Best Snorkel Mask for 2024: The Marine Biologist’s Guide
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This guide to the best snorkel masks is by world-expert marine biologist, Dr Simon Pierce, co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation where he leads the Global Whale Shark Program. Most of Simon’s marine biology work is conducted on snorkel.
Hi! I’m Simon. As a marine biologist and whale shark researcher, most of my work is done on snorkel. I’ve extensively researched the new snorkel masks and, following my own real-world testing, I’ve picked the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Snorkel Mask as our Overall Winner for Best Snorkel Mask for 2024.
I personally use the Cressi Big Eyes – it’s reliable, super comfortable, and doesn’t leak. It’s also a popular choice among snorkelers, possessing a slightly magical ability to fit different face shapes. If you need prescription lenses these can also be inserted.
Here’s Mads and I snorkeling in the field for the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s Mafia Island Whale Shark Project. Mafia is a little south of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania. I’m wearing my trusty Cressi Big Eyes, and Mads with her Hollis M1.
I’ve also reviewed the best snorkel masks for various head shapes and requirements and listed them below. Just see which one suits your needs and budget - and you’re off!
The Best Snorkel Masks for 2024 are:
WINNER: Cressi Big Eyes Snorkel Mask
ENTRY LEVEL: Cressi Panoramic Snorkel Mask
UV: SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD Snorkel Mask
FULL-FACE: Seaview V3 180 Snorkel Mask
BEARDS: Scubapro Synergy Trufit Snorkel Mask
LARGE FACES: Tusa Freedom Elite Snorkel Mask
NARROW FACES: Aqua Lung Linea Snorkel Mask
LARGE NOSES: Hollis M1 Frameless Snorkel Mask
BTW I’ve also created guides like this one for snorkel fins, full face masks, prescription snorkel masks, and kids snorkel sets, as well as my overall guide for the best gear for snorkeling.
Our Reviews.
The Best Snorkel Masks for 2024
Overall Winner
Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Snorkel Mask
“This mask is comfortable over long snorkeling sessions, doesn’t leak, is affordably priced and the large double-lens glass design maximizes peripheral vision.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Why I LOVE the Cressi Big Eyes:
I’ve battle-tested this mask in all conditions, and I just love this mask and recommend it to all my buddies who also absolutely LOVE it. This is the third year with Cressi as my #1, and it’s nowhere near getting nudged from my top position! I have zero affiliation to Cressi, I just really, really, love this mask. TIP: You can match your mask with Cressi’s famous Supernova Dry Snorkel. I use it, it’s the best dry snorkel on the market.
Some masks have far smaller glass lenses, which can lead to a tunnel vision effect and to a slightly claustrophobic feeling. Cressi Big Eyes Evolution has a large viewing area, letting you forget the mask and enjoy the experience. You’ll also see a lot more animals!
A specific benefit for snorkeling is the Cressi Big Eyes tilted lens and low profile, which minimizes the need for excessive head tilt when you’re looking down at the reef while finning on the surface. That makes for a more relaxed and natural snorkel experience. Users also rave about the silicon skirt leaving no marks on the face while successfully avoiding leaks in the water.
Snorkelers with a broad range of face shapes report a great fit, allowing us to confidently recommend the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution as the best all-round snorkeling mask for 2024. It also works great as a freediving or scuba diving mask.
Other features:
Colors: This mask is available in 12 color combinations, all with matching snorkels
Matching Snorkels: Match your mask with Cressi’s famous Supernova Dry Snorkel. I use it, it’s the best dry snorkel on market – check out these 2000+ reviews – and is available in a range of colors to pair with your mask.
Prescription lenses: If you need prescription lenses, Cressi offers Pop-in lenses which we detail here.
Smaller face: There's even a smaller version too - the Eyes Evolution.
Downside?
It’s more expensive than standard snorkel masks (though not as expensive as others in this list!) , but we think it’s a small premium that’s worth paying. This is the best snorkel mask, after all, not the “fairly decent snorkel mask of the year”.
Tip
We use this Waterlust snorkel gear
If you like to cover up for sun and stinger protection, or just so you’re not snorkeling around in an itty bitty bikini, we love and use this gear ourselves. Made from recycled plastic bottles, with 10% of purchases of the whale shark collection donated towards MMF’s Global Whale Shark Conservation Program!
Best Entry Level Snorkel Mask Set
Cressi Panoramic Snorkel Mask Set
Why we picked the Cressi mask & snorkel set:
This set includes the mask and snorkel as a package, and is available in 13 fantastic color options, the crystal clear panoramic lens extends your field of view. The skirting is available in clear or black and is made from soft silicone which is usually reserved for the more expensive dive masks, but Cressi used it here to ensure a perfect seal and fit on a variety of face shapes. The softness also makes the mask more comfortable to wear and easier to nose pinch equalize than most.
The matching fully-submersible Supernova Dry snorkel has a top valve that eliminates water entry. Cressi uses a soft silicone on the mouth-piece which provides comfort while reducing jaw fatigue, with a bottom purge valve to blow out any remaining water.
Downsides?
This mask has a larger lens volume so not the most ideal mask if you do lots of shallow freediving to check out the fish. Higher volume means more equalizing and pressure on your face the deeper you go. So, for this type of snorkeling - we prefer our top choice, the Cressi Big Eyes, or any of the masks listed below.
Also available as a complete snorkel set with fins!
Panoramic Snorkel Set with Full Foot Fins - for snorkelers who like a bit of power.
Panoramic Snorkel Set with Open Heel Fins - adjustable foot size, ideal to share with others.
Short Fins - less power but compact for travel.
If you like to shallow freedive, check our snorkel fin recommendations to find the perfect advanced fin.
Best Snorkel Mask for UV Protection
SeaDive EagleEye Rayblocker HD Snorkel Mask
“Snorkel mask and sunnies in one without distorting colors or vision underwater.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Things we love about this UV snorkel mask:
The ingenious SeaDive EagleEye Rayblocker mask provides full sunglasses style anti-glare and UV protection, which is an amazing feature considering you’re probably snorkeling in very harsh light.
A huge single-lens gives an unobstructed field of view, and a nice bonus is the integrated nose purge that lets you flush out accidental mask flooding, and also keeps exhalation from your nose away from your lens to minimize lens fogging.
These have been hugely popular amongst our readers, and look very cool too.
Downsides?
The price - these are not the cheapest masks.
Best Snorkel Mask for Beards
ScubaPro Synergy 2 Trufit Snorkel Mask
Best Snorkel Mask for Beards: ScubaPro Synergy 2 Trufit Snorkel Mask
“The beard-friendly ScubaPro Synergy 2 Mask provides a superior double seal with a feathered edge silicone skirt.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Why this is a great snorkel mask for beards:
If you’ve got a beard, you’ll know the irritation of cold water slowly but inexorably leaking into your mask. The ScubaPro Synergy 2 Mask avoids this gradual waterboarding effect by providing a unique double seal with a feathered edge silicone skirt. The skirt seals directly under your nose, rather than on your beard, while the viewing lens itself is slightly higher than normal to allow the skirt to seal on your cheek, rather than your beard.
Downsides?
The “Trufit” technology uses a soft flexible silicone that provides excellent contouring to your face, but you need to look out for stray hairs on the forehead that could break the seal.
Best Snorkel Mask for Large Faces
TUSA Freedom Elite HD Snorkel Mask
“The Tusa Freedom Elite HD Mask has a medium-large sized frame for a great fit on wider faces.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Why large-faced snorkelers love this TUSA:
The TUSA Freedom Elite has a much larger frame that most other masks, so if you have a wide face, it won’t feel like it’s sealing over the edges of your eyes and restricting your vision (and comfort!).
The single lens is equally large, giving a huge field of view. The skirting, which is responsible for sealing out water, also does a great job at minimizes leaks with beards.
If you’re blessed with a larger nose, it’s a comfortable option.
Downsides?
Because of it’s wider frame, people with narrower faces are likely to experience leaks as the silicone seal often extends across the hairline.
Best Snorkel Mask for Narrow Faces
Aqua Lung Linea Snorkel Mask
“The Aqua Lung Linea Snorkel Mask is an awesome mask that’s been specifically designed for smaller, narrower faces.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Things we love:
While it’s specifically marketed to women, the Linea will suit anyone with a narrow face and comes in. The buckle design promises ‘no-tangles’ and the silicone skirt advertises no red marks.
One reviewer with a narrow face said she’s tried 30 masks, and this was the ONLY one that didn’t leak around the temples. Particularly popular amongst snorkel and freedive models - it photographs well!
Downsides?
It’s either a great fit, or it really isn’t.
Best Snorkel Mask for Large Noses
Hollis M1 Frameless Snorkel Mask
“Packed with features, snorkelers that are well-endowed in the nose region have a spacious fit in the super-soft Hollis M1 Frameless Mask. Mad’s uses this mask and LOVES it.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Why this Hollis is worth looking at
Mads uses this mask for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba and LOVES IT. Unlike most masks, that have hard rigid silicone skirts that can create uncomfortable pressure points, the Hollis M1 uses super-soft silicone and a spacious single-lens design to create extra room at the bridge.
The field of view is incredible (Mads forgets she’s wearing a mask!), and the frameless design and soft materials mean the mask takes up minimal space in your bag. This also makes a great backup mask for that reason!
Downsides?
It’s the most expensive mask among our recommendations.
Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
NEW V3 Seaview 180° Snorkel Mask
“For leisure surface style snorkeling, and great for those getting used to the ocean.” Simon J Pierce
or, check the latest price here
Things we like about this full face mask:
The NEW V3 Seaview 180° Snorkel Mask is a great full face option for those that are happy snorkeling in a relaxed manner at the surface. It stands out amongst the crowd, with hundres of reviews confirming it's many features.
Designed and tested in the USA, its latest model boasts a patent-pending safe C02 expelling ‘Flowtech’ system, an anti-fogging crystal clear 180° visibility, a side-mounted dry snorkel, and auto water purge so you’ll never need to take off the mask or purge if water comes in.
Also includes a camera mount down near the chin area – this position helps to keep the camera fully submerged.
You can read our extended Seaview V3 review on our full face snorkel mask page.
Downsides?
There are many. Keep in mind full-face snorkel masks are for the relaxed recreational surface floating style of snorkeling – you won’t be able to duck dive and swim beneath the surface in full-face masks. Some claim you can fully submerge and equalize, any maybe technically you can - it won’t be an enjoyable experience.
They’re also not for action-style snorkeling with fast marine life, strong currents to swim against since when you are really working hard the mask will get hot and sweaty, and you’ll feel like you just can’t suck in enough air. BUT, if you are just chillin’ out, floating at the surface - then they can be a great choice! Also - they are big and take up lots of luggage space if you’re buying for air travel.
The Research.
Buyers Guide to the
Best Snorkel Mask 2024
Why you can trust this guide
Simon is a shark conservation biologist and world-renowned underwater photographer who dives, snorkels and freedives for a living. He is a co-founder and Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where he leads the global whale shark research and conservation program. His marine research and photography are routinely covered by major media outlets, including the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and New York Times amongst many others. One of his photographs was chosen as a personal favourite of Sir David Attenborough’s, in conjunction with BBC’s Blue Planet II series, and another illustrates one of the global PADI scuba diving certification cards.
Madeleine is an avid scuba diver and recreational freediver who’s dived some of the most spectacular locations around the world, including Misool and northern Raja Ampat, Lembongan, Lembeh Straight, Tulamben, Fiji, Vanuatu, and of course at home in Australia. She’s a minimalist and likes to travel light (which Simon encourages, as he can then use her baggage allowance!!), opting to mostly hire dive and snorkel gear wherever she goes. She’s been sampling the world’s equipment for over a decade. She has opinions.
As seen in:
How we identified the best snorkel masks
We looked at all the current models from top brands globally to find the best snorkel masks on the market in 2024. Aside from our own personal experience with lots of different snorkel masks, Madeleine spent hours watching YouTube Reviews and product explainers, arguing with Simon, debating with diver friends, and scouring reviews and message boards. To summarize, we:
Spent hours in the water testing various snorkel masks.
Spoke to snorkeling retailers in both Australia and Indonesia who specialize in snorkeling, freediving, and diving masks.
Chatted to dozens of snorkelers about their masks and what’s important to them.
Interviewed marine biologists and snorkeling tour guides to get their feedback on functionality, durability, and fit.
Spent 15 hours analysing reviews of snorkel masks on Amazon and LeisurePro.
Viewed dozens of YouTube reviews and product explainers.
Mads and Simon testing two of our Best Snorkel Masks for 2024 while snorkeling with whale sharks in Tanzania. Simon is wearing the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Snorkel Mask (Overall Winner), and Mads her Hollis M1 Frameless Snorkel Mask (Best Mask for Large Noses.)
Things to consider when choosing a top snorkel mask:
Great visibility
Comfort
Quality construction and durability that proved reliable for hundreds of reviewers.
Tempered glass for better clarity and scratch-free
Dark silicon skirt to focus your viewing. Clear skirts let in sunlight which can create glare and distortion when you’re on the surface.
Single-lens masks were (slightly) preferred to maximise visibility, though our top pick actually has a double lens.
Low profile masks have a reduced air volume, which makes it easier to clear if water gets in, and also increases visibility. If you like to dive down, there’s also less air inside to compress against your face (this is good!)
Soft silicone increases comfort, molds to your face and makes nose equalization easier
The Snorkel Mask Guide
Snorkel Mask Components
Look for ‘low profile’ snorkel masks
Low profile masks are great as they decrease mask lens volume, increasing visibility, and reduce drag for a more streamlined feel. They also look way cooler than big dorky bulky masks.
Mask lens volume explained
Mask lens volume is the amount of air that’s sealed inside the mask. The closer the lens to your face, the lower the lens volume and more visibility you’ll enjoy. If you snorkel happily at the surface it’s not going to affect you too much. However, if you like to get all explore-y at depth, this makes a big difference!
The reason it becomes important when you duck-dive and descend is that the air inside the mask will compress, and you’ll feel your mask squeeze against your face.
Whilst this is fixed by equalizing your mask (expel a little air through your nose and jig the mask around), it’s still a) an uncomfortable feeling b) uses up air from your lungs, and c) can be hugely distracting on short bursts of freediving.
You might have noticed specialist breath-hold freediving masks have an extremely low profile for this reason – they don’t want to be using precious air from their lungs to constantly equalize.
Masks come in a range of sizes that affect lens volume, and we like masks with a smaller lens volume. Not hardcore full-freediver-mode low profile… just normal human low profile.
High volume snorkel masks mean more compression on descent, thus more times you’ll need to equalise your mask.
Low volume snorkel masks means reduced compression as you descend, lowering the amount of times you’ll need to equalise your mask.
Lens Visibility
The best way to achieve maximum visibly is to have a lens that is as close to your eyes as possible. Big wide lenses can achieve this but they increase the lens volume and are bulky. The exact same thing is achieved by a streamlined mask close to your face. So again – low volume masks are they best!
‘Inclined mask angle’ and why it matters
Lens angle is the tilted angle of the lens, and an inclined angle gives a greater field of view when your eyes look down toward your chin. This is most important for snorkelers who have a fixed body position, as it means they don’t need to tilt their head too far forward to enjoy a wide range of view. In addition, an inclined angle reduces mask lens volume.
Snorkel mask windows – single, multi or double lens?
Single-lens window masks have one big window with no frame across the nose letting in more light. This makes it easier to fit larger nose shapes. It also offers a more open feel. Keep in mind you won’t be able to get replacement prescription lenses for single-lens masks.
Double lens windows have a separate glass plane for each eye separated by the nose frame. These are more common and have a lower lens volume. Prescription lenses are designed to use with double lens masks.
Multiple lens windows like our top pick the Cressi Panoramic have additional windows down the sides giving a greater field of view, letting in more light, but adding lens volume which can make deeper freedives more difficult to equalise through.
Snorkeling vs Scuba vs Freediving masks
You can use your diving mask for snorkeling no problem, and unless you are freediving past say 20 – 30m you won’t see much benefit from specialist freediving masks. Freedivers and snorkelers want a lower volume mask with a very soft silicone nose to make nose equalization easier. Also, freediving masks tend to have a larger skirt area but from what I can find it seems to be purely cosmetic so they look cool in photos.
HOW TO: Stop your snorkel mask from fogging, the defog guide.
Time needed: 30 minutes.
During the manufacturing process, snorkel masks accumulate a thin silicon film. This silicone residue is the main cause of fogging and can be removed in a few easy steps:
Scrub the lens with toothpaste to remove silicone residue.
To do this, thoroughly spread non-whitening toothpaste across the inside of the lens using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Leave to dry.
Pick a shady spot to allow the toothpaste to dry fully on the lens.
Rinse with water.
Once dry, rinse in plenty of water using the soft toothbrush. Swish around lots of water and rinse out, then repeat a few times until it’s completely clean. Be sure to check the edges of the snorkel mask lens as toothpaste can accumulate there.
Leave to dry.
Shake out the excess water then leave the mask to dry face up.
Preparation complete!
Your new mask is now prepared and ready for regular use.
Just before you enter the water, defog your mask
As you’re about to pop into the water you can defog using a) your own spit b) an antifog product like this one, or c) baby shampoo diluted in water. Simple add your defog of choice and rub around the lens. Add water and swish around, then as you are putting on your mask you can empty out the rinse water.
The Best Snorkel Masks for 2024 are:
WINNER: Cressi Big Eyes Snorkel Mask
ENTRY LEVEL: Cressi Panoramic Snorkel Mask
UV: SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD Snorkel Mask
FULL-FACE: Seaview V3 180 Snorkel Mask
BEARDS: Scubapro Synergy Trufit Snorkel Mask
LARGE FACES: Tusa Freedom Elite Snorkel Mask
NARROW FACES: Aqua Lung Linea Snorkel Mask
LARGE NOSES: Hollis M1 Frameless Snorkel Mask
