Best full face snorkel masks, and which ones to avoid
If you choose a full face snorkel mask, these are the designs with separated airflow and published testing, plus the red flags that mark masks to avoid.
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On this page
Full face snorkel masks cover your eyes, nose and mouth, so you can breathe naturally through your nose or mouth. Many people love them for exactly that reason. They are also controversial: several tour operators ban them, and safety concerns have been raised about carbon dioxide buildup and how hard they are to remove in a panic.
Our position is simple: for most people, a traditional mask and dry snorkel is the safer choice. If you have decided on a full face mask anyway, buy one from a brand that publishes testing and designs the airflow properly. Never buy the cheapest unbranded option.
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Skip it if | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Reef Aria QR+Best overall | Snorkelers set on a full face mask | Anyone who dives below the surface | Check price |
Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180 V3Popular mid-range | Budget-conscious buyers who want a known brand | Anyone with a beard or narrow face that falls between sizes | Check price |
Aqua Lung Smart-SnorkelFrom a dive brand | Buyers who want a dive-industry brand | Those who want a classic full face shape | Check price |
U.S. Divers AirGoDetachable snorkel | Travelers who want a compact full face mask | Divers | Check price |
SEAC LiberaTested to European standards | Buyers in Europe | Those needing US availability | Check price |
How we chose
We looked for brands that publish CO2 or airflow testing, offer real size charts, separate fresh and exhaled air, and have a company you can contact. We used manufacturer documentation, independent reporting and owner reviews. We did not run our own lab tests.
The best full face snorkel masks
Best overall
Ocean Reef Aria QR+
Ocean Reef makes diving full face masks and was one of the first brands to publish CO2 testing for its snorkel masks. The Aria QR+ separates fresh intake air from exhaled air and has a quick-release strap. It is pricier than generic masks, which is the point: you are paying for engineering and testing.
- Airflow
- Separated intake and exhaust
- Sizes
- Several, with size chart
- Strap
- Quick release
Good
- Published testing
- Established brand
- Several sizes
Not so good
- Expensive
- Not for diving down
Popular mid-range
Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180 V3
Wildhorn markets a flow design that separates intake and exhaust, offers multiple sizes and publishes guidance on fit and safety. It is one of the best-known mid-range options.
- Airflow
- Separated
- Sizes
- Several
Good
- Known brand
- Clear fit guidance
Not so good
- Fit-sensitive
From a dive brand
Aqua Lung Smart-Snorkel
Aqua Lung's take on easy-breathing snorkeling, designed by a major dive equipment company.
- Design
- Hybrid easy-breathing design
Good
- Dive brand
Not so good
- Availability varies
Detachable snorkel
U.S. Divers AirGo
A full face mask with a detachable snorkel tube for packing, from a mainstream snorkel brand.
- Snorkel
- Detachable
Good
- Packs smaller
Not so good
- Same general full face limits
Tested to European standards
SEAC Libera
An Italian dive brand that states its full face mask meets European testing requirements.
- Origin
- Italy
Good
- European dive brand
Not so good
- Harder to find in the US
Masks to avoid: red flags
- No brand, or a brand that changes name every few months.
- No size chart, or "one size fits all."
- No information about airflow or testing.
- A single shared channel for breathing in and out.
- Reports of recalls or safety warnings. Search the product name with "recall" before buying. Regulators have issued warnings about some unbranded full face masks.
We do not link to masks with these red flags.
How to use a full face mask more safely
- Get the right size using the brand's chart. A poor fit can leak and change airflow.
- Snorkel calmly at the surface. Do not swim hard or dive down.
- Practice taking it off quickly in shallow water before you need to.
- Stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath or headachy, take the mask off and rest.
- Check your tour operator's rules before you pack it.
Before you decide, read full face vs traditional snorkel masks and the evidence in are full face snorkel masks safe.
