Snorkeling gift guide: Gift ideas for every budget

Finding the right gift for a loved one can be a challenge. Thankfully, a hobby like snorkeling opens up many gift ideas that are both practical and fun for the recipient.

If you need to find a gift for the snorkeler in your life, you’re in the right place. From budget-friendly stocking stuffers to pricier snorkeling equipment and action cameras, we’ve got you covered with tons of ideas at various price points.

Whether you’re shopping for friends, family members, coworkers, or a partner, here are some of the best gifts for snorkelers.

Waterproof bag for snorkeling

Backpack

Kumbaya R1 Waterproof Rucksack

A mix of comfort and durability, the Kumbaya R1 surpasses the basic dry bags with its comfort and durability.

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This durable 35-liter dry bag is a great way to protect belongings from water and sand while snorkeling. The Kumbaya R1 has an IPX7 waterproof rating and will keep its contents dry when submerged for up to 30 minutes. The backpack design is comfortable and offers plenty of gear storage space.

Snorkel set with a mask, snorkel, and fins

Snorkel Set

Cressi Palau SAF Snorkel Set

Solid snorkel set that has withstood the test of time.

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This snorkel set includes Cressi’s Onda snorkeling and diving mask, Supernova dry-top snorkel, Palau snorkel fins, and a mesh gear bag. The travel-friendly gear bundle is a perfect gift for ​​beginners and intermediate snorkelers looking to update their gear.

Full-face snorkel mask

Snorkel Mask

Seaview 180° V3

A panoramic full-face mask with an easy-breathing Flowtech system, now in three sizes for a better seal.

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Some snorkelers - especially beginners - prefer full-face snorkel masks over a traditional two-piece mask and snorkel. With Flowtech™ Technology for improved airflow, the WildHorn Seaview 180° V3 is a top-rated mask that allows users to breathe comfortably and naturally while snorkeling.¹ The V3 comes in three sizes rather than two, so it seals better across different face shapes, and it offers a wider viewing area than earlier models. A swivelling chin-mounted action camera mount is there for those who want to document their underwater adventures.

Snorkel vest

Snorkel Vest

Seaview Palawan Inflatable Snorkel Vest

While there are cheaper snorkel vests on the market, the Seaview Palawan offers a good balance between comfort, durability, and cost.

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A good snorkel vest is an essential part of snorkeling gear. Snorkel vests improve safety by providing additional buoyancy and keeping snorkelers afloat. The Palawan vest from Seaview offers a nice balance between comfort, quality, durability, and cost. The Palawan is available in a range of sizes and fits most body types comfortably without riding up or restricting movement.

Mask strap cover

Mask Strap Cover

Cressi Neoprene Mask Strap Cover

Cressi

A neoprene sleeve that wraps the mask strap so it stops dragging on hair. The cheapest thing on this list and, for anyone with long hair, one of the most appreciated.

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Pros

• Pro: Velcro tabs inside grip the silicone strap, so the cover does not shift
• Pro: The wide panel spreads the strap across the back of the head
• Pro: Priced as a stocking filler rather than as the whole gift

Cons

• Con: Does nothing for a mask that does not seal in the first place
• Con: Solves a problem only people with longer hair actually have

Cressi’s mask strap cover improves comfort while snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving. The neoprene panel stops the strap pulling or tangling hair, and Velcro tabs inside the cover anchor it to the silicone strap so it does not shift once it is on.² It is the sort of thing nobody buys for themselves, which is exactly what makes it a good gift.

Mask defogger

Mask Defogger

GEAR AID Sea Gold Anti-Fog Gel Coating

Non-toxic and alcohol-free mask defogger that won't irritate your eyes.

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When your mask keeps fogging up, it negatively impacts your snorkeling experience and makes it hard to get a clear view of marine life. This gel coating is long-lasting and will keep a mask free of fog for hours. The gel is non-toxic and alcohol-free, so it won’t irritate the eyes when used according to the instructions on the bottle.

Waterproof phone pouch

Phone Pouch

JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch

Clear material ensures high response touch and smooth operation of your phone under water.

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With an IPX8 waterproof rating, the JOTO phone pouch keeps smartphones, cash, credit cards, passports, and other valuables safe and dry while snorkeling. The clear window offers touch screen functionality and allows the user to take photos in the water. This universal case fits all smartphones up to 7“ when measured diagonally.

Action camera

Action Camera

GoPro HERO

GoPro

GoPro's smallest current camera. 4K video, 12MP stills and waterproof to 16 ft with no housing, at a fraction of the flagship's price.

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Pros

• Pro: Waterproof to 16 ft out of the box, so there is no housing to buy
• Pro: 35% less volume and 46% less mass than the HERO13 Black
• Pro: HyperSmooth stabilisation for footage shot in swell

Cons

• Con: Tops out at 4K30, where the flagship shoots 5.3K60
• Con: 16 ft covers surface snorkeling but not a scuba dive

The GoPro HERO is the smallest camera GoPro currently makes, and for a snorkeler it is the sensible one. It shoots 4K30 video and 12 megapixel photos, has HyperSmooth stabilisation for footage taken in swell, and is waterproof to 16 feet with no housing — deeper than a surface snorkeler ever goes. GoPro puts it at 35% less volume and 46% less mass than the flagship HERO13 Black.³ The flagship shoots higher resolution and costs several times as much, which is a lot of camera to give someone who will use it for a week a year.

Men’s long-sleeved rash guard

Rash Guard

O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and paddle sports.

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With an ultraviolet protection rating of 50+, this long-sleeved rash guard shields the wearer from harmful rays while snorkeling. The fabric is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, making this an excellent choice for those in need of extra sun protection. The tightly fitting shirt can also help protect your loved one from other potential hazards in the water, such as jellyfish stings and skin irritation from a life jacket or snorkel vest.

Women’s long-sleeved rash guard

Rash Guard

Hurley Rash Guard for Women

Snug-fitting swim suit rash guard designed for sun protection.

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This UPF 50 swim shirt makes a fantastic gift for female snorkelers. The rash guard is comfortable and durable and works great for snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, and paddling. Sizes range from small to XX-large, and there are many bright color options available for extra visibility in the water.

Men’s short-sleeved rash guard

Rash Guard

Kanu Surf Men’s Rash Guard

Our go-to short-sleeved rash guard option for men.

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This short-sleeved UPF 50+ swim shirt provides extra sun protection without too much added warmth. The looser-fitting design is comfortable to wear in and out of the water on all different outdoor adventures. With numerous color options and sizes ranging from small to 5X, this shirt is a great gift for almost any male snorkeler.

Women’s short-sleeved rash guard

Rash Guard

Body Glove Smoothies In Motion Rash Guard

Our go-to short-sleeved rash guard option for women.

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With an ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, this swim t-shirt protects the skin from the sun’s rays without adding extra warmth or bulk in the water. The material is stretchy, soft, and comfortable to wear all day.

Children’s rash guard

Kids' Rash Guard

TFJH E Girls & Boys Long Sleeve Rash Guard

4-way stretch fabrics, lightweight, breathable and quick drying.

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When kids are having fun in the water, getting them out long enough to apply sunscreen can be challenging. This swim tee has a sun protection rating of UPF 50+, effectively keeping kids safe from harmful rays. The top comes in many different colors and is available in short or long-sleeve styles.

Fin socks

Fin Socks

Seavenger Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks

Seavenger

Neoprene socks worn inside fins to stop the heel rub that ends a swim early, with a grippy sole for a wet ladder or a rocky entry.

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Pros

• Pro: Glued and blind-stitched seams sit flat, so the seam is not what rubs
• Pro: The dotted sole grips a wet deck or a pool edge
• Pro: Adds warmth for the motionless hour a snorkeler spends on the surface

Cons

• Con: Sized, so you need the recipient's shoe size before you order
• Con: At 3mm they are thick enough to change how a snug fin fits

Fins rub at the heel, and they do it on the second half of the swim when it is too late to do anything about it. These 3mm neoprene socks go on under fins to stop that, and they keep the feet warm for the same reason a snorkeler gets cold everywhere else — an hour of floating without moving. The seams are glued and blind-stitched so they lie flat rather than becoming the thing that rubs, and the dotted sole grips a wet deck.⁴ Check the recipient’s shoe size before ordering.

Snorkel booties

Snorkel Boots

Cressi Neoprene Adult Anti-Slip Sole Boots

Cressi

A 3mm neoprene boot with a moulded anti-slip sole, for getting in over rock and urchins rather than off a ladder.

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Pros

• Pro: The sole is the point — you can walk in over rock, shingle and urchins
• Pro: Goes under an open-heel fin rather than replacing it
• Pro: 3mm neoprene adds some warmth on a long motionless swim

Cons

• Con: Takes up room in a fin foot pocket, so a fin that fitted bare may be tight
• Con: Nothing to do for you on a boat entry, where a sock is enough

Snorkelers in rocky areas or places with sea urchins or coral rubble require more protection for their feet. Snorkel booties are a great way to improve comfort and safety when getting in and out of the water. Cressi’s snorkel booties are made of durable 3mm neoprene with an anti-slip rubber sole. You can wear the booties alone for various watersports or combined with fins for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Swim leggings

Swim Leggings

Ubestyle UPF 50+ High Waist Women's Leggings

Featuring powerful flexible fabric and UPF 50+ protection in a wide range of styles.

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Swim leggings are ideal for swimmers and snorkelers who want added protection from the sun without the extra warmth from a full wetsuit. From snorkeling to paddling, these leggings support the wearer through a range of activities while shielding the skin from the sun.

Snorkeling headcover

Snorkeling Headcover

Buff Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter/Headwear

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Snorkelers with thin hair or no hair often struggle with sunburn on their heads. Wearing a protective headcover like this UPF 50 Buff is a perfect way to shield the head from the sun’s damaging rays and avoid sunburn when spending hours in the water.

UV headband

UV Headband

Buff CoolNet UV Ellipse Headband

Buff

A UPF 50 headband in recycled CoolNet fabric — far less material than a full tube, for snorkelers who only need the hairline and forehead covered.

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Pros

• Pro: UPF 50, tested to AS/NZS 4399:2017, blocking 98% of UV
• Pro: CoolNet UV fabric is 95% recycled polyester
• Pro: Tapered design keeps hair in place, and off the mask's sealing surface

Cons

• Con: Covers the forehead only, and does nothing for a bare scalp
• Con: Sold in one adult size

With far less material than a full Buff tube, this headband suits snorkelers who don’t want a complete headcover. It keeps hair out of the face and off the mask’s sealing surface, and it covers the forehead, which burns while you are face-down. Buff rates its CoolNet UV fabric at UPF 50 — 98% of UV blocked, tested against AS/NZS 4399:2017 — and weaves it from 95% recycled polyester.⁵

Swim cap

Swim Cap

Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Cap

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Snorkelers with longer hair can benefit from wearing a swim cap on their adventures. This cap keeps hair in place so that it doesn’t break the seal on the snorkel mask, get tangled, or impact your view of marine life.

Mineral sunscreen

Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Blue Lizard

A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ lotion whose only active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — which is the test that matters where sunscreen bans apply.

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Pros

• Pro: Actives are titanium dioxide 8% and zinc oxide 10%, and nothing else
• Pro: Water resistant for 80 minutes
• Pro: Cheap enough to pair with a larger gift

Cons

• Con: A consumable, so it works better alongside a present than as one
• Con: Water resistance runs out at 80 minutes and it has to go back on

Sunscreen is a good gift because snorkelers get through it, but the front of the bottle is the part to ignore. “Reef safe” and “reef friendly” are marketing claims rather than regulated terms. The National Park Service says sunscreens labeled “reef-friendly” “may still include ingredients that can harm corals”, and advises readers to “always look at the label and select sunscreens with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide”.⁶ This Blue Lizard lotion passes that test on its own drug facts panel: the actives are titanium dioxide 8% and zinc oxide 10%, and nothing else, at broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with 80 minutes of water resistance.⁷

It matters practically as well as ecologically. Palau was the first country to ban the sale of sunscreens containing a named list of chemicals,⁸ and our guide to what to wear snorkeling cites the Hawaii and US Virgin Islands statutes that name filters of their own. Check the rules wherever the recipient is going — Bonaire is another worth looking up — because a bottle bought at home can be one they cannot legally buy again on arrival.

Quick-dry beach towel

Beach Towel

Dock & Bay Beach Towel, Extra Large

Dock & Bay

A quick-dry towel that packs into its own pouch and lets sand shake straight off — the practical answer for a traveler who keeps borrowing the hotel's.

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Pros

• Pro: DryQ fabric dries three times faster than cotton
• Pro: Packs down small into a matching pouch
• Pro: Woven from 100% recycled material

Cons

• Con: A quick-dry towel, not a fluffy terry one, which is a matter of taste
• Con: Costs several times what a supermarket beach towel does

A packable towel is a useful gift for traveling snorkelers and scuba divers, because the towel is the bulkiest thing in the bag and the slowest thing to dry. Dock & Bay’s DryQ fabric is woven from 100% recycled material, dries three times faster than cotton, and lets sand shake straight off; the towel folds into its own matching pouch.⁹ Buy the Extra Large — at 78 x 35 inches it is enough to lie on rather than perch on.

Reusable, insulated water bottle

Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip 24 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Owala

A vacuum-insulated stainless bottle with a spout you can sip through or swig from, and a lid that locks shut in a bag full of sand.

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Pros

• Pro: Triple-layer vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 24 hours
• Pro: The patented spout takes a straw sip or a wide-mouth swig
• Pro: Push-button leakproof lid locks closed

Cons

• Con: Not for hot, carbonated or perishable drinks
• Con: Owala recommends hand-washing the bottle rather than the dishwasher

Staying hydrated matters when you are snorkeling in the sun all day, and an ordinary bottle turns warm within the hour. The Owala FreeSip is triple-layer vacuum-insulated stainless steel and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, and its spout works either way — hold it upright and sip through the built-in straw, or tilt it back and swig through the wide opening. The push-button lid locks shut, which is what you want in a bag that also contains sand.¹⁰

Reef fish identification guide

Book

Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas

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Spotting fish and other marine life is one of the most exciting aspects of snorkeling. A reef fish identification guide makes a wonderful gift for snorkelers interested in learning more about sea life in the area they’re visiting. This field guide features 683 fish species found in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. If your loved one is headed to the Pacific, consider Reef Fish Identification - Tropical Pacific on Amazon by the same authors.

Conclusion

The best gifts are thoughtful, practical, and fun for the recipient. With many different snorkeling gift ideas on this list, you should be able to find the perfect fit for almost any snorkeler in your life, whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner.

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Resources

Footnotes

1. “Seaview V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask.” WildHorn Outfitters, wildhornoutfitters.com. ↩

2. “Neoprene Mask Strap Cover.” Cressi, cressiamerica.com. ↩

3. “HERO (Our smallest action camera).” GoPro, gopro.com. ↩

4. “Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Socks.” Seavenger, seavenger.com. ↩

5. “CoolNet UV.” Buff, buff.com. ↩

6. “Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef! The Impacts of Sunscreens on Our Coral Reefs.” U.S. National Park Service, nps.gov. ↩

7. “Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 Sunscreen — titanium dioxide and zinc oxide lotion.” Drug facts label, DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. ↩

8. “Palau is first country to ban ‘reef toxic’ sun cream.” BBC News, 1 January 2020, bbc.com. ↩

9. “Quick-Dry Beach Towels.” Dock & Bay, us.dockandbay.com. ↩

10. “FreeSip Water Bottle.” Owala, owalalife.com. ↩