Best Full-Face Dive Mask in 2024 [UPDATED]
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This guide to the best full-face dive masks is by expert marine biologist, Dr Clare Prebble, Senior Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Clare is also a divemaster and an underwater photographer. She’s done thousands of dives across the world.
For this Best Full-Face Dive Mask review, the ‘Best Of’ categories more or less go out the window. The full face mask industry is dominated by two hard-hitting brands, Ocean Reef and Ocean Technology Systems (OTS). However, we have included an entry-level option too from Scubapro.
The Best Full-Face Dive Masks in 2024 are:
Ocean Reef Neptune Space G Full-Face Dive Mask – OVERALL WINNER
OceanReef Space EXTENDER Full Face Dive Mask – Advanced
OTS Guardian Full Face Dive Mask – Intercoms as standard
OceanReef Neptune III – NEW with latest tech.
BTW, I’ve listed all our winners for best dive gear here that includes my best Dive computers, Dive Masks, Dive Fins, BCDs, and Regulators in 2024.
Our Reviews.
The Best Full Face Dive Masks for 2024
Best Overall Full Face Dive Mask
Ocean Reef Neptune Space G
or, check the latest price here
This is the base model from Ocean Reef, but we love it because it’s so adaptable. The mask comes in two sizes and four colours, and you can purchase add-ons for your dive mask to suit your needs (and budget!) as you go.
Here’s some of the most popular add-ons:
Highlights of the Ocean Reef Full-Face Dive Mask include:
Big field-of-vision: It has a big oval shaped visor which maximises your field of view.
No fogging up!: Your nose and mouth are isolated from the mask area by a silicone pocket to stop fogging.
Safety: The 6-point mask strap keeps the mask safely on your face and the bottom strap has a quick release for safety.
Flexible fit: The mask skirt is folded in a z-shape which allows a lot of flexibility in face shape to give everyone a good fit. External and internal skirt are separate items so you can replace them easier if they tear. Some women have said they prefer the face seal on this mask compared to the OTS models as you can opt to insert a smaller silicone skirt in the mask.
Prescription lenses: Fully available for this mask.
Nose plugs: You get different sized nose plugs (these are important when you equalise) and screwdriver to adjust plugs. There are two ports on either side of the mask. One side is for a surface air valve which opens up to release the seal on the mask to allow you to breathe from the air at the surface to conserve the gas in your tank. The other is a comms port to allow you to fit a microphone so you can speak to one another underwater. You can add both of these features after purchase.
Things to consider
The two piece nose plugs can take a bit of getting used to, and can be a bit uncomfortable for some compared to other designs (see OTS system). The primary second stage on this mask is not removable for servicing purposes - but this is only relevant if you’re going to do this yourself. If you do decide to include the comms system in your mask, the adapter bar that attached the comms to the mask is quite flimsy plastic - at this stage you may want to consider getting the extender kit and using the more solid attachment bar.
*Regular use of this feature is usually reserved for more technically trained divers who have special training, so do ask your instructor about proper use beforehand.
Best Advanced Full Face Dive Mask
Ocean Reef Space Extender
or, check the latest price here
This is the mid-range Ocean Reef, with everything the above Ocean Reef Neptune has - and much more. This mask includes some add-ons as standard, while offering additional features:
Featuring everything the Ocean Reef Neptune has - PLUS:
Extender: For adding additional kit to your mask, you can drill holes and add cable ties for cameras, lights, whatever you want.
Surface air valve: You’ll get the full surface air valve kit which allows you to breath ambient air at the surface saving on air.
Adjustable T-exhaust valve: The mask comes with an integrated adjustable exhaust port so you can select the direction of exhaust bubbles and it’s flow. Controlling the flow is a real benefit if you go inverted for any reason as full face mask regs go into freeflow when you do this. This ability to control the exhaust direction is a great feature for photographers who may want to avoid their bubbles getting in their field of view, and useful if you do get coms as you can direct the bubbles away to avoid interference with your sender/receiver.
NOTE: You can also add this Extender Kit to any of the Ocean Reef full face masks from 2006 Onwards.
Best OTS Offering
OTS Guardian Full Face Dive Mask
or, check the latest price here
The original purpose of this mask was for more commercial and professional divers. The square shaped visor gives the mask a much more techy look, think darth vader where the Ocean Reef is more Bane from Batman. This mask comes with the OTS Buddy comms system already installed. It is compatible with the Ocean Reef system so you can talk to divers on other systems. The equalizing system is more of a nose ‘triangle’ which some people find more comfortable than the Ocean Reef double nose pieces. They do have different sizes of the nose triangle thingy to accommodate different sized noses, so you can equalise easily. There is a button on the inside of the mask that releases the primary second stage from the mask - this is useful for pro’s who service their own masks BUT it’s also good for easy storage. The gel-like texture of the silicone on the skirt makes a particularly comfortable and good seal around your face.
Cons: The side panels on the mask are frosted which reduces the 180 visiona little, though you won’t be focussed on this too much so maybe not a deal breaker. The purge button is on the side of the mask, not the centre like with a standard regulator which can take some getting used to if you’re switching from a normal mask and reg system. The oral/nasal skirt and main skirt are the same piece of silicone, so you have to replace the whole seal if any of it tears, which can be annoying and more expensive. You can do adhesive mounts to attach cameras etc. but it doesn’t quite have the space like the Ocean Reef extender system.
NEW Hot off the press!
Ocean Reef Neptune III
or, check the latest price here
This mask is quite rugged and is designed for professional use, but is also perfect for recreational users. It’s one of the best looking full face masks on the market (in my opinion) and currently only comes in darth vader (black) and storm trooper (white) so you cannot fail to look ‘badass’ (a word used in their own promo lol).
The visor has a similar design but now a slightly wider field of view similar to the other Ocean Reef masks. The second stage also has a slightly different design which makes for a smoother breathing experience. The silicone skirt inside the mask is the same as their other masks meaning that they are all interchangeable and you can interchange the size of the skirt to fit your face easily. Same goes for the straps. There is also now a handle that connects the two emergency release tabs meaning you can take your mask off very quickly with one hand rather than needing two before. There are also a few niche pros to this mask like the tuning of the exhaust to control free-flow when inverted - the placement and direction of the exhaust means you get very little interference from your bubbles. And the second stage is now on the outside of the mask which means it can be easily serviced. Perhaps most importantly, it’s not that much more expensive than the earlier iterations of Ocean Reef masks even though it looks cooler.
This mask can be ordered alone but comes with all the bells and whistles if you order the full ‘Neptune Package’. The package includes a quick release hose, a pressure gauge (both Psi and Bar are marked), a travel bag, first stage (DIN or Yolk) and a second stage octopus, quick release handle, backup mask and bag, rolled up snorkel, and a kit up mat (to keep your feets from getting dirty, AND it ties up as a wet gear bag after your dive. Nifty.
The travel bag comes with LOTS of storage, it’s a Tardis (Dr Who Reference there for those that missed it) and can even be used as a carryon bag if required. The regulator set is fairly decent and the quick release hose for both the primary and alternate is more than sufficient for recreational use and easy to use if either you or your buddy are low on air. This mask comes with the Ocean Reef extender frame (mentioned earlier) to this mask so you can immediately make after purchase modifications to personalise your mask.
Cons: Basically only experienced tech divers will find very nit-picky personal issues with this mask. Such as the reduced ridges on the dials which makes it slightly harder to turn them with gloves on, and the slight placement differences of the purge valve and release hose which means you have to think about it a little if you are used to previous Ocean Reef masks. But this shouldn’t take too long to get used to.
The Research.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Dive Mask in 2024
Why you can trust this guide
Dr. Clare Prebble is a marine biologist who dives, snorkels, and freedives for a living. She is a Senior Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where she is part of the global whale shark research and conservation team, and has a PADI Divemaster qualification. Her research, opinions, and photography have been featured in major media outlets, including National Geographic, The Guardian, and Travel Africa. Clare has done over 1000 dives so far in a multitude of conditions for research and recreation, including hectic research dives in heavy currents to study whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands, quarry diving in the UK (ever so briefly, brrrrrr), some outstanding macro photography muck diving in Tulamben, Indonesia, and liveaboard diving in Komodo National Park. Not least, she lives and dives most regularly in Mozambique.
Clare’s frequent travel to remote locations, and pioneering scientific fieldwork, gives her gear a thorough test on a regular basis. That provides her with a lot of practical experience in the benefits and drawbacks of various dive and snorkel gear features and innovations. She is not sponsored by any dive gear manufacturers, isn’t incentivized to promote any particular brand, and uses a variety of gear herself. Expect her opinions to be delivered dry, pointed, and unvarnished, and generally in a rather sarcastic tone.
With additional commentary from…
Dr. Simon Pierce is a shark conservation biologist and underwater photographer with well over 2000 dives in all sorts of conditions around the world. Simon 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 favorite 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.
The Nature Tripper team has been featured by:
How I identified the best dive masks:
My own practical experience over 1000 dives (and discussions with Simon and Madeleine).
Various online reviews of dive gear to help create shortlists.
Buyer comments and reviews on shortlisted gear to broaden the sample size, and particularly to search for evidence of equipment failure.
Dive professional and other marine biologist’s opinions on my top picks (who use and destroy a lot of gear themselves, as well as hearing their customer’s and colleague’s views).
Full Face Dive Mask FAQ’s
Do I need (or want?!) a Full Face Dive Mask?
Well, the main decision you have to make is do you want to talk to people on a dive? You can immediately see the benefit to divers who are, say, on a search and rescue mission or a production film crew, but what about a lovely relaxing dive on your holiday? If you want my opinion (which you bizarrely must do, because you’re reading this!), my initial thoughts were…. mixed.
One of the things I love about diving is the blissful silence. Well except for the adorable background crackling and crunching noises of the reef. As an introvert I very much enjoy the ‘not talking’. Having said this, I am also that person on a dive that cannot, ever, spot the macro critters my dive guide points out to me. After three or four times of this person animatedly pointing at a patch of reef, I will still have no idea what they are pointing at or where I’m even supposed to be looking. I am also reliably looking in the opposite direction when something as big as a humpback whale swims by.
So here is where the appeal lies for me……
Benefits of a Full Face Dive Mask:
As well as your dive buddies you can also talk to the surface boat and anyone else who is tuned into your channel.
You are less likely to lose your full face mask than a regular mask and regulator as the regulator is integrated and the whole thing has multiple independent straps keeping it on your face.
You get a larger field of vision than a traditional mask. Better for taking in the reefscape!
As you are breathing new air over the mask consistently the masks generally don’t fog up either which can be a pain with normal dive masks.
For cold water or muck divers the mask keeps your face isolated from the water so you don’t turn into a popsicle and lose the ability to move your face afterwards.
Drawbacks of a Full Face Dive Mask
While the full face mask is harder to lose, if you do, it’s harder to clear (large volume inside), and trickier to replace on your face (you lost your reg and your mask, awks, and you have a lot of straps to deal with). You do have your other octopus to help you if you need though, and this is where some initial skills training with your new mask style are strongly suggested.
Do track down a full face mask instructor so you can practice the particular safety skills needed for this type of gear before you head out to sea on your own.
There’s a PADI speciality for it, so no excuses, safety first! For practical travel purposes, the full face mask will obviously be heavy and take up more space in your luggage than a standard mask.
Fit and size
How do I ensure a good fit for my Full Face Dive Mask?
As in our dive mask guide you should take the time to get the mask that fits you, and suits you best. Each manufacturer and model will have different shapes and features. The initial outlay will be considerably more than a regular mask so it’s all the more important to try before you buy! (If you can, because pandemic, *mournful sigh*).
Equalisation
How do you equalise in a Full Face Dive Mask, if you can’t pinch your nose?
In each full face dive mask, you get integrated nose piece/s. These are usually somewhat adjustable depending on the model of the mask. To equalise underwater you push the top of your mask which causes the nose piece/s to seal your nose, then you can equalise.
Alternate Air
How do you switch to your buddies' alternate if you’re wearing a Full Face Dive Mask?
You signal out of air to your buddy (as normal), then you have to take your face mask off. There are usually two quick release straps integrated into your mask for this purpose. Then you take your buddie’s alternate from them. Some already do, but I would suggest keeping a spare mask in your BCD just in case so you can then put your spare mask on (and clear it) at this point. There is the option that you dive with a buddy who has the compatible attachment to your face mask so you can avoid taking off your mask and just re-attach their secondary hose to your mask.
*This is why you need to get certified!
Prescriptions
What prescription lens are available for Full Face Dive Masks?
Ocean Reef do an optical lens support (which fits directly into your allows you to add prescription lenses to any Ocean Reef full face masks. You just take the support (lens frame) to your opticians to get your prescription and then install it into your mask.
How to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWOWwDam64
Lighting & Torch Add-Ons
What options for lighting so I have with my Full Face Dive Mask?
You have the option to add lights or torches to your mask. You can see the appeal as it means you can illuminate a cave or overhang or generally low light areas while your hands are left free to do other things. This feature may also be beneficial for underwater photographers as focus lights in low light areas. Depending on the brand of mask you have, you can get strip lights that fit into your visor, more torch like lights that protrude out the side of the mask, or you can even buy your own torches and custom fit them to your mask. Do make sure you have the additional rails and extenders on your mask if you opt for the basic mask models, as these usually do not have any attachment areas for this function.
Ocean Reef Visor lights: https://www.leisurepro.com/p-oed024502/ocean-reef-visor-light-only-pre-assembled-on-neptune-masks?origterm=visor+light&searchredirect=true
OTS Rail system:
https://www.oceantechnologysystems.com/store/accessories/accessory-rail-systems-dive-lights/gffm-accessory-rail-light-system-w-sola-1200/
Communications
Can you talk or communicate to your dive buddy from a Full Face Dive Mask?
In general you can opt for underwater communication devices and/or surface communication devices depending on your needs. Comms devices will be sold by the same brand you got your mask from, and are usually sold as an add on package with all the bits and pieces you need (microphone, receiver, wires etc). Most but the most basic masks usually have a port on the mask specifically for comms devices to be fitted.
Ocean Reef: https://www.leisurepro.com/p-oednsgk/ocean-reef-neptune-space-g-diver-full-face-mask-with-coms
OTS: https://www.leisurepro.com/p-pckotsgmb2/ots-guardian-full-face-mask-and-ots-buddy-phone-d2-package
Surface air valves
Do I need a surface air valve (ABV) for my Full Face Dive Mask?
Surface air valves allow you to breath ambient air at the surface. Most masks that are one up from the most basic model will already come with a surface air release valve installed in the mask. But, if you want to go for an entry level option initially, no bells and whistles, and find you need to save your air at the surface, they’re easy to buy later and have installed. An ABV is also usually flagged up as an ‘add on’ option if you’re buying a model that doesn’t include one as standard.
The Best Full-Face Dive Masks in 2024 are:
Ocean Reef Neptune Space G Full-Face Dive Mask – OVERALL WINNER
OceanReef Space EXTENDER Full Face Dive Mask – Advanced
OTS Guardian Full Face Dive Mask – Intercoms as standard
OceanReef Neptune III – NEW with latest tech.
