Best Full Face Snorkel Masks

Do you get nervous using a traditional snorkeling mask? It can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to keep the mouthpiece in your mouth as you explore the ocean floor. It can also be difficult for children to master the art of snorkeling with the traditional mask.

In either case, we recommend investing in a full-face snorkel mask. It will greatly improve your snorkeling experience as it makes breathing easier than before.

Below are our recommendations for the best full-face snorkel masks available on the market. Read on to learn more, as well as learn some critical snorkeling tips.

The Best Full Face Snorkel Masks

WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Snorkel Mask

The Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview mask is the best of the best. With unparalleled comfort and a unique breathing tube position, this mask allows you to enjoy your snorkeling experience without having to worry about turning your head too far one way or another.

This mask is 100% leak proof and offers more air circulation than almost any other mask on the list. It also has a 4 way valve, so you don’t have to worry about CO2 build up and can simply enjoy the stunning views.

Those with little ones will love this mask because it will stay in place once adjusted, so there will be no need to constantly put them in place. It also works even if you have facial hair, or swim quickly, which isn’t true of all masks.

Pros:

• Leakproof
• 180° view
• Fog-resistant
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Stays in place

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not very stylish

Tribord Subsea EasyBreath Full Face Snorkel Mask

The Tribord Subsea EasyBreath mask makes this list because of its high level of comfort. Don’t get us wrong, you aren’t going to look amazing in this mask, but you will feel awesome.

With a silicone skirt and special vents to prevent fogging, you’ll enjoy every snorkeling adventure during which you use this snorkel mask. While it is a bit pricey, you do get 4 sizes to choose from, meaning that you can pick one that fits you, or your child more exactly than other masks.

This mask also contains a bright orange breathing tube, ensuring you are visible from shore. This feature is especially helpful for parents whose kids want to snorkel but they would rather watch from the sidelines.

The Tribord Subsea also contains a patented breathing system ensuring that CO2 isn’t held in the mask and you get a breath of fresh air each time you breathe.

Pros:

• Comes in different sizes
• Highly visible from shore
• Anti-fog
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not stylish
• Can’t withstand very vigorous workouts

XLounger Full Face Mask

Looking for a full face snorkel mask that is a little more budget friendly? The XLounger is what you are looking for. It still has many great features of the aforementioned masks, but for a fraction of the price.

It’s got a 180° view, silicone skirt, and a camera mount, which is perfect for those who like to video their snorkeling sessions. While this mask works great, it only comes in two sizes making it difficult to get a good fit. And we think this mask is definitely the most dorky looking on the list.

But what this mask lacks in looks, it makes up for in the fact that it is lightweight and ideal for travelers.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Cheap
• 180° view
• Leakproof

Cons:

• No the comfiest
• Dorky
• Not anti-fog
• Only 2 sizes to choose from

ZIPOUTE Full Face Snorkel Mask

When you really want a camera mount, but don’t want to go with the XLounger, we recommend the ZIPOUTE full face snorkel mask which is a good in between mask. It’s not super expensive, and it’s not the cheapest, and the quality is great.

What is unique about this mask is that it folds, so you can slip it into a backpack or suitcase without issue when you want to travel. They also have numerous colors available so you can pick the one that best suits you.

Unfortunately, what this mask lacks is the brightly colored tube, meaning this mask isn’t great for those wanting to keep an eye on kids as they snorkel. It is anti-leak and anti-fog however, so you know you’ll be able to enjoy the most amazing views for your entire snorkeling session.

Pros:

• Priced Well
• Anti-fog
• Anti-leak
• Comes in multiple colors
• Folds for easy travel

Cons:

• No brightly colored air tube for easy spotting
• Only comes in one size

Greatever G2 Full Face Snorkel Mask

The Greatever G2 is another foldable full face snorkel mask ideal for those who travel. It’s also got the 180° view which makes snorkeling with this full face mask much more enjoyable.

This mask also has a camera mount, and comes in a variety of colors. The design is sleek, especially if you choose the black, ensuring you look great in all those photos you are taking.

It is also anti-leak and anti-fog, and while it only comes in one size, this mask is highly adjustable. It is also mid-range as far as price goes, giving you a little more than the cheapest masks without costing you an arm and a leg.

Pros:

• Anti-leak
• Anti-fog
• Foldable
• Mid-range price
• Comes in multiple colors

Cons:

• Only one size
• No bright color to increase visibility

Head Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask

Of all of the snorkeling masks on the list, the Head Sea Vu is the best quality. Made from premium silicone with advanced anti-fog capabilities, this mask is truly a joy to wear while snorkeling.

Know you pay for this quality however, because this mask doesn’t come cheap. You’ll get what you pay for though because this mask has great anti-leak technology and a dry snorkel so you won’t get any water in your mask.

The main reason we love this snorkel mask is because it has cloth instead of rubber straps, making it much more comfortable for long snorkeling sessions.

Pros:

• High Quality
• Anti-leak
• Anti-fog
• Cloth straps
• Dry snorkel
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Difficult to get on and off
• Pricey

How to Choose a Full Face Snorkel Mask

By now you should have a little bit of an idea of the full-face mask that would suit you best for snorkeling. But before you buy, we recommend considering the following attributes to ensure your mask choice is right for you.

Sizing

Most full face snorkel masks only come in one size. While this may be okay for someone with an average size face, if you have a longer or wider face, you may find the seal doesn’t adhere to your skin properly. When this is the case, you may want to splurge for a mask that is a little more expensive and comes in different sizes that fit you better.

This is especially important when shopping for children, as their faces may be too small for a proper seal to form. When shopping for children, look for a specific kids size mask, or consider getting a more expensive mask in the smallest size.

Cost

For those planning for a vacation it may seem easiest just to grab the cheapest mask available. While we all like to spend money, a lot of the cheap full face snorkeling masks won’t adhere to your face properly, meaning you will have water leaking in as your snorkel. This will certainly lead to you not having as great of a time snorkeling.

Now, you don’t need the most expensive mask for a one time vacation but we recommend at least trying a mid-range one if you can afford it. You should always avoid snorkel masks that seem priced too good to be true, because they probably are.

Anti-Fog

Many of the very cheap full face snorkel masks don’t offer anti-fog technology, and this alone is a reason we suggest upgrading to a mask that does have this technology. If your mask is constantly fogging, you will need to stop frequently in order to de-fog it. Alternatively, you could buy one without this technology then invest in an anti-fog treatment for your mask.

Additional Features

One issue with full-face snorkel masks is that they can sometimes be considered dangerous if you can’t get them off in time. For this reason, before you buy one for a child and let them snorkel in it, you will want to consider a mask with a quick release feature. You should also ensure your child knows how to use it.

There are also other additional features you want to look for, like improved air circulation or a bright colored marking that can make it more safe for you, or your child to use a full-face snorkeling mask.

Why Should You Invest in a Full Face Snorkel Mask?

Wondering just what benefits are in a full face snorkel mask? Well, there are several, and they are more beneficial the more you plan to snorkel.

Full face snorkel masks tend to be preferred by those who are new to snorkeling. While it may seem weird to purchase an expensive full-face snorkel mask when you are just starting, it will help you to feel more confident in the water. This is because a full face snorkel mask is more similar to normal breathing than the half snorkel masks.

Additionally, children tend to prefer the full face snorkel masks as they fit better for smaller faces, and your child doesn’t need to have the mouth strength to keep their mouthpiece in their mouth. It’s also just easier because you can breathe through both your nose and mouth as you please.

Know that most professional snorkelers actually prefer the traditional mask. Therefore if you are looking to snorkel more than just on vacation, you may want to skip the full face mask and instead grab a traditional one to start getting used to it now!

Also know that many full-face snorkel masks can’t be used for free-diving, so if you plan to free dive, better grab a more traditional set. Free-diving is when a snorkeler leaves the surface to investigate a shipwreck or other item closer to the bottom of the ocean.

FAQs

Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Dangerous?

Full face snorkel masks can be dangerous, as they can be more difficult to get off in an emergency. If you purchase a cheap mask, it may also cause CO2 to build up in the mask and make the user dizzy. But if you buy a reasonably priced one, there will be technology to combat both of these dangers

Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Good?

Full face snorkel masks can make snorkeling more pleasurable for a beginner, however most professionals don’t use these masks because of how hard they can be to get off in an emergency.

Can You Breathe Underwater With a Full Face Snorkel Mask?

Full face snorkel masks still require the user to stay close to the surface as they don’t produce oxygen like a dive mask. But the wearer might feel like they can breathe underwater when they use one because they can breath through both their nose and mouth unlike traditional snorkel masks.

How Long Can You Stay Underwater with a Full Face Snorkel Mask?

Because full face snorkel masks aren’t meant for freediving, you should always stay near the surface when using them, and it is not recommended to go underwater for more than 2 minutes with them.

Has Hawaii Banned Full Face Snorkel Masks?

Many places in Hawaii have banned full face snorkel masks because they are difficult to get off in an emergency. This resulted in some snorkelers dying unnecessarily. While you can still bring your own full face snorkel mask to Hawaii, you will likely not find them available to rent there.

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