Our Guide to Buying Full Face Snorkel Masks for Children
While there are some minor considerations to keep in mind when it comes to full face snorkel masks, these can still be a great option for kids who love snorkeling.
In this article, we provide an honest and thorough review of the best brands of full face snorkel masks for children, helping you to make an informed decision about which one will best suit your child's swimming style. With the right mask, your child can enjoy snorkeling with comfort and confidence.
Click on the link below to take you directly to the answer of your most pressing question or keep scrolling to read it all.
The Good News - Snorkeling is now easier than ever!
Full face snorkel masks have revolutionized the world of snorkeling in recent years, offering a comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional snorkeling equipment.
If your kids enjoy paddling around on or near the surface of the water, a full face snorkel mask is a great choice. These masks are becoming increasingly affordable as newer versions are released, and they are a game-changer for many people, particularly children. As new brands enter the market, it's important to keep in mind that prices and quality can vary. However, with the right mask, snorkeling can be a fun and unforgettable experience for your child.
Once they've tried snorkeling with a full face snorkel mask, many kids will never want to go back to the old-style snorkel tube again.
Many kids really struggle with a snorkel mouthpiece
Some of the Good things about Full Face Masks
No soreness or gagging
There is no sore jaw or teeth, and no gagging on a snorkel mouthpiece that's too big with full face masks.
elasticized straps
The straps on full face masks are elasticized which makes them easy to put on and adjust to a snug fit.
no more fogging up
Full face snorkel masks have a separate chamber for breathing, so the viewing section doesn't fog up.
less adjustment, more fun
After some initial adjustment, they'll see how much fun these are. There's no need to stop to empty out water, defog, or re-adjust the straps.
If your kids are anything like mine, having a mask that isn't constantly fogging up is going to go a long way to EVERYONE having a more enjoyable time!
How Do Full Face Snorkel Masks Work?
Looking into the lower section of the mask. This section covers your nose and mouth.
If water does get in, it's channelled away from the face and out thorough a chin valve.
How does sizing work for children?
Kids XS sizes across most brands measure between 3.35" - 3.94" (8.5 - 10 cm) from the bridge of the nose, to the tip of their chin.
As we know, it's not just faces that come in different sizes, children do too. Some kids are big for their age while others are small.
This is why it's important to look past the age of the child. It's about the size of the child you're buying for, not the age.
If you have a big 5 year old, they could easily fit into some of the masks for small children, whereas you could be hard-pressed finding a mask small enough to fit a regular sized 5 year old.
Don't buy a mask that's too big thinking it will work now and last them longer. Always buy the correct size for the child.
Full face snorkel masks can still be used even if they're slightly on the small side, although a mask that is too big will leak.
When you're buying for a small teen or large child, always go down a size if you're unsure.
I recently tried using my son's Tribord XS size mask although I fit an Tribord Adult S/M size mask. Using a smaller size didn't leak at all, although I can't use my older teenager son's M/L sized mask, as it's too big for me and leaks immediately.
It's inevitable that kids grow and understandable that you don't want to spend a lot of money on a product they're quickly going to grow out of.
When choosing a full face snorkel mask, make sure it's a good brand as there is a difference in comfort for your child as well as the price. Sometimes it pays to spend a little bit more, to have peace of mind.
If you buy a decent quality mask, then it should last long enough to be handed down to younger siblings or cousins after your child grows out of it.
What if my child is too small for a full face snorkel mask?
If you want to introduce very small children to the underwater world, you may find that even an XS size may be too big for them.
An alternative to a full face or traditional snorkel is a bucket snorkel. These are for very young children who may not be good swimmers, or are too small for these masks.
If your kids are too small for the smallest full face mask or if you're not ready to give these a try just yet, have a look at traditional snorkel packages here.
Snorkeling Vests
If you're planning a snorkeling holiday in the ocean with your kids, even if they are strong swimmers, it's a good idea to consider investing in an inflatable snorkel vest.
Swimming in the ocean can be more physically demanding than in a pool or lake, and a vest can help your kids to last longer before getting tired.
To learn more about snorkeling vests and how they can be useful, click here.
Which is the Best Full Face Mask for Children?
When it comes to selecting a full face snorkel mask for children, it's important to choose a brand that offers XS or S sizing to ensure a good fit. In addition, be sure to choose a brand with a flexible returns or exchange policy in case the size isn't quite right.
Some of the best full face snorkel masks currently available for children include the Ninja Shark, Tribord Easybreath, SeaView180, and the Ocean Reef Aria snorkel mask. By choosing one of these high-quality brands, you can feel confident that your child will have a comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
With each of these full face snorkel masks, you are buying a good product that will give your child hours of enjoyment. All come with a full manufacturers warranty and outstanding reviews on Amazon.
#1 - Ocean Reef Aria - Lots of Accessories
If you're looking for a top-quality full face snorkel mask and price is not a concern, the Ocean Reef brand is an excellent choice. This brand is known for producing high-end masks that offer exceptional performance and durability. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or new to the sport, an Ocean Reef mask is a great investment that will help you to enjoy your snorkeling adventures to the fullest.
As a company that also produces diving equipment, Ocean Reef have a strong reputation for creating products that are made with the best materials and are built to last. In addition to their snorkel masks, Ocean Reef also makes full-face scuba diving masks, so you know you can expect exceptional quality from their snorkel masks as well.
The Ocean Reef Aria is a popular choice that comes in three sizes, including a size specifically for kids, and has a variety of accessories available.
Optical Support
If you wear glasses and are interested in using a full face snorkel mask, the Ocean Reef Aria offers an optical accessory that allows you to insert your own lenses.
This accessory is just a frame, and does not include lenses, so you'll need to take it to your optometrist to have lenses fitted or purchase generic lenses to fit the frame.
For more information on how this works, you can check out our product review page for the Ocean Reef Aria, which includes a video demonstrating the process in more detail.
If you want the best in terms of both performance and durability, an Ocean Reef mask is an excellent choice.
If you're ready to purchase an Ocean Reef Aria mask in an XS size, click the button to see the range available on Amazon or on Scuba.com (formerly LeisurePro).
Read our full review on the Ocean Reef Aria now.
Ocean Reef Aria - Snorkie Talkie
Ocean Reef has developed a surface communication unit for their full face snorkel masks called the 'Snorkie Talkie'. This device allows users to communicate with others within a range of up to 900 feet (275 meters) when on the same frequency.
The Snorkie Talkie comes with a rechargeable battery and USB cable charger, and has a standby battery life of 1,200 hours and an operating time of about 8 hours when fully charged. The transmitter/receiver attaches to the end of the snorkel tube and connects to a speaker via a silicone tube that fits over the ear.
It's important to note that there are some limitations to the Snorkie Talkie, which you should be aware of before purchasing one.
The Snorkie Talkie is waterproof to a depth of about 9.8 feet (3 meters) and will not function when the transmitter is submerged. It is designed for surface communication only.
While this depth may not be suitable for deep diving, it is still a good range for leisurely snorkeling. It's important to keep in mind that the Snorkie Talkie is a good device, but it may not yet meet the expectations of some users.
#2 - Ninja Shark - 2 x Great Versions for Kids
Ninja Shark Longer Tube Full Face Mask
Ninja Shark has recently redesigned their previous mask and released an improved version. These are made using a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone.
This Ninja Shark mask is made especially for children under 12 years old. These have a longer tube and come in either pink or blue.
Ninja Shark Kids Air
Ninja Shark have also released their new Kids Air Snorkel. We all know kids love bubbles, and there’ll be a lot of them with the Air Kids snorkel mask.
The main difference between the Air Kids mask and other children’s full face snorkel masks is the breathing mechanism. This mask uses less complex technology, which means it's less expensive to produce.
Less complex technology doesn't mean lower quality. It's how Ninja Shark can offer it at such a great price!
One of the most noticeable differences with the Kids Air snorkel mask is that it allows children to blow a lot of bubbles in the water as they breathe. This can be a fun and exciting feature for many kids who enjoy playing in a sea of bubbles.
The Kids Air snorkel mask comes in two color options: White/Black and Green/White.
If your child loves creating bubbles while snorkeling, they may enjoy using the Kids Air snorkel mask. You can learn more about the Ninja Shark Kids Air snorkel mask by clicking here or visiting the Ninja Shark website directly.
Ninja Shark are based in Australia but ship worldwide.
Read our full review on the Ninja Shark now.
Use our Discount Code 'SEADRAGONLIFE' and get 10% off everything!
#3 - SeaView V2 Snorkel Mask - Innovation!
The SeaView 180 snorkel mask is a new design that has recently been released by the brand. This mask is specifically designed for children and comes in three sizes, including a small size for children. It should be noted that this mask may not be suitable for very young children.
The SeaView 180 mask offers a unique, 180-degree panoramic view of the underwater world, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the snorkeling experience. It also has a dry top snorkel system that prevents water from entering the mask when submerged.
Overall, the SeaView180 snorkel mask is a great choice for children who are interested in snorkeling and want to experience the beauty of the underwater world.
Read our full review on the Seaview V2 now.
#4 - Tribord EasyBreath - Be Quick before they Disappear
Tribord developed the first full face snorkel mask. When they released the Tribord EasyBreath full face mask, this became a game-changer for the world of snorkeling.
The Tribord EasyBreath full face snorkel mask is very well designed and made with good quality materials. It's not a cheap version of an expensive brand. This is a great mask at a very good price. These continue to come down in price as different versions are released.
Tribord Subea XS Sizes
Tribord has continue to improve on their original design. These did start in 4 sizes, making it easy to find the right one for all members of your family, but the XS size is becoming more difficult to find.
Tribord are undergoing a branding change and are also branded as Subea. These are an excellent choice for smaller children.
Read our full review on the Tribord Subea Easybreath now.
READ THIS before considering a full face Snorkel Mask!
No matter how good the brand you pick, there’s no getting around some things with full face snorkel masks. Here are the drawbacks that you should be aware of to avoid disappointment.
Full face snorkel masks are designed for snorkeling in relatively calm water. As with a traditional mask and mouthpiece, if you lean your head too far forward, water will enter the snorkel. The float valve system only works when the snorkel is in a vertical position. Water may enter the snorkel when duck diving.
Whether it’s a traditional mask or a full face snorkel mask, water will get in if there’s any hair between the skirt of the mask and your face. Long fringes and hair needs to be cleared completely out of the way or they will create tiny spaces that cause water to slowly leak into the mask.
These are not designed for swimming laps in a pool. Full face snorkel masks are designed for leisurely snorkeling. They work well when breathing calmly. They are not a good choice for swimmers exercising, and should also be taken off when swimming between snorkeling spots. Most snorkel air pieces are not wide enough to provide a swimmer with enough oxygen when swimming at an exercise pace.
These are not designed for Free Diving or spear fishing. The mask will quickly becomes uncomfortable when diving below around 10 feet (3 meters).
Are these safe?
Doug Kramer & Family
Tips to keep in mind when buying
Buy the right size for your child's face. Full face snorkels will leak if it's not the correct size. Size charts are available for all brands of snorkel masks so make sure you follow these.
Go for masks with a flat viewing section. Full face snorkel masks with curved viewing areas can distort the view and sometimes makes people feel woozy.
Which Full Face Snorkel Mask to buy on a Budget?
Let's face it, not everyone's budget will stretch to a top quality full face snorkel mask. If you're on a budget, you can still enjoy the amazing benefits of the full face snorkel mask. The most important thing is that you get the correct size for your child's face.
A compromise could be that you buy last year's model of a quality brand. It's easy to snap up a bargain if you're happy to go with last years model.
Best Kids Traditional Snorkel Sets
Cressi Junior Kids Rocks Snorkel Gear
Full face masks are such a big change in snorkeling, but what if you're still not convinced this is the way to go?
There are some great (and not so great) snorkeling mask sets available. Regardless of whether you choose a full face mask, or a traditional snorkeling mask, we're here to recommend the best quality gear, so no-one is left disappointed.
The mask set we recommend for children is the Cressi brand. Cressi have been making snorkel and scuba gear since the 1940's so we know they're doing something right.
The Cressi Junior Kids Rocks Snorkel Set comes in three colors and two sizes. These are designed for children aged from around 6 to around 14. The snorkel set includes a set of fins, a traditional style face mask with a silicone skirt edge that's designed to accommodate children's narrower faces.
This set also includes a curved Dry Top snorkel which uses the same principal to stop water getting in as the full face mask snorkels. It has a splash guard on the end with a valve that seals the snorkel as you go underwater.
A mesh carry bag is included. This snorkel is designed to go on left hand side of face so it can be attached to the mask strap by a snorkel keeper clip.
If you're children have problems with the fins being slightly too big, a set of wetsuit style booties will help.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen
If your family is heading out into the sun, chances are you're going to need sunscreen. We all know how much kids love to play in the sand or spend lots of time in the water, especially when on holiday.
Check out this page that explains all the things you need to know about infants and kids sunscreens.
I bought 4 of these full face snorkel masks for our snorkeling cruise last year. To me, it was nice not having the mouthpiece, the breathing tube comes out of the top of the mask and you just breathe normally into the mask so it is good if you want to breathe through mouth or nose. I found the pressure on my face strange, but it was easy to adjust.
My kids had no problem with them and since it was their first time snorkeling I feel like it made it easier for them since they could just breathe normally and not through a tube. (They were 17 and 14) I think it would be a good choice for younger children as well. My sister in law tried it and she said she thought it gave better visibility than a regular mask.
Thanks Mary, I’m glad to hear you and your family enjoyed the full face masks. Children do seem to take to these very well.
Hi, I have a 5years old kid. Any recommendation for my kid..? And thank for your article lots of value here.
nice Thanks for sharing this great detail article. My children will glad to see these water accessories.
i have a 7-year-old son and will probably visit Maldives.
i wanted to buy one of those full face snorkel. The only one we can find is
Tribord Easybreath (decathlon stores) in Turkey and they don’t produce XS
anymore for the small children. So unable to purchase and try them:(
Hi Serkan,
You may find that you can hire some when visiting the Maldives. I think it’s a shame that Tribord is cutting out the XS size as I think children really have a lot of fun with these masks, but I understand they’re doing it to keep manufacturing costs down.
These were much more expensive to buy when they were first released and have come down a lot in price. Very few brands have XS sizing available, unfortunately.