The Best Snorkels in 2023

Whether you’re a diver, snorkeler or both, a reliable snorkel is a vital part of your equipment.

Along with a properly fitting mask and a pair of fins, a snorkel is really all you need to enjoy the water from the surface. And many snorkels make it possible to dive down for periods of time without getting water in the tube. Read on for our picks of some of the market’s best snorkels, plus a buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when it’s time to choose.

Check out our guide to full-face snorkel masks here.

Types of Snorkels

Classic Snorkel

The classic snorkel is sometimes referred to as a ‘J-style’ snorkel. This snorkel consists of a simple plastic tube with a mouthpiece attached. It is usually slightly bent, however, it can also be adjusted into a more specific shape to suit the owner.

A classic J-style snorkel is by far the most affordable type available and can be used for both scuba diving as well as snorkeling. This snorkel is slightly more rigid than other types of snorkels, which can make it a bit less comfortable than other types. Also note that if you’re on the surface and a J-style snorkel becomes completely submerged, the tube will fill with water. You’ll have to take a deep breath and forcefully expel the water out the top in order to use it again. A classic J-style snorkel is a great option for a beginner, however, as it is simple and easy to use.

Advantages of a classic J-style snorkel

• Very affordable
• Perfect for beginners to snorkeling or scuba diving
• Easy to pack for snorkeling/dive trips

Disadvantages of a classic J-style snorkel

• Material is quite hard and can be uncomfortable
• To clear it properly you must exhale forcefully
• Can leak easily

Dry Snorkel

A dry snorkel has a valve at the top that completely blocks water and air when the snorkel is submerged. It also has a purge valve at the base, making it easy to expel the water from the tube once you’re at the surface. This snorkel also allows you to glide along the surface of the ocean, duck down, and resurface—all without worrying about clearing out the tube constantly.

If you’re using this snorkel while scuba diving, you can save energy at the surface since you don’t need to push the water out from the snorkel, as the valve at the top keeps it clear.

The purge valve at the bottom of this snorkel allows you to exhale quickly and remove any water that has entered the tube. This is an efficient snorkel and is a good choice for both divers and snorkelers, but it’s not without a few issues. The valve at the top of the snorkel can sometimes become blocked, making it difficult to breathe through. In addition, there is air constantly inside a dry snorkel, which means that it remains buoyant throughout a dive or while you’re underwater. It can also increase drag while swimming through the water.

Advantages of a dry snorkel

• Great for duck diving while snorkeling
• Does not need constant clearing
• The purge valve can clear the little water that creeps in

Disadvantages of a dry snorkel

• If the top valve gets blocked it can be difficult to breathe
• Increases drag
• Can be more buoyant than other snorkels

Flexible Snorkel

The flexible snorkel is great for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Just as the name implies, it’s constructed of flexible material. It does feature a rigid part, as well as a purge valve that only requires a short exhalation to remove any water from inside the tube.The flexible snorkel is great for divers who prefer a more snug fit around their face.

Advantages of a flexible snorkel

• Falls away from the face when not in use, which means uninhibited viewing
• Purge valve makes it easy to remove water from the tube
• More flexible than the classic snorkel
• Light and easy to travel with

Disadvantages of a flexible snorkel

• If you’re snorkeling off a beach and get dirt or sand into the valve, this can cause the airway to get blocked.
• There is nothing stopping the water penetrating the top of the snorkel.

Semi-Dry Snorkel

The semi-dry snorkel is the perfect combination of a classic J-shape and a dry snorkel. Semi-dry snorkels have a splash guard to prevent water from entering the breathing tube from above and a purge valve at the base. They can be constructed of either flexible or rigid materials.

Some of the purge valves and splash guards work with a moving mechanism, which is not ideal if a small grain of sand or particulate gets stuck, as this can cause the mechanism to leak and or become blocked.

Advantages of a semi-dry snorkel

• Easy to use and flexible
• Feature a purge valve and splash guard

Disadvantages of a semi-dry snorkel

• Will leak if dirt or sand gets into the mechanism
• Moving parts can break easily and tend to leak after time
• Slightly more expensive than other available snorkels

Full-Face Snorkel

This snorkel is an all-in-one combination of a mask and snorkel. The snorkel itself is positioned in the center at the top of the mask. There is no mouthpiece, making this an easy snorkel to use for those who may be new to the sport. Even though it is not a snorkel per se, it is a good choice for beginners who prefer to breathe freely without having to bite down on a mouthpiece.

Note that these snorkels can only be used for snorkeling, not scuba diving. Most importantly, some older or cheaper models can be faulty and can lead to serious injury, even death in several unfortunate cases.

Consequently, we have used and only advocate reputable brands that have amassed years of experience in the industry (even though there are cheaper, less reliable, and potentially dangerous low-quality brands on Amazon).

See our guide to full-face snorkel masks here.

Advantages of a full-face snorkel mask

• Easy to use
• Ideal for beginners
• Allows the jaw to relax

Disadvantages of a full-face snorkel mask

• No access to nose, so you cannot equalize if you dip under the surface
• Cannot use for scuba diving
• Can fog up easily
• Snorkel position can sometimes cause difficulty if the sea is choppy
• Large and difficult to pack if traveling

Another types of Snorkle is the Ameo Powerbreather that has two tubes on either side of your head and has an adjustable strap going across the back of the head. Something different to try out.