Having a high-quality full face snorkel mask can transform a holiday and show you a whole new world without the stress, anxiety and claustrophobia that many people experience with a traditional snorkel set.
There are lots of excellent full face masks available but it is sometimes difficult to determine which ones are good and which are best avoided. We’ve reviewed some of the best full face snorkel masks in Australia so you can confidently enjoy your next snorkelling experience.
1. Ninja Shark Equaliser Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults (Top Pick)
The Ninja Shark Equaliser is a full face mask that allows air to circulate effortlessly. It even has space for a GoPro mount if you want to capture your underwater experience. This is a great snorkel mask for anyone looking to build confidence in the water in a more comfortable and safe way.
The mask has a 180-degree lens to give you wider views and excellent visibility. The adjustable straps make it easy to properly fit your mask and the tube seal makes sure no water goes into the air tube if the top of the snorkel goes under the surface.
The durable silicone insert makes sure your snorkel is airtight to prevent leaks. There is also a chin valve that empties out any water when you tilt your head back. The additional breathing chamber on this full face mask provides twice the ventilation of regular masks so you will experience better airflow and less fogging.
What We Like:
- Comfortable
- Leakproof
- Additional ventilation
- Australian owned & operated
What We Don’t Like:
- Only 2 size options
2. Ninja Shark Longer Tube Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids
This is one of the best full face snorkel masks for kids as it has an extra-long, wider tube making it safer and easier to use. This snorkel is easy to pack and transport and it is made from non-toxic, environmentally friendly medical-grade silicone.
The design means kids can breathe through their nose and mouth so they can breathe as they normally would. The Ninja Shark full face snorkel mask provides a 180-degree panoramic view with minimal distortion. The lens is also antifog and has a separate breathing chamber to increase airflow.
The dry top system makes sure no water leaks into the mask and the air valve on the snorkel tube automatically seals when underwater. If any water does get in the mask at any time, it will be automatically drained so your kids don’t need to worry about trying to drain it.
What We Like:
- Longer snorkel tube
- Comfortable
- Made from anti-allergenic medical-grade silicone
- Australian owned & operated
What We Don’t Like:
- Only availabe in 1 size
3. THENICE Foldable Full Face Snorkel Mask
This foldable full face snorkel mask is great for the whole family. The masks are made with food-grade liquid silicone making then comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.
The snorkel gives you a 180-degree view and you can breathe through your nose or mouth for ease of use. The mask has three separate air channels to prevent re-inhalation of CO2 and ensure you only inhale fresh air.
The masks use dry top technology to block water from entering the mask if you are completely underwater. The kid’s sizes come with a detachable animal kit for added fun. For additional peace of mind, these snorkels from THENICE come with an 18 month free replacement guarantee.
What We Like:
- Made from high-quality materials
- Allow you to breathe naturally
- Automatically stops water from entering the ask
What We Don’t Like:
- No downsides
4. WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° Full Face Snorkel Mask
This full face mask from WildHorn Outfitters is comfortable, easy to use and includes an integrated GoPro mount so you can take great underwater videos without worrying about holding the camera. This is a great option for casual, occasional use in shallow water.
The design gives you a 180-degree view and is resistant to fogging. The breathing chamber makes sure the airflow is kept away from the viewing visor so you can snorkel for longer with clear, fog-free views.
This snorkel stops water from getting into your mouth and mask which helps minimise anxiety and worrying for beginners. The silicone is comfortable and makes sure the mask fits well without applying too much pressure to your face.
What We Like:
- Good price
- Integrated GoPro mount
- 3 colour and size options
What We Don’t Like:
- The straps may need regular adjusting to prevent water from leaking into the mask
5. Ninja Shark Air Kids Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids
If your kids love to see bubbles in the water, the Ninja Shark Air Kids is the best full face snorkel mask for them. This mask uses a breathing mechanism that lets kids blow out bubbles as they breathe.
This mask is lightweight, easy to carry and is available at a lower price than the other mask models from Ninja Shark. The Air mask has a detachable tube and uses a dry-top anti-leak system. There is a GoPro attachment so you can attach the camera and capture the trip from your little ones point of view.
This model comes with a flat lens that offers panoramic views with less distortion and no fogging. The masks are available in neutral colours including black and white or green and white. They also come with earplugs and a mesh snorkel bag.
What We Like:
- Great price
- Lightweight
- Comes with accessories
What We Don’t Like:
- No way to adjust or “turn off” the bubble output
6. iClique Full Face Snorkel Mask
The iClique mask has a convenient foldable snorkel making it great for transporting and packing it away after a swim. It is also very easy to install the snorkel when you want to use it.
The mask is made from softer silicone that fits tightly around your face in a delicate and comfortable way. It has a glass design to prevent blind spots and give you a fuller view when snorkelling.
The snorkel mask prevents water from getting into the tube when you go underwater. The iClique snorkel mask also comes with a waterproof smartphone case and reusable ear plugs as well as a carry bag so you have everything you need to start snorkelling.
What We Like:
- Foldable snorkel
- Made with soft silicone
- Comes with a waterproof phone case, earplugs and a bag
What We Don’t Like:
- Due to the glass, everything looks smaller than it really is
7. Cressi Adult Snorkeling Full Face Mask
This adult full face mask is designed to be safe, comfortable and easy to use. It offers a large viewing area making it great for people who feel claustrophobic in smaller masks.
The large breathing area is around both the nose and the mouth so you can breathe as you normally would. The x-cross strap can be adjusted to fit your head and the hypoallergenic silicone creates an airtight seal.
This mask has draining valves under the chin so that any water can be safely removed. The deflector ensures there is plenty of air circulation and prevents the mask from fogging up.
What We Like:
- Large breathing area
- Hypoallergenic silicone edging
- Adjustable straps
What We Don’t Like:
- Visor material may not be as scratch-resistant as other options
8. HEAD Sea Vu Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask
The Sea Vu Dry full face snorkelling mask is a good option for light, casual snorkelling. The mask allows for natural breathing through your nose and mouth and does not fog up.
The dry top snorkel keeps water out and the wide lens allows you to enjoy a more panoramic view. There is a silicone sealing skirt that helps keep the mask dry and free from leaks.
This mask is best suited to snorkelling for short periods of time in shallow waters.
What We Like:
- Stays dry
- Wide view
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- No automatic draining system
Full Face Snorkel Mask Buyer’s Guide
Snorkelling is a wonderful way of experiencing the underwater world but traditional snorkels can be awkward, uncomfortable and notorious for fogging up. This is where full face snorkel masks come in, these are increasingly popular and it’s clear to see why.
Full face masks allow you to breathe normally as you enjoy a more panoramic view than you would with a traditional mask and snorkel. This guide can help you find the best full face snorkel masks for your next holiday.
Key Features to Look Out For
- Anti-fog – choose a snorkel system that has anti-fogging features. Checking out the mask reviews can help give you a clearer idea of the fog resistance offered but most full face masks have an anti-fog lens.
- Large field of view – the best option when full face snorkeling is a 180-degree field of view. This gives you an unobstructed, crystal clear view.
- Silicone skirt – this skirt around the edge of the mask helps to create an airtight seal which is essential for keeping water out. A silicone seal is much more comfortable than rubber or plastic and is also less likely to tear.
- Durable straps – the adjustable fabric straps are important for making sure the mask fits well while you are snorkelling. Try to go for snorkelling gear with thicker straps as these are more durable and they will be less likely to need adjusting during activities.
- Dry-top – almost all full face masks have this safety feature but be sure to double-check. Dry top snorkel masks make sure the intake valves are closed if the top of the snorkel goes below the water’s surface. Some snorkeling masks also have a wave guard that stops water from entering the top of the snorkel when a wave comes.
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Choosing the Best Snorkel Mask
- Size – the size of the mask is extremely important. It needs to form a tight seal around your entire face. If the snorkel mask is too big water will get in and if it is too small it will be uncomfortable and the viewing window will be obstructed. Many brands have a measurement guide that can help you figure out which size and mask designs are best for you.
- Airflow – the best full face snorkeling masks come with increased airflow technology, this often includes multiple airflow chambers and valves. This is great as it makes sure the air within the mask is fresh and you get the best breathing experience.
- Lens – if you need to wear glasses, you cannot wear them with a full face mask but you can get a prescription lens to make sure you don’t miss out on the snorkelling experience.
Choose a Well-Known and Trusted Brand
There are lots of cheaper products available but these “knock off” brands are much lower in quality and some even have safety concerns. A low-quality mask can mean inadequate air circulation resulting in a CO2 buildup. The breathing system on high-quality brands is tested to ensure they meet regulations and standards. When choosing snorkel gear don’t choose cost over quality.
Full Face Snorkel Mask FAQs
A high-quality, well designed full face snorkel mask is not dangerous. For safe use, it is important you know how to quickly remove the mask in case of an emergency. Some lower quality masks can be dangerous due to inadequate airflow and a build-up of carbon dioxide so always choose high-quality, trusted brands.
Beginner snorkelers often prefer full face snorkels due to their ease of use, wide viewing section and anti-fog design. They also allow you to breathe as you naturally would and you don’t need to hold a snorkel mouthpiece while swimming so you will not experience jaw fatigue either.
A full face snorkel mask creates a seal around your face and works by circulating the air inside the mask to prevent fogging and ensure you are always inhaling fresh air and not the CO2 you are exhaling. Most masks have a few different air chambers to make sure this happens effectively.