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When you are looking to go explore the ocean or a similar body of water you need something to give you good quality viewing, while someone could, in theory, choose to use swimming goggles the best way to get the full experience is with a high-quality snorkel mask and Amazon can ship fast!
Snorkeling is an amazing water diversion that only continues to grow in popularity year over year, so finding that perfect match in a mask for your needs is vital to enjoying when you go explore the depths.
In addition, this is a huge attraction for many on vacations as holiday locations will frequently have enjoyable water excursions to explore their plants and reefs when they have them!
10 Best Snorkel Masks Available from Amazon
Now that you have seen my list of the top snorkels from Amazon let’s dig into each and explain why I chose to rate them there and why they may be a perfect match for you and your water adventuring.
Best Overall – Hollis M-1 Frameless Mask
[affiliatable id=’76597′]
Runner Up – Atomic Venom Frameless Mask
[affiliatable id=’76598′]
Best Fullface – WO Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask
[affiliatable id=’76600′]
Best for Budget – Kraken Aquatics Dive Snorkel
[affiliatable id=’76603′]
Best for Comfort – Scubapro Synergy 2 TruFit
[affiliatable id=’76604′]
Best for Traveling – Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens Mask
[affiliatable id=’76605′]
Best for Glasses – IST M80 Search Twin Lens Mask
[affiliatable id=’76606′]
Best for Beard – Cressi Z1
[affiliatable id=’76602′]
Best for Beginners – Scubapro Solo Mask
[affiliatable id=’76607′]
Best with Action Cam Mount – OCTOMASK
[affiliatable id=’76599′]
Snorkel Mask Buyers Guide
Fit
The most important thing to bear in mind when purchasing a snorkel mask is that it should fit you properly. Before you decide to purchase one, take a trip to try one on in a mask in a shop, borrow one from somewhere locally, or borrow one from a friend.
However, this isn’t always feasible, and many of the best masks are only available via the internet these days. So, if you’re planning to buy anything online, keep the following items in mind:
Size
Starting with the obvious, the simplest thing to do is to see if your face is wide or narrow is to verify the dimensions of the mask you’re considering. In addition, some masks come in various versions suited for different-sized faces.
Nose Pocket
If you have a big nose, make sure the mask’s nose pocket is big. If it feels too small, it probably is. If you’re having trouble finding a mask that fits, you could try a full-face mask.
Frame
Masks without frames are usually more flexible which means they can fit more easily to the shape of your face. If you have a slightly odd-shaped face, then a frameless mask may be the best option for you.
Volume
Volume refers to the amount of air inside the mask and is usually measured in cubic centimeters (cc). A larger volume can make it easier to clear the mask when water enters.
Low
Low-volume masks have less air in them than high-volume masks. This is good because it makes it easier to clear the mask (you don’t need to breathe out as much fresh air to expel the water and air inside the mask).
A low-volume mask creates less drag because they don’t extend as far from your face. Freediving masks always have low-volume masks because they sit closer to your face and give you a wider field of view.
High
High volume masks have more air inside them, which makes them harder to clear (although this is less important for snorkelers than it is for scuba divers), they’ll create more drag when swimming, and your field of view will be slightly reduced compared to a low volume mask because the protruding frame will block some of the view areas.
This protruding frame has made them popular among snorkelers who like some separation between themselves and their gear as this helps to reduce the feelings of claustrophobia.
Windows
This is the part of the mask that you look through. The two main types are single window along with dual windows, though there can be even more in specialty gear.
One
Having one window is the most common type of mask and it offers a good field of view. If you want to feel less encumbered, this is a good option because it gives you an unobstructed view in front of you.
Two
With two windows, you get a better sense of peripheral vision, but it can take some getting used to because your nose is in between the two windows.
Three or Four
Three or more windows are considered a panoramic view and are only available in specialty masks. These are frequently smaller side windows after the main windows to extend your field of vision.
Full Face
The relative newcomer the full face mask is becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who are not strong swimmers.
A full-face mask will give you a wider field of view as well as keep your face dry. They also stop water from getting in through your nose, which can be a problem for some people when using a traditional single window mask.
The downside to a full face mask is that they can be harder to clear if water does get in and they also create more drag when swimming.
Construction
The type of construction will affect both the price as well as the durability of the mask.
Glass
The glass used in the mask will affect the price and durability of a window and mask overall. The most common types are tempered glass and polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is shatter-resistant, making it a good choice for those who are worried about glass breaking. It’s also lighter than tempered glass.
Tempered glass is more scratch-resistant than polycarbonate, but it’s also more expensive and heavier.
Framed or Frameless
You can get a mask with or without a frame. Framed masks have a separate piece of material that goes around the edges of the window. This can give the mask more structure, which some people prefer. It also makes it easier to put on and take off the mask.
Frameless masks don’t have this extra material, which makes them lighter and gives them a sleeker look. They can be more difficult to put on, though, because they don’t have the same structure.
Skirt Seal
The mask skirt seal is what goes around your face and creates a seal so that water can’t get in. It’s usually made from silicone because it’s soft and pliable.
The more expensive the mask the better quality silicone is used in the skirt. This can make a difference in how comfortable the mask is to wear as well as how well it seals.
Buckles and Straps
Masks have a wide range of buckle and strap options. You can get a mask with one wide strap that goes around your head or two narrower straps that go over your head and under your chin.
The straps are usually adjustable so that you can get a tight seal. The buckles can be made from plastic or metal and are usually located on the side of the mask.