Snorkelling Gear

Snorkel, set, or full-face mask?

There are three ways to buy. If you already have a mask that seals well, a snorkel on its own is all you need. If you are starting from nothing, a matched mask and snorkel set is simpler and usually better value, and we stock sets from TUSA, Beuchat, Aqualung and Mares. If you would rather breathe through your nose and see the whole scene without a mouthpiece, a full-face mask is the third option.

Dry, semi-dry and open snorkels

A dry snorkel has a valve at the top that closes when the tube goes under, so it stays clear when you duck-dive or take a wave over the top. TUSA's Hyperdry Elite II, Platina II Hyperdry and Sport Dry all work this way, as does the Fourth Element Dry Snorkel.

Open and splash-guard snorkels are simpler, lighter and have less to go wrong. The Fourth Element Splash, the Beuchat SPY and Tubair, and the Aqualung Wrap sit in this group, and many breath-hold snorkellers prefer them for exactly that simplicity. A purge valve at the base, as on the Oceo Purge, makes clearing easier whichever type you choose.

Full-face masks

A full-face mask covers your eyes, nose and mouth, so you breathe naturally at the surface with no mouthpiece to bite on. The Ocean Reef Aria QR+ is the surface snorkelling mask in our range, and there is an Ocean Reef Junior sized for younger snorkellers.

The Ocean Reef Neptune III is a different thing altogether: an integrated dive mask, built for diving with a regulator rather than for surface snorkelling. If you are weighing up the two, talk to us before you order.

Snorkelling with children

Fit matters more on a smaller face, not less. An adult mask will not seal on a child, and no amount of strap tension will rescue it. The Ocean Reef Junior, the Beuchat Oceo Junior set, the Oceo Purge Junior snorkel and the TUSA Mini Kleio Dry Snorkel Set are all sized for younger snorkellers.

Fins, boots and the rest of the kit

Standalone fins and boots sit in our Snorkelling Essentials collection rather than here, including the TUSA Solla full-foot fins, the Aqualung Storm and Storm Max, and the Beuchat X-Voyager. Full-foot fins are the usual choice for warm water and bare feet. If you are snorkelling somewhere cold enough to want boots, tell us and we will point you at the right combination.

Not sure what you need? Ask us

Fit is the one thing you cannot judge from a photograph, and it is what decides whether you enjoy the water or spend the afternoon clearing your mask. We fit people in our centres every week. Call us on 0800 699 0243 or come and see us in Hove.