The best swimsuits for snorkeling should not only look and feel good, but also provide a satisfactory amount of sun protection and coverage. Your swimsuit should stay secure on your body as you’re moving around and provide physical protection from jellyfish stings.

Don’t be fooled by how the media portrays beachgoers; not every woman is wearing a bikini and not every male is shirtless with the body of a Greek god. If you can roll that way, more power to you, but know that when it comes to swimwear there are many options available.

As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to cover any exposed skin, especially if you plan on snorkeling all day. Otherwise you will have to take frequent breaks to reapply sunscreen which really ruins the flow. Furthermore, by wearing a rashguard or swim leggings, the additional coverage can protect you from stings or scratches as well as the sun’s UV rays.

In this article, we’ll go over the types of swimwear that are available, as well as the factors you should consider when searching for the best swimsuits for snorkeling.

Types of Swimwear

One-Piece Women’s Suits

In terms of style and function, modern swimsuits have come a long way compared to the past. Since most one-pieces tend to stay secure on the body better than two-piece suits, they are an optimal choice if you plan on doing rigorous water activities like SUP boarding, diving, bodysurfing, snorkeling, etc. If performance is important, look for tight-fitting, cross-back streamlined suits designed for minimal drag in the water.

Two-Piece Women’s Suits

It’s easy to customize two-piece suits for your body type and preferred water sport since top and bottoms are sold separately. When shopping for two-piece suits, make sure to buy products from active brands that are designed to stay in place and for performance. One advantage of two-piece suits is how convenient they are for bathroom breaks compared to one-piece suits.

Tops on two-piece suits have various styles, however they can be lumped together into two main categories:

Bikini: These include the bra or bralette-style top and the classic triangle top.

Tankini: Tank tops for swimming that generally cover the midriff.

Swim bottoms have a wide range of coverage, from the usual bikini bottoms to ones with higher leg cuts and more coverage. Additional options include boy short styles or swim skirts.

Men’s Swim Trunks

For a more casual and laid-back look, you can’t go wrong with swim trunks. They provide decent coverage ranging from short to about knee length, and usually come with elastic waistbands, snaps, or drawstrings. For additional support, swim shorts may come with an inner mesh brief. For added variety, swim trunks can be baggy or tailored.

Men’s Swim Briefs

If you need to perform at your best, then these form-fitting, brief-shaped bottoms are essential if you want your free range of motion and speed to be unencumbered. Swim briefs are great for rigorous water sport activities such as water polo and swimming where drag must be belt to a minimum.

Swim Leggings

For maximum sun protection on your lower body, you can wear swim tights, also called long swim bottoms. When you are surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or doing any sport activity where you will be exposed to the sun for several hours, it’s really annoying to reapply sunscreen when you can just cover up your body with UPF fabric. Depending on the material, it can even provide some insulation in chilly waters.

Board Shorts

Board shorts have a lot of variance in their coverage. For example, women’s board shorts tend to be more revealing, often with a 2-inch inseam. On the other hand, men’s board shorts are around knee length and this extra length protects thighs from chafing against paddle boards and surfboards. Of course, women can wear men’s board shorts as well as long as the waist measurements match.

Jammers

Jammers are form-fitting shorts that hug the thighs and bottom. Think of them like bike shorts minus the padding. Like all snug-fitting swimwear, they are ideal for swimming since they have less drag than other swimwear.

Rashguards

Rashguards come in many styles – long sleeve, ¾ sleeve, short sleeve, cap-sleeve, loose-fitting or form-fitting, zip-top or pull-over. As the name suggests, they are shirts that protect you from rashes and chafing during those long hours you will spend surfing, paddling, swimming, or snorkeling.

They’re stretchy, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable. With a long-sleeve UPF rashguard, most of your upper body is covered and protected from the sun’s UV rays. They also offer some protection against jellyfish stings.

What Makes An Ideal Swimsuit?

Sun Protection

Clothing should not only be worn as a fashion statement; they also have a very practical benefit of providing you some protection from the elements. Swimwear is clothing you wear in the water, so you should hold it to the same standard. The ideal swimsuit should also be comfortable and made from quick-drying fabrics.

Did you know that one of the most underestimated threats to your well-being while snorkeling is the sun? When you’re spending all day floating along the water’s surface with half of your body completely exposed to the sun, you are allowing harmful UV rays to damage your skin. Even if you’ve applied sunscreen, it’s very easy to lose track of time and forget to reapply it, or to have areas where the sunscreen wasn’t applied evenly.

Thankfully, swimsuits can offer sun protection that is superior to sunscreen in terms of blocking UV rays. You can get swimwear with a UPF rating of 50 which will absorb over 98% of both UVA and UVB rays, whereas some sunscreens only block UVB rays. Additionally, with UPF swimwear you don’t have to apply any sunscreen as long you’re completely covered up.

Furthermore, not all sunscreen is biodegradable or reef-safe. Sunscreen often contains ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs and contribute to their deterioration.  In some cases, even sunscreen marketed as reef-safe still has a negative effect. In other words, since alternative forms of sun protection exists in the form of swimwear, the less sunscreen you use the better.

Form-Fitting and Secure

You can get swimwear that not only looks good, but has many other practical benefits. Just make sure to stay away from Bikini Village and check out a sports store instead. You’re looking for swimwear that won’t get undone as soon as a wave splashes on you.

Stay away from flimsy spaghetti straps and head toward tank tops or tops that are similar to sports bras. For bottoms, look for boy shorts of briefs with thick waist bands or robust drawstrings to ensure it stays on you. Look out for these features, but you can also consider a form-fitting one-piece swimsuit as well.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a Swimsuit for Snorkeling

Select swimwear based on your intended use. Consider the way you move in the water and how much you are exposed to the sun to help narrow down your choices. If you are frequently on the move and ducking waves, for instance, then you want to make sure your swimsuit stays secure. Look for a rashguard, a one-piece suit, or a top with thick crisscross straps or racerback to ensure it stays on.

Determine how much coverage you want. We understand that not everyone wants to completely cover their body for total UV protection. Perhaps you plan on doing a little bit of sunbathing as well. You can wear a more revealing swimsuit to start, then layer up by wearing a rashguard and board shorts once you’ve soaked up enough sun.

Decide on the fabric and features you like. If you want to carry important items with you, then zipped board-short pockets are a godsend. Quick-drying fabrics helps you transition from water activities to land activities in a breeze.

Find something comfortable. All of these factors above won’t mean anything if it’s so uncomfortable you’re just dying to take it off. If the swimsuit is doing its job, you won’t even remember it’s there. Your time ought to be spent focusing on snorkeling, not adjusting your bottom because it keeps riding up.

What to Look for in a Swimsuit for Snorkeling

Quick-drying fabric 

If you plan on spending time out of the water in your swimsuit, then consider wearing swimwear made from fast-drying fabric. An additional benefit is that it can reduce chafing by wicking away the moisture on your skin. Keep in mind that suits with cotton blends or thicker fabrics will take longer to dry.

UPF Rating/UV Protection

If you notice the swimsuit has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) between 15 to 50+, that means it is made using sun-protective fabric that blocks over 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and will keep you from getting sunburnt.

The higher the UPF, the greater the protection, though there is not that much difference between UPF 15 and 50 (94% UV radiation blocked vs. 98%). Sun protection clothing will block both UVA and UVB rays, whereas most sunscreen only blocks UVB rays unless it is stated to be broad spectrum.

Inner Liners

Men’s trunks may come with inner mesh brief or other such lining to reduce chafing and increase coverage. Women’s suits may include liners for similar reasons, as well as for greater opacity when wet. Some include special linings that keeps the suit clinging firmly to your body even in turbulent waters.

Removable Bra Cups

Some women like the increased coverage and larger bust size they get with padded bra cups, but if this isn’t your thing you can just as easily remove them.

Pockets

If you want to keep your lip balm, car keys, or other small essentials close by while snorkeling then you can do so by wearing swim shorts with zippered pockets or inside mesh pockets.

Swimsuit Strap Styles

The straps on women’s swimwear are not just there for looks. Their function during active sports is crucial for comfort and support. When selecting a swimsuit, look for ones with wider straps because narrower ones tend to dig into your skin and feel uncomfortable.

Furthermore, adjustable straps allow you to tighten or loosen them to accommodate your specific body shape and are useful for dealing with straps that have loosened over time. Next, bathing suit tops that have back closures can make it easier to don and take off, particularly when it is wet.

Suits that have racerback/crisscross strap styles are excellent for arm and shoulder range of motion while keeping a tight fit. Lastly, halters have straps that wrap around your neck and provide additional support for women with larger busts (though the straps can sometimes dig into the neck and cause discomfort).

Swimsuit Fit

If you prefer to do your swimsuit shopping online, expect some trial and error. The best way to get one that fits you perfectly is to try it on in person and move around to determine where it sags or is too constrictive.

How should it fit?

For more fitted styles, the goal is to strike a balance between nice and snug without feeling too tight. Here are some ways to determine proper fit. If your suit tends to ride up or the waistband or straps are causing you discomfort, consider going up a size. If the straps keep falling off, the fabric sags, or the waistband isn’t keeping your trunks in place, then size down.

Bra Support and Fit

Some swimsuit bras include removable soft cups to provide additional shape and modesty. A few suits have underwire or built-in shelf bras to support bigger busts (ensure that the underwire doesn’t pinch anywhere and is laying flat).

Tips for Selecting a Swimsuit for Snorkeling

Should you wear bikini briefs or boy shorts? One-piece or two? How much coverage do you want? The answer to these questions is highly personal, and it depends on how you intend to use it and what you want out of your suit.

Additional Top Support

If you want more support up top, then look for tops with higher necklines, one-piece suits with adjustable straps in the back and a halter, or suits with wider shoulder straps for additional bust support.

Some other features you should keep an eye out for are back closures, built-in shelf bras, and elastic bands that stretch under the busts. Swim tops should have a modest cut around the bust to keep your sides fully covered.  Another great option for full-busted women are tankinis.

Heat and UV Protection

Protect your skin by covering it with UV blocking swimwear. You don’t have to keep yourself covered up for the whole day! Consider pieces with layering potential so that you can take off or put on pieces whenever you feel it’s necessary.

Just as an example, you can start the day off with a bikini top and then throw on a swim cover-up or a rashguard in the afternoon when the sun is at its brightest. Wear board shorts over your bottom after you finish snorkeling, or layer up with a UPF hoodie.

For Intense Water Activities

Avoid anything with ties. They can easily get caught on something and get undone. Also, when you’ve been snorkeling for a while and the string occasionally brushes against you, you’re going to be wondering if a sea creature just brushed against you or if it was some kind of phantom sensation. Either way, not very pleasant to deal with.

What you should be looking for instead are suits with drawstrings or secure cross-back straps that let you cinch bottoms or tops for a stable fit. Another option is racerbacks that keep straps away from your shoulder. If you spend a lot of time in the water, you shouldn’t be concerned about if your top is about to fall off or your bottoms are rolling up.

Swimwear Care

After all of that effort finding a great swimsuit for snorkeling, it would be a shame if it didn’t last long due to improper care. The more effort you put into caring for your swimwear, the longer it will look and function like the day you got it.

Below are the steps you should follow to keep your swimwear lasting for many years of fun snorkeling adventures.

1. Rinse in freshwater after each use. Make sure to scrub thoroughly. If you’ve been in a strongly chlorinated pool or saltwater for a long time, then let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
2. Be gentle when squeezing. Don’t treat your swimsuit like a dirty old rag. Wringing or twisting it aggressively can damage it and wear it down fast.
3. Dry in the shade. Particularly if you have swimwear with a high UPF rating, you might think it is okay to let it dry in direct sunlight. All this does is degrade your suits synthetic fabrics faster than normal. Instead, hang dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area. You can even leave it in the bathroom with the fan on.
4. Machine-wash sparingly. You can throw it in the washer every 3-4 uses. Make sure you use cold water with a gentle detergent intended for baby clothes and delicate fabrics. You should preferably hand-wash it each time.
5. Always hang-dry! Don’t ever take it to the cleaners or tumble dry. Also avoid bleaching it.

Best Swimsuits for Snorkeling Recap

Hopefully now you have an idea of what to look for in a snorkeling swimsuit. Make sure to consider not just looks, but also coverage, protection, and comfort. I am confident that you will be receiving numerous compliments at the beach if you decide to wear one of the pieces recommended here.

To recap, the best swimsuits for snorkeling are not just fashionable, but have great utility as well. That means it has sun protection, security, and comfort in addition to a tight fit all in one package.

By wearing sun protection clothing, you are not only saving your skin, but also the environment by not wearing sunscreen. You are making a conscious decision to reverse our negative environmental impact and promote ocean conservation.

Lastly, ladies remember you can check out the men’s section if you want a solid pair of swim trunks to match with your tankini or sporty bikini top. As long as the waist and hip measurements are right for you, then you can definitely give it a go.

Snorkeling and diving is not only about viewing from a distance, but also exploring the underwater world up close. Most people are content with looking at pictures or videos, but if you are a snorkeler or diver, you can get an unforgettable first-hand experience of the aquatic world.

The mask lens is a window that provides you with a clear and unobstructed view of the marine life. As such, you must do everything in your power to ensure that this window remains clear at all times. This is crucial not only for your enjoyment, but for your personal safety as well. You must learn to take care of it so it doesn’t fog up, and the best way to do that is with a high quality anti fog spray.

Unfortunately, snorkel, dive masks, and swimming goggles have a tendency to fog up and cloud your view. In this article, we will examine the best anti fog for snorkel and dive masks to keep your mask from fogging up. We will go over the best ways you can care for and prepare your mask to keep it free and clear of fog each excursion.

Our Top Picks:

Best Anti-Fog for Snorkel and SCUBA Masks

Just Add Water Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray

The Quick Spit Antifog Spray from Just Add Water is the most popular scuba mask defogger on the market for good reason. It is biodegradable and comes in a convenient spray bottle so that you can quickly and easily treat your dive mask.

You can also use it to treat other masks, such as safety goggles, swim goggles, ski goggles, or any eyewear that can fog up. It’s effective on both plastic and glass lenses, as well as wet or dry surfaces where it will cling to the surface and keep it from fogging up.

The formula used in this solution is the same as the spit gel product that Just Add Water sells, but packaged in a convenient spray that lasts 200 sprays.

Pros:

• Long lasting. Not only because you get two bottles, but the formula can last the entire day before you need to reapply it again.
• Works on wet and dry surfaces. You do not need to dry your mask after rinsing it. It does not matter if there are a few water droplets remaining, the Quick Spit formula will cling to the surface of the lens regardless to keep condensation from forming.
• Biodegradable. Do not worry about the Quick Spit anti-fog getting washed off into the ocean; it is made from natural products that will not harm the environment.

Cons:

• Does not work if you touch the coating. In general, you should make an effort not to touch the anti-fog coating of any product after application, however the Quick Spit is rendered ineffective if you accidentally touch the lens.

Gear Aid Sea Drops Anti-Fog Cleaner

The Sea Drops Anti-Fog from Gear Aid is an inexpensive snorkel mask defogger that won’t break the bank. This anti-fog is very potent and can save you money thanks to how few times you need to apply it even under cold water conditions.

In addition to keeping away the fog, Sea Drops also doubles as a lens cleaner to ensure that your vision underwater is completely clear. This 2-in-1 formula is convenient, alcohol-free, and non-toxic making it safe for your eyes. Additionally, it is biodegradable, making it safe for the environment as well.

Pros:

• Affordable. It’s cheap, and since you don’t need very much of it to be effective, one bottle will last for a while.
• Works in cold conditions. Whether you’re deep underwater or it’s just cold out, you can expect your mask, goggles, or glasses to remain clear.
• Gentle formula. The formula used in the Sea Drops anti-fog is alcohol-free and contains no toxic chemicals. It will not irritate your eyes, and furthermore it is biodegradable so it won’t harm the environment either. It won’t damage any silicone or rubber materials either.
• Versatile. Apply it on your mask, goggles, glasses, binoculars, basically anything with a lens that you want to remain clear of fog.

Cons:

• Long application time. It can take a couple of minutes to completely dry.

Innovative Scuba Concepts 500 PSI Mask Defogger

What makes the 500 PSI mask defogger stand out from the rest is its thicker consistency that helps it stick onto the mask lens for longer. When applying other anti-fog solutions it is very easy to miss a spot, but with the thicker consistency of the 500 PSI defogger it is easier to see where you’ve applied it.

Another benefit of the thicker consistency is that one application can last for a long time, perhaps even several dives, before needing to be reapplied. Lastly, the product comes in a squeeze bottle that should keep .

Pros:

• Long lasting. One application can last the entire day, or multiple dives in a day, before you need to reapply more.
• Suitable for wet and dry application. When you need to reapply, you don’t have to completely dry your mask. Just apply even if there’s some water around and it will still work great.
• Doubles as a lens cleaner. A clean mask is a clear mask, so getting a good clean while keeping the fog away is excellent.

Cons:

• Leaves behind a white residue after drying. The residue can accumulate in the corners of the lens, but thankfully it can be cleaned off.

Happy Snorkel Mask Anti-Fog

The Happy Snorkel anti-fog is yet another solid product that is effective at keeping your mask fog-free while being completely safe for the reef. It is non-abrasive and will not damage your mask lens whether it’s made from glass or plastic.

This product comes in a cute 1.25 fl oz bottle that will last you approximately 50 dives or snorkels. Furthermore, the Happy Snorkel anti-fog is fragrance-free with biodegradable properties making it safe for your eyes and the ocean. If you do plenty of snorkeling or diving in the reefs, this is a great anti-fog for the environmentally conscious snorkeling or diver.

Pros:

• Small, compact bottle is easy to bring with you anywhere. Stash it in your bag or keep it in your pocket with ease. Despite the small bottle size, it can last up to 50 dives.
• Reef safe. Some scuba mask defoggers use too many harmful chemicals that can hurt not only your eyes but the ocean as well if it leaks out.
• Long lasting. One drop is all you need to coat your lens. You can be extremely conservative and make the bottle last for a long time. Furthermore, one drop is ideal because too much and it might sting your eyes when you’re in the water.

Cons:

• Too many drops and it can emit a fume that stings the eyes. Follow the instructions on the proper application of this product to prevent any issues.

Which Snorkel Mask Defogger Should You Buy?

Best Overall: Just Add Water Quick Spit Anti-fog Spray.

You can’t go wrong with a product that does what it says, lasts a long time, and comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle for easy application. The Quick Spit anti-fog spray can even last for multiple dives and will save you money by preventing the need for frequent reapplications.

Best Budget Option: Gear Aid Sea Drops Anti-Fog and Cleaner.

Save some of your hard-earned cash by choosing the Gear Aid Sea Drops. It’s affordable and doubles as a lens cleaner as well. One bottle can go a long way, and in addition to how easy it is to apply, this product is non-toxic and easy on your eyes.

Longest Lasting: Innovative Scuba Concepts 500PSI Mask Defogger.

For those who SCUBA dive multiple times a day, you should consider this mask defogger from Innovative Scuba Concepts. Unlike the other defoggers, this one has a thicker, gel-like consistency that ensures the mask is properly coated and fog is kept away. You can expect the gel to last a long time and it is easy to apply to boot. You can dive multiple times in one day without having to reapply the anti-fog.

Safest for the Environment: Happy Snorkel Mask Anti-Fog.

This product is non-toxic, made from natural products, and is biodegradable. In other words, you can rest assured knowing that your mask won’t fog up and you aren’t contributing to reef deterioration. This also means it won’t irritate your eyes. With just a few drops, you can expect a safe, long-lasting effect.

Anti-Fog for Dive Masks Buying Guide

SCUBA and snorkel mask defoggers are relatively cheap and will save you from a lot of headaches and frustrations in the water. Some people argue that home remedies are just as effective, such as using diluted baby shampoo or rinsing the lens with your own spit. The former is not always reliable, and the latter some might find to be too gross for their liking.

Additionally, some mask defoggers double as a lens cleaner to ensure that your lens is completely clear while you’re in the water. In order to help you make the best choice when researching an anti-fog product, here are some factors you should consider.

Consistency

The consistency of an anti-fog can affect how well it clings onto the lens, which is necessary in order for it to be effective and helpful. You can expect the defogger to come in spray form for easier application.

Typically, the defoggers that have a thicker gel-like consistency clings to the mask for longer and thus can last for an entire day or multiple dives with just one application. However, some people prefer using spray bottles so that they can quickly and easily apply it onto the lens.

Reef-Safe and Non-Toxic

If an anti-fog contains too many strong chemicals, it can emanate harsh fumes that irritate your eyes. You should look for defoggers that are made using non-toxic or natural ingredients so that they won’t hurt your eyes. Avoid products that contain alcohol and read reviews from users to see if they complain about irritation.

Another consideration is if it is biodegradable and safe for the environment. You are probably aware that the ocean is becoming more polluted, and marine life and habitats are getting destroyed by chemicals and toxic ingredients.

The anti-fog that you use on your mask can sometimes wash off into the water, so you should check that it is reef safe and non-toxic. If a product doesn’t harm the environment, you can also rest assured that it won’t be harmful to your eyes either.

2-in-1

Some defoggers double as lens cleaners, and these 2-in-1 products can save you some hassle by simplifying the preparation process. If you really dislike the cleaning process, consider getting a 2-in-1 anti-fog spray.

Price

If the price is an issue, look for products that get you two or more bottles with one purchase. They are the best bang for your buck if your goal is to get the most value. Check the user reviews regarding the application process.

Try to find the answer to these questions. How much product do you need to coat the mask? How long does the product last before you need to apply more? Anti-fog that last the entire day or multiple dives may be better value than ones that must be applied frequently.

If money is really tight, then you can go for the home remedy option. Did you know that your spit is actually an excellent defogger? It’s also good in a pinch, such as when you’re already in the water. Spit in your mask and make sure the spit coats your lens. Rinse out the spit using saltwater and quickly put the mask on. You should have a clear mask that stays relatively fog-free. Pretty good for free, right?

Another option is to mix a solution using baby shampoo and water. Baby shampoo has anti-fog properties and also won’t irritate the eyes. Coat the lens with this solution and then rinse off with either saltwater or freshwater. Quickly put the mask on your face before new moisture makes its way into the mask.

Preparing Your Mask for Diving and Snorkeling

In order for the anti-fog to work with maximum effectiveness, you must first make sure that the mask skirt and lens has been thoroughly cleaned so that there are no lingering oils or debris on the lens.

Before using your mask for the first time, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for pre-use cleaning. Some masks come with lenses that have already been treated using their proprietary anti-fog coating and may not need to be coated with anti-fog before using it.

In fact, being too liberal with cleaning may damage any defog treatment that the mask comes with. If your mask does not come with any defog coating, then before using it you should scrub it with a mild abrasive such as toothpaste and rinse well afterwards.

Even though commercial mask cleaners are effective and relatively cheap, home remedies such as non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste work basically as well. You should use a toothbrush to spread the toothpaste and keep the oils from your fingertips from transferring to the lens. Make sure to cover the entire lens and even the skirt with toothpaste.

To further reduce the chances of oils transferring, you should thoroughly wash your hands to remove any oils including cosmetic oils such as sunscreen lotion. It is important that you take these precautions because the oils will mitigate the effects of the anti-fog.

Some people recommend using fire to burn the mask lens prior to first use. The heat from the flame will incinerate the factory produced silicone layer along the inside of the lens where moisture can get trapped. This step is somewhat controversial, as improper heat treatment can cause the silicone skirt to melt. There is also a low risk of burning yourself.

Keeping the Mask Fog Free

The reason that masks fog up is due to a build-up of moisture inside that condenses on the lens. Even though mask fogging is a major issue, there are numerous simple solutions to keep the fogging to a minimum. For instance, defogging solutions are effective as surfactants that cover the lens and minimize condensation.

Be prepared to clean your mask and to reapply a defogging solution each time you head out into the water. Recently, some defogging solutions have become longer lasting, able to last an entire day of snorkeling or diving. These solutions can be found in gel, drops, paste, or spray bottle form.

Application of the anti-fog varies from product to product. Some are rubbed on the lens and left to dry while others are sprayed on. Before diving, you can even buff your lenses clean. There are many options nowadays to defog one’s mask and the methods keep on improving.

With that said, the tried and true methods of using saliva or diluted baby shampoo still work if you don’t have any anti-fog on hand.

Common Ways to Prevent Fogging

If you followed the steps above and still experience fogging, then here are some additional tips you can try out.

• Double check the seal on your mask. A mask that doesn’t seal properly on your face can lead to fogging (and water leaking). Fogging will occur if there is moisture, and if water is seeping in then it can also rinse off the defog solution that you worked so hard to apply. To strengthen the seal, you can try applying mask sealant or silicone grease along the skirt.

• Before sealing the mask skirt on your face, make sure no hair is in the way. An easy way to do this is to wet your hair and then slick it to the back. Next, feel around the mask skirt to ensure no stray strands are in the way before forming the seal.

• Exhaling through your nose increases the moisture in the mask. You will have to do this in order to equalize the pressure, so keep it to a minimum.

• How careful were you not to touch the mask with your fingers? Remember, the natural oils on your body can prevent the anti-fog from working.

• Do not expose your mask to sunlight for too long. The increase in temperature can cause condensation to form along the lens. Try to face away from the sun when you are along the surface.

• After each snorkel or dive trip, thoroughly clean your mask in soapy, warm water to get rid of any lingering oils or residue that may have found its way onto your mask. Let the mask fully dry before storing it away.

Mask Defogging on the Fly

There will be times when you’re out in the water and your mask starts to fog up. Maybe your defogging techniques didn’t work or you made a mistake, whatever the case you now have to deal with a cloudy mask.

You can try washing your mask, also referred to as clearing your mask. To do this, intentionally break the seal on the bottom of your mask and let a small amount of water rush in. Tilt your head down and swish the water side to side until it has rinsed off the fog. Lastly, forcefully exhale with your nose to clear out the water and close the seal to stop water from seeping in.

If you’re by the water’s surface, you can use your saliva as a natural defogger. Spit and thoroughly coat the inside lens with your saliva. Rinse off the saliva using the ocean water and shake as much water droplets as you can. Quickly seal the mask on your face before more moisture gets in.

Best Anti-Fog for Snorkel and Dive Masks Recap

There are many anti-fog products on the market, and they help prevent fogging up in both traditional masks and full face snorkel masks.

In addition to their mask defogging properties you should look for ones that are non-toxic, reef-safe, and long-lasting. You can get anti-fog in gel or spray form. One is not necessarily better than the other, but most people prefer to use a spray bottle to defog their lens.

As part of the defogging process, you must first thoroughly clean your mask because any oils or debris along the mask can render the anti-fog ineffective. Some anti-fog products double as lens cleaners so they can simplify this process.

Even after you’ve treated your mask, you should be aware that you can still cause your mask to fog if additional moisture enters the mask, such as when you exhale or water seeps in. Try not to remove your mask much, if at all, since this breaks the seal and allows moisture from the air to enter which is enough to cause fogging.

Next, it is important to limit how much you exhale with your nose, using it only to equalize the pressure when diving. Low volume masks are better suited for this since it requires less air to equalize. You should also ensure the mask skirt seals tightly against your face.

Lastly, avoid drastic changes in temperature which can result in condensation forming on the lens. This often happens when you surface and allow the sunlight to heat up the air in the mask. Try to face away from the sun or try not to surface for long. If you follow these guidelines, you can find a great anti-fog product and keep your mask free fog-free while snorkeling or diving.

Few things in life can compare to the magical beauty of snorkeling in a coral reef that is bustling with sea creatures that you normally don’t see. Count yourself lucky to see a few reef sharks, sea turtles, or manta rays on your trip. The few times that I did, I was glad to have my underwater camera with me to capture that moment forever.

You can find plenty of pictures other divers took of rare aquatic creatures or an amazing view of the reef. However, nothing compares to the joy of shooting your own pictures and footage, especially if your family members are forever immortalized in the shot. To reliably shoot great underwater footage and pictures, you need to get the best underwater camera for snorkeling.

In this guide, we’ve put together a list of our top recommended waterproof cameras, as well as the criteria we used to come up with our selection.

Our Top Picks:

Olympus Tough TG-5 Waterproof Camera – Best Overall

The Olympus Tough TG-5 waterproof camera is the best all-around underwater camera for snorkeling on the market. It comes with many professional features and is one durable camera. In addition to being waterproof, it’s crushproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and even dustproof. Beyond its ruggedness, you have a camera that is also fantastic at shooting both photos and films at 4K resolution.

Durability

Cameras are very delicate and expensive tools and people will go to great lengths to protect their investment. Olympus knows how heartbreaking it can be to damage or break a camera, that is why they made their Tough TG-5 camera near indestructible.

Waterproof

First, how deep underwater can you use this camera? The Tough TG-5 is waterproof up to a maximum depth of 15 meters, which is more than enough if you’re casually snorkeling and diving. For those who want to use it while scuba diving, you will need to purchase the specific TG-5 housing to protect it at depths exceeding 15 meters.

Shockproof

Next, the TG-5 is capable of surviving a nasty 2.1 meter drop, making it ideal for use outdoors even in the rain. We love how versatile it is, capable of being used both underwater or for other outdoor activities and excelling in all areas. However, if you drop the camera in deep water then it’s probably gone, so hold onto it!

Freezeproof

This is a nice feature to have, though you probably won’t need to use it if you just plan on snorkeling. However, the option to use it in the winter is nice. After all, why limit yourself to using an underwater camera only in the water? The TG-5 Olympus can withstand freezing temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.

Dustproof

All water activity is near sand, and when you go on your adventures you will likely expose your camera to sand or other particles. Even if there are no beaches nearby, you can still find particles in the water.

Crushproof

The last feat of strength the TG-5 is capable of is withstanding crushing force up to a maximum of 100kg. For reference, that is equivalent to a NFL quarterback or a giant panda stepping on it. I don’t even know how the average person can drop 100kg onto this camera unless they drive over it with a car.

Picture Quality

The Olympus Tough TG-5 comes with a F2.0 wide-angle lens that is incredibly fast and ideal for shooting footage and pictures of the underwater coral reef. It produces high resolution footage as well as pictures with incredible image quality even in low-light conditions thanks to its dual quad-core processor and specialized image sensor.

What makes the TG-5 waterproof camera ideal for snorkeling is its underwater shooting modes that help you customize the shots you can get. The settings include underwater wide, snapshot, and macro for when you want to get those excellent close-up shots.

Next, there is also the underwater HDR mode which overlays multiple images to produce photos that have enhanced shadow and light. This particular mode is great for capturing all of the details and color when you’re swimming with sea turtles.

Additionally, this waterproof HD camera from Olympus can capture fast-moving action shots in stunning detail. The pro capture mode in the Tough TG makes taking those awkward, split-second photos much easier. How?

The camera will buffer a continuous series of high-resolution images, and then once you hit the capture button, it will select the image from that exact frame plus the five previous frames so that you can get the best photo of a fast-moving shark or somebody bungee jumping with great clarity.

Camera Design

When you’re underwater you can’t be fumbling around with a camera; it needs an ergonomic design that is easy to handle. The design of the Olympus has been carefully considered so that you can easily use it even with gloves on.

For example, the dial lets you cycle through the modes very quickly, and there is an option for custom modes so that you can customize how you can access your preferred settings.

There’s even a live composite mode that makes filming amazing star trails and cityscapes easy.

Next, the microscope modes on the Olympus Tough lets you get really close to your subject (as close as 1cm) so that you can capture all of the astounding details found in all of the coral, fish, or anything that catches your eye in the underwater world.

Lastly, for those who want to create images that are sharp and crisp, as well as maximize the depth of field, then the Olympus camera has stacking and focus bracketing modes to help you to this end.

Add-Ons

When you buy a camera, you’re never just buying only a camera. There are always more accessories to buy, such as additional lenses that can help you take better photos underwater with the TG camera.

For instance, you could get the Waterproof FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter Lens for the Olympus if you are keen on taking more ultra-wide shots.

Next, while the zoom on the TG-5 is quite good at 4x, with the Waterproof FCON-T01 Teleconverter Lens you can get up to 7x zoom, nearly double what the stock camera can do!

Even though we generally recommend getting up close and personal to the subject for the best shot, sometimes it can be dangerous to do so, and for those situations having a strong zoom is the safest option.

You might also be interested in the LG 1 Light Guide, which provides macro lighting that utilizes the camera’s built-in LED illuminator to provide a stronger light.

To get better light distribution underwater, consider trying the Waterproof FD-1 Flash Diffuser to provide additional light up to 30cm.

Lastly, the PT-058 waterproof housing case extends the Tough’s underwater capacity to a maximum depth of 45m, three times what it is normally rated, and a great option for scuba divers looking to document their dives.

Ultra 4K Video

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then how much more does a video speak? With 4K video, each frame captures millions of pixels, and the TG-5 is capable of capturing extremely smooth footage at 120 FPS.

Impress your friends and family with crisp and detailed footage that you can carefully appreciate with slow-motion playback, as well as a time lapse setting to make sped-up videos of the bustling coral reef over the course of the day.

Action Track Sensors

Avid snorkelers and divers, have you ever found a serene and beautiful snorkeling spot like none you’ve ever seen, but then couldn’t find that exact spot the next time you head back?

No matter where your adventure takes place, you can track the environmental data and your movement through it using the built-in Action Track Sensors.

Never lose track of where you are ever again with the TG-5’s GPS to find your latitude and longitude, a manometer to measure water depth and altitude and temperature sensor, and a compass for direction.

Furthermore, you can pair the camera to your phone with the free Olympus Image Track app to manage the videos and photos using your smart device with data or Wifi. Check the image’s metadata after you’ve exported them with data overlays to find out all of the information you need about your adventures.

Wifi

How does the camera pair with the phone? Thanks to its built-in Wifi, you can share data without needing to connect it to a computer using a cable. Share photos and videos immediately after shooting them using the Olympus Image Share App.

You can even remotely operate the camera using your phone to adjust the camera’s settings and take pictures remotely, which is great for taking family photos with you in it as well.

Battery Life

With all of these advanced features, just how much juice does this camera need to operate? If you are making use of all of its features, particularly the GPS and Wifi, then it will cause the battery to drain quickly.

Make sure to keep the camera plugged in using a standard USB cable to keep it topped off. You can recharge it anywhere a USB slot is available, a desktop PC, laptop, your car, a USB outlet, etc.

The Olympus TG-5 also comes with its own AC charger. On a full charge, you can expect to take 340 shots before it runs out of juice, which is within the range of the other market leaders.

Overall

The Olympus Tough TG-5 comes with many great features that make it a versatile and reliable underwater camera for snorkeling. It’s no surprise that it’s considered to be one of the best on the market, and makes it on our list as the #1 underwater camera for the average snorkeler, factoring in the cost and ease of use.

Personally, we feel that the macro mode and 4K video produces raw footage with incredible clarity which lets you edit it in post-production with much more freedom. Even if you uploaded the footage as is, it will no doubt still be stunning.

Furthermore, the Olympus Tough TG-5 works great outside of the water too thanks to how durable it is, it really is a versatile and useful underwater camera that can also be used as a travel or outdoor camera. It fits snugly in your pocket thanks to its compact body, and has all the features you need at an affordable price. We highly recommend the Olympus Tough TG-5 underwater camera.

Nikon W300 Coolpix – Most Durable

Those of you looking to take more photos in the midst of action rather than off by the sidelines should consider getting the Nikon W300 underwater camera. This camera is designed for shooting action videos and photographs easily, and that makes it a great camera for snorkeling.

Durability

It can shoot 4K ultra high HD video and take 16 megapixel photos. Furthermore, it can withstand a lot of punishment. The Nikon W300 can withstand the water pressure down to depths of 30m (twice as deep than the Olympus TG-5), can endure drops from 2.4 meters, can resist the cold up to -10 degrees Celsius, and will keep out all sand particles from the beach and water.

Picture Quality

When you’re struggling to take the perfect photo, you can check out any of the 20 shooting modes to help you, including an underwater mode as well.

The camera has a 16 megapixel low light sensor paired with a fast F.28 zoom lens to help you snap photos with extreme clarity even in low visibility conditions.

Next, the autofocus capability  and continuous shooting mode simplifies those fast-paced action shots, and the macro mode can help you get microscopic detail on your subject up close.

Design

The Nikon W300 is designed with ease of use in mind which is why it customers rate it as one of the best underwater point and shoot cameras. It’s body is designed such that you can switch between modes quickly and easily, even when you’re in the middle of snorkeling. The smart button and extra-large grip frees up one hand to take one-handed photos.

Additionally, the 3-inch LCD screen and anti-reflective coating means you can still see what you’re shooting and to reduce the glare from the sun. The dedicated Tool button brings up the tool menu to help you access useful features such as the GPS or compass conveniently.

Next, the Nikon W300 comes with a bright LED light that helps you light up your subject even when you’re deep underwater and visibility is poor. You can attach the Nikon underwater camera to a tripod or pole and use the self-timer function to take selfies or group photos easily.

Video Quality

Once you hit the record button, that’s when the magic happens. The Nikon W300 has many video modes that can help you make fun and interesting videos. For instance, the short movie show mode can be used to produce 30-second video compilations complete with background music and special effects, which is great for quickly editing a video and sharing it with family and friends online.

You can condense several hours worth of footage into a sped up 10-second time lapse sequence. Or, you can do the opposite and make a super lapse video instead. If you’re struggling to take a photo of a subject that just won’t hold still, record it with a video instead and shoot stills from the footage you captured instead.

Wifi

The Nikon also has Wifi and Bluetooth functionality built-in to help you seamlessly transfer pictures or footage to your smart device and upload it online to impress friends and family.

You can even add a personalized touch in the form of caption text, and the snap bridge phone app will store your photos online to Nikon Image space. You can take pictures remotely with your phone if you have this app.

Fujifilm FinePix XP130 – Most Affordable

Next up, we have the Fujifilm waterproof camera which is a budget camera that still has a great suite of features for the money-conscious buyer. One thing that is common with the underwater cameras we recommend is that they are all rugged and robust, including this one.

Durability

First, on its own it is waterproof to a maximum depth of 20m, not quite on the same level as the Nikon W300, but more than the Olympus Tough TG-5. Like its industry-leading peers, it can withstand the quote up to -10 degrees Celsius, keep the dust and water particles from entering the body, and can endure a respectable 1.8 meter drop.

Image Quality

The spec on the Fujifilm Finepix is not as good as some of the other cameras, but keeping in mind that this is a budget option and a fantastic waterproof camera, let’s look into what it can do.

To start, you can shoot in two modes to help you optimize your underwater photos. There’s the underwater mode which guarantees that the photo you’re taking is true to what the human eye can see (recall that the color red frequently doesn’t show up in underwater photos). Using this mode, you can get beautiful images that have precise, crisp, and intricate detail.

Next, the 16.4 megapixel CMOS sensor ensures that the image quality is high when you’re deep underwater and light is lacking. The Fujifilm FinePix comes with an image stabilization feature that fixes camera shake in your photos. This is especially useful when you’re underwater and struggling to stabilize your body.

In order to further improve your photos, the FinePix gives you the choice of 11 special filters to modify the photos and add cool effects instantly.

There are also 7 filters for movie recordings that you can apply, and the LCD screen will allow you to preview them before you apply the enhancements to get the optimal result.

Additional Features

The Fujifilm FinePix can be paired with your smart device to transfer data such as the time zone and location to help you remember where you were and when you took the photos or video footage. You can also operate the camera from your tablet or phone using the Fuji Camera Remote app, allowing you to change the zoom settings, shutter release, camera mode, and video mode.

Next, the 3-inch LCD monitor on the Fujifilm FinePix is very spacious considering its compact frame. It has an anti-reflective coating which is easy to clean and glare-free, which reduces the eyestrain when using it under extremely sunny days.

To keep the battery from draining unnecessarily and to optimize visibility, the Fujifilm FinePix can automatically decrease its brightness setting as it analyzes the lighting conditions.

Furthermore, the LCD screen comes with the electronic level feature, which helps you take level horizontal shots like landscape photos easily. The eye detection feature will automatically detect and focus on the eyes of your subject for an easier time taking portraits.

Image sharing can be done in a snap with the Fuji Bluetooth connection or Wifi. Transfer your shots to your tablet or smartphone, and you can even transfer images to a wireless printer for easy printing.

Video Quality

Next up, let’s talk about video quality. The Fujifilm XP130 can record footage at 1080p resolution and 60 FPS. While this is nothing special, this camera comes with its high speed movie mode that lets you record at significantly higher FPS at the cost of video resolution.

You can even record at 320 FPS for incredibly smooth and detailed action footage, though the resolution will be very small. However, with this many frames you can slow it down and watch things step by step to ensure you don’t miss out on any details.

Furthermore, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 has a solid 5x (28-140mm) optical zoom lens that lets you get close shots of the action from a distance. Combined with its intelligent digital zoom lens, you can essentially get a 10x zoom. Additionally, this camera has an optimum image processing feature that will alleviate any degradation of image quality as you zoom closer using the zoom.

Panasonic Lumix TS7 – Best Depth Without Housing Case

Rain or shine, underwater or on land, you can count on the Panasonic Lumix TS7 to provide photos and footage with exceptional image quality.

Durability

In terms of durability, how does this camera hold up to the market leaders? Right out of the box the Lumix has the best waterproofness at depth, as it is capable of operating at a depth of 31 metres or 102 feet without a housing case.

Second, like the other compact cameras in this review, it can withstand drops from a height of 2 metres and function even in -10 degree Celsius conditions.

Like the Olympus Tough camera, the TS7 is crushproof up to 100kg, which means a very large male would have to place the full force of their body weight on the camera to crush it. Lastly, the camera body is dustproof and will keep out all particles from entering into its delicate insides.

Features

The Panasonic Lumix has a 20.4 megapixel sensor paired with a stabilized zoom lens to assist you in taking exceptionally clear and high quality photos even in dim light conditions. Next, the 28mm wide-angle lens can zoom up to 4.6x magnification for when you want to take a closer look from a distance.

To better see what you’re doing, the 3-inch LCD screen has a high resolution display and the live viewfinder simplifies the task of capturing subjects underwater or in bright light. The Lumix TS 7 comes with an optical image stabilizer that can reduce the shaking when filming underwater or during outdoor activities while holding the camera with one hand.

4K Ultra HD Video

The Lumix records videos at 4K resolution at 30 FPS, not the greatest in terms of frames per second but at least it can record in ultra HD. Outdoor photographers will love how the 4K technology lets them capture 4K still images from the footage. When you select a frame from a video sequence, it will save a copy of that frame as an eight 8 megapixel high-quality still.

Never forget where you took your photos by letting the Lumix embed the GPS location to the metadata. You can upload the pictures you took using Wifi and the free Panasonic Image app. Lastly, monitor the depth and the direction you’re facing with its built-in altimeter and compass.

GoPro Hero 7 – Best Hands Free Camera

When people think of an action camera, they think of a GoPro. Whether you’re doing extreme mountain biking, jumping out of a plane, or diving underwater up to 33ft deep, the GoPro can withstand all of this punishment while recording footage at 4k60FPS. It would actually be considered quite tame for this camera to only be used for snorkeling, and it can perform well both above and below the water as well.

The GoPro Hero 7 comes with plenty of new features, including 720p live streaming directly to Facebook Live using the app on your smart device. However, this feature does not work when you’re underwater.

Video Quality

The Hero 7 records at a respectable 4k resolution at 60 FPS that will leave your family and friends in awe of not only the action being shown, but also the quality of the footage. The high frame rate gives you options, for instance you could slow down sections of the footage for dramatic effect, and the extra frames means it will look buttery smooth.

Designed with usability in mind, the simple touch screen is easy to operate, and navigating to the three main capture modes can be done in a jiffy. Like smartphones, the Hero 8 can be operated with voice controls for hands-free operation. Unfortunately this can’t be done underwater, however the option is there any other outdoor activities you might want to record.

Keep video shake to a minimum with GoPro’s hyper smooth video stabilization functionality that will try to predict your movements and auto-adjust the footage to hide and camera shake for a surprisingly stable end result.

While moving around a scene, this camera can help you capture a stabilized time-lapse video with its TimeWarp feature, and then increases the speed by 30x to turn them into one of those cool time-lapse videos to show the passage of time.

Image Quality

While the GoPro cameras are primarily intended for video footage, the Hero 8 can take great photos as well. You can take a picture in RAW format, and automatically the camera optimizes your photos by adding HDR and reducing noise.

Next, the photo time mode makes taking selfies a snap. Thanks to its 12 megapixel sensor, even photos taken in unfavorable conditions while no doubt turn out good.

Panasonic Lumix TS30A – Budget Camera Alternative

Though this camera does not have as many features as the others mentioned in this article, we feel it is worth mentioning another budget option for casual snorkeling photographers who want to try out this hobby without spending a fortune. It can record footage and take pictures just fine, though the quality will not be top of the line.

Image and Video Quality

Let’s go over some of this camera’s photo features. It has an underwater mode that compensates for the lack of red tones in underwater pictures. This helps to make the images look “as it should” by digitally adding the red back into the photos.

Next, the Lumix TS30A takes some of the pressure off of stabilizing the camera by auto-correcting for small movements to keep your images clear and sharp.

Using the creative panorama feature, you can overlay consecutive images for an ultra wide shot. The Lumix lets you apply special filters such as sepia or retro using its creative controls so that you can retouch or transform the images to your liking.

Switching between taking pictures or filming video can easily be done with the press of a button. One nice feature of this camera is its 220mb of built-in storage. When you’re busy snorkeling and find that the SD card is full, that extra 220mb can come in handle to let you take an additional 34 pictures.

Additional Features

At even just a few feet underwater, the lighting conditions can worsen dramatically. But with Lumix’s built-in torch, you can temporarily illuminate the area to add some extra clarity to your images and videos. Even when you’re not filming, you can use the torch to help you see where you’re going.

Time-lapse shooting is an option with the time-lapse video mode. Even though you probably won’t use this mode underwater, it doesn’t hurt to have extra features that you may use elsewhere.

The biggest downside to this camera is that it can only be used at a maximum depth of 26 ft (8 meters) and its battery life will only last for 60 minutes of continuous use.

However, we can’t complain too much since it packs a decent amount of features into a budget camera. For snorkelers who want to take a few photos underwater but don’t want to break the bank, the Panasonic TS30A is a great entry camera.

Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling: Buying Guide

What makes one underwater camera “good” and another “bad”? If a camera can shoot footage underwater, what else is there to consider? If you want to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments of you and your family forever in the highest quality possible, then before you purchase an underwater camera for snorkeling you need to consider the factors below.

Price

Cameras and camera equipment are big ticket items, and unfortunately price will always be a major concern. Even a “cheap” underwater camera with the barest of features costs over a hundred dollars. The higher end cameras are expensive and jam-packed with features, but the question is how useful are they for your purposes? Do the extra features justify the higher price tag?

First, let’s use some real numbers as examples. The cheapest cameras are around $150 and possibly even less if you can get a good deal. Mid-range cameras are somewhere in the $150-$500 dollar range. The high-end cameras are going to cost you an arm and a leg; they can easily be in the $1000 range.

Those who are into photography should know that camera equipment is an endless money sink where there will always be more expensive gear for you to buy, whether it be new lenses, tripods, or tools to carry it. Beginner or even intermediate snorkelers just getting into snorkeling photography won’t need to get the best camera.

If you just want a camera that is the best bang for your buck, we recommend a mid-range camera in the $150-$500 range. That is the sweet spot for a durable and reliable camera with sophisticated features at a price range that is still feasible for most people.

For those on a tight budget, then you have no choice but to go for the sub-$150 cameras. Don’t worry, the standards for underwater cameras are very high, and even the budget cameras are still capable of getting the job done. They will just come with less features. Budget cameras are the ideal choice for people who don’t snorkel often, but still want to have some pictures to look back on.

Remember how we mentioned that cameras and camera equipment are just an endless money sink a few paragraphs above? Despite many cameras costing less than $150, you should expect to spend additional money to purchase even more equipment down the road such as the camera housing, a camera pole, external lenses, and strobes.

These are costly, often as expensive or even more expensive than the camera itself. Think about this when you are planning which camera to purchase.

Another tip that may help you future-proof your investment is to buy a high end camera right off the bat so that you won’t have to upgrade as quickly or need to buy extra gear to make up for lack of a feature in a cheaper camera.

Waterproofness

Each waterproof camera has a limit in regards to their maximum depth they can be used. You don’t want your underwater camera to be ruined by water because you didn’t follow instructions. That would be a costly mistake.

Some people looking to save money recommend using a normal camera but putting it inside a waterproof pouch and using it at shallow depths. Yes, that works, however the quality of the pictures and footage you take will not be very good.

We recommend using a camera that is specifically designed to be used underwater, or investing in high quality equipment such as a housing case instead of a cheap pouch. Also, keep in mind the depths which they can be used at. Most waterproof compact cameras have a maximum depth of 10 to 15m. If you only intend on snorkeling, this is more than enough.

Scuba divers might want to invest in a watertight housing case for their DSLRs. These can be used much lower at depths of 40m. Lastly, you can use action cameras or GoPros at depths of 60m. Before purchasing a camera, think about how deep you plan on diving and make sure you get a camera that is waterproof at those depths.

Megapixels

One of the things you’ll notice every camera advertises is how many megapixels it has. For those who aren’t aware, one megapixel is equivalent to one million pixels. When you zoom in close on a picture using image editing software, you can eventually see tiny square blocks of color, and those are the pixels.

In other words, the higher the megapixels, the larger the image will be which gives you more options in terms of image quality and cropping. The downside is that more pixels it occupies more memory, meaning you will run out of storage space faster and it takes longer to transfer and download any footage.

If you plan on printing the photos or editing footage further, then you want a camera with the highest megapixel count. For the most part, a 10 megapixel camera is enough for printing high quality A3 photos.

Sensors

How big the camera’s sensor is correlates to how much light it can capture. Cameras need light to take photos and film. The more light the better your footage will turn out, ergo the bigger the sensor the better the camera.

For underwater compact cameras, you will usually see one of three sensor ratings which are typically advertised in inches. All of the compact cameras we recommend in this article have a  1 /2.3” sensor which is the best you can find for a compact camera.

Optical Zoom

If you will be using the camera exclusively underwater then the optical zoom is not as important of a feature since you should be taking the pictures as close as possible to the subject to minimize the amount of particles in the frame.

A camera’s focal length is measured in millimetres, and the larger the number the more it can zoom in. However, a lower number is better at taking wide-angle shots. When looking for a camera, keep in mind the minimum and maximum points that the camera can zoom to. The higher number is the maximum zoom, and the lower number is the widest angle available.

Macro

The best underwater cameras for snorkeling will have macro lenses that let you focus on a subject for an extremely detailed close-up shot. The cameras will usually have different macro modes to let you adjust the shot as you want.

Video Recording

Warning: more nerdy pixel talk coming up. Many cameras nowadays can record footage at 4k resolution, which means the footage captured is 3840 x 2160 pixels in size per frame. They can capture silky smooth videos at 60 frames per second or even 120 FPS, but most cameras only record at 30 FPS. The higher the FPS, the smoother the footage since more frames are captured per second to display to the viewer.

As you can imagine, the file size of the raw footage is absolutely ridiculous, and you would need a powerful PC to edit and render the footage as well as several hundred gigabytes of drive space.

If 4K footage seems too daunting to handle, the next best thing is high definition (HD). The most common HD resolutions are 1080p or 720p. This refers to the vertical lines of resolution, which is why 4K is sometimes referred to as 2160p. In this case, the larger the number, the better image quality you will get.

How Important is Filming Video vs. Taking Pictures for You?

This is an important consideration because colors are absorbed at varying depths. For instance, at only a short depth of 5ft., there will be a substantial loss of the color red in your footage. Furthermore, factoring in the horizontal distance from your camera lens to the subject, there is a possibility that all traces of the color red will be absent from your footage.

In order to limit the water’s color absorbing effects, you need to have a dive light that can evenly illuminate the subject with no hard edges. You’ll also need to edit the raw footage that your camera produces in order to enhance the depth of color and contrast to your footage and pictures.

If you prefer to shoot film while snorkeling, then a camera with higher FPS should be prioritized. Also, try to get a camera that can record in 4K resolution. Remember, the more pixels and frames that you have to work with, the more you can do in post-processing.

WiFi

If you simply cannot wait to share your spectacular underwater images with family and friends then a camera with Wifi capabilities may be something you should consider. Built-in Wifi is not a feature you should expect most cameras to have, however it is starting to gain traction.

Of course, with each new feature comes a higher price tag. Furthermore, you need access to the internet for Wifi to work. You could set up your phone to provide a hotspot, but this drains your phone’s data and battery and is not useful if the area has bad reception.

In many cases, you will find yourself relying on free public Wifi, which is usually very slow and unreliable. However, if you all need to do is upload a photo or two as a teaser for your family and friends on your preferred social network, then perhaps public Wifi will suffice.

Camera Type

Another thing to consider is the type of camera you want to use, since this affects how you will be carrying it underwater. Compact cameras are small and can easily be carried by hand. Larger DSLR cameras in a housing case should be used with a stabilizer for better grip and camera footage.

GoPros can also be used with a stabilizer, or you can attach them to your snorkel mask. Attaching a GoPro to your mask is not ideal for taking photos, since you can’t really see what you’re aiming at nor can you easily access the camera’s features. It’s better if you just want to film a POV (point of view) video of your snorkeling and diving adventure and take pictures of still frames from the footage.

There are pros and cons to each camera type, however how you intend to use the camera is often the deciding factor (price is an issue as well to a lesser extent).

Disposable vs. Non-disposable Cameras

There is actually an option that is even cheaper than what we mentioned above. If you’re truly strapped for cash, you can consider using a disposable camera to take pictures of your snorkeling trip. That’s right, there are no strings attached. Just point and shoot, get your photos, and toss the camera in the trash.

Since you can only use the camera one time, they are not very expensive. They won’t give you the greatest quality photos, but depending on who you ask they may or may not be able to get the job done at a satisfactory level.

Reviews on disposable cameras are mixed. Some people are happy that they were able to get a few good photos before tossing the camera away. Others claimed that every single photo was terrible and that it was a complete waste of money.

We don’t recommend them personally, but felt we should bring it up as an option in case it strikes your fancy. We think even buying a budget compact underwater camera would be a better use of your hard-earned cash.

Skill Level

Are you a professional or an amateur photographer? You may want to purchase a higher end model that provides more features, or if you know exactly what you want, then you can try to find a camera with the exact features you want and no more.

If you get a cheaper model underwater camera, you can then use the money that you “saved” to purchase additional accessories or upgrade equipment. With that said, beginners who have never snorkeled with a camera before should consider budget options.

Housing Case

If you are not satisfied with the underwater cameras on the market, you can look instead for a durable housing case for a regular camera instead. We mentioned this briefly in the Price section above, but a housing case is a popular choice for compact cameras as well as SLRs.

The issue with this is that housing cases are not only expensive, but finding a case that matches your camera can be difficult. Not only will you have to find one with the right ports for your lenses, but each dive can be nerve-wracking because you have to meticulously check if each seal is still holding strong.

A casing or housing case can be a headache for hobbyists compared to purchasing a waterproof camera. It is not recommended for the hobbyist snorkeler and photographer, but for professionals or enthusiasts who have the money to spare.

Size

Smaller, more compact underwater snorkeling cameras are becoming the go to option over DSLR cameras. The reason for this is because of how convenient and affordable they are. DSLRs with a housing case and underwater handles are bulky and prohibitively expensive for the average person.

The bigger the camera, the harder it is to carry it underwater which can dissuade people from buying that specific model or camera type. This depends largely on personal preference, but most people are willing to sacrifice features just to get a more compact camera that they can easily bring with them while traveling and snorkeling.

For some, they are willing to deal with lugging around very heavy and expensive pieces of camera equipment as long as the photos and footage they take are award winning.

The Bottom Line

A lot of people will balk when they find out how much money you invested on underwater camera equipment. They will tell you to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment. While there is truth to this sentiment, one may wish to take themselves out of the moment to preserve it for their family’s enjoyment forever. Some moments are worthy of being captured and experienced over and over again.

Human memories are fickle, and even “unforgettable” moments will alter over time. Thankfully, camera technology has advanced to the point that even a layperson can buy a waterproof camera and take some decent footage. In the future when you look through your vacation album you won’t have to wonder why there aren’t any photos or footage of the family snorkeling in the water with the help of an underwater camera.

By taking into consideration the camera buying guide and the recommended cameras in this review, you can find a camera that is in the ideal price range with the exact features you want to take great photos and video footage of you and your family’s underwater escapades.

Water ski belts are a great tool to help you stay afloat while snorkeling to make the overall experience more relaxing. If you’ve always wanted to try snorkeling but felt left out because you were afraid of the water, then you can use a water ski belt to assist you. Flotation devices such as a swim belt can take the stress out of snorkeling, allowing you to experience the beauty and tranquility of the ocean without worrying about your safety.

With the help of a flotation belt, you can join your friends and family in the water even if you have little to no swimming experience. Additionally, seniors or those with physical disabilities can experience the joys of swimming and snorkeling again. The flotation belt will help them conserve precious energy, allowing them to stay in the water for longer, and keep them afloat in the event of an emergency.

In this guide, we will go over the benefits of water ski belts and how to select the right one to keep you afloat while swimming or snorkeling.

Water Ski Belt Buying Guide

When you are shopping for a water ski belt, there are numerous things to keep in mind. Despite being such a simple device, one should not skimp out on features that could lead to purchasing an ineffective unit that will neither be safe nor comfortable to wear in the water.

The top factors to consider when purchasing a flotation belt for snorkeling are your body type and the intensity of the activity you are planning to use the belt for. Furthermore, you should also consider the material and cut of the belt, which will affect how comfortable it is to wear. Lastly, keep in mind the various belt styles to select from: even-buoyancy belts, uneven-buoyancy belts, and adjustable flotation belts, all of which support the body in different ways.

Body Size

The first thing to evaluate when researching a buoyancy belt is your body type: specifically, your structure and body density. Ask yourself these questions. Is your body broad and muscular? Or is it narrow and lean?

Additionally, who will be wearing the belt – an adult, teenager, or child? Some water ski belts are adjustable and can be shared amongst your family members. Just by asking yourself these questions, you can already get a good idea of the kind of swim belt to look for.

Next, the composition of fat and muscle in your body affects the type of belt you should buy as well. Fat is more buoyant, meaning it floats more easily than muscle. Therefore, lean and muscular individuals have trouble staying afloat and require belts that provide more buoyancy to compensate. People who have less muscle and a higher body fat percentage do not need to get a belt with as much buoyancy support.

Another factor to consider is the age of the individual wearing the belt. Even with adjustable belts, a child should not wear a belt intended for an adult because it might fit loosely and slip off in the water. However, teenagers who are still growing may be perfectly fine with a regular-sized swim belt since they are more likely to fit it than a kid’s belt, plus teenagers can grow into it as well. Always check how snug the water ski belt fits before taking it to the water.

Types of Water Ski Belts for Snorkeling

Even-Buoyancy Belts

An even-buoyancy belt provides an even distribution of foam around your waist, from the front, back, or sides, and helps you easily maintain an upright position. This type of belt is ideal for individuals with poor core strength and feel insecure in the water.

The Hydro-Fit Wave Belt is the picture perfect example of an even-buoyancy belt. It not only provides uniform foam distribution around your waist, but leaves your legs and arms free to move around and reduces drag. Since it can keep you afloat so easily, this belt is often worn by beginners, seniors, or individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, since this belt keeps you afloat vertically, it can make it difficult to use for snorkeling along the surface.

Uneven-Buoyancy Belts

Yet another popular swim belt design is the uneven-buoyancy belt which typically features more foam around the back of the belt, and less on the sides and front. This higher cut on the back side is suitable for individuals that participate in advanced aqua cardio activities because it continually forces your body forward in the water. Swimmers and snorkelers can take advantage of this since they will naturally be leaning forward as they swim.

In order to remain vertical, one must activate their core muscles to do so. Thus, uneven-buoyancy belts help wearers engage in a great abdominal workout if they wish to remain upright. For snorkelers who plan on floating horizontally with their face looking down into the water, the uneven-buoyancy belt is a fantastic snorkeling belt. We recommend the Aquajogger for snorkelers and water aerobics enthusiasts that hope to incorporate core training into their daily activities.

Adjustable Water Ski Belts

The last type of belt are adjustable water ski belts. With adjustable belts, you can remove the closed cell foam blocks to let you decrease how buoyant the belt is. The square foam blocks are normally attached to the heavy-duty woven belt, however this adaptability is what lets it be a great tool to help beginners learning how to swim.

Snorkeling involves a great deal of swimming, so if you want to improve your swimming skills, consider investing in an adjustable flotation belt to help you practice in a pool. You can also use it to help you lose weight. The floats can be set up to provide an even distribution of buoyancy for newer water aerobics participants, or you can stack all of the foam blocks to the back to imitate the uneven-buoyancy belt.

An example of an adjustable swim belt is the Water Gear Instruction swim belt which features a modular design that lets you remove the foam blocks and is compatible with all kinds of body types and skill levels.

Comfort

Comfort should never be overlooked when you are selecting a buoyancy belt. Unless your snorkeling trips are incredibly short, you will probably be wearing it for several hours at a time. If the belt is uncomfortable enough that you’d rather not wear one and risk drowning, then that is a sign you didn’t consider the comfort aspect during your research.

The materials that a water ski belt is constructed from affect how comfortable it is to wear for long periods of time. Most flotation belts are basically a nylon belt with closed-cell foam attached to it. The foam is soft and buoyant and may be a little stuff the first few times you wear it. However, it should eventually soften as you break it in, and then you will feel like you’re wearing a soft cloud around your waist.

To ensure the optimal fit, check that the belt is long enough to wrap around your waist contour with some space to spare. You can always adjust how snug it fits using the adjustable strap, but it needs to be able to reach around your waist first. Too snug and you’ll feel like it’s cutting off blood flow and cutting into the skin. Too loose and you may feel a sense of freedom, but you run the risk of having it slip off while in the water.

Therefore, the ergonomics (how it is used by you), fit, and comfort are all crucial factors that affect how well the flotation belt will serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Swim Belt Used For?

For those who are not confident in their swimming skills, a swim belt is an excellent tool to assist them with floating along the surface of the water. Furthermore, it is also great for older individuals or those with physical disabilities that need extra help staying afloat. Swim belts can also be training tools used by children or non-swimmers to get comfortable in the water in a safe environment.

Some common activities that you may see people use a swim belt for are snorkeling and water aerobics, as well as water-based training regimens. If you’re worried about whether you need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel, just keep in mind that while it is recommended, it isn’t strictly necessary with the help of a buoyancy aid and a snorkeling buddy.

Should I Wear a Flotation Belt for Snorkeling?

Yes, you can and should. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced snorkeler or a non-swimmer who wants to try snorkeling. Not only does a swim belt help keep you from drowning, which is often a concern for non-swimmers, but it can help seasoned snorkelers conserve energy so that they can stay in the water for longer.

This lets them divert more of their energy and focus on what they truly want to do, which is to observe the underwater flora and fauna in peace. Furthermore, a buoyancy belt is not the only type of snorkel flotation device. You can also wear a life jacket or a snorkel vest to help you stay afloat in the water.

What is Water Aerobics?

Water aerobics, also known as aquatic fitness, is essentially a type of training regimen involving exercises done in shallow waters. They are often done in a swimming pool for the purpose of improving health by improving muscle strength and endurance, heart rate regulation, and lowering stress.

Beginner snorkelers may consider practicing water aerobics to improve their performance in the ocean and while snorkeling. Doing water-specific training will improve your overall skill and confidence in the water, allowing you to perform better when you’re out of the safety of a controlled environment such as the swimming pool.

Can I Use a Swim Belt for Water Aerobics?

Yes, you can use a swim belt for water aerobics and this is a great starting point to get accustomed to using a swim belt. Using a flotation belt frees up your arms when you are doing water aerobics. With this extra freedom, you can do all of the challenging exercises without thinking about how to stay afloat. You can get a greater workout and strengthen your body thanks to practicing this water resistance training.

Conclusion

Every snorkeler both new and old can get some benefit by using a water ski belt for snorkeling. As a newbie, you can get the confidence and protection you need to be in the water. You can also enjoy the underwater sights without reservation. Even seasoned water fitness practitioners and snorkelers can benefit by conserving more energy and snorkeling as long as they want.

A water ski belt for snorkeling is incredibly affordable, yet what it offers you is invaluable. The peace of mind that you get knowing that you’re protected and you can snorkel for significantly longer cannot be put into words, you must simply experience it for yourself. Lastly, they are very versatile, providing benefits to basically all water sports including snorkeling, and is something we highly recommend for all water fitness practitioners.