Best kids snorkel sets by age
The best kids snorkel sets for ages 3 to 12, with sizing advice, why we skip full face masks for children, and how to make a first snorkel fun and safe.
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On this page
Kids' faces are small and their attention spans are short. A mask that leaks or fins that rub will end a snorkel in five minutes. The right set, in the right size, can turn it into the highlight of a holiday.
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Skip it if | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Head by Mares Sea Pals kids setBest overall | Ages about 6–10 | Toddlers (too big) | Check price |
Cressi kids snorkel comboBest for ages 3–8 | Younger children | Older kids with bigger faces | Check price |
U.S. Divers junior snorkel setBest for ages 6–12 | School-age kids | Toddlers | Check price |
Seavenger kids snorkel setBest value | Families on a budget | Daily use for years | Check price |
Cressi Mini Palau finsSmallest fins | Very small feet | Older kids | Check price |
How we chose
We focused on real kids' sizes from dive brands, soft silicone masks, dry snorkels and adjustable fins. Picks are based on manufacturer sizing, independent reviews and parent feedback.
Best overall
Head by Mares Sea Pals kids set
Mares is a major dive brand, and its kids' sets pair a small-face mask with a dry snorkel and adjustable fins. Reviewers and parents praise the fit for small faces.
- Mask
- Small-face silicone
- Snorkel
- Dry top
- Fins
- Adjustable
Good
- Real dive-brand quality
- Fins adjust as kids grow
Not so good
- Price is higher than toy sets
Best for ages 3–8
Cressi kids snorkel combo
Cressi makes some of the smallest proper masks and fins, so younger kids get a real seal instead of a leaky adult-small mask.
- Sizes
- Very small to small
Good
- Small sizes
- Good silicone
Not so good
- Kids outgrow it
Best for ages 6–12
U.S. Divers junior snorkel set
A widely available junior set in several sizes from a mainstream brand. Comfortable and affordable.
- Sizes
- S, M, L
Good
- Affordable
- Several sizes
Not so good
- Basic fins
Best value
Seavenger kids snorkel set
Inexpensive sets with a bag in kids' sizes and fun colors.
- Bag
- Included
Good
- Cheap
- Colors kids like
Not so good
- Quality varies
Smallest fins
Cressi Mini Palau fins
Short, soft fins in very small sizes that are easy for little legs.
- Type
- Full foot, short
Good
- Tiny sizes
Not so good
- Fins only
Sizing by age (rough guide)
| Age | Mask | Fins |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | Kids extra small | Smallest full-foot or adjustable |
| 6–8 | Kids small | Kids adjustable S |
| 9–12 | Kids medium or adult small | Kids M–L or adult XS |
Faces vary, so always do the seal test.
Why we skip full face masks for kids
Full face masks have raised safety concerns for adults, including CO2 buildup and difficulty removing them in a panic. Children may not recognize or explain symptoms. Use a traditional mask and snorkel. More in are full face snorkel masks safe.
First snorkel tips for kids
- Practice in a pool or bath: face in, breathe through the snorkel.
- Start where they can stand, on sand, not coral.
- Use a flotation vest and stay within arm's reach. See best snorkel vests.
- Hold hands and point things out underwater.
- Keep it short and stop before they get cold or tired.
For calm places to start, see Hawaii snorkeling for beginners.
