Best Snorkeling Fins for Travel: Expert Snorkeler’s Review
When I slipped on my first pair of snorkel fins in Costa Rica in 2007, I had no idea it would lead to a lifelong obsession with exploring the underwater world. Fast forward to today, and my husband and I have checked off 74 incredible snorkeling sites across the globe. We’ve snorkeled with whale sharks in the Maldives, glided alongside sharks and rays in Moorea, and drifted over spectacular reefs in Belize and Indonesia.
All this underwater adventuring has turned us into inadvertent snorkeling gear testers. Through countless trips and various water conditions, we’ve learned which fins truly deliver and which ones… well, let’s just say they weren’t worth the luggage space.
After years of trial and error, I’m sharing the three best snorkeling fins for travelers who want the best underwater experience without adding a bunch of luggage weight.
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Top 3 Snorkeling Fins
If you don’t feel like reading through this detailed review, here’s the TL;DR version of my top 3 picks!
→ Best Fins for SHORT distance: Cressi Palau
→ Best Fins for LONG distance: Scubapro GO
→ Best FULL FOOT fins: Mares Avanti
And if you are not quite sure what to look for in a good set of travel snorkeling fins …
Read these articles first:
→ Open heel vs. full foot pocket snorkeling fins
→ Scuba diving fins vs. snorkeling fins
Alright, let’s get into the detailed review!
01- Best Snorkel Fins for Short Distance
Photo of my Cressi Palau snorkel fins when we snorkeled at Isaac Bay in St. Croix
My Go-To Fins for Easy Snorkeling
For calmer waters and shorter snorkels, my Cressi Palau Travel Snorkeling Fins have been absolute workhorses.
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Enjoying snorkeling with a turtle at Tres Trapi in Aruba
I’ve taken them everywhere from the sea turtle-filled waters of Maho and Francis Bay in St. John USVI and Tres Trapi in Aruba to the vibrant coral gardens of Tiahura in Moorea.
After countless trips, they’re still holding up strong.
Why I Recommend Cressi Fins
I first grabbed these fins because I wanted something lightweight, packable, and comfortable, and they’ve more than delivered.
At just 2.2 pounds and 18 inches long, they slide right into my luggage without a fuss leaving plenty of room for, you know, all the extra outfits I insist on packing.
Sizing Tip: I wear 6.5-7 in women’s shoes and purchased the Cressi fins in small/medium to accommodate my dive booties in case that helps anyone!
How Cressi Palau Travel Snorkeling Fins pack in my Travelpro 21″ carry-on suitcase
One of my favorite features?
The open heel foot pocket. I almost always wear dive booties to avoid blisters and sea urchins, and these fins easily accommodate them.
Wearing my Cressi Palau Snorkel Fins with the Cressi Dive Booties
Plus, the adjustable strap makes sizing flexible, great if your feet swell in the heat or if you and your partner wear close enough sizes to share.
Cressi has been making diving and snorkeling equipment since 1946, so they know their stuff.
Some of my favorite snorkel masks are from Cressi too, which I break down in my Best Snorkel Masks Guide.
Bottom Line
These are fantastic travel fins if you want something compact, reliable, and easy to kick with in calmer waters. They’ve carried me through some of the best snorkeling spots, and I plan to keep them in my gear bag for many more adventures.
02- Best Snorkel Fins for Long Distance
Picture of myself with my Scubapro GO Travel Fins at Angel City in Bonaire
My Go-To Snorkel Fins for Power
Snorkeling from Little Lameshur Bay to Yawzi Point in St. John USVI, I quickly realized something. I was working way harder than my husband. He was gliding along effortlessly, while I was feeling every kick.
That’s when it hit me: my fins just weren’t cutting it for longer swims.
I needed a little more thrust for sites that required more power. That’s when I discovered the Scubapro GO Travel Snorkeling Fins!
On a recent trip to the Maldives, I gave them a proper workout. We snorkeled long stretches of reef at the Outrigger and Le Meridien, and the extra length made a huge difference.
I could cover more ground with less effort, finally keeping pace with my husband instead of trailing behind.
The real game-changer? Trying to snorkel with a whale shark in the South Ari Atoll.
If you’ve ever snorkeled with a whale shark, you know they’re fast. Like super fast. By the time I’m done, I feel like I’ve had a full leg workout.
One of the reasons I could keep up was thanks to my Scubapro Go Travel fins. There’s no way my Cressi fins would be up for this challenge.
Snorkeling with a whale shark in the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives
I was also grateful for the extra thrust when dealing with stronger currents at Motu Ahi in Moorea, Buck Island in St. Croix, and Manta Point in Nusa Penida.
If you’ve ever snorkeled in a current that wants to carry you in the wrong direction, you know how important it is to have fins that actually work with you, not against you.
Even my husband noticed the difference. Suddenly, I wasn’t lagging behind.
Why I Recommend Scubapro Fins
One of the things I love about the Scubapro GO Travel Fins is how easy they are to wear with my dive booties.
The open heel pocket gives plenty of space, so I never have to worry about squeezing my feet in or dealing with uncomfortable pressure points.
Plus, the self-adjusting bungee heel strap makes slipping them on and off a breeze. No awkward fin wiggling required.
They stay snug without digging into the back of my heel, which is a huge win when you’re in and out of the water all day.
Picture of myself wearing my Cressi dive booties and the Scubapro GO fins (LOVE the bungee strap!)
Size-wise, they’re definitely a step up from my Cressi Palau fins. At 22 inches long and 2.6 pounds, they’re a bit bigger than the Cressis (which are 18 inches and 2.2 pounds), but they’re still easy to pack.
I do have to get a little creative when fitting them into my 21” carry-on, but in my medium-sized suitcase, they slide in without any issues.
Totally worth the extra couple of inches for the added power.
Sizing Tip: For reference, I wear a women’s size 6.5 to 7 shoe. I ordered both the extra-small/small and the medium/large to compare. I ended up keeping the medium/large. It was just a bit roomier and fit like a glove with my dive booties.
Size-wise, they’re definitely a step up from my Cressi Palau fins. At 22 inches long and 2.6 pounds, they’re a bit bigger than the Cressis (which are 18 inches and 2.2 pounds), but they’re still easy to pack.
I do have to get a little creative when fitting them into my 21” carry-on, but in my medium-sized suitcase, they slide in without any issues.
Totally worth the extra couple of inches for the added power.
Also, in case this helps someone with sizing, I’m a 6.5 women’s shoe size. I purchased two sizes to try on: extra-small/small and medium/large. I kept the medium/large, which was just slightly bigger because they accommodated my dive booties like a glove!
Durability was another big factor for me.
These fins are made from 100% monoprene, which means they’re built to last. I’ve put them through plenty of heavy-duty snorkeling from long-distance reef explorations to battling currents, and they still look and perform like new.
Oh, and the best surprise? They float!
I found this out the hard way when I was stepping down the ladder of our overwater villa in the Maldives, and one of my fins slipped out of my hand.
They just bobbed right back up to the surface.
Crisis averted.
Packing Comparison: Cressi vs. Scubapro
Packing the Scubapro fins in my 21” carry-on Travelpro suitcase is a little tight, and I have to pack them at a slight diagonal as seen in the photo below.
Scubapro GO Travel Fins in my Travelpro 21″ carry-on suitcase
However, when I pack them in my medium-sized Travelpro suitcase, no problem. They fit great!
See the photo below. I also included the Cressi fins to show you the size difference between the two.
Scubapro GO Travel (top) and Cressi Palau Fins (bottom) in 24″ Travlepro suitcase
The next photo shows the Scubapro GO fins in my medium-sized Travelpro suitcase, packed with all my other clothes and toiletries.
You can see my fins in the top left corner of the suitcase. Still plenty of room for all of my stuff!
I took this photo right after we got back from snorkeling in Aruba.
Scubapro GO travel fins packed with my clothes and toiletries
Bottom Line
If you’re sticking to short, easy snorkels, my Cressi Palau fins are still great. But if you want more power for longer swims or stronger currents, the Scubapro GO Travel Snorkeling Fins are absolutely worth the upgrade.
03- Best Full Foot Snorkel Fins
Mares Avanti Superchannel Full Foot Fins
Full Foot Fins: Not My Preference, But Maybe Yours?
I’ll be honest. I’m not a full foot fin kind of person.
I prefer the flexibility of open-heel fins with dive booties, especially when dealing with rocky shore (and sea urchin!) entries like Waterlemon Cay at St. John or Karpata in Bonaire.
But I know plenty of snorkelers swear by them, so I wanted to include at least one solid option for those in that camp.
If you’re looking for a highly rated, comfortable, and powerful full foot fin, the Mares Avanti Superchannel Fins are a great pick.
Why I Recommend Mares Fins
These fins are made from Tecralene, which gives them just the right balance of elasticity and softness.
The orthopedic foot pocket with an open toe makes for a super comfortable fit, which is key if you plan on spending hours exploring the underwater world.
No one wants fin-induced foot cramps ruining their snorkel session.
What really stands out about these fins is the three-channel blade design. It’s built to move more water with each kick, giving you extra thrust without extra effort.
Whether you’re snorkeling over a shallow reef or diving deeper, this design helps you glide through the water with ease.
And the best part? They’re versatile.
Unlike some snorkel-specific fins, these work just as well for scuba diving. If you’re the type who likes to switch between snorkeling and diving, this could be a great all-in-one option.
Bottom Line
While full foot fins aren’t my personal go-to, the Amazon reviews speak for themselves. Snorkelers and divers love them.
So if you’re team full foot, the Mares Avanti might just be your perfect fit.
Top Tips on Finding the Best Fins
Tip #1
Tip #2
Purchase your snorkeling fins in one of two ways. Go to your local dive shop OR purchase the fins from a reputable seller that has an acceptable return policy.
Tip #3
Note any pressure points. If you feel the fins are rubbing in any weird way when you try them on, they are not for you. Move on to the next pair.
Final Thoughts
Make sure you purchase fins suited for snorkeling and not just diving! There is a difference. The Cressi Palau and the Scubapro GO Travel fins are both fantastic options. I use both depending on the type of snorkeling I’m doing.
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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Questions about finding the right snorkeling fins?
Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you so much for taking the time to educate me on snorkeling gear. You definitely seem to know what’s best in giving choices. Much appreciated. I am going to St Croix with my daughter in October. And we both love the underwater sea life. You have been very helpful
Thank you so much for reaching out! Yes, we LOVE snorkeling! St. Croix is beautiful. One of our favorite snorkeling spots in St. Croix is Frederiksted Pier. If you all plan to snorkel there, check out my article on our favorite snorkeling spots in St. Croix: Best St Croix Snorkeling Spots
Enjoy your trip with your daughter!
What a great article! Thank you. I will be following your articles and recommendations.
I appreciate your kind feedback. Super happy to hear this guide is helpful. Enjoy your snorkeling trip. 😊
Thank you Nichole, this is exactly what I was looking for! We’ve gone to several of the locations you’ve listed but always just rent the fins. It’s definitely time I purchase my own. Heading to back to St. John (my happy place) next month. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. It truly means a lot! St. John is my happy place as well. It’s such a stunning island with so many incredible snorkeling spots. I think you’ll be really glad you invested in your own fins. Having gear that fits properly makes a huge difference in comfort and performance. Plus, good fins can last a long time. I’ve had my Cressi fins since 2018 and picked up the Scubapro GO fins in 2022. Both are still going strong! Enjoy St. John!
Hi, your review on the finsis great . We are ready to get rid of our heavy board like fins that we have used for years. My question is about sizing. (Female size 9 shoe, 116 pounds, We do have boots). What size fin would you suggest. I’m thinking a large. Also did you buy on Amazon? We live in upper Wi and easiest way is with Amazon but we also just saw that some sizes and colors not returnable. My husband has slightly larger size men’s 8. Thank you for any suggestions. Jean and Jerry
Hi Jean and Jerry! Thanks so much for stopping by and reaching out. 😊
I’m assuming you’re referring to the ScubaPro GO fins. I’m a women’s 6.5–7 shoe size and ended up keeping the medium/large to accommodate my dive booties.
I bought mine on Amazon with Free Returns, which made it easy to test sizing . Proper fit makes such a big difference!
If the color you want doesn’t offer Free Returns, one option is to order two different sizes in a color that does have Free Returns. That way you can confirm which size fits best, return them, and then reorder in the color you want. A bit of a hassle, but it saves you from being stuck with the wrong size.
Alternatively, you could check with a local dive shop to see if they carry the fins in multiple sizes so you can try them on in person.
Hope that helps, and I totally get wanting to ditch the heavy fins. You’ll love the switch once you find the right fit!
Thanks so much Nichole for all this incredible information! I am inexperienced with dive booties or open back fins. We’re heading to the BVI’s this winter for some snorkeling.
Do you find that your Cressi Ibiza dive booties get sand in them?
I thought I needed to use a taller bootie to prevent this from happening.
Thanks so much for your question.
For calm water entries or hopping off a boat, the Cressi Ibiza boots hold up really well. I might get a stray grain of sand here or there, but nothing worth fussing over. I just give them a quick rinse with fresh water at the end of the day and shake them out.
If I’m doing a shore entry where the waves are shoving me around a bit more, I definitely end up with a little more sand inside. It’s more of a minor annoyance than a real problem.
Taller dive boots may seal a bit better, but they’re bulkier and heavier to pack. For warm-water spots like the BVI, they are a little overkill in my opinion.
I hope this helps. Have an amazing trip! 😊