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A Brief Look at Types of Snorkels

A Brief Look at Types of Snorkels

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on August 8, 2018
colorful snorkels on a rock at the beach

Snorkels have been around for thousands of years. Aristotle described swimmers using them in his book “De Partibus Animalium” (On the Parts of Animals). The text, which was written sometime around 350 BC, alludes to the use of snorkel-like devices in a passage where he describes how divers in ancient Greece were able to “remain for a long time under the sea” by utilizing “instruments for respiration” that allowed them to “draw air from above the water.”

Snorkels have come quite a long way since those primitive days, but the fundamental purpose remains the same: to allow you to view and move through the underwater world while breathing normally. But obviously, all snorkels are not created equal. There are several different types of snorkels to choose from, depending on what your needs are and what activities you plan to engage in—and selecting the right one is crucial to ensure the most enjoyable underwater experience.

Types of Snorkels

Below are the five most common types of snorkels, as well as their advantages, disadvantages, and our recommended products for each so you can have an easier time deciding which one is best for you and your snorkeling needs.

Classic Snorkel

Cressi Freediving Corsica Classic Snorkel

The classic snorkel, sometimes called a J-style snorkel, is just a simple plastic tube with a mouthpiece attached. This snorkel is usually slightly bent, but it can also be made to fit a more specific shape.

The classic snorkel is the most affordable type of snorkel on the market and can be used for both snorkeling and scuba diving. However, the rigidity of the tubing can make it a bit uncomfortable to use. In addition, if the snorkel is completely submerged at any point, the user will need to exhale forcefully to clear the water from the top of the snorkel. Nonetheless, it’s highly ideal for beginners thanks to its uncomplicated construction.

Advantages

  • Most affordable type
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Easy to pack
  • Suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving

Disadvantages

  • Can be uncomfortable to use due to rigidity
  • Water easily enters from both ends
  • Needs clearing by exhaling with force
  • Requires training before use

Recommended Product

Flexible Snorkel

Aqua Lung Impulse 3 Flex flexible Snorkel

Another type of snorkel available to divers is the flexible snorkel with purge valve. This snorkel has a flexible portion and a rigid portion, as well as a one-way valve located at the bottom that makes it easier to expel any water that may get into the snorkel.

Just like the classic snorkel, this can be used for both snorkeling and scuba diving. The added flexibility allows divers to fit the snorkel better around their masks and faces. When they are not being used, flexible snorkels will naturally drop away from the face, giving divers unimpeded views. Also, the inclusion of a purge valve at the bottom of the mouthpiece helps ensure uninterrupted breathing as it flushes excess water out every time the user exhales.

While purge valves provide greater convenience in keeping more water out of flexible snorkels, keep in mind that the mechanism can fail if sand or dirt gets inside and blocks the airway.

Advantages

  • More flexible than classic snorkels
  • Conveniently drops away from face when not in use
  • Features a purge-valve for easy water expulsion
  • Suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving

Disadvantages

  • Airway can get blocked
  • Water can easily enter from top end

Recommended Products

Semi-Dry Snorkel

Semi-Dry Snorkel

The semi-dry snorkel is a mix of a classic and dry snorkel. The top features a splash guard, and sometimes even a flexible tube and a purge valve. Unlike the classic J snorkel, a semi-dry has a splash guard at the top to prevent splashes or sprays of water from easily entering the tube. However, it doesn’t prevent all water from entering, especially if you fully submerge yourself underwater or if you get caught in a wave that’s high enough to cover the top of your snorkel.

Certain snorkels have splash guards that utilize a moving mechanical device. These are not always ideal, as the parts can jam once sand gets inside.

Advantages

  • Features a splash guard that helps keep water out
  • Has a purge valve for expelling water
  • Flexible and convenient to use

Disadvantages

  • Doesn’t keep all water out
  • Moving splash guard parts can jam when sand gets stuck
  • Slightly more expensive than J-shaped and flexible snorkels

Recommended Products

Dry Snorkel

Oceanic Ultra-Dry Snorkel

The dry snorkel has a valve at the top of the snorkel—which completely blocks water and air even when the snorkel is submerged—and a purge valve at the bottom. The best thing about this type of snorkel, when used for conventional snorkeling, is that it allows the user to swim on the surface and occasionally dive a bit deeper without having to worry about constantly clearing water out of the tube. When used for scuba diving, the advantage is that divers don’t have to clear them of water when they reach the surface, allowing them to save energy and swim in the water more comfortably.

As with semi-dry snorkels, the one-way purge valve at the bottom allows the user to easily flush water out (should it get into the tube) with a few quick exhalations.

While the dry snorkel is more convenient and efficient to use than the classic snorkel or the flexible snorkel, it also has its drawbacks. The valve at the top of the snorkel can sometimes become blocked, making it hard to breathe. The dry snorkel may also be more buoyant underwater and can increase drag.

Advantages

  • Does not need regular water clearing
  • Most ideal for submerging underwater
  • Allows divers to save energy upon reaching the surface
  • Features purge valve for flushing out small amounts of water

Disadvantages

  • Top valve can get blocked and make it hard to breathe
  • Tends to be more buoyant
  • Can increase drag underwater

Recommended Products

Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Mares Head Sea Vu Full Face Snorkel Mask

This type of snorkel combines a full-face mask and a dry snorkel, with the tube extending upwards from the top of the mask. And instead of breathing through a mouthpiece, you can let your jaw relax and breathe normally.

Although not exactly a simple snorkel, this hybrid type of snorkel is the easiest to use and is most suitable for beginners as there is no learning curve. You simply put the mask on, making sure that you create a good seal on your face, and breathe through your mouth. It’s also the best choice for those who have issues with sore jaws or for those who have trouble biting down on the mouthpiece.

Unlike other snorkels on this list, the full-face snorkel mask is not made for diving. Not only do you not have access to your nose for equalization, but the large volume of air trapped inside the mask will create strong pressure on your face—and there’s no way to relieve it underwater.

Some also find it uncomfortable to have their warm breath circulating all around the face—even more so when diving in warm waters. There’s also the risk of leakage when you have a beard, plus it’s much harder to pack and takes up more space in your bag.

It can also be a hassle to remove and put back on whenever you have to talk to your snorkel partner.

Advantages

  • Easiest to use
  • Allows mouth and jaws to relax
  • May allow installation of prescription lenses
  • Best choice for beginners and divers with jaw issues

Disadvantages

  • No access to nose for equalization
  • Increases pressure on face when underwater
  • Not ideal for diving
  • May make face feel uncomfortably warm
  • Risk of leakage
  • Bulky and hard to pack
Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro