Best Snorkel Vest: A Snorkeler’s Review 

Before we delve into my top snorkel vest pick, it’s important to know the difference between snorkel flotation devices.

Drowning is always a possible risk in an unpredictable open ocean even with the strongest of swimmers. You really should know some basic swimming skills before snorkeling.

Enjoy the underwater world but know your limits.

The two most popular personal flotation devices (PFD) are the life jacket and the snorkel vest. There is a difference!

A life vest is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD and keeps your head above water no matter what (good luck trying to snorkel in one!). It offers you the best protection from drowning.

A snorkel vest gives you just a little extra buoyancy while horizontal in the water and is way more comfortable. You can customize your buoyancy by inflating it as much or as little as you want.

If you want to have an enjoyable snorkeling experience, pick the snorkel vest.

Before I discovered the snorkel vest, I experimented with other flotation devices.

The first flotation aid I tried was the snorkeling belt in 2010.

I snorkeled all over Maui with this belt and loved it! It gave so much freedom because your arms are completely uninhibited.

Although a swim belt is a great option for extra buoyancy, it’s so bulky to pack and not great for travel.

Plus, the only dive centers I have seen offering the belt for rental were in Hawaii, which doesn’t help if you are in St. John, Bonaire, the Maldives, etc.

I have also used a flotation noodle.

When I snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef with Wavelength Reef Cruises, I was offered a flotation noodle. That device also worked well, but you run the risk of it slipping away.

Not great for packing because of the awkward shape.

Now, let’s talk about the best snorkeling flotation device… the Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest!

One of the top reasons to love the Scubapro Cruiser Snorkel Vest is the customizable buoyancy!

It has a tube on the side. Blow as much air as you want to inflate the bladder on the front. You decide what you need.

Sometimes you need to dive down like when you spot an eel wrapped in lettuce coral.

Press down on the tube to let the air out and free dive down. When you pop back up, blow some air back in and return to being extra buoyant.

You cannot dive down with a life jacket or swimming belt.

The back of the snorkel vest is made of Neoprene, which serves two purposes. UV protection and a little warmth.

The snorkel vest comes in multiple sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL. You want the vest snug enough, so it doesn’t ride up.

I’m 5’2″ and have the vest in small.

One type of snorkel vest is a horse collar + crotch strap.

Horrible design.

Having the inflated bladder wrap around your neck is not comfortable. Add an annoying crotch strap that keeps rubbing every 5 seconds, and forget it. You’ll want out of the water before you even get in.

Any blog post that recommends this type of snorkel vest has clearly never worn this design.

The Scubapro Cruiser is a jacket design, which closes securely with a side zipper.  The bladder is only on the front, so it’s very comfortable around the neck.

When you are traveling with a snorkeling flotation device, you need something that packs super flat because you also need to fit all your other snorkel gear.

The Scubapro folds down like a pancake. Pretty impressive.

There is a little mesh pocket at the bottom of the vest to store things.

However, I have never used it because I use my waterproof Ugo to store my phone, sunglasses, car keys, and credit cards/ID.

But, it’s there if you need it!

The ocean is a wild and beautiful place.

You never know when you may need some extra protection.

Say you get a foot cramp (which has happened to me more than once!) or the current starts to get stronger. 

It’s nice to be able to rely on the extra buoyancy. Also, the bright yellow bladder on the front gives you more visibility if a medical emergency were to arise.

Your back will be exposed to full-on sun while snorkeling.

Of course, wearing your favorite rash guard and swim leggings would do the trick too (and I would wear them anyway!), but the snorkel vest also gives you UV protection.

Plus, the neoprene back gives you a little warmth.

Treading water can be tiring. When you have that extra buoyancy, it requires less effort to navigate around.

Wearing my Scubapro snorkel vest allows me to stay out for hours because I don’t get tired. My husband has to now drag me out of the water. I could snorkel for hours.

When I decided to write this blog post, I checked to see if any companies were making similar snorkel vests. At the time of my purchase, the Scubapro Cruiser was the only one in its class.

I did find one alternative.

The Seaview Palawan Inflatable Snorkel Vest.

It has adjustable buckles around the waist, which allows a more customizable fit but adds a little more bulk.

It’s highly rated and more affordable than the Scubpro Snorkel Vest, so I wanted to share it as another possible option. I may test it in the future to compare and contrast between the two.

I purchased my Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest on Amazon in 2018, almost 7 years ago!

I love it and have been wearing it ever since.

The snorkel vest gives me more confidence in the water and allows for a relaxing, comfortable underwater experience.

I won’t go in the water without it whether I’m in the Maldives keeping up with a whale shark or snorkeling in a stronger current like at Lac Bay in Bonaire or Nusa Penida in Indonesia.

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Questions about the Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Vest?

Let me know in the comments below!