A snorkel mask will have an attachment that will ensure the snorkel stays connected to the mask when you take the snorkel out of your mouth or if it accidentally falls out. While this will guarantee that your snorkel doesn’t fall to the bottom of the sea as you snorkel, attaching a snorkel to a mask also means connecting the two together so that they work correctly with one another.

A snorkel and mask that are incorrectly attached to one another can create an ineffective or dangerous snorkeling experience. You can have a mask and snorkel that fogs and will require frequent clearing while snorkeling to enjoy the experience.

This is why you will need to make sure you properly attach the snorkel to the mask before you jump in the water, which is exactly why we have compiled this step-by-step guide.

The snorkel can be attached by an included rubber or silicone ring that connects to the strap of the mask, or by a clip that is attached to the strap of the mask. Both of these mechanisms will require the same process for how to attach a snorkel to a mask.

Before Getting Started

Your snorkel will be attached to your mask using a snorkel keeper clip or a silicone ring. You will need to attach the snorkel keeper clip or ring to the snorkel or mask before getting started.

If using a snorkel keeper clip, you must remove the strap from the mask and attach the snorkel keeper clip to the strap of the mask. Then you will connect the strap back to the mask with the snorkel keeper clip attached in place on the side of the mask you chose.

If using a snorkel keeper ring, you must place one end of the ring onto the snorkel before getting started, leaving the other end of the ring free until it is time to secure the mask to the snorkel.

Step 1: Put on the Mask

The first thing you will need to do when attaching a snorkel to a mask is put on the mask and secure it into place as you would if you were going snorkeling. This will tell you exactly where you need to attach the snorkel for it to be the most effective.

Step 2: Put the Mouthpiece in Your Mouth

Next, you will take the mouthpiece of the snorkel and put it in your mouth. Make sure the mouthpiece is comfortable in your mouth, as this will ensure the tube of the snorkel is in the correct position while snorkeling.

Step 3: Position the Snorkel Tube

Once the mouthpiece of the snorkel is comfortably in your mouth, you will need to tilt the position of the snorkel tube so that the tube stays above the water for effective and safe breathing. The position of the snorkel is the most important step in making sure the snorkel is correctly attached to the tube. Doing this will ensure the snorkel is in the best position for unrestricted airways and dry snorkeling.

The snorkel should run up alongside the side of your face at your temple. It should be noted that divers will need to have a snorkel attached to the left side of the mask, whereas snorkelers can place the snorkel on either the left or the right side.

Step 4: Line Up the Strap and the Snorkel

The point where the strap and the snorkel meet is where it will need to be attached, so you will need to make sure this point is accurate.

With the mask still on, take your fingers and feel where the strap and snorkel touch one another. This will be the location where the snorkel connects to the mask, so it must be correct.

If using a snorkel keeper clip, you will simply slide the clip to the position where the snorkel and mask strap connect. This will guarantee that you connect the snorkel to the correct location and position for snorkeling.

If using a snorkel keeper ring, simply slide the ring to the position where the snorkel and mask strap connect to ensure the mask strap will be connected to the snorkel in the correct place.

Step 5: Remove the Mask

Keeping the snorkel and the mask held together in your hand at the point they meet, carefully remove the mask. The point of the mask and snorkel where your hand is located is where you will attach the snorkel. The snorkel may be connected to the mask by a ring or a clip, but both mechanisms will require the same method for ensuring the mask and snorkel are connected appropriately.

Step 6: Connect the Snorkel

Now you will connect the snorkel.

If using a snorkel keeper clip, you will simply attach the snorkel to the snorkel keeper clip using the connectivity between the two pieces. There should be a quick-release button attached to the snorkel keeper clip that will allow the snorkel to be removed with just one touch.

If using a snorkel keeper ring, you will need to do a little more work than just attaching two pieces together, so they stay in place. Instead, you will need to take the strap of the mask and put it against the snorkel to hold it in place just above where the snorkel keeper ring is located.

While holding the strap in place against the snorkel, you will take the second ring that is free and pull it up to the top of the snorkel and down the tube of the snorkel right on top of the first ring.

When you let go of the mask, it should be secured in place and attached to the snorkel by the snorkel keeper ring.

Both the snorkel keeper clip and the snorkel keeper ring have already been in the correct position if you follow the steps of this guide, so there should not be any adjustments that you should have to make to the position of the snorkel keeper device or the snorkel or mask themselves.

Step 7: Test the Mask and Snorkel

Put the mask back on and place the mouthpiece of the snorkel in your mouth. Move your head around as you would if you were snorkeling. If the snorkel stays in place and the snorkel keeper clip does not come off, the snorkel is properly attached.

Which is the Best Keeper Device: a Clip or a Ring?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of snorkel keepers. We will lay out the advantages and disadvantages to both for you to choose which method of securing the snorkel will be right for you.

Snorkel Keeper Clip

A snorkel keeper clip is a plastic clip that connects the snorkel to the mask.

Advantages:

  • Stays securely in place
  • Does not slip
  • The snorkel can be easily removed from the clip with the push of a button; this allows the clip to stay in the same place while only the snorkel is removed

Disadvantages:

  • Plastic; can easily be broken

Snorkel Keeper Ring

A snorkel keeper ring is a silicone ring that will hold the mask to the side of the snorkel by a two-sided silicone ring that goes down the tube of the snorkel and holds the strap of the mask in between.

Advantages:

  • Virtually indestructible
  • Easy to use
  • A great backup method for a snorkel keeper clip

Disadvantages:

  • Can easily get moved out of place, causing you to repeat the attachment process each time before every use

Alternatives to a Separate Snorkel and Mask

Sometimes you don’t always have time to attach a snorkel to a mask before each excursion. While we recommend always securing your snorkel to your mask, there is an alternative you can consider to the snorkel + mask combo: the full face snorkel mask.

A full face snorkel mask is a snorkel mask that has a snorkel built directly into the mask. There is no snorkel attachment required, as the snorkel is directly connected to the mask through its design.

A full face snorkel mask covers both the nose and the mouth, which allows you to breathe freely whichever way you choose. A full face snorkel mask is recommended for beginners who are just learning the basics of snorkeling as they will not have to secure the snorkel to the mask or run the risk of jaw fatigue while holding the mouthpiece in their mouth.

Conclusion

Attaching a snorkel to a mask is easy and effective if you follow the right steps. You can attach the snorkel to a mask by a snorkel keeper clip or ring. As we mentioned, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options, so the method you choose may be decided simply by the attachment mechanism that is included in the snorkel mask set.

Remember that if you have a snorkel keeper clip, you can always double up your snorkel attachment by adding a snorkel keeper ring, and vice versa.