12 Best Snorkel Sets | Updated in 2023

What vacation to the beach would be complete without snorkeling? It’s one of the most popular holiday activities, whether you’re in your home country or abroad, and with good reason.

One of the best things about snorkeling is that it’s something everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level.

Whether you’re checking out Cozumel, or taking a trip to Thailand, taking your own snorkeling gear rather than renting it is always preferable.

After all, you want to be using some proper snorkeling gear. Not to mention that your own mask is guaranteed to fit.

Here, we take a look at what to look for when buying a good snorkeling set and review some of the best currently on the market.

What Is a Good Snorkel Set?

Either two or three components make up a good snorkel set: mask and snorkel, or mask, snorkel, and fins (flippers). Of course, you are able to purchase each of the parts separately. But given all the options available, knowing where to start can be difficult.

That’s why some of the top scuba and watersports brands, such as Cressi and Mares, offer complete snorkel sets. They take away the hassle of the endless search and research. As an added bonus, buying everything together generally works out cheaper than purchasing the individual parts.

A good snorkel set should consist of a quality mask that fits well without leaking, and a snorkel that allows you to breath when face-down on the surface of the water. Some snorkel sets come with fins, others don’t. You don’t have to use fins if you prefer, and many snorkelers choose not to. But they can be a useful piece of kit, as we will explain later on.

What Is the Best Mask for Snorkeling?

Getting a good mask in your snorkel set is important. The whole point of snorkeling is to see the underwater life and without a mask, that’s impossible. Masks come in different styles and which is best for you really comes down to personal preference. Some people like masks with one window so there is no obstruction between the eyes. Others prefer two-window masks. You can also look at frameless masks which are designed to give better peripheral vision.

The most important point, though, is that a good mask should fit well and create a watertight seal around your face. Lots of rental and cheap masks have plastic skirts that are more prone to splitting. A silicone skirt will give a good seal and be much more comfortable. Also, check whether the mask is made from tempered glass as it offers greater protection for your eyes.

For a full discussion on masks and what to look out for, check out our guide here.

What Is a Dry Snorkel Set?

Snorkels have come a long way from the rigid tubes they once were. The majority of today’s snorkels are flexible and come with dump valves to make clearing the water easier than with previous models — one sharp exhalation and water is pushed out of the one-way valve at the bottom of the snorkel.

The traditional J-style snorkel is easy to use but these have an open top, so water can enter the snorkel. If you’ve ever been snorkeling when there are waves, you’ll know that open-top snorkels take on a fair amount of water and need to be cleared regularly.

They are still a good option, but manufacturers today aim to prevent water from entering the snorkel in the first place. Semi-dry snorkels come with a splash guard that gives some protection. But a semi-dry is not great for snorkeling in the ocean or if you plan to dive below the surface. The other option is a dry snorkel. So, what is a dry snorkel set?

A dry snorkel has a valve at the top of the breathing tube that completely seals when it is submerged. This keeps water out and also prevents you from mistakenly taking a breath when underwater. When you return to the surface, the valve opens and you can breathe easily without having to find enough breath to blow and expel the water. Dry snorkels are an excellent choice if you’re a fan of diving down while you’re snorkeling.

What Are the Best Flippers for Snorkeling?

Fins, or flippers, are a great accessory to a snorkel set. They allow you to move quicker and maneuver better in the water than you can with just bare feet. There are two different types of fins you can buy for snorkeling: full foot or open heel.

Full foot fins have a closed pocket which your foot fits snuggly into. Open heel fins have an adjustable strap that goes around the back of the foot. They allow you to wear neoprene booties with a thick sole, which is great if you have to walk over rocks or stones to get into the water before snorkeling.

There’s really no single best pair of flippers for snorkeling. It really depends on your circumstances. For example, where will you be snorkeling? Full foot fins are great for warm water but for cooler waters, you may want to wear socks or booties for warmth, in which case open heel would be the better option. Not a lot of room in your luggage? Short fins may be better suited for traveling as they are lighter and take up less room.

As a general rule though, sticking with respected brands goes a long way toward fin quality. There’s a reason you’ll see so many dive instructors and snorkel guides wearing Mares Avanti Quattro fins: they perform well and they last.

How Much Does a Good Snorkel Set Cost?

You can pick up cheap mask and snorkel in most big departments stores for around $15, but is it really going to be good quality? Quality ensures your safety when you’re out in the water. For instance, many budget options have windows made of non-tempered glass. And as we discussed above, tempered glass is a must-have spec.

A good snorkel set doesn’t have to set you back the earth though. If you’re on a budget, there are some great snorkel sets available for around $25 to $30. For the more advanced snorkelers or those who go on vacations a few times throughout the year, spending $50 to $100 is going to get you a top quality snorkel set that should last for years and years.

Our snorkel set reviews below, divided into budget, mid-range, and high-end options, will give you a guide as to what you can expect for your money.

Best Kids Snorkel Set

Snorkeling is something that people of all ages can enjoy, and that includes kids. What could be better than introducing your child to Nemo and friends at an early age?

Obviously, children are smaller than adults and cannot use the same equipment. Luckily, some of the leading companies design and market dedicated kids snorkel sets with smaller masks, snorkels, and fins. A fantastic option is the US Divers snorkel set, with all the features found in adult snorkel sets. It’s easy to use and comes in fun, bold colors which your kids will love.

If your child isn’t a comfortable swimmer yet, make sure that there’s an adult in the water with them at all times when they’re snorkeling.