A full face snorkel mask is different from a pair of goggles and snorkel that you can buy at your local drugstore. A full face snorkel mask combines a scuba mask and a snorkel, which can greatly improve your effectiveness and efficiency when snorkeling.

What makes a full face snorkel mask a snorkel mask is the breathing apparatus that is connected to the mask. A full face snorkel mask covers your entire face, rather than just your eyes and nose like a traditional pair of goggles. A full face snorkel mask has the snorkel built directly into the mask, eliminating the need for two separate pieces (goggles and snorkel).

A full face snorkel mask should fit your face snugly and comfortably so that water doesn’t enter your face when submerged underwater. This will keep you safe and comfortable while you snorkel.

TRIBOARD SUBEA EASYBREATH Full Face Snorkel

The TRIBOARD SUBEA EASYBREATH full face snorkel comes in three different colors: blue, teal, and pink. It is a full face snorkel that has a patented anti fog design with a double chamber air vent valve for continuous fresh airflow. For times when you want to record your adventures, there is a GoPro attachment for you to easily secure your GoPro camera to the mask.

Full face snorkels can irritate the skin, so the TRIBOARD SUBEA EASYBREATH is designed with a hypoallergenic silicone facial lining. This will keep your skin free from irritation when coming in contact with the saltwater.

The window of the mask features a 180° panoramic field of vision. This allows you to see objects in your prereferral without having to turn your head. The window is also shatterproof, which significantly reduces the risk of injury while wearing the mask.

The full face snorkel comes in four different sizes: XS for children up to the age of 10, Small/Medium for kids and young adults, Medium/Large for most men and women, and Large/Extra Large for men and women with larger faces.

Pros

● Secure lock snorkel to keep the snorkel in place on the mask
● 180° panoramic full face mask
● Shatterproof window
● 4 different sizes & 3 different colors
● 2-year warranty
● Anti fog patented design

 

Cons

● Pricey

Deep Blue Gear Vista Vue Full Face Snorkeling Mask

$59.95 Amazon 

Full face snorkeling masks have gotten a bad reputation for causing snorkelers to rebreathe CO2. To ensure this doesn’t happen, Deep Blue Gear has created this Vista Vue full face snorkeling mask with additional advanced purging valves to reduce the chance of this happening.

The full face snorkel mask by Deep Blue Gear has a safe design that allows easy and natural breathing when worn. The mask has a crystal silicone skirt that provides both comfort and safety. The crystal silicone skirt will keep water out of the face while the elastic straps that go around the back of the head are adjustable to keep the mask in place.

The ventilation design of the full face snorkeling mask is fog-free and provides continuous fresh air while snorkeling. The snorkel has a dry snorkel technology design that prevents water from entering the mask when snorkeling.

The full face snorkeling mask comes in 5 different colors: black, blue, yellow, red, and pink. There are only two sizes to choose from: Small/Medium or Large/Extra Large.

Pros

● Advanced purge valve technology for clean air-breathing and reducing the risk of rebreathing CO2
● Crystal silicone skirt on the mask for comfort and safety
● Adjustable elastic straps
● Fog-free
● Dry snorkel technology design

Cons

● Only two sizes; not recommended for children
● Mask produces sound and air bubbles, which can be distracting

Ranersports 180° GoPro Compatible Full Face Snorkel Mask

 Amazon 

This is the most affordable full face snorkel on our list. This full face snorkel mask has dry snorkel technology that prevents water from entering the snorkel when going underwater. The purge valve technology prevents the rebreathing of CO2 that allows you to inhale and exhale correctly and easily.

The crystal silicone mask skirt keeps water out of the mask from entering your face, keeping your face dry, comfortable, and protected.

There is a bracket at the crown of the snorkel mask that allows a GoPro to be mounted to record your adventures. The wide window of the face mask allows you to see a full 180° when snorkeling.

Pros

● Affordable
● Comfortable
● Large 180° window
● Purge valve technology to prevent rebreathing CO2
● GoPro compatible

Cons

● Limited sizes; may not always be available in all sizes
● May fog up

Ocean Reef Aria Full Face Snorkeling Mask

The Ocean Reef Aria full face snorkeling mask comes in three different colors (black, blue, and gray) and is designed for comfort and safety.

The anti fog airflow circulation design keeps the full face snorkel mask from fogging while breathing when snorkeling. You can breathe with your mouth or nose through the mouthpiece without fear of water entering through the snorkel because of the snorkel’s dry top system. The dry top system prevents water from entering the snorkel and inadvertently making it into your mouth.

There are two adjustable straps on the back of the mask that keep the mask in place on your head without causing the mask to slip. The mask is designed to create a tight seal around your face that users find to be more comfortable than other full face snorkel masks. Between the adjustable straps and the seal of the mask, this full face snorkel mask by Ocean Reef is one of the best for the money.

Pros

● Comfortable
● Multiple sizes for kids and adults
● 3 different colors to choose from
● Dry top snorkel
● Purge valve

Cons

● May leak if not secured tight enough

SEAC Unica Full Face Snorkel Mask & Bag

The SEAC Unifica full face snorkel mask has a large 180° window that is made from durable polycarbonate that reduces the risk of cracking or injury. The full face snorkel mask has an internal ventilation system that prevents fogging, a safety valve that prevents water from entering the snorkel and entering your mouth, and GoPro compatible mount built into the crown of the mask.

The full face snorkel mask stays in place by the elastic retaining straps that go around the back of your head. The face of the snorkel mask is designed with a hypoallergenic liquid silicone facial skirt. This keeps the full face snorkel mask comfortably and securely in place while snorkeling.

The full face snorkel mask comes with a convenient carrying bag to keep the snorkel mask safe and protected when not in use.

There are five colors to choose from (green, orange, blue/orange, pink, and red) and only two different sizes: small/medium and large/extra-large.

Pros

● Comfortable
● Stays in place
● GoPro compatible mount
● Anti fogging ventilation
● Dry snorkel safety valve

Cons

● Limited sizes (small/medium or large/extra-large) may not fit all head sizes, especially children or young adults

WSTOO Full Snorkel Face Mask

The WSTOO full snorkel face mask comes in many different colors and is available in both kids and adults, making it a great option for faces and heads of all sizes.

Three different air systems make up the design of the WSTOO full snorkel face mask. There is an intermediate air intake and an air outlet on both sides of the mask. This ensures that you take in the fresh air and continue breathing the fresh air while snorkeling.

There is a double exhaust passage in the design of the snorkel mask that doubles the speed of the air that is ventilated, which prevents fogging. There is a silicone skirt along the edge of the snorkel mask that keeps the mask comfortably and securely in place while it is worn. The silicone skirt provides enough pressure to keep the mask from leaking but not too much pressure that it is uncomfortable.

The window face of the snorkel is wide and provides 180° of visibility while snorkeling. There is a release button that can be pushed to immediately take the mask off without having to try to remove it by pulling the mask off over the head.

There is a GoPro compatible mount included on the top of the mask for you to mount a GoPro to record your expeditions while snorkeling.

Pros

● Kids and adult sizes
● Three air systems for breathing clean, fresh air
● Double exhaust system to prevent fogging
● Silicone skirt & elastic straps to keep the mask in place
● GoPro compatible mount

Cons

● Slipping and leaking; the elastic straps can stretch over time and cause the mask to leak when loose

Greatever G2 Full Face Snorkel Mask

 Amazon 

The G2 full face snorkel mask by Greatever comes in 26 different color combinations and sizes for both kids and adults, making this a highly personalizable snorkel mask for kids and adults of all ages.

The full face snorkel mask has a 180° window for you to view a wide area while snorkeling without moving your head. The window is made of polyurethane resin which keeps the mask window clean, protected, and transparent.

The G2 design of the snorkel is foldable and has a two-channel exhaust valve. The two-channel exhaust valve allows you to breathe freely and receive the maximum amount of air during intake. The design of the G2 full face snorkel mask makes breathing easy and effortless when snorkeling.

The frame of the snorkel mask is made of silicone and has a built-in leakproof design to prevent water from entering the mask while underwater. The G2 snorkel is designed with a dry top system that prevents water from entering the snorkel and ultimately entering your mouth and face mask.

Pros

● Antileak and anti fog design
● GoPro compatible mount
● Dry top system to prevent water from entering the snorkel and the mask
● Two-channel exhaust valve for easy and effective breathing

Cons

● Uncomfortable after prolonged use

WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask

WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask

The WildHorn Outfitters Seaview V2 full face snorkel mask has a flowtech advanced air intake system that helps you breathe naturally through both your nose and your mouth. The flowtech advanced air intake system has two chambers and four different intake valves. This allows fresh air to constantly be circulated throughout the mask without any risk of CO2 rebreathing. When compared to the competition, the flowtech technology provides a 50% increase in breathing ease.

The large lens allows a full 180° panoramic view while snorkeling. There is a camera mount built onto the mask that allows a camera to be mounted during any adventure.

The angled design of the snorkel tube provides a two-way airflow. The angle of the tube stays above water easier than straight snorkel tube systems. This reduces the chance of water accidentally entering the tube of the snorkel.

The lens is anti fogging because of the one-way valves and breathing chamber. This quickly eliminates any fogging that occurs when breathing.

Pros

● Flowtech advanced air intake allows you to breathe easy and naturally
● Fresh air constantly circulated throughout the mask; no risk of CO2 rebreathing
● Large lens with 180° panoramic view
● Angled snorkel tube
● Anti fogging lens

Cons

● Mask can leak if wearing the incorrect size
● No hypoallergenic seal skirt

Full Face Snorkel Mask Buyer’s Guide

Full face snorkel masks are safe, convenient, and effective if you buy the right one. Buying the wrong one can quickly put you in a dangerous position.

Full face snorkel masks have gotten a bad reputation for being dangerous due to the excessive amount of CO2 that can be unintentionally and repeatedly rebreathed while wearing the mask. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and ultimately unconsciousness in a short amount of time.

Full face snorkel masks that are not designed with the right ventilation and exhaust can cause you to rebreathe CO2 while snorkeling, and this can quickly become a dangerous situation. This is why we have included full face snorkel masks that have been designed with proper ventilation, exhaust, and other air circulation features.

While safety is always a priority, it is not the only feature you should consider when buying a full face snorkel mask.

We have broken down each of the features that make up a full face snorkel mask in hopes of helping you choose the best full face snorkel mask for you or your family.

Anti Fog Lens Design

The first feature we want to discuss in detail is the anti fog lens design.

How the lens is designed will determine how much of an “anti fog” result is achieved. It is impossible to breathe underwater in any mask and not create fog; however, the design of the lens can significantly reduce the amount of fog that is produced when breathing.

When you breathe in a small space, the heat and humidity of your breath create condensation on surfaces. This happens while wearing a full face snorkel mask, which creates what you see as fog on the lens. However, with an adequately designed anti fog configuration, the condensation (fog) on the lens is quickly dried by an airflow system that is built into the lens.

With an adequate airflow design on the mask, it will significantly reduce the amount of fog that occurs on the lens while using the mask.

Dry Snorkel

A dry snorkel is what will keep the snorkel from taking in water when it is submerged. A dry snorkel will have some type of valve on the top of the snorkel that will engage, seal, and prevent water from entering the snorkel.

A dry snorkel should never have water enter the tube of the snorkel. This means you should never have to expel water from the tube of the snorkel the way you would with a semi-dry snorkel.

Dry snorkels help both save your energy and keep you safe. Dry snorkels save your energy by eliminating the need to constantly expel water from the tube of the snorkel if water gets in. Dry snorkels also keep you safe by eliminating the risk of choking on the water that enters the tube of the snorkel while going underwater.

Silicone Skirt

A good quality full face snorkel mask will have a silicone skirt that lines the frame of the mask. This silicone skirt will act as a leakproof seal that will keep the mask in place while preventing water from entering the mask.

The silicone skirt may also be hypoallergenic to reduce the chance of irritation that the mask may otherwise cause without it.

The silicone skirt is important for safety and comfort as it will keep water from entering the mask while keeping the mask safely and securely in place.

Rubber or plastic skirts can achieve the same goal; however, they are not as comfortable or as durable as silicone. Over a short period of time, the rubber or plastic will crack, break, and deteriorate, rendering the skirt useless.

Silicone skirts work best when there is no facial hair in the way. Facial hair can cause the silicone skirt not to seal completely. This can cause the mask to leak, which is not a reflection on the design of the silicone skirt, but instead the barrier that facial hair creates between the face and the mask.

Prescription Lenses

If you wear glasses, you will need to remove them before wearing a full face snorkel mask. This can impair your vision when wearing a full face snorkel mask that is unable to accommodate prescription lenses. This can be dangerous as well as reduce the overall enjoyment of the excursion.

The best option for prescription lenses is the OCEAN REEF Optical Lens Support. It is a pair of framed glasses with lenses that can be filled by your eye doctor. The framed glasses be secured around your head by the included strap. Then you will place the full face snorkel mask over the glasses, allowing you to see clearly while wearing the full face snorkel mask.

Elastic Straps

Elastic straps are a better option than fabric straps. Elastic straps are more likely to keep the mask securely in place without deteriorating or slipping. Elastic straps are easier to maneuver both in and out of the water.

Fabric straps are a little more difficult. Fabric straps can be difficult to loosen and tighten both in and out of the water. This can cost you time while in the water, taking away from the time you could be snorkeling.

Sometimes the mask can be sealed tight enough without needing the straps to be tightened. If the skirt of the mask seals against your face without the straps holding it in place, then you will likely be able to choose a mask with either elastic straps or fabric straps. If you are unable to test the seal of the mask prior to purchasing, it is recommended that the straps are made from elastic.

Size

Choosing the right size full face snorkel mask is imperative in both keeping you safe and comfortable while snorkeling.

To choose the correct size full face snorkel mask, you will need to measure the distance between the bridge of your nose to your chin.

If the distance between the bridge of your nose and your chin is less than 4 ½ inches, then you will need to choose a small/medium-full face snorkel mask.

If the distance between the bridge of your nose and your chin is more than 4 ½ inches, then you will need to choose a large/extra-large full face snorkel mask.

How to Use a Full Face Snorkel Mask

You should prepare your full face snorkel mask before its very first use by washing the mask with clean, soapy water. You should wash the inside of the lens so that the anti fog ventilation system can dry fog as soon as it covers the lens.

Once you have prepared your full face snorkel mask, you will need to secure it to your head.

First, place the mask on your face to create a seal between the mask and your face. Make sure there is no facial hair in your way that will create a barrier between the mask and your face. Adjust the straps accordingly to make sure the mask will stay in place as it is worn while snorkeling.

Before submerging yourself in water, you should take a few practice breaths. Make sure you can breathe in and out of the mouthpiece and snorkel before entering the water. If the tube and air circulation are working correctly, you will be able to breathe freely without rebreathing CO2. This is extremely important.

Breathing fresh air while snorkeling will ensure that you aren’t rebreathing CO2. Rebreathing CO2 can cause dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness, making it an extremely dangerous situation to be in if the snorkel mask is not working properly.

As you practice breathing, make sure there is a space between your nose and the mask. This will make the mask more comfortable to wear while snorkeling.

When your full face snorkel mask is securely in place, and breathing is natural and easy, you are ready to enter the water.

Full face snorkel masks are not intended for diving. While the snorkel mask will be equipped with a valve on top of the snorkel that will keep the snorkel tube from taking in water if it becomes submerged, this does not mean that it should be worn for diving purposes.

When using your full face snorkel mask, try to stay at the surface of the water so that water doesn’t accidentally enter the snorkel tube and ultimately into your mouthpiece. While the dry snorkel valve piece should seal and keep water from entering the snorkel tube when it is submerged, this may not always happen. For this reason, you should always try to keep the full face snorkel mask at the surface of the water to prevent the chance of water entering the snorkel tube and mouthpiece.

Don’t forget to breathe through your nose when using a full face snorkel mask. This is what makes the full face snorkel mask so versatile and overall enjoyable. It doesn’t just rely on the mouthpiece to breathe; you can breathe through your nose as well.

Just make sure to practice breathing through both your mouth and your nose before entering the water. This will help you learn the rhythms of breathing while wearing the snorkel mask while also ensuring that you are breathing clean, fresh air.

Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask

A full face snorkel mask is great for beginners because it cuts down on much of the discomfort that a semi-dry snorkel mask can inflict.

When the full face snorkel mask has been placed securely on your face, you will simply breathe as you normally would. You do not have to hold a mouthpiece in your mouth throughout the duration of the snorkeling session. You can also breathe through your nose while using a full face snorkel mask, something that is not an option while using a semi-dry snorkel.

The full face snorkel mask will also have a valve on top of the snorkel tube that will prevent water from getting in. Beginning snorkelers can easily get water into the snorkel tube, even without submerging the tube underwater. Water can simply splash into the snorkel and come down the tube into the mouthpiece, causing you to choke.

A full face snorkel mask will virtually eliminate this hazard. The valve on top of the full face snorkel mask will create what is known as a dry snorkel. This means that when water comes in contact with the snorkel, the valve will seal the snorkel from water entering it and traveling down the tube into your mask. Reducing this risk increases the likelihood that you will have a safe, effective, and enjoyable swim.

How to Care for Your Full Face Snorkel Mask

The lens of the snorkel mask is one of the most important features that you will need to maintain. The lens of the snorkel mask is what you will see-through, so it needs to remain clean and scratch-free.

To clean the lens of the snorkel mask, we recommend using a cleaning lens cloth. A cleaning lens cloth is made of a material that won’t scratch the lens. If a cleaning lens cloth is not available, you can use a soft cloth made of 100% cotton. This will ensure the lens doesn’t get scratched during the cleaning process.

Try not to ever use a dry, rough cloth, like a rough shirt or towel, as this will scratch the lens of the mask.

Oils that come in contact with the full face snorkel mask can quickly deteriorate the material of the mask in a short amount of time. If your full face snorkel mask comes in contact with oil when in use, make sure you wash the oil off immediately after use. To do this, you will need to use soap, water, and a soft cloth. Gently scrub the snorkel mask with clean water and soap to remove the oily residue from the mask. Allow the mask to fully dry before storing the mask in its protective storage bag.

The protective storage bag is the last step to ensuring that you keep your full face snorkel mask well-maintained.

When you have finished snorkeling with your full face snorkel mask, you should clean it, allow it to dry, then store it in the carrying bag. Most full face snorkel masks come with a carrying bag when you purchase it. If yours does not, then any sealable or drawstring bag will work. You will just need the mask to stay in the bag to keep the mask from getting scratched or damaged if left out.

Conclusion

A full face snorkel mask can improve your overall snorkeling experience. Full face snorkel masks are easy to use and will keep you safe as long as you purchase a mask with air circulation and ventilation. We recommend one of the full face snorkel masks that we have included on our list because of the technology, design, and reputation of the masks. Each mask we included is designed with safety, comfort, and convenience in mind.