Snorkeling is an unforgettable experience, but having the right gear can make all the difference between an average day in the water and an incredible one. At Living Ocean Tours, our guides spend nearly every day exploring Honolulu reefs, so we’ve tested just about every brand out there. In this guide, we’re sharing our picks for the best snorkel brands, including trusted gear that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to pack. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned ocean explorer, we’ve got you covered with the best snorkel gear for travel, plus tips on choosing travel snorkel gear that works just as well on the go as it does in the water.
Do You Need Good Snorkeling Gear to Snorkel?
Good snorkel gear makes all the difference when you’re exploring Hawaii’s vibrant reefs. The best equipment fits well, keeps water out, offers clear visibility, and feels comfortable enough to wear for hours. Because every face is different, finding a mask that seals properly without causing pressure points is key. Quality gear not only improves safety and confidence in the water but also boosts your overall enjoyment on any snorkeling tour. Whether you’re joining Living Ocean’s Deluxe Waikiki Snorkeling and Waterslide Tour or our Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Excursion, we provide the gear for you so that you can just enjoy your experience.
What We Look for in the Best Snorkel Brands
Our team values snorkel gear that delivers comfort, performance, and ease of use. Here are the key features we look for:
Masks
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Soft skirts that feel comfortable and create a tight seal
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Enough clearance so the mask doesn’t press uncomfortably on the nose bridge
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Single-pane lenses for a wide, unobstructed view of the underwater world
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Clear skirts on single-pane masks, which help if you want underwater photos where your face is more recognizable
Snorkels
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Simple “J” snorkels with minimal resistance are preferred by experienced snorkelers
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Splash guards on beginner snorkels help reduce water entry without adding much breathing resistance
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Avoid complicated valves that can break or add weight
Fins
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Soft foot pockets to prevent blisters and eliminate the need for neoprene socks
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Compact, rubber fins suitable for surface swimming in calm water conditions
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Strapless fins are more durable and easier to put on and take off
We also consider how gear performs in real Hawaiian conditions—saltwater, sand, waves—and how well it holds up to travel wear and tear. Lightweight, compact gear that’s easy to pack is a big plus for vacationers.
Our Favorite Snorkel Gear and Swimwear Brands
We do not receive commissions from purchases made using the gear links below.
Best Snorkel Masks & Snorkels
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Seasports: A longtime favorite for Living Ocean, Seasports offers a wide range of sizes, including prescription masks, quality snorkels, and readily available spare parts—perfect for rentals and serious snorkelers alike.
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Tusa Serene Mask & Snorkel Sets: These masks provide excellent quality at a great price, with full-face frames that offer a broad field of view. The high-quality skirt fits a variety of face shapes comfortably, making them a solid choice for beginners and travelers. Also available on Amazon.
Best Fins
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Tusa Full Foot Rubber Fins: Comfortable, travel-friendly, and perfect for surface swimming, these fins are great for most snorkelers. Also available on Amazon.
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Da Fin: A local Hawaiian favorite, these compact surf/swim fins are easy to put on and off, lightweight, and used by Hawaii’s elite Ocean Safety lifeguards. Many Living Ocean staff prefer Da Fin for their reliability and comfort.
Best PFDs (Flotation Devices)
Two main types work for snorkeling:
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Snorkeling Vests: Used on our tours, these vests offer buoyancy to reduce fatigue while allowing you to keep your face in the water. Our custom-branded vests from Innovative Scuba Concepts are lightweight and easily packed—think airplane lifejacket style.
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USCG Approved PFDs: For less confident swimmers, vests like Hyperlite keep your head above water but may require more effort to look down. These take up more travel space and aren’t ideal for long snorkeling sessions but provide extra peace of mind.
All guests on Living Ocean snorkeling tours are required to wear flotation devices for safety and visibility in open ocean conditions.
Best Rash Guards & Swimwear
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We love our Living Ocean Tours branded rash guards, designed locally by Olomana Hawaii. These high-quality, long-sleeve shirts offer excellent sun protection and come in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes.
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Eco-conscious and locally made options are a priority, and these rash guards make great gear to bring on any snorkeling adventure.
Tips for Traveling with Snorkel Gear
We always recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear on vacation—familiar equipment makes snorkeling easier and more enjoyable. However, if you don’t have your own, Living Ocean has high-quality gear available for guests, including five different mask sizes and fins from kids’ sizes up to men’s size 15.
For packing, keep your setup simple:
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Protect your glass lens mask by packing it with clothes or in a padded case
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Use a mesh bag to carry gear during your trip; they roll up easily and fit in regular luggage
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Compact fins and snorkel vests travel well and won’t weigh you down
Book a Tour & Try the Gear Yourself
The best way to find your ideal snorkel gear is to try it out in the water! On our Deluxe Waikiki Snorkeling and Waterslide Tour and Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Excursion, you can test our carefully selected gear while exploring some of Oahu’s best snorkeling spots. Our experienced guides know the ocean environment inside and out and are here to help you feel comfortable and confident on every swim.
