A Tackle Shop Guide to Snorkeling Sets
A good snorkeling set is your window into what lies beneath the ocean's surface. But finding a set that has a mask that seals properly and a snorkel that doesn't constantly fill with water can offer an advantage to a much better experience. This guide will walk you through some key features to look for in a quality snorkeling set kit to help you make an informed choice.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"I've had so many conversations with customers in the shop over the years since we first began stocking snorkel sets in the early 2000’s. Some are customers who are about to go on their first big cruise. They're excited to snorkel the islands, but they're not thrilled about the idea of using a hire set that's been in who-knows-how-many other mouths. Honestly, I'm the same, just the thought makes me cringe.
That's a huge part of why we stock these all-in-one snorkel kits. You get your own new, hygienic set for a very reasonable price. It's a no-brainer for a family holiday, and it's why we sell so many of them to cruise goers. It just removes a problem and lets you enjoy your underwater adventure without focusing on the gross aspect of using a hire set.
I personally have tested a few of the kits we sell when snorkeling Bush Rangers Bay at bass point and Green Patch on the NSW south coast and my recomendation is the land and sea adventurer model for an affordable kit that performs well"
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop | 20+ Years experience in snorkel kit sales
What Really Matters in a Good Snorkel Set
The difference between a $20 "toy" set and a quality kit often comes down to these features that actually prevent leaks and frustration.
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Silicone vs. PVC Mask Skirt (The Most Important Feature): This is the part that seals against your face. Cheap masks use PVC, which is stiff, gets hard in the sun, and is the number one cause of a leaky, uncomfortable mask. A quality set uses soft silicone, which is supple, comfortable, and creates a far more reliable, waterproof seal on a wider range of face shapes.
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Dry-Top Snorkels (The "No-Panic" Feature): A "dry-top" snorkel has a special valve on top that automatically closes if a wave washes over you or if you dip your head underwater. This is a fantastic feature for beginners and kids, as it prevents that sudden, panicked gulp of saltwater and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
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Purge Valve (The Easy-Clear Feature): Located at the bottom of the snorkel, a purge valve lets you clear any water that enters with a quick, forceful exhale—much easier than the traditional method of blasting water up and out the top. While not all our kits include both dry-top and purge valves, having at least one of these features makes snorkeling significantly more comfortable for beginners.
Pro-Tip: How to Prevent Your Mask From Fogging
If you’re struggling with your mask fogging up while snorkelling, it’s probably because fog forms when there’s a temperature difference between the warm air inside the mask and the cooler lens surface. When warmth from your face meets the cool lens, condensation occurs. If the mask is brand new, it might be due to a thin residue left from the manufacturing process. This can be annoying, but here is a two-step solution to help fix the issue:
- Step 1 (The One-Time Fix): Take a pea-sized drop of regular, non-gel toothpaste. Rub it firmly all over the inside of the dry (glass lens) mask lens with your finger for a minute or two. Rinse it out completely. This abrasive action strips the factory film off the glass.
- Step 2 (Before Every Swim): Now that the glass is prepped, the classic "spit and rinse" method will often work but agreed, it is quite gross. So my recommendation for a better result is to use a proper anti-fog spray. This creates a film that stops fog from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size snorkeling kit for my kids?
It's critical to buy a dedicated Junior (Kids) set. It's not just a smaller version of an adult's kit; the mask has a narrower silicone skirt that is specifically designed to seal on a smaller, narrower face. A "one-size-fits-all" adult mask will almost always be too big and will constantly leak on a child. The second thing to note is flipper size. ensure you check our listings before your order and match their shoe size to the flipper sizes in the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right size snorkeling kit for my kids?
It's critical to buy a dedicated Junior (Kids) set. It's not just a smaller version of an adult's kit; the mask has a narrower silicone skirt that is specifically designed to seal on a smaller, narrower face. A "one-size-fits-all" adult mask will almost always be too big and will constantly leak on a child. The second thing to note is flipper size. ensure you check our listings before your order and match their shoe size to the flipper sizes in the kit.
Why does a fishing shop sell snorkeling sets?
A good snorkel set is a surprisingly useful piece of gear for an angler. It's perfect for scouting new fishing spots to find weed beds and drop-offs, retrieving a snagged lure in the shallows, or for gathering your own bait like abalone and sea urchins (where legal and safe to do so). Plus, as a coastal shop based on the NSW Illawarra south coast, it's just part of the lifestyle we love.
What's the difference between "open-heel" and "full-foot" fins?
This is a simple choice based on comfort and practicality. Full-foot fins (like those in most of our kits) are designed to be worn barefoot and are simple and comfortable. Open-heel fins are much larger and are designed to be worn over a neoprene dive bootie. These are typically used by scuba divers or anglers in very cold water but it does alow a flexible range of foot sizes also.
How do I care for my snorkel set to make it last?
It's simple: rinse it and dry it. After every use, give your mask, snorkel, and fins a thorough rinse in fresh water to remove all salt, which can degrade the silicone seals over time. Most importantly, let it all dry completely in the shade. Storing it in its bag while still damp is a fast way to grow mildew.
What's the real difference between the short fins in a kit and long spearfishing fins?
That's a great question, as it's about matching the product to the application. The short fins in our snorkel sets are for easy travel and casual snorkeling. Their job is to make it easy to move around on the surface in calm water, and they are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, depending on the model. Long spearfishing fins are a piece of specialised equipment. They are for power and deep diving, designed to move a diver from the surface to the bottom with minimal effort. For a family holiday or cruise, the short fins in our kits are the perfect, practical choice.
