling set

CONS: Not as powerful as longer fins, not suitable for diving, could be more durable

If you’re after a pair of awesome snorkeling fins that won’t break the bank, then the Seavenger Torpedo snorkeling fins could be right up your street.

These open-heeled fins can be used with booties, neoprene socks, or even barefoot, and the adjustable straps have quick-release buckles on either side for hassle-free kit-ups.

The blades are so small that you can easily pop these fins in rucksack and, although we don’t recommend them for strong currents or for scuba diving, the paddle design harnesses enough power to pick up a decent pace when snorkeling in calm water.

These fins come with a mesh travel bag included, so you don’t have to worry about one taking a tumble overboard. Plus, if you want to make things even more convenient, you can pick up these fins as part of an entire snorkeling set (with mask, fins, and snorkel included).

Sure, the Seavenger Torpedo fins might not be packed full of fancy features, but they’re highly portable, affordable, and have more than enough power for casual snorkeling.

BUYING ADVICE FOR SNORKEL FINS

So there you have it, the best snorkeling fins around. As we’ve seen, they come in range of shapes and sizes, and there are quite a few features for you to keep your eye on.

In case you’re still struggling to decide which ones are right for you, here’s a few things to think about before investing in a pair of your very own snorkeling fins.

Heel type

CLOSED HEEL: Closed-heel (or ‘full foot’ fins) are designed to be used without booties and cover your entire heel – they slip straight onto your feet for an ‘au natural’ feel. This makes them popular among snorkelers who aren’t keen on wearing lots of gear when they’re in the water and like a speedy kit up.

Because they aren’t designed to accommodate booties, they feature a smaller foot pocket than open-heel fins. This means that they’re typically lighter and less bulky than similar open-heel models, and this lack of weight and drag makes them the preferred choice among most freedivers. The lack of a strap also makes them less prone to getting caught, tangled, or damaged in transit, so they’re a wise choice for people who travel a lot (and generally cheaper than open-heeled fins).

Despite these pros, the lack of booties is a major drawback if you’ll be diving in cool water or walking over rocks to reach your dive site, and the snug fit can’t be adjusted either.

OPEN HEEL: Open-heel fins typically feature larger foot pockets designed to accommodate feet tucked away inside a pair of booties (although some can be worn without). This is ideal for people snorkeling in cold locations, where snorkeling barefoot just isn’t an option, and also for people walking over treacherous terrain to reach their snorkel spots. Plus, you can tighten the strap as much as you like, which makes them more accommodating of variations in foot size than closed-heel fins.

Unfortunately, the extra material for the larger foot pocket and straps does ramp up the price of the fins, and it also makes them bulkier and heavier. Another downside of open-heeled fins is that the strap might break on you eventually (we definitely recommend picking up a spare strap just in case you need it on that next snorkeling holiday!).

Finally, some people prefer to wear booties (and therefore open heel fins) when traveling by boat because they can provide extra grip – but this really is a matter of personal preference!

 

Whether you choose open or closed heel fins is likely to depend on the water temps you’ll be snorkeling in (closed heel don’t work with booties!), as well as trade offs between versatility and simplicity.

 

Strap type

If you decide that open-heeled fins are the way to go, the next thing to think about is what kind of strap you want.

BUCKLE STRAPS: Buckle straps surround the back of the foot and feature dual buckles that clip into openings on either side of the strap. From there, you further tighten the strap to get the optimum fit, and loosen or unclip the buckles when you’re getting out of the water.

This adjustability means they can accommodate a wide range of foot shapes, but the drawback is that they might break in transit (they’re relatively fragile compared to other bits of scuba gear). But the good news is that you can easily pick up spare straps for emergencies.

BUNGEE STRAPS: Bungee straps are made of a flexible material that’s permanently joined to the fin. Although this reduces the adjustability of the overall fit, they can stand up to a decent amount of wear and tear. Some people find them easier to slip off than buckles, but other people will swear the opposite – so you’ll have to see which you find easiest!

Blade design

If you’re unsure which design is right for you, then remember: paddle is power. But you can have too much of a good thing, which is why some people prefer other types of fin.

PADDLE FINS: Paddle fins are constructed from a solid panel that literally paddles the water as you swim. The broad, uninterrupted blade surface maximizes how much water is moved with each stroke, propelling you through the water with considerable power.

Because these fins move you further forwards with each kick than split fins do, they’re the preferred option for people that cover lots of ground when they snorkel. The extra power also means they perform better in strong currents, and, if you find yourself in sticky situation and need to tow someone to shore, paddle fins will get you there far faster than split fins would.

They’re also typically stiffer than split fins (although the stiffness will vary considerably between designs), so you’ll be able to control your movements with more precision.

SPLIT FINS: Split fins, as the name suggests, feature a split down the face of the blade. The split allows water to pass through it, reducing the water resistance created with each kick. The differing movements of the two sections creates a vortex that propels you forwards and makes kicking less strenuous.

The ease of kicking makes split fins a popular choice among snorkelers prone to muscle cramps in their lower legs – but this ease does come at the cost of reduced power. However, if the water is calm, then these fins make kicking beneath the water an absolute pleasure.

Flexibility

The stiffer the fin, the greater the water resistance and the further you move through the water (this is why paddle fins are more powerful than split fins).

Both paddle and split fins will come in varying degrees of flexibility though, and there are other features, such as panels, windows, and vents, that also affect water-resistance.

Ultimately, how flexible a fin you go for comes down to a choice between power and ease of kicking.

Portability

WEIGHT: Powerful fins are typically heavier than those designed for calmer waters. They’re constructed from rigid materials that that tend to weigh more than flexible ones, the surface area is generally larger, and they’ll take an open-heel rather than the lighter closed-heel design. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide whether the extra power is worth the extra weight.

DIMENSIONS: The longer the fin, the more powerful your kicks will be. Plus, longer fins can be used for scuba diving and freediving too. But, on the flipside, long fins aren’t easy to pack or carry around. Again, think about whether you really need the extra length – if there will be strong currents where you’re heading then it’s probably worth it, but if the waters will be calm you might be better off with a short pair of fins.

MORE INFORMATION

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