If you want to get into snorkelling, it can be easy to think that you need so much kit that it’s probably not worth the investment. While the sheer number of masks, snorkels, fins and accessories available can be a little overwhelming at first, the reality is that you actually don’t need much to give snorkelling a go. In fact, one of the biggest appeals of snorkelling is that it doesn’t require extensive training or lots of specialist kit, just a few trusted essentials that allow you to truly experience what’s under the surface.
With this in mind, we’ve put together this complete guide to the best snorkel kit for beginners, covering the must-have essentials alongside the extras you might need for family holidays or adventures abroad.
Essential Snorkelling Kit
Whether you’re planning a family day at the beach in Devon, heading off on a summer staycation to Cornwall, or jetting off somewhere exotic, there are three pieces of equipment that you’re guaranteed to need: a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins. Let’s go into these in more detail before we cover some destination-specific gear.
Snorkelling Mask
If there’s one piece of snorkel kit that is worth investing in, it’s your mask. After all, your mask is essentially your window to the underwater world, so it’s important that you get the right one. In particular, you need to choose a mask that’s properly fitting and comfortable. Even the most spectacular snorkelling spot can quickly become underwhelming if your mask starts to leak or goes foggy.
For beginners, there are plenty of snorkel mask options depending on your preferences and face shape. We’re particularly big fans of the xDeep Radical mask due to its impeccable field of vision and fit, while the Scubapro Zoom mask is a great choice if you need a prescription-compatible option.Â
You can learn more about choosing a snorkelling mask in this guide.
Snorkel
Once you’ve found the right mask, you’ll need a trusty snorkel to accompany it. There are some great deals available when you buy a mask and snorkel set together, but make sure that you don’t compromise one for the other. Comfort and ease of use need to be the main priorities as a beginner, and we’d always recommend the Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry snorkel for its revolutionary Aquastop valve and comfortable construction.
If you’re travelling and need to save some space in your luggage, the Scubapro Apnea Snorkel folds down really neatly while still offering excellent performance in the water.
Fins
Many snorkelling beginners assume that fins are optional. While it is technically possible to give snorkelling a go without them, having reliable fins does absolutely make a difference to the whole experience.
Fins help you to move efficiently through the water, explore for longer, and deal with changing conditions. Crucially, they also allow you to reduce the amount of effort required to cut through the water, instead focusing on the marine life around you rather than constantly kicking.
The Scubapro Go Travel fins are our pick for beginners. They’re lightweight, durable and easily fit into luggage for travelling, whether you’re exploring the South West or heading overseas.
Snorkel Bag
To keep all of your new gear organised and protected, we recommend investing in a dedicated bag like the Scubapro Sport 10 Dive Bag. It is a practical way to carry your mask, snorkel, and fins to and from the water.
UK Snorkelling Must-Haves
It’s another common misconception that snorkelling is only worth doing in tropical waters in more exotic countries. However, we’ve got first-hand experience that snorkelling in the UK can be just as rewarding, with a huge variety of marine life and sheltered bays waiting to be explored. Particularly as flight costs continue to rise and more of us continue holidaying closer to home, snorkelling here can actually be a great way to switch off from the everyday and feel like you’re much further from home than you actually are.Â
That said, UK waters are typically cooler than you might expect, even during the height of the summer. This means that there are a few extra bits of kit worth considering for both family holidays and more regular snorkelling sessions closer to home.
Wetsuit
You’ll get away without a wetsuit abroad, but probably not in the UK. Particularly if you’re hitting the water in the shoulder season, sea temperatures can feel surprisingly cold. A wetsuit will make this transition feel more manageable and help you stay in the water for longer, providing careful insulation alongside some protection against scrapes and rough surfaces.
A 3mm wetsuit is probably all you need for snorkelling in warmer summer conditions, but for a longer session or less favourable weather, you’ll find yourself thankful for the additional warmth of a 5mm suit.
Explore our snorkelling wetsuits
Neoprene Boots
Certainly here in the South West, many of the best snorkelling spots involve walking across rocks and uneven shorelines before even reaching deeper water. For this kind of terrain, it’s always advisable to wear a pair of neoprene boots for additional grip and protection.Â
Rash Vest
A rash vest is another versatile addition to your snorkelling kit, providing a comfortable layer underneath a wetsuit and sun protection when worn on its own.Â
Guidebooks
If you are looking for inspiration on where to head next, we’re absolutely loving the book Snorkelling Britain by Emma & Gordon Taylor. This beautiful book is packed with images and snorkel site suggestions, making it an excellent resource if you’re looking for some inspiration and want to discover the very best sites across the UK coastline.Â
Travel Snorkelling Gear
Naturally, if you’re heading abroad this summer, then your snorkel kit priorities might be slightly different. Warm water destinations, like the Mediterranean or Caribbean, require less thermal protection. Instead, portability and convenience become your top considerations as you contend with packing and baggage allowances.
For most beginner holiday snorkellers, we’d recommend packing:
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A mask
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A lightweight snorkel
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Compact travel fins
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Reef-safe suncream
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A rash vest for UV protection
Safety Essentials
While snorkelling is undoubtedly a safe and accessible activity for the most part, there are a couple of safety considerations that it’s important not to overlook. Visibility should always be top of your mind, asking yourself before entering the water whether other water users will actually be able to see you. We’d always suggest using a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), particularly in unfamiliar waters or areas with boat traffic, for additional reassurance.
No matter your experience level, it’s also always best to snorkel with a buddy. Agree beforehand how you’ll communicate with each other and make sure you both understand the local conditions before entering the water. Not only does snorkelling with somebody else make it safer, but it also makes it a more sociable and enjoyable experience!
Where To Buy Snorkelling Equipment
It’s almost always possible to get your hands on a mask and snorkel at your chosen snorkelling destination, but this isn’t always the best approach. A mask that fits one person perfectly may not suit another, and quality cannot always be guaranteed.
Here at Aquanauts, we pride ourselves on offering a complete and personal service, whether you’re shopping for your beginner snorkel kit online or visiting us in store. We can help you compare different masks, snorkels and fins, and find the all-important extras that you might need for a staycation or trip abroad, giving you full confidence that you’ve found a set-up that’s right for you.
Browse our full range of snorkelling equipment online or get in touch for personalised advice.