Scuba Diving vs. Snorkeling Fins: Don’t Buy the Wrong Pair!
Snorkeling and scuba diving fins might look similar at first glance, but trust me, they’re built for totally different experiences in the water. My husband is a diver, so I’ve seen firsthand how his fins are designed for deep dives and strong currents, while my snorkeling fins prioritize comfort and ease of movement at the surface.
Here are the 4 key differences between scuba and snorkeling fins I’ve learned from years of snorkeling and testing gear at 74 different sites since 2007 and from watching my husband swim with his heavy dive fins.
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01- Length & Size
Size comparison of our scuba diving and snorkeling fins
Left: Oceanic Viper
Middle: Scubapro GO
Right: Cressi Palau
Snorkeling fins are shorter and more flexible, which makes them perfect for cruising along the surface of the water without exhausting your legs.
Unlike divers, I don’t need extra power to propel myself through deep water while wearing a tank. My snorkeling fins are designed to be easy on the muscles.
Fins are generally broken down into three sizes:
Long Fins
Long fins (>25”) are used by scuba divers, when you need more thrust, efficiency, and speed.
Short Fins
Short fins (<25”) work best for snorkelers because they are easier on your legs. They help me maneuver around things like beautiful pockets of coral at the Sofitel in Moorea and docile nurse sharks in Belize.
They are longer than my travel fins discussed below, which gives me a little more power and thrust.
In my opinion, this size is the Goldilocks fit for snorkelers.
My Scubapro GO Travel fins fall into this category.
Travel Fins
There are also “travel” snorkeling fins (15-20”) like my Cressi Palau fins. This “travel” size is great for packing and for snorkeling short distances in calm water!
I have used travel snorkel fins during easy snorkels like Maho and Francis Bay in St. John, Boca Catalina in Aruba, and an easy drift snorkel at Klein Bonaire.
Do not miss my in-depth review of my favorite snorkeling fins if you want to know more!
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02- Stiffness & Power
Unlike scuba fins, which are stiffer to handle the weight of dive gear, snorkeling fins are designed for easy, relaxed kicking.
Flexible fins let me glide without overexerting myself.
The last thing you want is to feel like you’re getting a leg workout while just floating above a reef!
03- Open-Heel vs. Full-Foot Design
Picture of myself wearing the Scubapro GO Open Heel Fins with dive booties
Snorkeling fins come in two styles: full foot pocket and open heel.
Full-foot fins slip on like shoes and are great for warm-water snorkeling, but I personally prefer open heel fins with my Cressi dive booties for these 5 reasons.
This setup protects my feet when I have to wade over rocky shorelines (looking at you, Bonaire!) and makes climbing boat ladders way more comfortable.
04- Travel-Friendliness
How the short (Scubapro GO) and travel snorkel fins (Cressi Palau) pack in a suitcase
If you love to travel and snorkel, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to pack snorkeling fins.
They’re lighter, shorter, and don’t take up nearly as much space as my husband’s big, clunky scuba fins.
Because of the size, the hubby often carries his diving fins as a carry-on because they do not fit well in his suitcase.
Bottom Line
For snorkeling, lightweight, flexible fins are the way to go.
They keep things comfortable, help you move effortlessly, and won’t weigh you down when packing for your next adventure.
If you want something versatile, open-heel fins with booties offer extra protection for shore entries and boat ladders without the bulk of scuba fins.
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Questions about snorkeling fins?
Let me know in the comments below!
I am going to be going to O’ahu next month to snorkel. I recently lost my two front teeth and won’t have them replaced by then. Would you be able to recommend a snorkel that will allow me to bite only with side and back teeth? Thank you!
Thanks so much for your question, and I’m sorry to hear about the timing with your dental work.
Most traditional snorkel mouthpieces are designed to sit gently between your teeth. Of course, everyone’s mouth is different, but I’ve found that I tend to hold my snorkel more with my side teeth than my front ones. It mostly just rests in my mouth. I’m not biting down hard (doing that can lead to jaw fatigue) but instead keeping it in place with light pressure from the side and back teeth.
Here are a few options that might work well in your situation:
1. Soft silicone mouthpieces: Look for snorkels that come with softer, more flexible mouthpieces made with silicone. These require less bite pressure and can be more comfortable, especially if you’re avoiding using your front teeth.
2. Full-face snorkel masks: These can be a good option for people with dental concerns since they don’t require a mouthpiece at all. However, they’ve raised some safety concerns over the years, so it’s important to do your research. If you’re considering one, look for a high-quality model from a reputable brand like Seaview, and be sure it fits properly and is used only in calm, shallow water. For full transparency, I haven’t personally used a full-face mask. I’ve always loved my traditional mask and snorkel setup, so I’ve stuck with that.
3. Visit a local dive shop: If you have one nearby, it’s worth going in and trying a few different mouthpieces. Everyone’s jaw structure and bite are a little different, and finding the right fit can make a big difference in comfort.
Hope these insights helped. Have an amazing time snorkeling in Oʻahu! 🤿 🐠