Snorkeling Masks

Snorkeling requires very basic equipment: a snorkel, a full-face snorkel mask, and a pair of snorkeling fins are all you need to glide on the water and explore the ocean reef and beauty of the underwater kingdom.

Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, you must choose the right full-face snorkeling mask that fits your face and is comfortable to wear. The whole point is to protect your face and eyes and make snorkeling a genuinely enjoyable hobby.

A well-fitting snorkel mask provides a clear view of the vibrant marine life. It also prevents water leakage and ensures high-quality comfort throughout your snorkeling adventure. You don’t want seawater to come into your eyes because it can sting, so you need a quality snorkeling mask.

Luckily, you are spoilt for choice because established manufacturers like Ocean Reef Aria have developed excellent masks for you to choose from.

Features of Full-Face Snorkel Masks

Full-face snorkel masks come with various features, including the lens, skirt, strap, and frame. Modern masks are made of soft yet durable materials and have improved safety features.

Lens

The lens is the transparent part of the mask that allows you to see underwater. Masks may have a single lens, two lenses, or multiple lenses:

• A single lens is a uniform lens that spreads across the width of the full face mask without a break in the middle.
• A dual-lens mask is made of two lenses that connect on the nose with a nose pocket.
• A multiple-lens mask has additional lenses on the sides of the mask. This feature improves visibility, makes for panoramic views, and allows more light to come through.

Some masks also offer prescription lenses for those who wear glasses.

Skirt

The skirt is the soft, flexible part of the mask that creates a watertight seal around your face. It's usually made of silicone, which is more comfortable and durable than rubber. The skirt must sit comfortably on your face skin without stretching or hurting it. Quality silicone is salt-water resistant, UV-resistant, and soft.

Strap

The strap holds the mask in place on your face. It should be adjustable to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. The strap must include a clip to attach the snorkel and keep it in place.

Frame

The frame holds the lens and skirt together. A full-face dive mask may have a framed or frameless design, with framed masks being more rigid and frameless masks offering a wider field of view.

Frameless masks are lighter, more flexible, and easier to carry as they are bendier. Some snorkelers prefer framed masks, while others opt for frameless ones to expand their field of vision. It’s really up to your personal idea of comfort.

How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Mask

The right snorkeling mask will help you enjoy your underwater adventure. With a well-fitting brand mask, you won’t have to constantly adjust or pull the strap.

Fit

The most crucial factor of full-face masks is the fit. Just as goggles need to adjust perfectly, the same goes for the mask. It should create a watertight seal around your face without being too tight.

To test the fit, press the mask against your face without using the strap, inhale slightly through your nose, and let go. If the mask stays in place, it has a good fit. Each face and bone structure are unique, so you want your snorkeling mask to fit seamlessly.

Comfort

Choose a mask with a soft silicone skirt and a comfortable nose pocket. The strap should be adjustable and not apply any pressure on the back of your head. The snorkels that come with the masks should also offer a better sense of comfort and be made of top-quality silicone for improved mouth adjustment.

Tempered glass

The mask sits close to your eyes. In case of an unfortunate accident, you need to protect your eyes.

Tempered glass breaks into small particles rather than shards, which means that your eyes are safe. Also, tempered glass is more durable than normal glass. Bearing in mind that you will bump, toss, and throw your mask around, you want it to be as break-proof as possible.

Visibility

Consider the lens style that suits your needs. Single-lens masks offer an uninterrupted view, while multiple-lens masks can have side windows for peripheral vision. It really depends on how you want to experience your snorkeling hobby or atomic aquatics.

Special Features

Some masks come with anti-fog coatings, UV protection, or prescription lenses. Choose a mask with features that match your preferences and snorkeling conditions. There is no right or wrong mask: there is just the face snorkel mask that fits your needs.

Pair your mask with a snorkel and a pair of fins and you are ready for your marine exploration.

Snorkeling is a great hobby that calls for very little equipment. Pair your snorkeling mask with a quality snorkel and comfortable fins for a complete snorkeling gear set.

Are you still looking for the best mask and snorkel for your scuba diving adventure? Look no further! Contact us and will guide you through our top brands of full-face masks that match your needs.

Visit our website and learn more about our Tusa full line of snorkeling equipment for the best marine adventure. Order now and take advantage of the free shipping and the low price we offer on our top-brand freediving equipment!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my snorkeling mask from fogging up?

Fogging occurs when warm air inside the mask comes into contact with the cool lens, causing condensation. Some masks come with anti-fog coatings but you can also use anti-fog sprays to prevent or purge fogging. Additionally, you can rinse the mask with water before use or apply a small amount of baby shampoo or saliva to the inside of the lens and rinse it off.

Can I wear prescription glasses under my snorkeling mask?

If you wear prescription glasses under a snorkeling mask, you can injure yourself as the glasses can break the seal between the mask skirt and your face, leading to water leakage. Instead, consider getting a mask with prescription lenses, wearing contact lenses, or using a mask with a larger lens that allows you to see clearly without glasses.