A snorkel can be easily attached to diving goggles and allows you to breathe freely under the surface. This makes watching fish really fun.
What many people don’t know:
There are over 531 snorkels on offer on Amazon alone. But how can you recognize good quality and health suitability?
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing has researched for over 23 hours and presents the best snorkel models 2024. You can also find out how to recognize quality and a good price-performance ratio.
The best snorkel 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our snorkel favorite:
- Splash water protection
- 18 different colors
- Clip snorkel holder
- Water collection tank with drain valve
- Flexible breathing tube
- Dry-top system
Snorkel Checklist
- Material: The mouthpiece must not contain any toxic plasticizers.
- Durability: A protective bag is essential for the longevity of a snorkel.
- Length: A snorkel must not be longer than 35 cm – otherwise there is a risk of pendulum breathing!
- Models: There are extra foldable travel snorkels for small luggage. Splash protection is essential in heavy swell. Special dry-top systems close the snorkel during descent.
Also interesting: The most popular swim fins for snorkeling 2024.
The best snorkels 2024
Advantages
- Splash water protection
- 18 different colors
- Clip snorkel holder
- Water collection tank with drain valve
- Flexible breathing tube
- Dry-top system
Disadvantages
- Intrinsic odor after delivery
Summary
The Cressi Premium dry snorkel is a model with modern technology. From the dry-top system to splash protection, everything has been installed. What’s more, the customer can choose from 18 colors.
The snorkel can be easily attached to the snorkeling mask using a clip system. When submerging, the built-in float automatically closes the opening. This means that no water can penetrate.
Even waves are no problem, as a special “splash guard” protects against splashing water.
The soft silicone mouthpiece adapts flexibly to the mouth. If water gets into the mouthpiece, it can simply be drained via a valve.
Conclusion
A snorkel with modern technology and optical diversity. Everyone is guaranteed to get their money’s worth with this model.
Product details
Size: One size, 40 x 10 x 4 cm (the actual breathing tube is only 35 cm long) | Material: Silicone | Weight: 118 g
Customer ratings
The material is comfortable. The dry closure works, just like the valves that allow excess water to escape at the bottom. Even in heavy swell, you are protected from water ingress. The price-performance ratio is good. The material has no taste of its own. The mouthpiece fits comfortably and adapts perfectly. The product can be easily attached to any diving mask, nothing wobbles.
Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
In contrast to the opinions of many customers, there are a few negative reviews that criticize the smell. After delivery, the snorkel smelled chemical. One customer was unable to breathe through his snorkel and the product was exchanged.
FAQ
2. aqua lung air silicone professional snorkel
Advantages
- Replaceable mouthpiece
- Flexible breathing tube
- Splash guard
- Clip snorkel holder
- 4 different colors
Disadvantages
- No dry-top system
Summary
This professional snorkel from Aqua Lung has been in production for many years. The design of the model has proven to be extremely reliable and is very popular.
The snorkel is anatomically shaped, adapts well to the head and can be easily attached to the diving goggles. It is particularly good that the mouthpiece is interchangeable and equipped with a palate plate.
Customers can choose from 4 different colors. The signal color version in particular ensures good visibility and greater safety in the water.
Conclusion
If you value tried-and-tested technology and an experienced manufacturer, this is the product for you. The signal color helps to be seen particularly well by boats.
If you want to spearfish, it is better to use a neutral color. Warning colors scare away fish.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Polyester and silicone | Weight: 159 g
Customer ratings
The color combination is beautiful and the workmanship is excellent. Blowing out water is very easy. The splash guard can even be adjusted according to the direction of the shafts. One customer has been using the snorkel for 20 years. The manufacturer is very experienced and produces very good quality. The model sits comfortably in the mouth and does not get in the way even on longer tours. All expectations are met.
Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
n/a
FAQ
3. cressi Alpha Ultra Dry
Advantages
- Anatomically shaped
- Dry-top system
- Flexible breathing tube
- Splash water protection
- Quick clip system
- 12 different colors
Disadvantages
- Dry top closes in the event of swell
Summary
The Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel passes every valve snorkel test. A dry-top system, splash protection and the best materials have been used. It is available in many different colors.
The special feature of this model is the quick clip system. The system consists of two parts, one of which remains permanently on the mask strap. The snorkel is simply plugged in and out – this saves time and is child’s play.
The material used is high quality and flexible. The lower end of the snorkel can be bent to fit faces of different lengths or widths. This also has a positive effect on the pack size.
Conclusion
The Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel is the ideal snorkel for impatient users who want to put their snorkel on and take it off frequently.
If you use your snorkel with different masks, you should order additional clips.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone | Weight: 168 g
Customer ratings
The mouthpiece can be worn for a long time without any problems. It fits comfortably and leaves no pressure marks. The snorkel is easy to handle and keeps absolutely tight. Some customers consider it to be the best model on the market. Waves are no problem and the quick-release fastener on the mask strap fuses with the mask. The snorkel can be attached or detached in a second. The snorkel is also visually appealing.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers have had water enter the snorkel. You should not dive deeper than 6 m, as the valve will be compressed by the water pressure. The snorkel then fills completely with water and is difficult to blow out. In heavy swell, the dry-top system closes and you can no longer breathe.
FAQ
4. supertrip dry snorkel unisex
Advantages
- 5 different colors
- Free earplugs
- Dry-top system
- Drain valve
- Anatomically shaped
Disadvantages
- Inexperienced manufacturer
- Difficult to blow out
Summary
The Supertrip dry snorkel was produced by a young company. The manufacturer uses modern technology in the snorkel. There is a dry-top system and splash protection.
The lower end of the breathing tube is flexible and adapts ergonomically to the head. The manufacturer also supplies free earplugs. They are light blue and conical in shape.
The material consists of food-grade silicone. It is harmless to health and pleasant on the skin and mucous membranes.
Conclusion
This snorkel is ideal for people with sensitive ears, as the technically flawless snorkel comes with free earplugs.
If you value experienced manufacturers, it is better to go for a branded product.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone | Weight: 259 g
Customer ratings
The earplugs supplied are practical and protect against infection. The design is beautiful. The mouthpiece is very comfortable, even if you have a sensitive jaw. The blow-out valve does its job and the snorkel is in no way inferior to branded products. The snorkel can be easily attached to the mask strap. It is also suitable for beginners. The performance is very reasonable for the price.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
For one user, the plastic simply broke through after a few uses. The quality is sometimes perceived as poor. Sometimes it is difficult to blow out and the snorkel is not 100% tight.
FAQ
5. cressi supernova dry snorkel
Advantages
- Dry-top system
- 24 different colors
- Splash water protection
- Flexible breathing tube
- Quick Release Clip
- Extra valve on the mouthpiece
Disadvantages
- Dry-top system partially jammed
Summary
This Supernova Dry snorkel from Cressi has splash protection and a dry-top system for comfortable diving. A valve on the mouthpiece allows any water that has entered to flow out.
The model can be connected to the mask strap using a two-part quick release system. This makes assembly and disassembly particularly quick. The breathing tube has an elliptical shape and lets a lot of oxygen through.
The material is high-quality silicone and anatomically shaped plastic. The flexible end adapts to all face shapes.
Conclusion
This model is particularly suitable for divers who need to switch quickly between mouthpiece and snorkel.
Due to the wide breathing tube, the pack size is slightly larger.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone | Weight: 159 g
Customer ratings
The technology works perfectly and the mouthpiece is more comfortable than on other models. The snorkel is lightweight. It is also suitable for spearfishing. Water cannot penetrate even in heavy swell. The snorkel can be used by children. At the same time, it adapts well to large heads. Several customers were so impressed that they gave the same model as a gift to friends and family.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The dry-top system quickly jams on contact with sand. Underwater, it did not hold tight with some customers.
Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “
FAQ
6. mares Ergo Flex
Advantages
- Experienced manufacturer
- 4 different colors
- Anatomical design
- Powerful blow-off valve
- Flexible breathing tube
Disadvantages
- No dry-top or splash protection
Summary
The Ergo Flex snorkel from Mares is a minimalist model. The manufacturer has deliberately avoided technical innovations. This makes the snorkel an absolute lightweight.
Although there is no splash protection, the blow-out function is extra powerful. The advantage is that the air can flow freely into the upper end. This makes it particularly easy to breathe in and out.
The weight is very light due to the simple design. High-quality silicone and flexible polyester were used.
Conclusion
Snorkelers who rely on quality without technical gimmicks and want to breathe particularly freely choose this product.
If you are snorkeling in strong waves, it is better to choose a product with splash protection.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone and polyester | Weight: 99.8 g
Customer ratings
The snorkel is comfortable to wear. It does not require a firm bite to hold the snorkel in the mouth. The material does not chafe the gums or palate. The blow-out mechanism works perfectly. Mares optimizes its products from year to year and they become more and more comfortable. One customer describes that he gets more air with the snorkel than with other models. The snorkel weighs almost nothing and is easy to stow away.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
There are no negative reviews for this product yet.
7. cressi unisex mexico
Advantages
- Splash water protection
- Bite warts on the mouthpiece
- Anatomically shaped
- 6 different colors
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages
- No dry-top system
- Initial taste
Summary
The Mexico unisex snorkel is available in 6 different designs. The splash guard stands out in color from the breathing tube and helps boats recognize snorkelers early on.
The pack size and purchase price are particularly small. The breathing tube is anatomically shaped and adapts to the inclination of the head. For a firm hold, there are teething warts on the mouthpiece.
The snorkel is made of high-quality plastic. Robust silicone was used for the mouthpiece. The material does not peel off even with heavy biting.
Conclusion
This mouthpiece is suitable for snorkelers who tend to have a firm bite. The bite-resistant material can withstand a lot.
People with large jaws prefer a product with a wider mouthpiece.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone and polyester | Weight: 136 g
Customer ratings
The snorkel has no inherent odor and sits comfortably in the mouth. The manufacturer enjoys great popularity. The splash guard does its job and you can watch the fish undisturbed. Some customers have recommended the model to others and given it as a gift to family and friends. It is well suited for spearfishing. The product lasts for years without losing its function. The teething warts are practical.
Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The snorkel tastes unpleasantly of plastic at first and leaves a strange taste in the mouth. The clip on the mask sometimes does not hold and comes off by itself after a short time. The product slides with gravity and hangs in the field of vision after a short time. The mouthpiece is not suitable for large jaws.
8. Speeron foldable travel snorkel
Advantages
- Foldable
- Extra small pack size
- Ergonomically shaped
- Free transport tray
- Carrying strap
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- No dry-top or splash protection
Summary
The decisive advantage of the Speeron travel snorkel is that it is foldable. The customer can simply roll it up and stow it in a carrying case with a loop. The snorkel even fits in your trouser pocket.
No extra valves were installed due to the small pack size. The snorkel does not require a dry-top system or splash protection. This keeps the weight extra low.
The material is a mixture of silicone and plastic. The strap is made of nylon and the transport tray is made of hard plastic.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the smallest possible pack size, this is definitely the product for you.
As the size should be as small as possible, there are no safety valves. Beginners and children are better off choosing a different model.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone | Weight: 159 g
Customer ratings
The pack size is extremely small and fits in any bag. The material is comfortable and flexible. The mouthpiece is a comfortable size and prevents cramps in the jaw. The quality is high and the snorkel sits close to the head. The length is sufficient for oxygen transport and the overall design is very practical.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Unfolding is complicated and the snorkel hangs wobbly on the head. After prolonged folding, the snorkel does not keep its upright shape. The material is very soft. One customer finds it completely unusable.
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Bestsellers: The most popular snorkels
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a snorkel:
How to make the right decision
Hold your breath for over 4 minutes? As a rule, only very good freedivers can do this, such as the German world freediving champion Tom Sietas. All others prefer to rely on support when exploring the underwater world.
Isabell Keller (marine biologist from Kiel)
The marine biologist is not alone in this passion. Every year, several million people go snorkeling and diving!
Why is snorkeling so popular?
- Affordable entry
- Suitable for every fitness level
- Easy transportation of snorkelling equipment
- Also suitable for families
- Varied
- Unsuitable for non-swimmers
- High solar radiation
- Not for murky waters
Also interesting: ” Learn to snorkel within 10 minutes? This is how it works!
What you need to consider when buying a snorkel
When looking for the best snorkel, you should definitely consider the following features and tips:
- Snorkel material
- Snorkel size
- Manufacturer
- Technical accessories
- Care instructions
Material of snorkels?
A snorkel consists of a mouthpiece and a breathing tube. Both are made from different materials.
- Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece of the snorkel is usually made of rubber or silicone.
- Breathing tube: The actual breathing tube is made of solid plastic. Some manufacturers attach a flexible hose to the lower end. This enables better adaptation to different head shapes.
Important: The mouthpiece inevitably comes into contact with your mucous membranes. It is therefore essential that high-quality material without toxic plasticizers is used (see section “Consumer Reports and Öko Test“).
The right snorkel size?
The breathing tube normally has a diameter of 1.8 cm to 2.5 cm and a height of up to 35 cm.
The following applies:
The wider the snorkel, the more oxygen reaches the mouthpiece. The disadvantage is the increased pack size.
Snorkels with a breathing tube longer than 35 cm can cause the breath to oscillate. This means that instead of fresh oxygen, the exhaled air is inhaled again. This can result in a dangerous lack of oxygen.
Do not be fooled: Some valves extend the dimensions of the snorkel. The 35 cm rule only applies to the breathing tube itself.
Manufacturer
Relying on manufacturer experience can pay off in the long term. The best-known and most experienced snorkel manufacturers include
- Mares
- Cressi
- Aqua Lung.
Mares (HEAD) and Aqua Lung are true professionals. Both produce equipment for the navy on deep-sea missions. They are known for their state-of-the-art technology. Hobby snorkelers will also find affordable entry-level models here.
The inexpensive manufacturer Cressi is also suitable for beginners. His philosophy is: the lowest possible price with the highest possible quality.
You are not sure? If in doubt, check the reviews of other buyers or seek advice from retailers (e.g. at Empty).
Technical accessories
There are many small details that distinguish snorkels from one another. The following list gives you an overview of the technology and areas of application:
| Technology | Field of application |
|---|---|
| Splash water protection | Strong swell |
| Dry-top system | Spearfishing, diving |
| Drain valve | Divers who release the mouthpiece underwater |
| Ergonomic shape | Increase comfort |
| Flexible breathing tube | For deviating jaw shapes |
| Quick Release Clip | For quick attachment and removal of the snorkel |
Good to know: For a good snorkeling tour, it is always advisable to use complete ABC equipment. This consists of a snorkel, diving mask and fins.
The right snorkel care and cleaning?
Relying on renowned manufacturers is a good start. However, proper care and cleaning also influence the longevity of a snorkel.
What many people don’t think about:
- Insufficient or too aggressive cleaning leads to defects in the material.
- Proper care will maintain the function of your snorkel for years.
Observe the following care instructions:
- Rinse the snorkel with plenty of fresh water after every snorkeling session.
- Use only mild soap and cloths without an abrasive side.
- Never dry the snorkel in direct sunlight.
- Transportation should always take place in a protective bag.
Pro tip: Some suppliers include a free transport bag. This not only protects the snorkel, but also your luggage from moisture or grains of sand!
Snorkel tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?
Consumer Reports conducted a short test on a snorkeling set from Lidl. The result? No harmful substances or plasticizers could be measured. Green light for your health.
However, neither Consumer Reports nor Öko Test have carried out detailed snorkel tests to date.
Children have particularly sensitive mucous membranes and react with irritation. Make sure that products do not contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Snorkeling tips for beginners?
If you don’t have a snorkel to hand, here are 5 very creative tips on how you can still breathe underwater:
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about snorkeling
How does snorkeling work?
Why use a snorkel when diving?
Why aren’t snorkels longer?
Who invented the snorkel?
How to attach a snorkel to goggles?
What to look out for with a snorkel?
- Never use a snorkel longer than 35 cm.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Never snorkel alone, go with a snorkeling buddy.
- Do not leave children unattended.
- Only for safe swimmers who feel comfortable underwater.
Conclusion: The most popular snorkels reviewed
Toxic substances in the mouthpiece are a no-go and a protective bag is not just for looks. To avoid negative surprises on vacation, the purchase should be well thought out beforehand.
The best for last:
If you follow the instructions and tips from BeyondSurfing, nothing can go wrong with your snorkel purchase. Let the underwater adventure begin!
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Snorkel history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snorkel_(swimming)
- World champion in freediving: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Sietas
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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