Top Rated Gear for Crystal Clear Diving
A quality snorkel set transforms your underwater experience. After testing 18 complete sets in real ocean conditions, we've found the best options for every budget — from casual beachgoers to serious snorkelers.
Cressi is an Italian brand with 70+ years of diving heritage. The Palau set brings that expertise to recreational snorkelers at an accessible price. This is the set we'd recommend to 90% of buyers.
Mask Performance: The tempered glass lenses offer excellent clarity and the silicone skirt creates a watertight seal on most face shapes. We tested it for 3+ hours without fogging (with proper defog treatment).
Dry Snorkel: The top valve seals when submerged, keeping water out. The purge valve at the bottom makes clearing any water effortless. This feature alone is worth the price over basic snorkels.
Adjustable Fins: The open-heel design fits over booties or bare feet. Short blades provide good propulsion without tiring your legs. Adjustable straps ensure a secure fit.
Check Price on Amazon — $89U.S. Divers (owned by Aqua Lung) makes reliable gear at competitive prices. The Lux Platinum set is their premium recreational offering.
Highlights: The mask has a wider field of view than the Cressi, and the travel fins pack small for vacation. The semi-dry snorkel is good but not quite as effective as the Cressi's dry valve.
Check Price — $65At $35, the Promate set proves you don't need to spend much to get functional snorkel gear. It's not fancy, but it works.
What you get: Basic mask with tempered glass, traditional wet snorkel, full-foot fins. The PVC skirt is less comfortable than silicone and may leak on some faces.
Best for: Occasional use, trying snorkeling for the first time, backup/travel set.
Check Price on Amazon — $35For serious snorkelers who want the best, Mares delivers Italian engineering excellence. The Pure Wire set uses freediving-grade components.
Why it's worth $149: The UltraClear glass transmits 95% of light (standard glass is 85%), making underwater colors pop. The low-volume mask is easier to clear. The fins are responsive and efficient.
Check Price — $149A mask that leaks ruins your experience. Test fit:
Bottom Line: The Cressi Palau at $89 offers the best balance of quality, features, and price. The dry snorkel alone justifies the cost over budget sets. For occasional use, the Promate works. For enthusiasts, the Mares Pure Wire is worth the upgrade.
Last updated: February 2025