Best Snorkeling Gear for Travel: Snorkeler’s Firsthand Review

I remember my first snorkeling experience all too well!

My husband and I were in Costa Rica in 2007. We rented some snorkeling gear in Tamarindo from a local shop and headed out to the ocean.

Quick backstory.

My husband grew up around a pool and must have been part fish in a past life.

He glides through the water like it’s second nature. Smooth, effortless, and annoyingly good at it.

Me? Not so much.

Despite multiple swim lessons as a kid, I never quite mastered the whole “move through the water without looking like I’m drowning” thing. My legs would flail a mile a minute, and I’d still feel like I was sinking.

When my husband slipped on his snorkel gear and launched himself into the water like it was the easiest thing in the world, I figured I could do the same.

I tightened my mask, kicked my fins awkwardly, and within seconds felt myself sinking into full chaos mode.

My mask started leaking, fogged up so badly I couldn’t see a thing, and then I swallowed a lovely gulp of saltwater. That was it.

Total panic. I hyperventilated, flailed my way back to shore, and swore I was done with snorkeling forever.

Or so I thought.

What I didn’t realize then was how much good gear matters. The difference between feeling like you’re drowning and feeling calm enough to actually enjoy the underwater world comes down to one thing: the right equipment.

Now the tables have completely turned. My husband used to beg me to snorkel. These days, I’m the one nudging him to check out just one more spot before we call it a day.

After snorkeling all over the world, we’ve had plenty of time to test what works and what’s absolute nonsense.

If you’re brand new to snorkeling, I recommend reading my 7 beginner how-to-snorkel tips before you go.

And now, here are my 13 favorite snorkeling gear picks that will help you feel comfortable, confident, and far less likely to have a dramatic first snorkel story like mine.

If you don’t feel like reading the full post, here’s the TL;DR of everything I personally use and love:

Finding the right snorkel mask can feel like a frustrating guessing game. What fits one person perfectly might be a complete fail for someone else. Believe me, I’ve tested my fair share of masks trying to find one that actually works for my face.

After testing many snorkel masks over the years, I finally landed on one that fits me like a glove: the SeaDive Oceanways Superview-HD Snorkel Mask.

This mask has become my go-to for most of my snorkeling trips. It’s incredibly comfortable, never fogs up, and fits my face perfectly.

Plus, the silicone feels so soft against my skin. No weird pressure points or uncomfortable pinching.

Having a mask that fits your face well is absolutely key. Even the most high-end mask will fail miserably if it doesn’t seal properly.

If you’re looking for more mask options, don’t miss my post on my 5 Top Snorkel Masks for everyone from beginners to serious snorkelers.

And if you’re new to snorkeling (or just tired of dealing with foggy lenses), I’ve also put together a guide on how to prevent a foggy snorkel mask. A must-read for beginners!

This will be your hair’s best friend!

Purchasing a neoprene strap cover to go over the silicone straps of your mask is imperative if you have long hair that tends to get tangled.

When I first started to snorkel, I would have to rip my hair out of the straps every time I removed the mask. Ouch!

My husband then told me to purchase a padded mask strap cover. I did not even realize this existed.

This simple item has had a huge impact on my snorkeling adventures. No more tangles! The mask literally glides on and off the back of my head.

There are several snorkel types to choose from: classic, semi-dry, and dry.

Classic snorkel: Tube + silicone mouthpiece

Semi-dry snorkel: Tube + silicone mouthpiece + splash guard (shunts water away from the opening if a wave sprays you)

Dry snorkel: Tube + silicone mouthpiece + splash guard + dry valve (seals the snorkel tube if you go under the water, so you don’t have to clear the tube)

The first snorkel I bought was a dry snorkel, and I hated it!

I thought I would love it since I would never have to worry about clearing my snorkel if a wave decided to submerge me or I wanted to dive down.

However, I found the dry snorkel sealed up frequently when I was snorkeling in choppier spots, which made it harder to breathe.

I switched to a semi-dry snorkel and have never looked back.

It works perfectly for me! Yes, water will occasionally get into the snorkel in choppier conditions. As long as you feel comfortable clearing your snorkel tube every now and then, it should not be a problem.

I personally like a flexible snorkel over a rigid one. A flexible snorkel has a bendable part of the tube at the bottom, which makes it easier to line up with your mouth.

Some people prefer a rigid snorkel though because it does not flop around as much while snorkeling.

Don’t forget the snorkel clip.

This accessory was new to me until my husband shared that his diving instructor told him this piece should be the first thing you replace on your snorkel. 

When you buy your snorkel, it’ll come with a plastic connector that connects your mask.

It can easily break.

You can replace it with a silicone double loop “snorkel keeper” that is much more durable in securing your snorkel to your mask. See my photo below for how it connects.

I currently own two pairs of travel fins:

1. Cressi “travel” 18″ fins
2. Scubapro “short” 24″ fins

The Cressi travel fins work well for snorkeling in most destinations.

On our trip to St. John USVI, we snorkeled in multiple more challenging spots. I struggled with the Cressi 18” travel fins.

When I knew we would be snorkeling long distances on our recent trip to the Maldives, I decided to purchase the 24″ Scubapro GO fins.

The Scubapro fins took more room in the suitcase, but I was so thankful for the additional thrust and power from a longer fin! For example, it helped me keep up with a fast-moving whale shark on a bucket list excursion in the Maldives.

The conditions you snorkel in will dictate what size snorkeling fins you should purchase.

If you want to know more about how to select the best snorkeling fins (and how they fit in a suitcase!), do not miss my article below.

This snorkel vest was game-changing for me.

As I told you in my story at the beginning of the article, I am not a strong swimmer.

I know the basic mechanics of swimming, but I could not tread water for hours and have the tendency to freak out in less optimal swimming conditions.

I have tried several different flotation devices from pool noodles, swim belts, and actual life jackets. Pool noodles move around on you a lot, and you are constantly having to adjust.

I used swim belts when snorkeling in Hawaii, which works great if you can rent them. They are incredibly bulky though if you have to pack them in a suitcase.

Then I met the snorkel vest.

It is very comfortable and fits snugly but not too tight if you order the right size.

The vest has a Neoprene back, which gives you a little extra warmth. The front of the vest has a bladder that can be inflated to your desired buoyancy by using a super easy-to-use inflator and dump valve.

I LOVE THIS VEST!

I can now snorkel stress-free. When I am snorkeling in more challenging spots with choppier waves, it gives me peace of mind. I will not snorkel without it now.

There may be some destinations where you do not want to leave your personal belongings on the beach as you snorkel.

To prevent someone from taking your valuables, I highly advise bringing a waterproof bag.

The only item I leave on the beach is an old pair of flip-flops. Then I put my cell phone, keys, and my sunglasses in the waterproof pouch and strap it around my waist.

In the past, I used those standard waterproof phone pouches to store all my valuables.

The pouch lasted on many snorkel trips.  Then we recently went on a snorkeling trip to Aruba, and it leaked! Thankfully my iPhone was not destroyed. I was devastated.

I then went on another search to find the perfect waterproof snorkel pouch, and I think I found it.

The Ugo! (here’s my detailed waterproof bag review if you want to know more).

Dive socks can be worn with full-foot pocket fins or with open-heel snorkeling fins.

These little comfort-makers help prevent blisters and chafing and can provide a better fit if your fins are just slightly big.

Some also have a bumpy texture on the sole to give a little grip. Plus, they insulate your feet if the water is cool. They should fit snugly.

The main difference between the dive socks and the dive booties is the booties have rubber soles, which can be rigid or flexible.

Therefore, the booties offer better traction and protection when navigating over slippery rocks to get into the water, like at 1000 Steps in Bonaire.

I wear the Cressi Ibiza booties and love them. They have enough traction to navigate over rocky surfaces but are not too bulky.

This is how my Cressi Ibiza booties fit inside my Scubapro GO Travel fins. You can see there’s still a slight gap at the bottom, secure and well fitted but not tight.

I did buy a size up in the fins (free returns when I purchased), so my booties could be accommodated.

Neoprene is more insulating and buoyant, so most dive socks are made of neoprene.

Some people wear lycra dive socks as a liner for dive booties/boots.

The material thickness rates are from 2 to 7 mm. When snorkeling in the warm Caribbean waters (above 75 degrees F), look for 2-3 mm.

A thickness of 4-7 mm is meant for colder temperatures.

The GoPro Hero is hands down my go-to device for capturing all of my snorkeling adventures.

It is small and easy to use and is one of the best devices on the market for photographing and filming underwater experiences.

If you are filming underwater in tropical blue waters, get a GoPro red filter.

It easily snaps on over the lens and enhances the colors. Otherwise, your footage may have a blue/ green cast.

The floating handle has saved me on several occasions when I have accidentally let go of the GoPro while in the water.

Instead of sinking to the ocean floor, the handle turns upside down displaying the orange tip as it floats on the surface. Make sure to attach the wrist strap.

I currently use an extension pole, which works even better to stretch into those little nooks and crannies to capture small sea life like crabs and shrimp.

If you want to know more about why I love the GoPro Hero and some of my favorite cool sea life I’ve captured, be sure to read my detailed snorkeling camera review!

For avid snorkelers who prefer to travel with their personal equipment, a well-crafted snorkel gear bag becomes essential.

Having tested several bags across various price ranges, I can confidently assert that the Stahlsac BVI Mesh Backpack is unparalleled when it comes to accommodating all your gear. Its remarkable comfort and robust mesh material set it apart from its competitors.

Discover my 6 compelling reasons why opting for this bag is a smart decision.

It will happen. At some point, despite your best effort, your snorkel mask is going to fog.

How do you correct it?

Well, you could spit on your mask, rub it on your lens, and then rinse it off.

Kind of gross, although I admit I have done it.

You could also use a commercial anti-fog spray, but I much prefer the baby shampoo method.

I dilute the baby shampoo with a little water in a silicone travel bottle and squirt it onto my DRY glass lens. I then rinse it just once right before I snorkel and voila!

My mask does not fog. Dish soap also works but may burn your eyes.

When you are snorkeling for hours, sunscreen alone is not going to cut it.

Please wear sun-protective clothing. I have been using sun shirts and UPF50+ swim leggings from a company called Coolibar for many years. Love them!

The clothing is comfortable, durable, and not super-compressive. Some sun shirts will feel like a corset, where you can barely breathe.

Not Coolibar.

The Coolibar shirts have a rating of UPF 50+ and have The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

I also like that it has gripper elastic at the bottom of the shirt, which helps to keep the shirt in place.

One distinguishing feature of their shirts is they are made with what they call Aqua Classic Fabric. The material is stretchy, lightweight, dries quickly, and feels smooth on the skin.

Be sure to read my post on all of my favorite sun shirts if you want more great recommendations!

When you shore snorkel and go on snorkeling tours, you’re going to need a towel.

And not just any towel. You don’t want to bring a big, bulky towel from home. I recommend a lightweight, packable, and absorbent travel towel.

There are a lot of travel towels on the market. Here are my three favorite travel towels that I personally use depending on the water activity.

Use a reef safe sunscreen. The ingredients in our personal care products are thought to be a big contributor to reef damage.

One of my favorite reef safe sunscreens is Thinksport mineral sunscreen. Its water-resistant formula is good for up to 80 minutes.

Yes, it has zinc oxide, but it rubs in really well and does not leave a white cast.

Here are more reef-safe sunscreens that will help protect the coral without making you look like Casper.

Snorkeling can be an incredibly relaxing and therapeutic experience. The underwater world is captivating and can suck you in for hours without even realizing it.

However, if you do not have the right gear, a magical experience can quickly become miserable. Buy the best snorkeling gear for travel, so you can truly enjoy that next snorkeling adventure!

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Questions about the snorkeling gear we use?

Let me know in the comments below!