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Updated March 5, 2024
In 2014 Tribord came out with the first of full-face snorkel masks to hit the general marketplace. Without a means of equalizing built into the design, these masks were quickly embraced for snorkeling at or near the surface due to ease of breathing through mouth and nose, comfortable fit, and the wide angle of view afforded.
Since that time a flood of models has become available, many of questionable quality. Today there are many well-crafted, safe full-face snorkel masks to choose from.
Here the purpose is to introduce some of the best available to help in your selection process. Top models are reviewed starting with a comparison table, followed by key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
Please use the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other popular reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
Full Face Scuba Masks Scuba Masks for Small Faces Scuba Masks Snorkeling Masks Prescription Snorkel Masks Dry Snorkels Scuba Masks with a Purge Valve Freediving Masks
Best Full Face Snorkeling Mask Reviews
- Ocean Reef Aria Full Face Snorkel Mask
- Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask
- HEAD Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkel Mask
- SEAC Libera Full Face Snorkel Mask
- Seabeast AF90 Full Face Snorkel Mask
- Tribord Easybreath Full Face Snorkel Mask
- Deep Blue Vista Vue Full Face Snorkel Mask
- DIVELUX Full Face Snorkel Mask
Full Face Snorkel Mask Comparison Table
Ocean Reef Aria Full Face Snorkel Mask
Quality Materials, Top Brand, Anti-Fogging, Optional Intercom & Corrective Lens System, Anti-Leak Seal, Kids’ Size, Too
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens and snorkel tube
- Soft, comfortable surgical grade silicone skirt with a good sealing wide edge
- Elasticated fabric head strap
- Removable dry snorkel with a ball valve
- Self-purging valve for easy clearing of water
- Non-equalizing
- Optional extras include “Snorkie Talkie” and an optical system for corrective lenses
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: black, blue, or gray
- Sizes: XS, S/M. L/XL
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask
Easy Breathing Innovative Air Flow System, Quality Materials, Anti-Fogging, Built-in Action Camera Mount, Anti-Leak Seal
Features:
- Silicone insert for a comfortable, leak-free seal
- Elasticated fabric straps
- Dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- Dual side flow chambers with 4 one-way intake valves to ensure fresh air circulation
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing
- Integrated action camera mount that fits all GoPro cameras
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: citrus, orca, seafoam, sky, stealth, sunset
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
View More From Wildhorn Outfitters
HEAD Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkel Mask
Durable, Quality Materials, Anti-Fogging, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Seal, 7 Colors/Combinations
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens and snorkel tube
- Soft, comfortable surgical grade silicone skirt with a good sealing wide edge
- Easy adjusting elastic straps
- Removable dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: blue, grey/clear silicone, pink, sea vision/blue, white/black silicone, all black, white
- Sizes: XS/S, S/M, L/XL
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
SEAC Libera Full Face Snorkel Mask
Safe Separate-Circuit Inhale/Exhale System, Low Volume, Silicone Strap, Anti-Fogging, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Seal
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens and snorkel tube
- Soft, anti-leak, secure sealing hypoallergenic liquid silicone skirt
- Silicone mask strap and easy-release buckles
- Low volume
- Innovative system with separate circuits for inhaled fresh air and exhaled CO2 using an inhale-only snorkel and exhaust valves at the top of the mask
- Removable dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: aquamarine/orange, black/lime, transparent/pink, black/orange
- Sizes: XS/S, S/M, L/XL
- Rating: 5
- Price: $$
Seabeast AF90 Full Face Snorkel Mask
Fold-Down Snorkel, Removable GoPro Camera Mount, Anti-Fog Coating, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Seal
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens
- Soft, anti-leak, secure sealing silicone skirt
- Thick, soft elastic straps
- Foldable dry-top snorkel with a ball valve that can be locked down against the mask or into usage position
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Removable camera mount suitable for GoPro cameras
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes, includes hydrophilic anti-fog coating
- Colors: black/red
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Tribord Easybreath Full Face Snorkel Mask
Secure-Lock Removable Snorkel, Removable GoPro Camera Mount, Anti-Fog, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Silicone Seal, 2-Year Warranty, Size For Kids, Too
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens
- Soft, anti-leak, secure sealing hypoallergenic silicone skirt
- Thick, soft elastic straps
- Removable secure-lock dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Removable camera mount suitable for GoPro cameras
- 2-year Tribord warranty
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: atoll, blue, pink
- Sizes: XS, S/M, M/L, L/XL
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Deep Blue Vista Vue Full Face Snorkel Mask
Foldable Single Chamber Snorkel, Easy-Breathing, CO2 Purge System, Anti-Fog, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Crystal Silicone Skirt
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens
- Soft, anti-leak, secure sealing crystal silicone skirt
- Easy adjusting elastic straps
- Lift and lock foldable single chamber dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- Additional side purge valves for a separate path for CO2 elimination
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: black, blue, pink, red, yellow
- Sizes: M/L, L/XL
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
DIVELUX Full Face Snorkel Mask
Low Price, Action Camera Mount, Comfortable, Anti-Leak Silicone Skirt, Anti-fog, Carry Bag & Phone Case, Kids’ Sizes & Designs, Too
Features:
- Durable polycarbonate lens
- Soft, anti-leak, secure sealing hypoallergenic liquid silicone skirt
- Easy adjusting elastic straps
- Removable dry-top snorkel with a ball valve
- One-way auto-drain valve for clearing water
- Non-equalizing (best for surface swimming)
- Action camera mount suitable for GoPros
- Comes with a carry bag and protective phone case
- 30-day warranty
- Field of View: 180 degrees
- Anti-Fogging: yes
- Colors: black, blue, green, pink, blue shark kids, pink kids, pink shark kids
- Sizes: XS, S/M, L/XL
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Full Face Snorkeling Mask Buying Guide
What is a Full-Face Snorkeling Mask?
A full-face snorkel mask covers your entire face and has a snorkel built into the top or side for breathing. The top section of the mask is set up for viewing and the bottom section is for breathing. No mouthpiece is needed for the snorkel so your mouth is free from the fatigue of grasping it, and speaking is possible. Most snorkels used have a self-closing valve that prevents water from getting in when submerged which would interfere with breathing. A strap and flexible skirt provide a leak-proof seal in the best models along with a wide-angle view. Most of these masks do not have an option in the design for you to pinch your nose to equalize so that the best use is limited to the surface and shallow enough for you to equalize without needing to get at your nose.
Full Face Versus Traditional Snorkeling Masks
- Full Face Coverage – A full face mask encloses the entire face rather than just the eyes and nose of a traditional mask. This allows for a more comfortable natural way of breathing through both your mouth and nose simultaneously just like you normally do as you go about your business on land.
- Anti-Fogging Design – The design of full-face snorkel masks divides it into two separate chambers, the top one for viewing and the bottom one for breathing. This doesn’t allow exhaled CO2 to reach the top section such that fogging generally is only a major threat to the bottom section where it cannot influence vision.
- Wide Angle View – Full-face snorkel masks generally have a broad wrap-around design that affords a wider field of vision than is possible on most traditional masks. By the way, the best full-face masks use a flat panel on the front which eliminates any bending or distortion in perception that can occur on curved lenses.
- Seal – As it is with a traditional mask, leakage is possible using a full face mask. Make sure you have a good fit and use the advice of the manufacturer to select the best size if you don’t have a chance to try it on. Generally, though, the best full-face models have a flexible silicone skirt that creates a seal all around the face. With the full-face foundation, this seal is more difficult to break than that on a standard mask. An effective strapping system aids in the process, which most manufacturers place an emphasis on.
What to Look For
- Lens – You want durability and polycarbonate is the material of choice. Cheaper plastics are not as sturdy and more prone to scratching.
- Skirt – A comfortable conforming seal is important to avoid leaks. High-grade silicone is the material to look for.
- Straps – Elasticated fabric and silicone are superior to rubber or other substances.
Dry Top Snorkel
When you submerge, if water moves through the snorkel into the mask, it is inconvenient at best. Most snorkels used with a full face mask include a ball valve that will close as soon as the top of the snorkel descends below the surface. Most dry-top snorkels will also have a wave guard that prevents any splashes or waves from entering the snorkel when the top is still above the surface.
Corrective Lenses
If you need optical correction it is quite possible to use contact lenses when you snorkel. Many find this comfortable and easy. Otherwise, some masks have an optical lens system in which specially designed lenses can be attached to the interior.
Camera Mounts
Photography is popular for snorkelers as it is everywhere. If you want to shoot some video, seek a mask that has a mount suitable for your camera. Many masks include one as part of the package or an option that can accommodate a GoPro or similar camera.
Air Circulation Systems
There has been some concern that full-face snorkel masks can have CO2 build-up that will impair effective breathing after an extended period of time. Many models including several reviewed here have gas circuitry that expels the CO2 separately from the intake of fresh air such that this CO2 build-up is not possible or minimized. The Wildhorn, SEAC, and Deep Blue masks reviewed above all have special designs with this in mind.
For other popular reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
Full Face Scuba Masks Scuba Masks for Small Faces Scuba Masks Snorkeling Masks Prescription Snorkel Masks Dry Snorkels Scuba Masks with a Purge Valve Freediving Masks
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of the best full-face scuba snorkeling masks to be useful. If you have any questions or comments or your own personal review, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
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