10+ Amazing Snorkel Gear Options for Families with Kids
There are few things that my wife and I love as much as getting the chance to check out some amazing underwater scenery! We love snorkeling in reef areas, and we love sharing this underwater world with our kids. Unfortunately, our kids haven’t always felt the same. Until we found the right snorkeling gear for each of our kids, getting them out into water with us was easier said that done!
Luckily, we kept at it, and as I write, our whole family is getting excited about our upcoming snorkeling adventures in Egypt!
I wish I could point you to a single option that works best for every kids, but what does and doesn’t work for a particular kid is often pretty different, and may even change as they age!
Nevertheless, these are some of the best snorkel gear options for kids that I’ve found over the years. I hope it helps!
Standard Snorkel Mask and Snorkel for Kids
If you’re just getting started with snorkeling with your kids, there’s a chance that you won’t actually need anything fancy. The standard snorkel mask that people have been using for ages still does a marvelous job of getting kids into the water, and can also often be one of the most cost-effective places to start!
You can get a whole snorkel-gear bundle for kids on Amazon for less than $40. This particular set includes a mask, snorkel, and flippers to help your kids keep up, and comes in a variety of sizes depending on the ages of your kids.
While all you really need to have a great time snorkeling is a mask and a snorkel, I really appreciate that this set throws in some fins and a bag to hold it all in!
Of course, if I bought a blue mask for my daughter, I’d be in big trouble. If you’re in the same boat as me, you can also buy things a bit more piece-meal to get exactly the colors that you need. I personally like these goggles from Seago for their wide-variety of colors and quick-fit straps. Pair them with this snorkel from Scuba Choice for a winning combination!
Just be sure that whichever mask you decide to go with, you make sure that it’s made from tempered glass and not just clear plastic. Glass goggles do a way better job of keeping fog-free, which is important if you want your kids to have an enjoyable experience!
Pro Tip!
Pre-treat your goggles by rubbing baby shampoo and water mixture on both sides of the glass to prevent fogging. Leave it on the glass for a few minutes, then rinse it out before putting on your goggles.
Different divers prefer different ratios of water to shampoo, but anywhere from 50/50 to full strength baby shampoo can be effective for keeping your glass clear.
I hope to eventually get my kids back into this style of goggles and snorkel, but when we first started out, these ended up not working well for us because the snorkels had to be held in their mouth. Our kids were young enough that they had trouble keeping the snorkels in place and didn’t like the way it felt, which is why we quickly switched to this next option.
Full-face Snorkel Masks and Snorkels for Kids
I love the full-face snorkel masks, not just for my kids but also for myself!
These masks differ from the classic ones in a few key ways, but I feel like they are an overall improvement in most ways. But my absolute favorite feature is that with these masks your kid doesn’t have to hold a snorkel in their mouth. Instead, a sealed chamber over the mouth and nose is connected to mask’s snorkel and allows kids to breathe more or less normally.
These snorkels also feature a valve that automatically closes when the snorkel dips underwater, which helps keep water out of the breathing chamber. Do note that if you try to breath while this valve is closed, it feels like trying to breathe a vacuum, which is definitely unsettling the first few times. Also, because I have a beard, I sometimes have a hard time getting a seal around my chin, but my kids haven’t had trouble with that particular problem.
As far as the viewing pane goes, this style of mask has a much wider range of visibility, and a valve system built into the breathing chamber helps to decrease fogging by a lot. Though not completely. I haven’t found full-face snorkel masks that use tempered glass instead of plastic, which means that they do still fog, no matter how good the valve system is. Still, I’ve found my visibility to be good enough to enjoy! Remember to pre-treat your mask with baby shampoo for the best possible experience.
But my favorite feature by far is that, because there is no snorkel to hold in your mouth, you can talk while wearing these!
The mask blocks a lot of the sound anyway, so it can be hard to hear, but you can have a whole conversation with your kids without anyone taking off their masks, and even if you decide not to, it’s super great to just be able to exclaim excitedly inside your mask whenever you see something awesome!
|
|
|
$34.99
|
N/A
|
|
If you're kids are younger, choosing a mask with a fun design never hurts! These masks tick all the full-face snorkel boxes, making them an excellent choice of snorkeling gear for kids. |
This is the actual brand of mask that my wife and I use, and we've mostly been very happy with them. If your kid has a lot of hair, the seal can leak at the edges, and it does fog up a bit, but overall this is a solid choice for older kids. |
If you're kids are younger, choosing a mask with a fun design never hurts!
These masks tick all the full-face snorkel boxes, making them an excellent choice of snorkeling gear for kids.
This is the actual brand of mask that my wife and I use, and we've mostly been very happy with them. If your kid has a lot of hair, the seal can leak at the edges, and it does fog up a bit, but overall this is a solid choice for older kids.
Custom Prescription Snorkel Masks for Kids to help them see
When we got the full-face masks, I really thought that my search was over, however, it appears that that absolutely was not the case. I love them, but for entirely different reasons, both of my kids ended up needing different solutions to keep them snorkeling with us.
First up, my son.
My son wears glasses when he’s above the water, so I’m a bit surprised it took me this long to realize that he really needs corrective lenses while he’s snorkeling as well. Part of that is probably because I also wear glasses, but can see fairly well even without them. Unfortunately, for him, that is not the case.
We figured this out in a particularly heart-breaking moment during our trip in the Galapagos. We had joined a tour that took us snorkeling at Kicker Rock, which is a hammerhead hotspot off the coast of San Cristobal Island. The day we went snorkeling, the water was a bit murky, but still clear enough that we spotted at least a few hammerheads about 20 feet or so below us. However, no matter how hard he looked, my son just couldn’t make them out below the waves. (Once he’s old enough to get SCUBA-Certified, we’re absolutely doing round two so he can get the whole experience.)
It was an amazing experience, but because we had the wrong gear, he missed out.
If that sounds like a mistake you’d rather not repeat, definitely look into prescription dive masks for kids.
Here are some options.
|
|
Best for Kids
|
|
|
$73.64
|
N/A
|
|
If you are looking for a lower-cost prescription lens solution for your kid and they are old enough to wear adult-sized gear, these look like a great option! They are made to fit specifically with Ocean Reef Googles, but if you already have a pair, or if you're willing to buy one, this is exactly what you're looking for. |
If you're planning on using the Ocean Reef Rx inserts, this is one of the masks that it was designed for. It is a bit large for smaller kids, though. If your kids are older, or if you're looking for yourself, this is a great choice for helping you see better underwater! |
As my son is still too small to wear prescription inserts in his mask, we opted to get a prescription snorkel mask from Get Wet Store. We haven't had a chance to try them out in the water yet, but we're excited to get the chance! |
If you are looking for a lower-cost prescription lens solution for your kid and they are old enough to wear adult-sized gear, these look like a great option!
They are made to fit specifically with Ocean Reef Googles, but if you already have a pair, or if you're willing to buy one, this is exactly what you're looking for.
If you're planning on using the Ocean Reef Rx inserts, this is one of the masks that it was designed for. It is a bit large for smaller kids, though.
If your kids are older, or if you're looking for yourself, this is a great choice for helping you see better underwater!
As my son is still too small to wear prescription inserts in his mask, we opted to get a prescription snorkel mask from Get Wet Store.
We haven't had a chance to try them out in the water yet, but we're excited to get the chance!
Reef Tourer Underwater Viewing Bucket and Raft for Kids
My daughter, on the other hand, had a completely different problem with the full-face mask.
She doesn’t like the way masks feel on her face when they’re tightened down. After several different attempts to snorkel with her, she was starting to refuse to even try, meaning my wife and I would have to take turns snorkeling so we could keep an eye on her on the beach. Not ideal.
It took us awhile, but eventually we stumbled upon the Reef Tourer Underwater Viewing Bucket. This thing is literally just a bucket with handles and a clear plastic bottom, but when the bottom is placed in the water, it breaks the surface tension and allows kids to see under the water without needing to wear a mask.
We combined ours with the Reef Tourer Inflatable Snorkeling Float so we could use it in deeper waters, and it has been a huge hit with our daughter.
One down-side to note: Because the bucket is set in place, you can only see what is directly below you in the water. This means kids using this will not be able to see nearly as much as they would with a mask. However, if your kid is adamant about not wearing things on their face, this is definitely a workable solution.
It’s not the most convenient thing to pack, and dragging it around in the water can get really tiring, especially if you’re not wearing flippers, but it was a gamechanger for actually getting my daughter in the water.
|
|
|
|
$56.94
|
|
$23.99
|
|
Our daughter recently decided she doesn’t like getting her face wet, which really put a damper on family snorkel trips. So, for Christmas last year we decided to get her this Reef Tourer snorkeling float and viewing bucket. Essentially it gives kids a way to see what’s going on under the water around them without having to put their faces in the water. It is not convenient to bring with you, but it did get my daughter in the water alongside us, and eventually we were able to persuade her to use a real snorkel and mask. So, a solid win. |
This is the Reef Tourer Bucket, which can be used on its own, though using it in shallow water risks scratching the plastic lens on the bottom. It's designed to break the water tension so that kids can look through the open side and see what's going on underwater without the distortion. We installed our into the open circle in the float and never took it back out again! |
You’re also going to want this pocket-sized portable inflator to save your lungs. Trust me. This pocket inflator can be used for other things, too, though. Try vacuum packing your clothes to more easily fit them in a travel back pack or use them to inflate a mattress while camping! |
Our daughter recently decided she doesn’t like getting her face wet, which really put a damper on family snorkel trips. So, for Christmas last year we decided to get her this Reef Tourer snorkeling float and viewing bucket.
Essentially it gives kids a way to see what’s going on under the water around them without having to put their faces in the water. It is not convenient to bring with you, but it did get my daughter in the water alongside us, and eventually we were able to persuade her to use a real snorkel and mask. So, a solid win.
This is the Reef Tourer Bucket, which can be used on its own, though using it in shallow water risks scratching the plastic lens on the bottom. It's designed to break the water tension so that kids can look through the open side and see what's going on underwater without the distortion.
We installed our into the open circle in the float and never took it back out again!
You’re also going to want this pocket-sized portable inflator to save your lungs. Trust me.
This pocket inflator can be used for other things, too, though. Try vacuum packing your clothes to more easily fit them in a travel back pack or use them to inflate a mattress while camping!
Other snorkeling gear for kids to help make the most of your trip!
While the mask and the snorkel are definitely the stars of the show when it comes to snorkeling, there are plenty of other optional gear choices that can make your experience even better.
Action Cams
Waterproof action cams are a great choice if you’re wanting to a convenient way to capture some memories while in the water. The newer GoPro Cameras are easily the best option for action cams, since they have better picture quality and longer battery life than their competitors as well as the ability to get wet without needing a case. However, they are pricey.
We have a much cheaper camera from AKASO, which does a “good enough” job. Still, as soon as I can justify the expense, I’m getting a GoPro.
Update: As time went on, the AKASO case started fogging really badly. We updated to a GoPro Hero11 Black while in Egypt and have loved it for snorkeling pictures! I do not suggest the AKASO cameras if you plan on using it on more than a couple trips.
|
My pick!
|
Older but still great
|
Worth it
|
|
$347.71
|
$351.04
|
$29.99
|
|
This is the GoPro that I have. We picked one up in Egypt after our action cam from *another* brand name ended up not being worth its, admittedly, lower price. The Hero 11 Black has worked admirably since then, and captured many of my favorite underwater moments! |
The Hero 11 Black is starting to get a bit older, but it still boasts waterproof action cam goodness to 33ft, a 23MP camera, and the ability to film video at 5.3K resolution 30fps, or 4K at 120fps. Basically, it's a true hero among cameras, especially at its lower price point! |
Have you ever dropped something on accident? It' not great. It's even less great if it's an action camera worth hundreds of dollars and you're in the middle of the ocean. Luckily, you decided to buy a floating handle for that action cam, and it popped back to the surface for easy retrieval! Nice move. |
This is the GoPro that I have. We picked one up in Egypt after our action cam from *another* brand name ended up not being worth its, admittedly, lower price. The Hero 11 Black has worked admirably since then, and captured many of my favorite underwater moments!
The Hero 11 Black is starting to get a bit older, but it still boasts waterproof action cam goodness to 33ft, a 23MP camera, and the ability to film video at 5.3K resolution 30fps, or 4K at 120fps. Basically, it's a true hero among cameras, especially at its lower price point!
Have you ever dropped something on accident? It' not great. It's even less great if it's an action camera worth hundreds of dollars and you're in the middle of the ocean. Luckily, you decided to buy a floating handle for that action cam, and it popped back to the surface for easy retrieval! Nice move.
Also Read…
Coral, Dugongs, and Dolphins – Why Marsa Alam, Egypt is perfect for a family-friendly snorkeling adventure
Also check out…
Coral, Dugongs, and Dolphins – Why Marsa Alam, Egypt is perfect for a family-friendly snorkeling adventure
Rash Guards and Wet Suits
I love snorkeling, but especially when you are in tropical locations, the sun can be absolutely brutal. (Bring sunscreen. I have often found it to be much more expensive in areas where snorkeling is popular.)
Wearing a rash guard or a wet suit can save you from the worst of the sun by covering up your otherwise exposed skin. Plus, the water can be surprisingly cold in some locations, and a wetsuit can help keep you warm. Personally, I loved wearing mine while in the Galapagos!
|
|
|
|
|
$52.99
|
N/A
|
|
A lot of rash guards have SPF protection built-in. That doesn't mean you don't have to use sunscreen, but it is really helpful. |
Long-sleeve wetsuits cover your skin really well and will keep you warm in cold water. But the longer sleeves are super difficult to get off when wet, which is less than fun with younger kids. Still, they are a great addition! |
Short-sleeve suits are often a better option with younger kids and warmer waters. They're easier to get off, and still provide good protection from the elements. |
A lot of rash guards have SPF protection built-in. That doesn't mean you don't have to use sunscreen, but it is really helpful.
Long-sleeve wetsuits cover your skin really well and will keep you warm in cold water. But the longer sleeves are super difficult to get off when wet, which is less than fun with younger kids. Still, they are a great addition!
Short-sleeve suits are often a better option with younger kids and warmer waters. They're easier to get off, and still provide good protection from the elements.
Water Shoes and Flippers
I’ll admit it. My kids almost always refuse to wear shoes. Especially in the water! But even so, when swimming above coral, having something on your feet to keep them from getting cut can be extremely helpful.
Coral cuts can get infected easily, so especially if your kids are of an age where they might decide to put their feet down and try to stand on some coral, you really need to give them some protection. The options below barely scratch the surface of what’s available!
Flippers are also really useful for helping kids to keep up in the water. We hold on tour kids’ hands or the side of the float while snorkeling, but that sometimes makes me feel like I’m dragging them through the water. Flippers help a ton in giving them a bit more freedom and mobility.
Remember: Shorter flippers mean less resistance in the water, which helps keep their legs from tiring out too quickly. Longer flippers take more strength to use, but also provide more speed.
|
|
|
|
$19.98
|
$9.99
|
$27.99
|
|
|
|
|
Floats and Swimming Aids
Swimming in saltwater is way easier than swimming in freshwater, but it can still be dangerous for kids who aren’t strong swimmers. Having a good float is essential for younger swimmers!
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
Flotation devices are NOT a substitute for parental supervision!
I love having them because they help my kids stay lighter in the water. This helps both them and me to save our strength while snorkeling. However, it is super important to keep an eye on your kids at all times, even if they are wearing a flotation device!
|
|
|
|
$19.24
|
$41.99
|
$8.00
|
|
When my kids were first learning to swim, we loved these vest style floats. They're a little bulky, but they don't require blowing up and do a good job of keeping kids above the water while still letting them lower their faces into the water, which is essential for snorkeling! |
Actual lifejackets work even better for making sure that kids can rest in an upright position in the water, though they can still be used in snorkeling. |
Arm floats aren't great for true beginner swimmers, but they do a decent job of giving a little extra support for "in-between" swimmers. |
When my kids were first learning to swim, we loved these vest style floats. They're a little bulky, but they don't require blowing up and do a good job of keeping kids above the water while still letting them lower their faces into the water, which is essential for snorkeling!
Actual lifejackets work even better for making sure that kids can rest in an upright position in the water, though they can still be used in snorkeling.
Arm floats aren't great for true beginner swimmers, but they do a decent job of giving a little extra support for "in-between" swimmers.
