Snorkels 101: Understanding Different Types and Which One Fits You Best
If you are just entering the world of underwater exploration, your first purchase will likely be a mask and snorkel.
But what is the deal with snorkels, anyways? Why are there different types? What do they do? And which type should you buy?
Before hitting the dive shop, check out these tips so that you can shop like a pro.
What is a Snorkel?
A snorkel is a personal piece of underwater equipment, used for swimming, snorkeling, diving and freediving. A snorkel has one simple purpose, to provide a way for you to breathe while on the surface of the water without having to lift your face out of the water.
Snorkels have a mouthpiece and long tube with open air passage that stays above the water, so you can breathe in air through your mouth while your face remains in the water.
This means while you swim on the surface you can keep your face in the water to watch fish and enjoy the reefs. By using a snorkel you conserve energy and can enjoy longer underwater sessions.
How does a Snorkel Work?
A snorkel has a J-shaped design with a mouthpiece. It does not allow you to breathe at depth! It is used for breathing at the surface while your face is in the water. This is why it is used as scuba safety equipment, and why freedivers and spearfishes use them.
Snorkels allow you to float face-down to explore the reef, and watch marine life without lifting your head out of the water to breathe.
The snorkel tube stays above the surface, bringing in fresh air through the top while you inhale and exhale through your mouthpiece.
Why do I need one?
You don’t always need a snorkel, but you will always appreciate having one.
A snorkel can be used for a variety of activities-swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, spearfishing and freediving. Many dive centers require you to have a snorkel as a piece of back up safety equipment.
Spearfishers and freedivers use a snorkel to conserve energy on the surface of the water before diving to depth.
Snorkelers obviously use a snorkel so that they can spend more time exploring the sea and reefs without having to lift their heads from the water.
A snorkel isn’t just a tube, it is your life support for exploring the underwater world comfortably without constantly lifting your head to breathe.
When you’re floating face-down, the snorkel keeps your airway above water so you can enjoy the view of coral, fish, turtles without breaking rhythm.
When do you use a Snorkel?
A snorkel is a useful piece of underwater equipment that can be used for multiple activities. Remember a snorkel will not allow you to breathe at depth, it is used for swimming on the surface of the water.
Here is how we use a snorkel in different activities:
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is an activity when you swim on the surface to view coral, fish, turtles and other marine life.
Freediving or Spearfishing: The snorkel is used at the surface to breathe and relax before a dive. Remember you must remove your snorkel from your mouth before descending.
Scuba Diving: A snorkel is not used underwater or during the dive, but it is often part of your equipment and divers keep one attached to the mask or in their pocket for surface swimming.
How do I use a snorkel so I don't choke?
Using a snorkel to breathe underwater can take a bit of practice. To begin, remember to breathe slowly and steadily. Breathe in and out through your mouth, not your nose, taking slow, deep breaths. If you rush your breathing it can cause splashes or bubbles to pull water into the tube. Remember to stay calm and relaxed and strive to get into a rhythm of controlled breathing.
The key to controlled surface breathing with a snorkel is to always keep the top of the snorkel above water. The snorkel only works when the top stays above the surface. Waves or looking too far down can let water in. Remember to always keep the top of the snorkel out of the water and keep your head in a comfortable, flat position while floating face-down.
Do I need to be able to swim to snorkel?
You don’t need to be an expert swimmer to snorkel, but you really do need to be comfortable in the water, especially with submerging your face.
Snorkeling is all about floating calmly at the surface while breathing through your mouth only. If that feels strange or uncomfortable, practice in shallow water or pool first before heading to the sea. Learning to relax and trust your gear makes a huge difference in both safety and enjoyment.
Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still snorkel safely using fins for gentle propulsion and a snorkel vest for added buoyancy. The goal isn’t speed, the purpose of snorkeling is to stay relaxed and enjoy an underwater exploratory experience.
Can a Snorkel Make You a Better Swimmer?
Yes, a snorkel can help you improve your swimming technique, body position, and breath control. It’s not just for exploring reefs; many professional swimmers and freedivers actually train with a snorkel to refine their form and build confidence in the water.
When you use a snorkel, you don’t have to lift your head to breathe which means you can focus completely on body alignment, fin technique, and smooth kicking. It helps you relax in the water and develop natural, rhythmic breathing, a big advantage for both snorkelers and divers.
Many competitive swimmers and other aquatic athletes use snorkels as one of the tools in their training kit when working on specific skills.
If you are a newbie swimmer a snorkel can help you become comfortable putting your face underwater long enough to develop foundational skills like floating, kicking and your strokes.
What Type of Snorkel Should I Buy?
If you have ever gone on a snorkeling tour you have likely used a basic snorkel.
A basic snorkel is great for tour operators that see 1000’s of clients each year, but when you are investing in one for your day to day adventures you might want to splurge on something that will really enhance your experience!
There are a full range of different styles of snorkels and understanding what activities you will be using it for will help you make the right purchasing decision.
Top Pick for Freediving/ Spearfishing: C4 Mask and Snorkel
The C4 Mistral Snorkel is a great example of a basic snorkel without all the bells and whistles. It is lightweight and streamlined with a sleek look that is ideal for freedivers and spearfishers. As a snorkel is only used in these sports to conserve energy when swimming on the surface, freedivers opt for a lightweight snorkel that will not add drag when they are diving to depth. The Combo of the C4 Mask and Snorkel, provide the low volume mask with a streamline snorkel.
Top Pick for Scuba Diving: Aropec Floating Snorkel
The Aropec Floating Snorkel is our top choice for Scuba Divers. Some dive shops require a snorkel as part of your safety equipment. The Aropec Floating Snorkel is lightweight and foldable which means that you can fold it up and stuff it in your pocket as a back up for surface swimming or emergency situations.
Top Pick for Swimmers: Escualo Frontal Snorkel
The frontal snorkel is a great tool for new swimmers and those dedicated to improving their techniques. It allows continuous breathing under the surface without turning your head. It helps improve body alignment, core strength, and stroke efficiency. Ideal for swimmers and divers focused on form, endurance, and comfort.
Top Pick for Snorkelers: XS Scuba Passage Dry Snorkel
If you are dedicated to having an optimal experience snorkeling you will want to invest in a Dry Snorkel. The new XS Scuba Passage dry snorkel is the most innovative release in snorkel technology. Designed with an efficient dry top and self-draining bottom purge to keep your mouth free from water. With a reservoir at the bottom, it allows you to continue to breathe through residual water. The comfy mouthpiece is designed to avoid jaw clenching for a comfortable relaxed snorkeling experience. In every color imaginable you will find the perfect one to match your look, for optimal comfort and style.
Top Pick for Travelers: Bonassi Athena Revo Combo
In a sleek travel bag this is the ideal combo for the all around underwater enthusiast. With a low volume tinted lens mask you can use this baby for snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving and spearfishing. See clearer with the Revo finish, that cuts reflections and filters harmful UV rays while sharpening object definition. The internal blue finish minimizes eye strain, letting you dive longer in comfort. The snorkel is super lightweight and foldable which means it is great to have as your safety back up and won’t take up too much weight in your luggage.
Final Notes
A snorkel might seem like a simple basic piece of equipment, but having the right one for your adventures will make a huge difference in your underwater experience.
At Xico Dive Shop you can shop online and enjoy shipping anywhere in Mexico. If you are just visiting us and staying in Playa del Carmen, we do same day local delivery within 10km of the shop.
And when you are looking for expert advice, stop by the shop on Calle Flamingos we are open daily from 9am-8pm.