Outdoors & Fitness
The Best Snorkel Sets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip)
Four holiday snorkel kits compared on what the makers put in writing: lens material, skirt material, how the snorkel top keeps water out, purge valves, fins and sizes.
The short version
The Cressi Palau Set is our pick: a single tempered glass lens, a silicone skirt, a dry snorkel with a purge valve, and open-heel fins in four sizes. The U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set is the value pick, with tempered glass, a silicone skirt and a dry-top snorkel for less than the Cressi, in two broad sizes. The Seavenger Hanalei Anti-Fog Snorkeling Set depends on you: the anti-fog lens film and short travel fins are appealing, but its snorkel has a splash deflector and no sealing valve. Skip the Seaview 180 V3 full-face mask; Hawaii's Department of Health says questions about full-face mask safety are still being studied, the lens is polycarbonate, and it is now sold as final-sale clearance with no fins. Check the lens and skirt wording on any set before you buy. Best for: holidaymakers who want their own well-fitting mask, snorkel and fins instead of rental gear.
Our picks at a glance
- Cressi Palau Set - Buy. A complete mask, dry snorkel and open-heel fin set with a tempered glass lens, a silicone skirt and four fin sizes.
- U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set - Buy. A lower-tier complete set that still states tempered glass, a silicone skirt and a dry-top snorkel.
- Seavenger Hanalei Anti-Fog Snorkeling Set - It depends. A compact four-piece kit with an anti-fog film on tempered glass and short fins, but a snorkel that deflects splash instead of sealing.
- Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask - Skip. A full-face mask with a wide view and an action camera mount, in a product category whose safety public health bodies are still studying.
The verdict in 30 seconds
What mattered most
- Lens (maker's wording)
- Skirt or seal
- Snorkel top
- Purge valve
- Fins included
- Fin length
A holiday snorkel set is three simple things, a mask, a tube and a pair of fins, and the differences that matter are printed in the maker's description if you know where to look. Is the lens tempered glass or plastic? Is the skirt silicone or something cheaper? Does the snorkel top seal when it goes under, or only deflect splash? We picked two complete sets worth buying from Cressi and U.S. Divers, a compact Seavenger kit that suits some swimmers and not others, and a full-face mask from Wildhorn Outfitters that we would leave on the shelf.
A complete mask, dry snorkel and open-heel fin set with a tempered glass lens, a silicone skirt and four fin sizes.
Best for: Holiday snorkellers who want one complete, clearly specified set that should last several trips.
- Cressi states the Onda mask has a single tempered glass lens and a soft, hypoallergenic silicone skirt.
- The Supernova Dry snorkel has a splash guard, a valve that seals the tube when submerged, and a purge valve for clearing water.
- The open-heel Palau fins come in four sizes, from XS/S to L/XL, and Cressi's chart shows them for bare feet or neoprene socks.
- It sits in the highest price tier of the complete sets here.
- Cressi describes the mask as average internal volume, so it is not a low-volume design.
- The pink colour is not listed in L/XL.
- Fins run from about 52 to 56 cm long, so they take more suitcase space than short travel fins.
A lower-tier complete set that still states tempered glass, a silicone skirt and a dry-top snorkel.
Best for: Occasional snorkellers who want glass, silicone and a dry-top snorkel without paying for the Cressi.
- U.S. Divers states dual-pane tempered glass lenses with an anti-fog coating.
- The mask has a silicone skirt, and the dry-top snorkel has a valve that closes automatically underwater.
- It includes strap fins with quick-release buckles and a mesh bag, and the product page lists a 2-year warranty.
- Only two sizes, S/M and L/XL, so each covers a wide range of feet.
- U.S. Divers notes that feet at either end of a size range may sit short of, or extend past, the fin pocket.
- A purge valve is not stated on the product page.
- Fin length and blade material are not published.
A compact four-piece kit with an anti-fog film on tempered glass and short fins, but a snorkel that deflects splash instead of sealing.
Best for: Confident swimmers and light packers who are comfortable clearing a snorkel and want a lens that resists fogging.
- Seavenger states a tempered glass twin lens with a durable anti-fog film, plus a hypoallergenic silicone skirt.
- The open-heel trek fins are 15.5 to 17 inches long depending on size, which packs easily.
- The flexible corrugated snorkel has a lower purge valve and a silicone mouthpiece, and Seavenger says the gear is made in Taiwan.
- The snorkel has a top deflector, not a valve that seals underwater, so water can enter if the top is submerged.
- Short fins have less blade area than full-length fins.
- The anti-fog film needs gentle care; Seavenger says to rinse with fresh water after each use.
- Skirt and strap colour vary by colourway, so check the listing photos.
A full-face mask with a wide view and an action camera mount, in a product category whose safety public health bodies are still studying.
Best for: Hard to recommend; if you want a wide view, a single-lens glass mask with a separate snorkel is the simpler choice.
- Wildhorn lists 180 degree visibility and fog resistant materials among its features.
- It has adjustable straps with quick-release safety buttons and an auto-drain system, per the maker.
- A GoPro-style camera mount is included, and three sizes are offered by face measurement.
- Hawaii's Department of Health says questions have been raised about full-face mask safety, lists carbon dioxide rebreathing among the theories under study, and says more research is needed.
- The lens and frame are polycarbonate, not tempered glass.
- Wildhorn now sells it as clearance with all sales final, no returns and no exchanges, which is a poor match for gear that depends on fit.
- It is a mask only: no fins, and it weighs 1.4 lb per the maker.
| Criteria | Cressi Palau Set Top pick | U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set | Seavenger Hanalei Anti-Fog Snorkeling Set | Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy it | Buy it | It depends | Skip it |
| Best for | Holiday snorkellers who want one complete, clearly specified set that should last several trips. | Occasional snorkellers who want glass, silicone and a dry-top snorkel without paying for the Cressi. | Confident swimmers and light packers who are comfortable clearing a snorkel and want a lens that resists fogging. | Hard to recommend; if you want a wide view, a single-lens glass mask with a separate snorkel is the simpler choice. |
| Price tier | $$ · premium | $ · mid-range | $ · mid-range | $ · budget |
| Lens (maker's wording) | Single tempered glass lens | Dual-pane tempered glass, anti-fog coating | Twin tempered glass lens, anti-fog film | Polycarbonate lens and frame |
| Skirt or seal | Hypoallergenic silicone | Silicone | Hypoallergenic silicone | Medical grade silicone insert |
| Snorkel top | Dry: splash guard plus sealing valve | Dry-top: valve closes underwater | Top deflector, no sealing valve stated | Integrated side snorkel tube |
| Purge valve | Yes, in water collector | Not stated | Yes, lower purge valve | Auto-drain system |
| Fins included | Open-heel adjustable Palau fins | Strap fins with quick-release buckles | Open-heel short trek fins | None |
| Fin length | About 51.8 to 56 cm by size | Not published | 15.5 to 17 in by size | Not applicable |
| Sizes | XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL | S/M, L/XL | S, M, L | S, M, L by chin-to-nose measurement |
| Bag | Zip-up bag with shoulder strap | Mesh bag | Quick-dry mesh bag | Not stated |
Which one is right for you?
- Holiday snorkellers who want one complete, clearly specified set that should last several trips. Buy it Cressi Palau Set
- Occasional snorkellers who want glass, silicone and a dry-top snorkel without paying for the Cressi. Buy it U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set
- Confident swimmers and light packers who are comfortable clearing a snorkel and want a lens that resists fogging. It depends Seavenger Hanalei Anti-Fog Snorkeling Set
- Hard to recommend; if you want a wide view, a single-lens glass mask with a separate snorkel is the simpler choice. Skip it Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask
How we judged the field
Five things decide whether a snorkel set is pleasant or miserable. The lens: tempered glass resists scratching, and the maker should say so in writing. The skirt: silicone is soft and seals well, while cheaper sets use TPR or PVC, and the description tells you which. The snorkel top: a dry-top valve seals when submerged, a splash guard only deflects waves. A purge valve near the mouthpiece makes clearing water easier. And fit, which for fins means enough sizes that your foot is not at the edge of a range. We took every one of these from the manufacturer’s own product page and marked anything missing as not stated.
The field splits into conventional sets, with a separate mask and snorkel, and full-face masks that cover the whole face. Within conventional sets the gap is mostly about materials and sizing. We chose the Cressi Palau Set because it states all five points and offers four sizes, the U.S. Divers Bonaire because it covers the essentials at a lower tier, and the Seavenger Hanalei as a compact alternative with a different snorkel design. The Seaview 180 V3 represents full-face masks, which Hawaii’s Department of Health says are still being studied.
The Cressi Palau Set is the one where nothing important is left unsaid. Cressi states that the Onda mask has a single tempered glass lens and a soft, hypoallergenic, transparent silicone skirt with quick-release strap buckles. The Supernova Dry snorkel has a splash guard, a valve that seals the tube when it goes under, and a water collector with a purge valve, so it covers all three of the features people shop for. The Palau fins are open-heel and adjustable, built for bare feet, and Cressi’s size chart also shows them with neoprene socks. Four sizes from XS/S to L/XL cover roughly EU 35 to 47, and the chart labels the fins as made in Italy. A zip-up bag with a shoulder strap is included. The trade-offs are price, since this is the top tier among the complete sets here, and bulk: the fins run from about 52 to 56 cm, longer than travel fins. Cressi also calls the mask average in internal volume. It is for people who snorkel most holidays and want to buy once.
The U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set gets the fundamentals right at a lower tier than the Cressi. U.S. Divers states dual-pane tempered glass lenses with an anti-fog coating and a silicone skirt shaped for adult faces. The snorkel is a dry-top with a built-in valve that closes automatically underwater. The fins use quick-release buckles, and everything packs into a mesh bag. The product page also lists a 2-year warranty. What you give up is detail and sizing. There are only two sizes: S/M for men’s 4 to 8.5 and women’s 5 to 9.5, and L/XL for men’s 9 to 13 and women’s 10 to 14. U.S. Divers itself notes that feet at the small end may not reach the edge of the pocket and feet at the large end may extend past it. A purge valve is not mentioned, and fin length is not published. Note that this brand also sells sets with polycarbonate lenses, so check you are buying the Bonaire. It is for the once-a-year snorkeller who still wants glass and silicone.
The Seavenger Hanalei Anti-Fog Snorkeling Set takes a different approach, and whether it suits you depends on your comfort in the water. The four-piece kit has a twin-lens tempered glass mask with what Seavenger calls a durable anti-fog film, a hypoallergenic silicone skirt and swivel strap buckles. The fins are open-heel trek fins measuring 15.5, 16 or 17 inches by size, short enough to pack easily. Seavenger says the gear is made in Taiwan. The catch is the snorkel. It is a flexible corrugated tube with a silicone mouthpiece, a lower purge valve and a top deflector, but Seavenger does not describe a valve that seals underwater. If a wave covers the top or you duck under, expect water in the tube and be ready to blow it out. Short fins also have less blade than full-length ones. The anti-fog film wants gentle handling: Seavenger says to rinse it under cool water before use and with fresh water afterwards. It is for confident swimmers who pack light and dislike fogged lenses, not nervous first-timers.
The Seaview 180 V3 from Wildhorn Outfitters is a full-face mask: one polycarbonate shell over eyes, nose and mouth, with a side-mounted snorkel tube. Wildhorn says its FlowTech system addresses airflow, fogging and what it calls safe CO2 volume, and the mask has quick-release strap buttons, an auto-drain and a camera mount. Test figures behind those claims are not published on the product page. Meanwhile Hawaii’s Department of Health says questions have been raised about full-face masks, that it is studying whether they are linked to increased drowning risk, and that more research is needed; it also says there is currently not enough evidence to show a direct increase in risk. Divers Alert Network reports receiving incident reports connected to these masks. Beyond that open question, the practical case is weak. The lens is polycarbonate, there are no fins, and Wildhorn now lists the mask as clearance with all sales final, so a poor fit cannot be returned. Most people are better served by a glass mask and a separate snorkel.
Cressi Palau Set vs U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set: which should you buy?
The Cressi and the U.S. Divers sets agree on the things that matter most: tempered glass, a silicone skirt, and a snorkel with a valve that closes underwater. The Cressi adds a stated purge valve, a single lens for an uninterrupted view, a zip-up shoulder bag, and published fin dimensions. The Bonaire adds a factory anti-fog coating on a dual-lens mask and sits a price tier lower.
Sizing is the deciding factor for many people. Cressi offers four fin sizes, so each one spans roughly two to three US shoe sizes. U.S. Divers offers two, each spanning four or more. If your feet are near the middle of an S/M or L/XL range, or you snorkel a few days a year, the Bonaire is the sensible buy. If your feet sit at the small or large end of a Bonaire size, or you expect to use the set for years, pay for the Cressi.
What to look for
- Lens material: look for the words tempered glass in the description or printed on the lens; polycarbonate or an unnamed plastic scratches more easily.
- Skirt material: silicone is the standard for a soft seal, while TPR, PVC and blended names are cheaper substitutes, so read the wording closely.
- Snorkel top: a dry-top has a valve that seals underwater, a semi-dry or splash-guard top only deflects waves, and the maker’s description should say which.
- Purge valve: a one-way valve below the mouthpiece lets you clear water with a light exhale instead of a hard blast.
- Fin sizing: more sizes mean a closer fit, and open-heel strap fins adjust to bare feet or thin socks.
- Full-face masks: Hawaii’s Department of Health says their safety is still being studied, so a conventional mask and snorkel is the cautious choice.
Our final take
Buy the Cressi Palau Set if you want one complete kit with every material stated and enough fin sizes to fit properly. Buy the U.S. Divers Bonaire if you snorkel once a year and want glass, silicone and a dry-top snorkel for less. The Seavenger Hanalei is a good compact kit for swimmers who can clear a snorkel without fuss. Skip the full-face Seaview 180 V3 while public health bodies are still studying that design. Whatever you choose, Hawaii’s ocean safety guidance suggests snorkelling with a buddy and considering a flotation aid, which our guide to life jackets covers. Our reviews of mineral sunscreens, dry bags and action cameras cover the rest of the beach bag.
Questions, answered
Are full-face snorkel masks safe?
The question is open. Hawaii's Department of Health says questions have been raised about their safety, that it and partners are studying whether they are linked to increased drowning risk, and that there is currently not enough evidence to show a direct increase in risk. The theories it lists include carbon dioxide buildup, decreased oxygen uptake, and difficulty removing the mask. Divers Alert Network says it has received incident reports connected to these masks and ran a study with Duke University to examine them. Given that uncertainty, we recommend a conventional mask and separate snorkel. Ask a doctor if you have a heart or lung condition and plan to snorkel with any equipment.
Does the lens need to be tempered glass?
For a conventional mask, look for it. Tempered glass resists scratches and many makers print the word on the lens itself, as Cressi and Seavenger do. Some low-cost sets use plastic instead: U.S. Divers describes one of its own sets as having polycarbonate lenses and a TPR skirt, so the brand name alone does not tell you. If a listing does not say what the lens is made of, treat that as a reason to keep looking.
What is the difference between a dry snorkel and a regular one?
A dry or dry-top snorkel has a valve at the top that closes when the tube goes underwater. Cressi and U.S. Divers both describe their snorkels this way. A snorkel with only a splash guard or deflector reduces water coming in from waves but does not seal if submerged. A classic open tube has neither. With any type, you should know how to clear water by exhaling sharply, because valves can let some water past.
Should I buy a set with fins or just a mask and snorkel?
Fins make it easier to move and to hold position in a current, so most holiday snorkellers are better off with them. All three conventional sets here include adjustable strap fins. Short travel fins like Seavenger's pack smaller; longer fins like Cressi's have more blade. If you already own fins, or your tour supplies them, a mask and snorkel combo is enough, since the mask is the piece where personal fit matters most.
How do I stop a new mask from fogging?
Follow the maker's instructions for your lens. U.S. Divers' care guidance says uncoated glass lenses leave the factory with a thin silicone film that causes fogging, and suggests scrubbing it off with paste toothpaste before first use, then using an anti-fog agent. Lenses with a factory anti-fog film are different: Seavenger says to rinse its lens under cool water before use and gently with fresh water afterwards. Do not scrub a coated lens unless the maker says to. Hawaii's ocean safety guidance also recommends using an anti-fog product before entering the water.
Deciding between the top two? See our head-to-head: Cressi Palau Set vs U.S. Divers Bonaire Adult Snorkel Set.
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