The 6 Best Snorkel Masks for 2023

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Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Snorkel Ken

Are you ready for a snorkel-tastic year in 2023!?

(We’re going to the Maldives this year!! More to follow!)

We took a little while before we started to post our picks for the best snorkel masks and gear you can get for this New Year. Still, now that we’ve finally done the tallying and looked back on 2017, we think that we know just the type of gear people are looking for to take to the beach, on vacation, or even on that tropical cruise to all of those exotic locations.

We’re starting this year off (sort of) with the Best Snorkel Masks for 2023. We’re hoping we can have as much fun providing snorkel reviews and doing our snorkeling in 2023 as we did in years previous, but it’s going to be a tough year to beat. But, hey, if two people can have more fun this year than we did last year… it’s us!

We were able to review our favorite masks last year, and lots of people had a great time snorkeling with the gear we recommended. We’re proud of that and happy to help. From looking at last year’s buys, comments, and most popular pages/items, we can, without a doubt, provide the greatest short list of snorkel masks for the coming year.

Our 2023 Best Snorkel Masks Picks (Updated)

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Here are a couple of things you can take from the below list: First, people are really into GoPros right now, and taking videos of the underwater world is important to snorkelers. Second, it’s the full-face snorkel masks that people are buying to make snorkeling that much easier and more comfortable. Lastly, it’s all about the view; all of the masks below maximize the amount of lens and how much of the underwater world you can see.

Tribord

The Tribord Easybreath, full-face snorkeling mask was our most popular mask for 2015.  We feel that people appreciated the comfortable fit and the ability to take the snorkel out of the picture by using this all-in-one snorkel and mask combo. This is a purely snorkeling mask as it is not made for SCUBA or free diving to depths. It’s a great mask for the beginner snorkeler to have along with you on your vacation. Read our full review of the Tribord.

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Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask

This is the same mask maker as the one below this, and our favorite take on the mask is the bronze and mirrored glass frame, but there are other colors, too.

While we were using the Spectra Low Volume 2, we definitely noticed the difference in air pressure against the face when we dove and snorkeled at depth. It was much more comfortable. Along with that, here are some additional features that will make your purchase of this mask even more worth it.

  • Two crystal clear lenses that present the underwater world in brightness and clarity.
  • Safety-in-mind, tempered glass lenses that will last longer and be durable.
  • Easy to adjust with push-button buckles and help achieve that perfect, comfortable fit you’re looking for.
  • If you want a glare-free view, then we definitely recommend the mirrored lens option.

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This, however, is just a mask. You’ll want to order the ScubaPro neoprene strap cover bundle for comfort along with the Escape Dry Snorkel.


Absolutely my favorite snorkel mask. I tried it out for a week while my buddy was off getting married, and I didn’t want to give it back. Technologically advanced design for the perfect fit. Mirrored lenses for eye protection and a wide viewing capacity. You need to try it out to really get a grasp of what the TruFit technology does for the mask… it’s a game changer. Also available without tinted lenses and in different colors on the frame and clear silicone.

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Atomic Venom Frameless

This is another one of my all-time favorite snorkel masks. It provides divers with an unparalleled level of comfort, high-quality optics, and style. This new mask complements the popular Atomic Aquatics Venom mask and incorporates the signature ‘Wicked’ styling recognizable on SV series snorkels and Bladefin fins. The Venom Frameless expands the current Atomic Aquatics mask line that includes Venom, Frameless 2, and SubFrame models, giving divers more options to fit different face sizes and shapes. The mask is available in Gray/Black and Red/Black colors.

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Cressi F1

The Cressi F1 Frameless mask has always been a favorite of ours. Ever since we started the Snorkel Store in 2015, we’ve used a Cressi frameless mask off and on.

We love to tout Cressi’s history of diving, swimming, and snorkeling products since 1946. Yeah, it has a lot of history. And that comes with a lot of knowledge and expertise.

We love the Cressi F1 for its wide, single-view lens that gives enormous, panoramic views of everything in front of you.

It’s made with 100% hyper-allergenic silicone that’s soft and supple, resulting in a perfectly comfortable seal to the face.

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Seaview 180

The Seaview 180 from WildHorn Outfitters has taken us by surprise and impressed us. We won’t lie; we didn’t pick the Seaview as the best full-face snorkel mask when we did our round up, but it has taken the top spot now, that’s for sure!

There was never a time when this was a bad mask, but we just never had it above or “better” than the Tribord or Ocean Reef Aria. However, the comfortable fit, supreme underwater view, full-face mask with a dry snorkel is about as good as it can get.

Of course, just like other full-face masks, this is purely a snorkeling mask, and any sort of “diving” is not recommended for these masks. That being said, if you have a mustache, then these full-face masks are perfect for you!

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Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask Snorkel Set

Yes, back to Cressi again. This mask is an “Amazon Choice” and has about 1000 5-star ratings. But what would expect from a mask that:

  • Has ultra-comfortable silicone and fit but is as durable as they come with tempered glass and quality straps.
  • Push button strap clamps that make on/off and adjustments as easy to do in the water as it is on land.
  • Great snorkel with a bendable/adjustable lower piece and a splash proof top.

This is definitely one of the top snorkel masks on the market and will be for years to come.

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TUSA Freedom HD Elite Mask

We love the TUSA brand just as much as we like Cressi. I often talk about how Lizzy’s main snorkel set is a TUSA set that we both love. Man, that set is comfortable.

Here are some highlights of the TUSA Freedom Elite:

  • Wide field of view single lens
  • Equipped with Freedom Technology
  • 180° Rotational Buckle System
  • Medium-large frame with minimal internal volume
  • Five-position strap angle adjustor for micro-adjustment
  • And about as many color styles as you could ever wish for.

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Zorroo GoPro Full Face Mask

The ZORROO Snorkel Mask does a great job of combining the OctoMask (below) with the full-face design of the Tribord. Great comfort and the ability to capture everything you’re looking down at as you skim across the surface of the water is both highly convenient and exciting…especially when you send your family and friends all the great video of your snorkeling fun!  


Phantom Aquatics Cancun Mask Snorkel Combo

This one surprised us a bit, but it was an excellent option for those who bought a snorkel set, or mask/snorkel combo in 2015. We shouldn’t be that surprised, though, as Phantom Aquatics puts out some great products. The Cancun mask and snorkel sets are sleek, comfortable, and ultra-dependable. You won’t find a better traditional snorkel mask than the Cancun Mask on the market.

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GoPro OctoMask

The OctoMask with GoPro attachment was one of my favorite masks that I sampled and reviewed this year, and many shoppers here at The Snorkel Store agreed. The comfort of the mask, the traditional build, and the GoPro attachment make this mask an excellent choice for any user who has no issue with breathing through the snorkel. You can read our full review here.

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Cressi Panoramic Wide View Mask Dry Snorkel Set

The Cressi Panoramic wide view mask is all about seeing as much as you can while you’re underwater. This is a 4 lens mask (two in front of each eye, and two on each side of the eye), giving it that panoramic view. It’s comfortable and an excellent buy for beginner snorkelers who want to capture as much marine life as possible when they’re in the water. A definite Top Pick for years to come. You can read our full review here.

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How to Choose a Good Snorkel Mask

Just like any other recreational sport, snorkeling requires you to kit yourself with the right snorkeling gear. A mask is one of the must-have snorkeling gear that should not miss in your backpack. With the right gear, you will not have to waste your time fiddling around instead, maximize your time enjoying the sport. Shopping for one can be a challenge, mainly if you are a newbie. However, here is a definitive guide on how to select the best.

Fit is critical

The most critical aspect is how your gear fits. Experts recommend that you test by wearing it on your face without a strap and don’t inhale or exhale. Try letting it go and see if it stays in place. Remember that wearing the gear can change the appearance
of your face and is critical that you find the best fitting one. There is a rubber-like part called the skirt which comes into contact with your skin. The skirt is designed to maintain a watertight seal against your skin. A loose one can lead to problems such as fatigue, fogging, and leaking. A leaking skirt means you’ll frequently tread to remove water which can lead to fogging.

Style

You can choose from a single, dual, or 3 or 4 lenses. Others come with tempered glass while others don’t. Those with tempered glass are great for diving. You may also consider purge valves. These are often located at the bottom of the nose gap. They allow quick clearing of water in case it gets in.

Material used

Silicone is the most preferred material since it is comfortable, soft, and durable. However, it is available in various colors and grades. If you are a photographer, you need a material that allows light for an excellent underwater view. Crystal clear silicone is ideal for photographers.

Vision-enhancing coating

Some lenses are designed in a way that they improve clarity in dim-lit conditions. Such lenses come with special tinting for crispier images while reducing glare. In case you want extra clarity, then you may consider the presence of the vision-enhancing coating.

The quality of the gear you choose determines how entertaining and enjoyable your sport will be. It can be easy to get confused since they come in various brands, sizes, and shapes. When shopping for one, try to consider the clarity, material, lens quality, comfort, fit, and seal.

How to Keep a Snorkel Mask from Fogging

Here are some great ways to prevent your diving or snorkeling mask from fogging up while snorkeling.

Use toothpaste! This option should be done prior to your first time in the water. This helps to remove the chemicals that have adhered to the mask during the manufacturing process and causes fogging to occur. Rub the toothpaste around the inside of the mask with a cloth or paper towel. Do this for a few minutes. Make sure you use any kind that doesn’t have bleaching agents so it doesn’t discolor the mask. Also make sure it is not too gritty so that it doesn’t scratch the lenses either. After you are done rubbing it around let it sit for ten minutes and afterward wash it away with crisp water. You should even now utilize another defogging specialist routinely.

There are specifically formulated defogging wipes or anti-fog sprays on the market. The wipes go on dry, are invisible and can be used multiple times though there are other types as well so be sure to follow the instructions on the package. When using the spray, squirt it directly on the inside of the goggles and rub it around before quickly dunking it under fresh water to rinse. You should leave a small amount of residue behind to keep the moisture from sticking to the lens.

You can mix your own anti-fog spray by using a mixture of baby shampoo and water in a spray bottle. Child cleanser is utilized on the grounds that it is intended to be delicate on the eyes, so that does your veil not fog as well as your eyes won’t be bothered either.

At the point when all else has fizzled and you are out in the water, you can spit inside the veil. This should do the trick at least until you have other options available.

If you don’t mind spending a little extra money then buy the new full-face snorkel mask that is on the market. It is specifically designed not to fog. It has lots of added benefits though. You have the ability to breathe through your nose or mouth, a full face lens that gives you a larger view, it also has a built-in shut off valve so that if you dive down into the water it closes the snorkel so that water doesn’t come shooting in your mouth. These masks start at about sixty dollars but between the added benefits, and fewer pieces to buy and keep track of this might be the way to go. If you would like more information on this type of mask I have added a link below.

How To Clean A Snorkel Mask

A snorkel mask is great for viewing sea life and all the beautiful scenery underwater, but you’ll need to get it cleaned for maximum enjoyment. Here’s how to clean a snorkel mask.

A new snorkel mask may have a coating on the lens that will need to be removed prior to use. You’ll need a bit of toothpaste and some soft cloth towels (microfiber works fine) to clear out the film. Put on some toothpaste on the inside and outside of the lenses, then gently scrub all along the lens’ exterior and interior using your finger. Do this for a few minutes, then rinse out the toothpaste using water. Finally, dry the snorkel mask thoroughly using the microfiber cloth before putting it in storage.

Cleaning And Maintenance Of Your Snorkel Mask

After each dive, it’s best to clean your snorkel mask before putting it in storage. Prepare a small basin of clean, soapy water for eliminating all traces of salt water. Rinse out the snorkel mask to dislodge sand, dust, and small particles that may have accumulated on the inside and the cracks of your diving mask. If you used the mask in a swimming pool, you may rinse it with fresh water from the tap as soon as you get out of the pool.

Rinse out the soap using clean running water, then use a soft cleaning cloth or a microfiber cloth to remove the remaining moisture. When dry, put your snorkel mask on a sturdy case for safekeeping until the next session.

Keep in mind that when you rest your snorkel on any surface the lens should be facing upwards instead of downwards. This is to prevent small stones, items, and uneven surfaces from scratching the lens. Put your diving mask in a protective case and away from direct sunlight to prevent UV damage and to keep the silicone parts from warping.
Update Notes (March 2017)
We’ve removed the Zorroo as a viable option for a full-face mask. While we never had an issue with ours, there is a lot of issue going on right now with full-face snorkel masks and foreign country “knock-offs”. The only full face masks that we’re currently recommending are Tribord, Ocean Reef Aria (both in the table above), H2O Ninja (great, but the price), and Mares SeaVu.
We also added many other masks such as the F1 Frameless snorkel mask (which should have been on last year’s list but I totally blew it…sorry)
Update Notes (April 2018)
We’ve added about 4 new masks this year after extensive testing (Cressi F1 frameless, the Seaview 180, Cressi Freediving, and the TUSA Freedom Elite). There are a lot of great masks to choose from and a lot of our favorite masks can be found here.
That being said, we’ll continue to use and test masks throughout our times snorkeling and provide with at least yearly updates to our in-depth tests and reviews.
Update Notes (March 2019)
We’ve added the TUSA Freedom HD snorkel mask and Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask.

Be safe and Happy snorkeling! -Ken

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