The full face snorkel mask made a splash in the snorkel market around 2014; it has a strong appeal for snorkelers who may become frustrated trying to use standard snorkel tubes and masks. The full face snorkel mask combines the tube and snorkel mask into one piece of snorkel gear.
What is a snorkel? The snorkel is actually the short tube that a swimmer uses for breathing through while keeping their face underwater. A mask is a common addition so that you can also see underwater. Standard snorkel gear usually includes the snorkel tube, a snorkel mask, and fins.
If you have been on a snorkeling tour on your tropical adventures recently, chances are you have seen people wearing the full face snorkel masks and wondered about them. Discover the PROS and CONS of exploring your favorite snorkel spots with a full face snorkel mask (FFSM).
PROS of Using a Full Face Snorkel Mask
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A snorkel and mask are designed so you can explore underwater canyons, spot colorful sea life, and admire vivid coral without having to hold your breath. The full face snorkel mask is a combination of the mask and snorkel tube in one piece.
IMPORTANT * A Full Face Snorkel Mask is NOT A FLOTATION DEVICE. Always swim responsibly and wear a lifejacket or flotation device.
As with many things in life, there are proponents of the full face snorkel masks right along with those who are tried and true snorkelers using the standard snorkel and mask.
Even non-swimmers can snorkel as snorkeling can be done in shallow water or with the help of a flotation device.
NOTE * The opinions in this article are mine. They do not replace the need for you to do your DUE DILIGENCE and weigh the pros and cons. Obviously using this mask requires common sense and safe snorkel practices on your part.
If the full face snorkel mask intrigues you, here are a few of the reasons you may wish to try them.
1. You Can Breath Naturally Out of Your Nose or Mouth
When I first learned how to snorkel, my husband and I were on a cruise excursion to St. John in the USVI. We used the standard snorkel and mask and it definitely took me some time to get used to clamping my mouth around the snorkel mouthpiece and NOT breathing through my nose.
Your instructors will even tell you not to smile or chew gum!
I quickly learned that chewing gum while snorkeling ensured that the gum would become stuck to the mouthpiece.
Guess what? You CAN chew gum with the full face snorkel mask. You can also breath through your nose or mouth easily as you snorkel.
2. You Can Talk to Others
Chris purchased the full face snorkel masks for us before a Spring Break trip to Florida with our girls. We used them in Florida and then again in Tahiti when we visited Moorea on a Couples Excursion.
It was fun to be able to talk to each other as we saw cool things under and above the water’s surface without taking our masks off. Just be mindful that your conversations won’t be as clear as when you are above water and not wearing a mask.
3. You Have a Greater Field of Vision
The full face snorkel mask give you 180° of visibility whereas your field of vision is limited with the design of a standard face mask.
4. The Mask Seals Around Your Face
Before getting into the ocean, you need to make sure that the mask seals securely around your face. This ensures a tight seal and no leakage. Be sure to test this before swimming away from your tour boat or dock. It is harder to tighten the straps while you are wearing the mask. In fact, you will probably need the help of your snorkeling buddy.
5. The Straps are Adjustable
The straps on the back of the snorkel mask are adjustable if you are sharing the mask between a number of different snorkelers—though you may wish to invest in smaller snorkel gear for kids if you have younger children.
Be sure that your straps are adjusted before getting in the water and that you have a tight seal around your face. It is not as easy to adjust the straps on your own once you are in the water.
6. You Won’t Be Sharing Germs
Even before purchasing our full face snorkel masks, Chris and I had standard face masks with the attached snorkel. We purchased them because we did not want to share snorkel mouth pieces with random individuals.
Yes, snorkel rentals providers do clean the snorkel after each use, but sometimes those cleaning practices don’t seem all that hygienic as the gear is simply dipped and swished in a cleaning solution and that is it.
7. Other Will be Intrigued and Ask You Where You Bought Your Snorkel Mask
Pretty much anytime I have used a full face snorkel mask I have been asked about them:
- Are they easy to use? Yes.
- Are they comfortable? Yes.
- Are they heavy? Not too heavy.
- Where did you get them? You can find them on my Amazon Storefront in the Beach & Cruise Gear Section.
8. You Can Find Snorkeling Gear for Kids and Adults
The sizing for a full face snorkel mask on Amazon comes in S/M and L/XL. Be sure the masks fit before heading out on vacation.
9. Cost: They Are Not Very Expensive
Rental costs vary, but after a few times of renting gear from snorkel spots on the beach, you could have pretty much paid for your own gear. Check my Amazon Storefront for up-to-date pricing.
10. They are Lightweight
The full face snorkel mask that I use weighs 1.8 pounds. If you were to use a face mask and snorkel, together they weigh just under 1 pound.
11. Best for Leisure Surface Snorkeling
A full face snorkel mask is designed for recreational use while surface snorkeling. See the cautions in the CONS section below about freediving or intensive swimming with a full face snorkel mask.
12. It Keeps Water Out of the Tube
The full face mask still has the standard ball float system which stops water from flooding the tube when it is submerged. In addition, the masks are designed to channel water away from the face and nose and into the chin area. Be sure that your mask has a special valve located on the bottom which allows water to drain out.
You want to look for a dual vent system as well that allows for improved air circulation and prevents carbon dioxide build up.
13. The Learning Curve is Not Significant
If you are a first time snorkeler using a standard mask and snorkel, be sure to follow the tips for snorkeling given by an instructor. These tips provide a comfortable and safe way for snorkelers to explore the ocean.
Tips for Snorkeling with a Standard Mask and Snorkel:
- Make sure your mask has a snug fit and seals around your face.
- Place your lips around the mouthpiece of the snorkel and make sure there is a seal around it.
- Float on the surface of the water. Make sure your snorkel isn’t submerged.
- Relax and breathe in and out through your mouth. Be mindful of your breathing.
- Try not to smile and don’t chew gum!
- Minimize the fogging in the mask. The best way is to spit and rub. Yes, it may sound crude, but it usually works.
Exploring with a full face snorkel mask means you don’t have to worry about sealing your lips around the mouthpiece or being overly mindful of your breathing. The learning curve is so much easier.
14. You Won’t have Jaw Fatigue
Because you don’t have to worry about clamping and sealing your lips around a mouthpiece as you snorkel, you will not experience the jaw fatigue that may come with a standard snorkel.
CONS of Using a Full Face Snorkel Mask
There are some valid concerns when using a full face snorkel mask (FFSM). Use your wisdom and judgment to determine which type of snorkel gear is the best for you.
15. The Mask Does Not Equalize Pressure
Without access to breathing through your nose, the full face snorkel mask is unable to equalize the pressure to your ears and face as you dive. With a traditional snorkel, you can breathe out through your nose to relieve that pressure.
16. You Cannot Freedive or Deep Dive
Because of this build up of pressure, if you wish to dive, the full face snorkel mask is NOT the best option for you.
Scuba divers make deep dives and use a tank of breathable air strapped to their body. They learn to never hold their breath underwater. Freedivers, on the other hand, train themselves to hold their breath as they dive down.
If this is your dream or goal, you may wish to learn how to SCUBA dive or wear different equipment.
17. You Should Not Use as an FFSM for Intensive Exercise
The best use of FFSMs is floating and gentle swimming in one area where you are observing the underwater sea life. If you experience headaches, panic, dizziness, or unconsciousness while snorkeling, get a help from your snorkeling buddy. These symptoms can be life-threatening when experienced in the water!
Cardinal Rule: NEVER SNORKEL ALONE!!!
18. The Masks Are Not Designed for Swimming Against Waves or in Currents
There are some concerns when using a full face snorkel mask (FFSM), especially as it relates to CO2 buildup in the mask. These concerns are addressed by Ocean Reef®, a creator of FFSMs. Click on the link to read their document on safety.
“As one of the few American companies producing FFSMs, we want to share our knowledge related to FFSM safety, specifically related to potential risks concerning CO2. Our hope is to help educate consumers and communicate that when properly designed, manufactured, tested, and used, FFSMs are safe for recreational snorkeling use.”
Again, full face masks are designed for leisure surface snorkeling! Strenuous swimming while wearing any type of snorkel, including full face designs, is not recommended. Be sure to take regular breaks while snorkeling.
19. You Can Scratch the Lens
A full face mask has a large lens. While it can be beneficial as you snorkel to increase your field of vision, you will need to be careful not to scratch the lens.
20. You May Find them Bulky
A full face snorkel mask may seem bigger and bulkier than the standard snorkel gear. If you bring your gear with you, you will have to account for the amount of space it will take in your luggage. Standard snorkel gear will also take up space in your luggage.
Chris and I often bring an extra duffel bag filled with our masks and other items. You’ll have to determine if this is something that you can check or if it will fit into your airline bag allowance as you travel.
21. Full Face Masks May be Banned in Some Locations
Some rental and tour operators no longer offer the full face mask as a rental or even encourage its use. You will want to do your own research to find out what type of equipment will be available to you or even allowed on your snorkel tour.
22. You Need to Ensure a Tight and Snug Fit
When you’re using a full face snorkel mask—or any standard mask—ensure a proper watertight seal between your face and the mask. This seal is what prevents water from leaking into your mask; it is pretty much the point of wearing a snorkel mask. If it’s not doing its job, then the snorkel mask is basically useless!
23. You Don’t Learn Basic Snorkel Skills
As stated above, the learning curve for a FFSM is not significant—perfect for beginning snorkelers. HOWEVER, do yourself a favor and learn the basic snorkel skills, crucial skills of: masks clearing, snorkel clearing, and breathing. If water ever floods your full face mask, you will be prepared to clear the water without panicking.
24. It is Harder to Clear the Water if You Don’t Have a Tight Seal
Due to the bulkiness of the full face mask, it can be more difficult to clear water or fog from the mask. Despite popular claims that advertise leak-free masks, this is not always true.
When water leaks into your full face mask, you typically need to remove the mask, drain it, and then put it back on without getting more water in the mask while treading water in open water. This can be challenging even for seasoned snorkelers as you need to keep your head fully out of the water.
Be sure that you have a tight seal.
25. Your Visibility Can Be Impaired
I listed the PRO of a full face mask as being a greater field of vision, but that can also be considered a CON as the wider angle of view can sometimes make it more difficult to see small fish and details.
Best Snorkel Spots Around the World
Whether you sign up for a snorkel tour or your like to snorkel from a beach, there’s no doubt that some places in the world offer stunning underwater sea life. From vivid blue and yellow fish to pink coral to black tip sharks.
Lonely Planet shares 10 of their favorite snorkeling spots around the world:
- Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
- Lake Malawi, Africa
- Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
- Cebu, Philippines
- Radhnagar Beach, India
- Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
- Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
- Tofo Beach, Mozambique
- Roatán Island, Honduras
- Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam, Egypt
While some of these destinations may be off the beaten path for many of us, you may enjoy some of the places that Chris and I have explored. Next to the overwater bungalows at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon and Spa in Tahiti was a crystal clear lagoon that was perfect for snorkeling right from your own dock. I highly recommend it!
- Moorea, Tahiti
- Bahia Honda, Florida
- Jamaica, Caribbean
- St. John, Caribbean
- Water Island, Caribbean
- Costa Rica
Photography and Your Snorkel Gear
For many years, Chris and I loved using our underwater camera to capture some amazing underwater photos as we snorkeled.
This year, we upgraded to the GoPro Hero 9. Chris captured some amazing underwater video. This still photo was taken from a video clip. You can see by looking at this photo compared to the rest of the photos in this post just how clear and crisp the colors are.
Do I recommend the GoPro Hero 9? You bet I do!
Snorkel Gear for Kids and Adults
What you see above the surface of the water compared to the whole new world of color and sea animals that opens up to you as you snorkel is amazing. The colors literally pop.
Kids love to snorkel too and are amazed with by the whole new world they are viewing. Be sure to fit your snorkel masks prior to your vacation and make sure that they are properly sealing.
Gear for Your Snorkel Adventures
The gear you bring on a snorkeling trip might just be the same gear you bring to the beach or on a cruise.
You’ll want to be sure and bring:
- Sun Bum Sunscreen
- After Sun Gel
- Bug Spray
- Beach Clothing & Gear
- Snorkel Gear
- Sunglasses
- GoPro
- Underwater Camera
- Beach Tote Bag
Essential Tips for Snorkeling
- Don’t snorkel alone.
- Keep your snorkel above water.
- Relax.
- Wear a lifejacket or flotation device.
- You don’t NEED to wear fins, especially if you are just exploring in a small lagoon next to your overwater bungalow. However, if you plan to swim any distance, you will be amazed by how much easier it is to propel yourself in the water while wearing fins.
- Make sure that your gear fits.
- If you find that walking into the water while wearing fins is impossible, trying walking in backwards.
- Never touch the coral or sea creatures. Check what is beneath you before you stand up in the water. Some coral, such as fire coral, can cause burning, blistering and significant damage to your skin.
- Be respectful and cautious of marine life and keep your distance.
- Choose reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Wear a rash guard to prevent sunburns if you plan to snorkel for any length of time. Your back will thank you.
- When choosing snorkeling tours, select responsible and ethical boat operators.
- If you are not a strong swimmer, know your limits and don’t venture out of your depth and comfort zone. Wear a lifejacket or flotation device.
- Bring an underwater camera or GoPro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between snorkeling vs. SCUBA diving?
Snorkelers use a snorkel for breathing and typically swim on the surface of the water. Scuba divers use more sophisticated equipment that allows them to dive deeper and stay underwater longer. The goal for both is to explore the amazing life in the ocean.
Is it better to rent or buy your own standard snorkel gear?
Renting snorkel gear means having access wherever you travel, while bringing your own snorkel and mask means you are not sharing a mouthpiece with 100s of other people. I have watched some gear be cleaned with a quick dump and swish in a cleaning fluid. Others take the time to scrub the gear. Perhaps the decision comes down to how much space you have in your luggage.
Do you NEED fins for snorkeling?
You don’t NEED to wear fins, especially if you are just exploring in a small lagoon next to your overwater bungalow. If you plan to swim any distance, you will be amazed by how much easier it is to propel yourself in the water while wearing fins.
Can you use a full face snorkel mask with a beard?
Having facial hair, a beard especially, may interfere with getting a proper seal on your snorkel mask. Using a full face snorkel mask requires a watertight seal between your face and the mask to keep water from leaking into your mask.
What does SCUBA mean?
Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
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Finals Thoughts on the 25 PROS and CONS of a Full Face Snorkel Mask
Blue Gym, a UK-based project, shares recent studies observing “that individuals living near the coast are generally healthier and happier than those living inland.” My take? If you don’t already live close to the ocean, be sure to plan a vacation to the ocean and have a little snorkel fun while you’re at it!
While the learning curve of a full face snorkel mask is significantly less than that of a standard snorkel, I do recommend that you learn how to snorkel with the standard snorkel as well. Learn the necessary snorkeling skills of how to clear your snorkel and your mask in the event of an emergency.
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Good to know! I have been snorkeling twice, once in the Florida Keys and once in Hawaii, both with just the eye mask and mouth piece. Will have to try the full mask next time.
They’ve been all the rage for some time now. I’m more used to the standard snorkel kit, but I know a lot of people who love it especially the kids. Interesting article, thanks for sharing!
This is great info and tips! When I do snorkel i will refer back to this
Loved the post, especially the detailing part.
I’m glad that you shared both the pros and the cons to help others make the best decision possible. I definitely think the full face mask would be a great fit for me, and now that I’ve read this, I plan on giving it a try. Thanks for such an informative article!
Super detailed article, just as I like them!! I believe you’ve covered all the main pros and cons of a full face snorkel mask! Honestly, I don´t usually use one because they just don´t fit comfortably in my head, but my sister loves them!
Great post! Now I know why I disliked snorkling so much — no instruction! I hated the fins, didn’t know how to use them and I had a hard time dealing with the mask and snorkle. I guess — everything! I need some basic instruction before getting in the water! I’m not sure if I could use a full face snorkle. I think I’d feel claustrophobic.
I don’t get to do much snorkelling in Italy but I’d be keen to try out this full face mask when we do. I can see why you like it, it has many benefits!