Best Snorkel Sets of 2023

JUMP TO: CRESSI PALAU SNORKEL SET / U.S. DIVERS COZUMEL SET / CRESSI PANORAMIC WIDE VIEW SET / SEAVENGER AVIATOR SNORKELING SET / CRESSI PRO STAR / COZIA DESIGN SNORKEL SET / TUSA SPORT SNORKEL SET / PHANTOM AQUATICS SNORKEL SET / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rose Martin

The Short Version

The Long Version

One of the best things about snorkeling is that you don’t need loads of fancy gear to explore the wonders of the marine world – all you need is a mask, fins, and snorkel and you’re good to go!

But just because you don’t need fancy gear doesn’t mean you don’t need the right gear. In fact, having the right gear is crucial for a stress-free snorkeling experience.

But investigating all the different masks, fins, and snorkels out there can take up heaps of time, which is why more and more people are opting for snorkel sets nowadays. Plus, snorkel set come with gear that’s fully compatible – no more nightmares fastening your snorkel to your mask – and they’re typically travel-friendly too.

If you’re totally new to snorkeling, don’t have much time, or don’t have any gear of your own, then the most convenient option is to go for a full mask-fins-snorkel combo. But don’t worry if you already have some fins knocking around at home, or if you’re fussy about your flippers, there are heaps of mask-and-snorkel only sets out there too.

To get you ready for your next snorkel adventure, we’ve reviewed the top snorkel sets around. We’ve included quite a range so you can be sure to find the set that’s right for you – happy snorkeling!

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

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

If you’re new to snorkeling and not overly familiar with the technical aspects of your mask, snorkel, or fins, then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article.

Best Overall: CRESSI PALAU SNORKEL SET

MASK STYLE: Dual windows

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry

FIN STYLE: Open-heel

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Fully dry snorkel, long- and short-fin models available, scuba-friendly, high quality

CONS: Mask runs a tad small and lacks side-view windows

Cressi is a big name in the watersports industry, so it should come as no surprise that the Cressi Palau Snorkel set is one of the best on the market.

The fully dry snorkel makes this an awesome set for beginners – the seal at the top closes when you dive down deep, so when you return to fresh air you won’t have to deal with a tube full of water. There’s also a splash guard to minimize water entering the tube while you’re at the surface and, if any water does make its way inside, it’s super easy to clear thanks to the highly efficient purge valve.

The flexible corrugated section of the snorkel means it will fall away from the face when not in use, which makes it a great option for scuba diving too.

The open-heeled fin design can accommodate booties of various sizes, and the adjustable strap creates a snug fit that will keep you fins securely in place even in current. The blades themselves are simple yet sturdy, and they can handle some knocking around en route to your favorite snorkel spot. Finally, we absolutely love that this set comes in a short- and long-fin versions, so you don’t have to use travel-friendly short fins if you prefer long blades.

The mask itself has a soft silicone skirt that creates an awesome seal, but be warned that (like many Cressi products) it runs a tad small – so go for the larger size if you aren’t sure. It might not have side windows like many snorkeling masks on the market nowadays, but the low volume provides a great field of view nonetheless. Plus, this low volume, combined with a squishy nose area, makes equalizing and mask clearing a walk in the park.

Finally, the whole set comes with a convenient travel bag –the long-fin set comes in a tough durable bag, while the short-fin model comes in a super lightweight mesh bag. With each component showcasing the high-quality craftsman ship we’ve come to expect from Cressi, this is one great snorkel set that won’t let you down any time soon.

MASK STYLE: Dual windows

SNORKEL TYPE: Semi-dry 

FIN STYLE: Closed-heel, vented

PRICE: $$

PROS: Awesome fins despite small size, robust mesh bag, travel-friendly, great value for money

CONS: No seal mechanism on snorkel, closed-heeled fins aren’t great for cold water

If portability is the name of the game, then look no further than the Cozumel Seabreeze Snorkel Set brought to you by U.S. Divers, an offshoot of the famous scuba brand Aqua Lung. This nifty little set comes with short fins, a mask, and snorkel, and it packs away into a teenie, yet surprisingly tough, mesh bag.

The mask features the classic Aqua Lung design and is incredibly comfortable thanks to the supple silicone skirt and the 3-way adjustable buckle. While it might be lacking side windows, the low volume ensures a wide field of view, keeps the weight down, and means you can clear the mask in an instant. To further reduce the weight, the snorkel lacks a seal mechanism at the top, but it has retained a splash guard and purge valve to keep your tube dry even in choppy conditions.

The real showstopper, however, is the fins – they might be small, but they have some serious power behind them. The vented design lets you slice through the water with minimum effort, yet they have plenty of rigidity to give you the power you need. The closed foot pockets are super soft to the touch and are great for anyone that likes to snorkel without bulky boots.

If you’re after a travel-friendly snorkel set that offers great quality yet won’t break the bank, then the Cozumel Seabreeze Snorkel Set could be the one for you!

MASK STYLE: Three windows (one front and dual side windows)

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry 

FIN STYLE: N/A

PRICE: $$

PROS: Awesome views, great mask seal, ideal for beginners (fully dry and easy equalization), high quality, mask can be purchased separately

CONS: Slightly expensive (especially without fins)

Sick and tired of getting back on the boat after a snorkel trip only to hear about all the awesome things other people spotted and you somehow missed? Well, no more. With the Cressi Panoramic Wide View Snorkel Set you can be sure that no exciting sightings will pass you by.

The mask features tempered glass lenses housed in a durable polycarbonate frame, but the frame won’t block your view thanks to the dual side windows that greatly enhance your peripheral vision.

What’s more, the central lens avoids blocking the area around the nose that’s often blocked by dual-lens masks. Combined, these features give you a truly cinematic view of the underwater world. We also love the super soft double-feathered skirt that creates a great seal and avoids those pesky leaks.

The snorkel is fully dry and features a top seal and splash guard, so you can snorkel away without fear of water constantly making its way inside the tube. We also love the purge valve that drains itself most of the time, and it works so well manually that you barely need to exhale to clear the water yourself.

This snorkel set doesn’t include fins, which makes the price a little on the steep side, but it’s a great mask and snorkel combo that gives you the freedom to choose whatever fins you like. If you’re after unprecedented views of the marine world, then we definitely recommend this snorkel set!

MASK STYLE: One window

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry

FIN STYLE: Open-heel

PRICE: $

PROS: Affordable, stylish with lots of color options, travel- and beginner-friendly

CONS: Fins could be more powerful

If you’re after an all-in-one snorkel set but don’t have much cash to splash, then you should definitely check out the Seavenger Aviator Snorkel Set.

The lightweight mask features extra-large buckles, so making adjustments in the water is a breeze, and the low volume and single lens provide a great field of view (despite the lack of side windows). It’s also one of the best-looking masks on our list and is available in a range of colors too.

The open-heeled fins are cold-water friendly (they can fit a chunky pair of booties inside them), and they’re highly adjustable too, so you can share them with various friends and family members when you’re not in the water yourself.

We also love that they come with thumb loops on the straps, which are super handy when you need to whip off your fins and hop onto the boat after a snorkel. Just be warned that the fins aren’t quite as powerful as some other short-fin models out there, so they aren’t ideal for snorkeling in super strong currents. 

Finally, the snorkel comes fully equipped with a splash guard, seal mechanism, and purge valve, making this a very beginner-friendly set. Complete with fins, mask, and snorkel this compact travel-friendly set offers great quality at a very low price point.

Best for Versatility: CRESSI PRO STAR

MASK STYLE: Two windows

SNORKEL TYPE: Semi-dry 

FIN STYLE: Closed-heel

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Incredibly powerful fins, versatile, sleek yet durable design, teardrop lenses offer awesome views

CONS: Large fins make packing tricky, expensive

Looking for a mask-fins-snorkel combo that will meet all of your watery needs? Then you’re in luck, the Cressi Pro Star set is not only great for snorkeling, but it’s an awesome set for scuba diving and freediving too. 

The mask features awesome teardrop-shaped lenses that drastically enhance your vision when looking down, which is perfect for when you’re snorkeling at the surface. What’s more, the mask has a super low volume, so it’s incredibly easy to clear while scuba diving and drag is minimized when freediving.

Although the snorkel features a splashguard to protect you from chop at the surface, it lacks a seal mechanism so it’s remained nice and light. Plus, although highly effective, the purge valve is super sleek to minimize bulk and drag in the water.

And last, but by no means least, the fins. We absolutely love the full-length heels that come with this kit. Sure, they aren’t as travel friendly as some of the short fins we’ve looked at, but boy are they powerful. In fact, the fins are so popular that they’re sold separately too, and are much loved among snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba divers alike.

This kit is a little on the pricey side, but you’ll save money in the long-run by not picking up different bits of gear for all your water-based activities, so we definitely think it’s worth it overall.

Best Fullface: COZIA DESIGN SNORKEL SET

MASK STYLE: One window (fullface design)

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry, integrated

FIN STYLE: Open-heel

PRICE: $$

PROS: Can breathe via mouth and nose, awesome views, good for beginners

CONS: Not designed for strenuous activity, can’t duck dive, fin strap could be stronger

And now for something a little different… the Cozia Design Snorkel Set, the only snorkel set on our list that comes with a fullface mask.

The huge mask window is completely flat and offers undistorted 180-degree views of the underwater world. We also love that the inhale and exhale chambers have been separated to reduce pesky fogging. Plus, unlike conventional mask-and-snorkel combos, you have the option to breathe through your nose or mouth for a truly natural breathing experience. 

The snorkel features a dry top to prevent water entering the tube, so you won’t waste time in the water clearing your snorkel constantly. And we love that you can fold it flat when not in use for ease of packing (although it’s still bulkier than a traditional mask).

An extra touch that we can’t get enough of is the camera mount on the top of the mask – simply hit go and you can record your underwater adventures while keeping your hands free.

Many of the mask’s features remove a lot of the stress people experience when snorkeling initially, so it’s a great option for beginners. But bear in mind that this mask is designed for surface snorkels only – there’s no way to equalize your ears when you dive below the surface – so it’s not suitable for freediving or scuba diving. Plus, this mask isn’t designed for prolonged use or super strenuous snorkeling either, so it might frustrate more advanced snorkelers.

The open-heel fins are small and lightweight, making them super travel-friendly, yet they still pack a punch thanks to their rigidity. They’re nice and comfortable too, and our only complaint is that the strap could be a little sturdier – it’s prone to sliding in rough conditions.

Best for Beginners: TUSA SPORT POWERVIEW SNORKEL SET

MASK STYLE: Two windows

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry 

FIN STYLE: Open-heel

PRICE: $$ (without fins); $$$ (with fins)

PROS: Fins are optional, mirrored lenses option, beginner- and cold-water-friendly, high-quality construction

CONS: Expensive

The Tusa Sport Powerview Snorkel Set is an awesome option for anyone new to the world of snorkeling.

The snorkel features a top-seal mechanism, which makes learning to duck dive way easier, and it comes with a highly effective splashguard to protect you from chop too. What’s more, the reservoir at the base of the snorkel collects any water that does make its way into the tube, and it can be cleared in an instant thanks to the purge valve. We also love that it features a flexible section that’s great for scuba diving too.

The mask is constructed from high-quality tempered glass that aids light transmission and is ultra-durable, so you can use it for diving too. Plus, you can opt for mirrored lenses that will reduce harsh glare while you’re at the surface if you want. The skirt itself is constructed from super soft silicone that feels nice against the skin and creates an awesome seal.

The fins are open-heeled and, like the mask, feature EZ strap buckles systems that can be operated even when wearing gloves, making this snorkel set cold-water friendly. The fins are also some of the most powerful short fins we’ve come across, and they’ll be your best friend while you’re working on your kicking technique. And, if you decide you don’t need the fins (maybe you have some you love already), then you’ll be pleased to know this set is available without the fins too.

Finally, as an added bonus, this set folds away into a durable travel bag.

It might be a tad on the expensive side but, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly snorkel set that doesn’t compromise on quality, then the Tusa Powerview could be right up your street.

Best for Duck Dives: PHANTOM AQUATICS

MASK STYLE: One window

SNORKEL TYPE: Dry

FIN STYLE: N/A

PRICE: $

PROS: Low volume and easy equalization, great field of view, versatile, great value for money, stylish

CONS: Fins not included

Love diving down and checking out marine life up close when you’re snorkeling? Then we definitely recommend the Phantom Aquatics Snorkel Set.

The sleek design of this mask-snorkel combo is not only super stylish, but it’s also awesome for minimizing drag. What’s more, the super squishy nose area means you won’t have any troubles equalizing when the water pressure increases with depth. Plus, the super low volume makes clearing this mask a walk in the park too (and boosts your field of view).

The snorkel features a splash guard and purge valve which, despite being super handy, might be a tad too bulky for super serious freedivers. To combat this, a lack of a top seal has kept the overall weight and bulk down considerably, and this snorkel offers a great balance of sleekness and functionality for amateur freedivers and snorkelers. Plus, it comes with a corrugated section that’s popular among many scuba divers.

This set doesn’t come with any fins included, which might disappoint some people but will be great news for those of you with fins at home already. Finally, we were pleasantly surprised by the low price point of this mask-snorkel combo – it offers excellent value for money.

BUYING ADVICE FOR SNORKEL SETS

Mask

ONE WINDOW: Single-lens masks have just one ‘window’ that stretches across the whole mask. Because the lenses aren’t separated by a center piece, people with prominent brow areas sometimes find these masks more comfortable. Plus, the lack of a center piece leaves your view wide open without obstruction.

TWO WINDOWS: Dual-lens masks feature two windows that are separated at the nose area. If you want a prescription mask, but each eye requires a different prescription, then a dual-lens mask is the only way to go.

THREE/FOUR WINDOWS: Although not as common as one- and two-window masks, there are some masks out there with three or four windows. The additional windows are found at the side of the mask, and extend the wearer’s peripheral vision as well as letting more light in. However, they won’t eliminate blind spots completely, and the distortion makes some snorkelers or divers feel uneasy.

CLASSIC VS FULLFACE MASK: Fullface masks are a fairly recent development, and they’re typically used by nervous or beginner snorkelers. This is because they allow you breathe via the mouth and nose, offer unobstructed views, feature top-seal snorkels, and protect more of your face from the water.

Despite these advantages, the hard cover over the nose prevents users from equalizing their ears when they dive below the surface (you can’t pinch your nose), so most experienced snorkelers prefer classic masks. Classic masks are also more portable and, typically, cheaper than fullface masks.

Snorkel

CLASSIC SNORKEL: Classic snorkels are also called J-shaped snorkels because, well, they’re shaped like a ‘J’. These are the most basic snorkels and they lack special features that keep the inside of the tube ‘dry’. Although this may put off some beginners, they’re popular among more advanced snorkelers because of their lightweight, streamlined design, and general robustness.

DRY SNORKEL: Dry snorkels come with heaps of features that keep the inside of the snorkel as dry as possible (hence the name). As well as splash guards and purge valves, they feature some kind of seal mechanism at the top of the tube that prevents water from entering the snorkel when it’s submerged in water. This eliminates the need to clear the snorkel with a strong exhale after a duck dive, so they’re popular among beginners.

Many of them also feature a flexible corrugated section of snorkel tube that allows the mouthpiece to fall away from the side of the face, and this is a feature some scuba divers love (it stops the snorkel hitting them during the dive!).

SEMI-DRY SNORKEL: Semi-dry snorkels are the midway house between classic and dry snorkels. While they lack a seal mechanism at the top of the tube, they typically come with a purge valve and splashguard. This means that they won’t keep things as dry as a fully dry snorkel, but they will reduce water intake and make clearing a lot easier than with a classic snorkel.

Fins

CLOSED HEEL FINS: 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 divers 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. 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 FINS: Open-heeled fins typically feature larger foot pockets designed to accommodate feet tucked away inside a pair of dive boots (although some can be worn without). This is ideal for people diving in cold locations, where diving barefoot just isn’t an option, and also for people walking over treacherous terrain to shore dive locations. 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, this extra material 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 dive holiday!). Finally, some people prefer to wear booties when traveling by boat because they can provide extra grip – but this really is a matter of personal preference!

FIN LENGTH: The longer the fin, the more powerful your kicks will be. But long fins aren’t easy to carry around. So, 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’re probably better off with a short pair of fins.

Short fins are also advantageous if you’ll be swimming through caves, swim throughs, or packing a small suitcase since they take up considerably less space – not to mention that they’re typically cheaper.

On the flipside, if you want a pair of fins that you can use for scuba diving or freediving as well as snorkeling, then it’s probably worth spending a bit more on a pair of long fins you can use for everything.

MORE INFORMATION

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