Finding The Perfect Snorkel

6/9/2021 0 Comments

Finding The Perfect Snorkel

There’s a lot of snorkels out there, but finding the perfect one is easy with a little bit of knowledge.

So you want to buy a snorkel...

Snorkels can be more expensive than you think. Be aware of your budget, but also remember you tend to get what you pay for.

Going to your local scuba store

Almost any scuba store will have plenty of snorkels to pick from. However, if you are landlocked like me and the nearest store is an hour away (although I did find one closer with less inventory), then ordering online might be for you.

Ordering online

Normally I would go to my local dive shop so I am able to hold the snorkel in hand before purchasing it. However, ordering online from divers direct or even amazon may yield larger stocks and more options.

So, what kind of snorkel should you get?

There are three main types of snorkels, each with different characteristics and price ranges.

The J curve snorkel:
This is the cheapest snorkel with the most basic technology. It is essentially a long tube with a hole at the top. There is nothing to prevent water from entering the snorkel. It can make for a very unpleasant experience and a mouthful of water when a wave crashes into it or you dive down. Definitely buy this snorkel if you aren’t serious about snorkeling or want to try out snorkeling in a pool. They go as cheap as $17 (linked below) but you definitely get what you pay for.

$17 J curve snorkel

Semi dry snorkel:
I actually had to educate myself on this one before writing about it because I didn’t know these existed. They are a midway point between the dry snorkel and J curve. They have a closed end but they do not have a value that opens and closes. There are small slits that water can still enter. These are also medium in their price range and I think would most likely be your best bet if you are trying out snorkeling and not serious yet. The J curve snorkel will ruin snorkeling for you if you are trying it for the first time in the ocean...
Anyway, lets talk price. I found this one on divers direct for $35!

$35 semi dry snorkel

The Dry Snorkel
The dry snorkel is top of the line and the best snorkel. It is not for everyone, but if you are a serious snorkeled, I highly recommend using a dry snorkel. It allows you to dive down and get minimal water in your snorkel. It also allows no water to enter in the event that a wave crashes over your head (which happens a lot even on calm days).
The dry snorkel is also the most expensive snorkel on the market, usually around $60. Here’s one I found on divers direct.

$60 dry snorkel

A fourth type of snorkel

There is one more snorkel that I need to include. It is combined with a mask and covers your whole face. While these are not for me, they are increasing in popularity. They do tend to be expensive (even though I saw a range in prices), but also consider the fact that you do not have to buy a mask with them and all the sudden they are cheap. There are stores along the beach that sell these for cheap or you can invest in a nicer one, if you so please.
Here is one I found for $90 on divers direct along with one I found for $40... talk about price range!