7 Best Snorkel Masks for Kids in 2020

Snorkelling is a sport that is not reserved for adults only. Even small children can snorkel and – as our experience shows – love it.
A snorkelling trip is a great way to get the kids outside. Water sports keep the little ones fit and bring them closer to nature. Children also find discovering the underwater worlds and strange animals exciting and instructive.
Choosing one of the best snorkeling masks for children is essential to guarantee safety and fun. Many of the best models have been tested in children’s snorkel masks, have already collected hundreds of positive reviews online and have made it onto our high score list.
Water sports are often quite intense in terms of the amount of equipment. Although snorkeling is an exception, there are a few things to consider when buying a snorkeling mask for children. In extensive research we have identified the most important factors and found some of the best masks available.
The Best Snorkeling Masks for Children
# | Product | Rating | Shop |
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1 | | WACOOL Snorkeling Snorkel Package | |
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2 | | Vaincre 180° Full Face Snorkel | |
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3 | | Kids Snorkel Set Dry Top Snorkel | |
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4 | | UPhitnis Kids Snorkel Set - Dry Top | |
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5 | | Usnork Full Face Snorkel Mask for | |
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6 | | DCYSO Snorkel Mask Full Face Kids - | |
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7 | | Vaincre 180° Full Face Snorkel | |
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Guide: Choose a snorkeling mask for children
A number of properties are important when choosing a mask. In the following we will go into these aspects in more detail so that you can make a better informed decision for or against a particular snorkeling mask.
mask
When it comes to snorkeling masks for children, it is especially important that high quality materials are used in the manufacturing process and that the mask fits well. A good snorkeling mask is made of plastic, has a silicone frame and a visor of hardened glass.
These materials have proven to be very durable in practice. Plastic masks are also quite light and inexpensive. Parents should make sure that the visor offers a wide field of vision to enable the children to observe the animals and underwater landscapes.
The masks can be adjusted to different head sizes with a headband. The strap should be wide, easily adjustable and comfortable. A border of soft materials such as silicone is important so that the mask fits air- and waterproof – without strong pressure – on the face.
snorkel
Sure, snorkeling plays an important role in snorkeling. Without it the sport is not called that but “swimming”.
A good snorkel makes the diver forget that he is wearing a snorkel at all. Basically, two systems have become established in practice: snorkel sets for children and full face masks for children.
The former is a set consisting of a mask and a snorkel. Divers are supplied with air through the mouthpiece of the snorkel. The snorkel can also be clamped to the diving mask.
Full face masks are an alternative that are rapidly gaining popularity. The futuristic looking masks combine snorkel and mask. The full face masks do not require a mouthpiece. You can breathe freely in them, which is easier especially for children.
Most modern models have a valve attached to the top of the snorkel. The valve prevents water from running into the snorkel. This feature is especially important for tours in areas with swell or when smaller dives are planned.
safety
Safety comes first when snorkeling. With children you should start slowly. Slowly introduce them to snorkeling and snorkeling equipment. Of course the children should be safe swimmers before the first trip in the sea.
The right clothing also plays an important role. On the one hand it is important to adjust the clothing to the water temperature. On the other hand, as much of the skin as possible should be covered for longer trips. The sun is quite strong on the water and also the waves reflect the sunlight. Children should always wear a T-shirt and apply thick sunscreen.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about snorkeling masks for children
Is snorkeling safe for children?
Snorkelling is safe for all children who can swim alone. In a direct comparison of full face masks and traditional snorkeling sets, the former are convincing because they do not require a mouthpiece. The air supply is a little less with this type of mask, but the children do not have to press on the mouthpiece all the time. Once the mask sits properly on the head, no further adjustments are necessary.
Modern full face masks are divided into two separate air chambers. In the lower chamber the diver breathes through nose and mouth. However, the breathing air does not enter the second chamber and therefore cannot fog up the visor.
When choosing a full face mask, high quality materials should be used. Only well manufactured masks are truly water and air tight. The snorkeling masks presented here all meet this criterion.
However, this cannot hide the fact that there are always individual defective models or bad batches. In customer reviews of all available snorkel masks, negative experiences can be found accordingly. In fact, these are mostly individual cases that are only very well documented. Who writes a review if the product does what it promises?
In our experience, children are really enthusiastic about full face masks. Hardly anyone who has tried the masks wants to go back to the classic set with diving goggles and a snorkel.
Snorkel masks for children have been specially designed to meet the needs of children. Apart from choosing a suitable model, the correct attachment of the mask is especially important. Here communication is important. The mask has to press a little bit so that it closes firmly. If it hurts, however, the strap should be loosened a little.
What is a dry snorkel for children?
A dry snorkel for children is equipped with a valve at the upper end. This device prevents water from getting into the snorkel. When the snorkel reaches the surface, air flows into the tube as normal.
If you dive underwater with a dry snorkel or if the end of the snorkel is flooded by a wave, the valve prevents water from entering. When you surface, the valve is released and you can breathe normally through the snorkel again.
How big should a child snorkel mask be?
It may be tempting to buy a snorkel mask that is too big so that the child grows into it over time. Sure, you save money. In practice, this creates more problems than the savings can make up for.
An oversized snorkel mask will never be 100% watertight and will therefore always lead to water ingress.
The right way is always to choose a mask with exactly the right size. This is the only way to ensure safety and fun while exploring the underwater worlds.
Are children able to use snorkeling masks alone?
Older children can put the mask on their head by themselves and check that it fits securely. Smaller children need the help of an adult to ensure that the headgear does not twist or skew when put on.
The helping adult must also make sure that the snorkeling mask sits firmly on the face so that there is no niche through which water can penetrate. The mask must be firmly in place and may also press a little, but it should not cause pain.
How should children clean snorkel masks?
After a watercourse you also have to clean a snorkeling mask for children. To do this, the mask or goggles are thoroughly cleaned with warm tap water and the snorkel is rinsed.
The cleaning must be especially thorough if the snorkel mask has become dirty, fallen into the sand or after trips in salt water. Fine grains of sand and dirt that scrapes on the mask during transport will quickly scratch the visor and reduce the life of the snorkel mask.
Conclusion
Safety comes first when buying a snorkeling set for children. With this guide we have put a tool in your hand to help you choose a snorkel mask for your child.
The best children’s snorkeling mask list, which was the result of extensive research, also provides a good overview of the models available on the market. The sets and masks that made it onto the list are all convincing because of their good value for money, good workmanship and are therefore real fun guarantors!
Sources
[1] https://www.ikk-classic.de/oc/de/ikk-classic/ratgeber-gesundheit/kinder/wassersport/
[2] http://urlaubfuerkinder.de/aktiv/wassersport/