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.

The Top 5 Snorkels in 2023

All the Snorkels We've tested

Best Overall


Our Overall Review

4.8

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel is flexible and easy to travel with.
  • check-mark
    Is low priced but made of good material.
  • check-mark
    A great snorkel for beginners.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    The mouthpiece on this snorkel is a little small, making it difficult to keep your jaw clamped down on it.
  • check-mark
    This snorkel does not fit to the face perfectly, meaning you’ll have to keep it tightly gripped in your mouth.
Click to see more
Click to see more
omer-sub-zoom-pro-soft-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Omer Sub Zoom Pro

Most Comfortable


Our Overall Review

4.8

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel has a unique floating valve system, which closes when it comes into contact with water.
  • check-mark
    The dry top opens as soon as you resurface.
  • check-mark
    The mouthpiece is adjustable and has a swivel ball joint.
  • check-mark
    The tube allows for the snorkel to drop away from the face when not in use or scuba diving.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    If the dry top of the snorkel malfunctions for any reason, it can become blocked and not allow you to breathe through it.
  • check-mark
    When under the water, this snorkel can increase drag.
Click to see more
Click to see more
xs-scuba-m-line-snorkel-3d-flex-dry.jpg

Where to buy:

XS Scuba M-Line

Best for Travel


Our Overall Review

4.7

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel is ideal for the travelers. It’s lightweight and easy to pack.
  • check-mark
    It is flexible and easily sits on the face.
  • check-mark
    This is a great snorkel for beginner snorkelers and divers.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    The airway can sometimes become blocked with dirt and sand, if not cleaned properly after every use.
  • check-mark
    There is no splashguard, meaning that water can enter the top of the snorkel whilst you’re on the surface.
Click to see more
Click to see more
aqua-lung-nautilus-foldable-travel-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Aqua Lung Nautilus

Most Durable


Our Overall Review

4.6

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel has a sliding snorkel clip.
  • check-mark
    Purge Valve that requires little effort to clear.
  • check-mark
    Perfect for divers and even snorkelers who are planning to be out in the water for long periods of time.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Due to the flexible ridges within the lower part of the snorkel, these can collect dirt easily and can block the breathing tube.
Click to see more
Click to see more
mares-ergo-flex-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Mares Ergo Flex

Most Affordable


Our Overall Review

4.5

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel is extremely comfortable to use.
  • check-mark
    It has a splashguard, which means if you’re ending your dive in choppy water, you do not need to worry about inhaling water.
  • check-mark
    One of the best snorkels available on the market.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    This snorkel tends to flap around a bit if it hasn’t been fastened onto the mask properly.
  • check-mark
    If you get sand stuck in the valve at the top of the snorkel, this can block the tube and therefore not allow you to breathe through it.
Click to see more
Click to see more
cressi-supernova-dry-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Cressi Supernova


Our Overall Review

4.4

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Well made with good material.
  • check-mark
    Purge valve works efficiently with only a short sharp exhale to totally clear the tube of water.
  • check-mark
    Lightweight.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    If you’re attaching this snorkel to a narrow strapped mask, the fit can be quite slack.
  • check-mark
    Quite expensive.
  • check-mark
    The mouthpiece may require the user to clamp down, causing jaw ache if used for long periods of time.
Click to see more
Click to see more
atomic-sv2-semi-dry-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Atomic SV2


Our Overall Review

4.3

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Really easy to use and just clips onto your mask.
  • check-mark
    It has a purge valve attached so is easy to clear.
  • check-mark
    No backflow through the purge valve.
  • check-mark
    Comfortably fitting mouthpiece.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    The clip that connects the snorkel breaks easily and can fall off with the slightest bit of pressure.
Click to see more
Click to see more
genesis-surf-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Genesis Surf


Our Overall Review

4.2

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    Has a full-face design.
  • check-mark
    Perfect for beginners.
  • check-mark
    No need to bite down on a mouthpiece and irritate your jaw.
  • check-mark
    Has a dry top snorkel design to reduce leaking.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Fogs up easily.
  • check-mark
    Has no access to nose so cannot equalize.
  • check-mark
    Make sure you try it on before you buy, to ensure the perfect fit.
Click to see more
Click to see more
aqua-lung-smart-snorkel-full-face-mask.jpg

Where to buy:

Aqua Lung Smart-Snorkel


Our Overall Review

4

Things we like:

  • check-mark
    This semi-dry snorkel is streamlined to prevent drag whilst under the water.
  • check-mark
    It has a splash guard at the top to prevent water entering the breathing tube.
  • check-mark
    Near effortless purge valve to remove any water within the tube.
  • check-mark
    Flexible silicone mouthpiece, to reduce tired jaws.
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

  • check-mark
    Certain parts of this snorkel swivel or move and can leak over time.
  • check-mark
    If dirt gets trapped within the flexible part of this snorkel, it can lead to impaired breathing.
Click to see more
Click to see more
aquabionic-s01-semi-dry-flex-snorkel.jpg

Where to buy:

Aquabionic S01

Related Reviews

There are several different types of snorkels to choose from, depending on what you require and what type of activity you’ll be taking part in. Will you stay completely on the surface or will you dive down? Will you be wearing the snorkel as part of your dive gear, or on its own? Listed are the most common types of snorkels and what to look for in each.

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.
Fine tuning your snorkeling skills
Fine tuning your snorkeling skills
Photo by: Dudarev Mikhail

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.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the best snorkels?

The best snorkel depends on your individual needs. Our divers tested a lot of snorkels and reviewed the best of them. We found the most comfortable, durable, affordable and the best for travel.

These are our top picks.

What's important to know before choosing a snorkel?

Before you choose one, it is important to know that there are several different types of snorkels available, depending on what you require and what type of activity you’ll be taking part in.

Read our guide to the most common types of snorkels:

  1. Classic Snorkel
  2. Dry Snorkel
  3. Flexible Snorkel
  4. Semi-Dry Snorkel
  5. Full-Face Snorkel

Related Reviews

On this page

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Go to Frontpage

close