The Common But Dangerous Piece Of Snorkeling Gear To Avoid Using (And What To Use Instead)

Whether you're going to a gorgeous Caribbean snorkeling destination full of vibrant coral reefs or just exploring the waters near your home, you'll need the proper equipment. But not all snorkeling masks are made equal, and in fact, some of them are downright dangerous. We're talking about those full-face snorkel masks that cover your eyes, nose, and mouth all in one.

Some people like full-face snorkel masks because they allow you to breathe through both your nose and mouth while you're ogling all the fishies and coral. However, experts say these masks are dangerous because they pose the risk of allowing carbon dioxide (CO2) to build up inside the mask when you exhale, which could be potentially fatal.

A 2023 study published in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine found that full-face snorkel masks can increase the threat of hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) during simulated snorkeling compared to conventional snorkels. While the mask should work if used correctly, faulty seals or valves or someone not wearing it properly can cause the wearer to breathe back in "bad air" filled with expelled CO2, which can leave the wearer dizzy, short of breath, or even knock them unconscious. While some companies might say their masks are tested and completely safe, we really don't think it's worth the risk.

Traditional snorkeling gear, like this Cressi snorkel set (also named the best basic snorkel set for 2024 by The New York Times), comes with a separate mask and breathing tube. It's been the standard for decades and offers several safety advantages over full-face snorkel masks. They ensure unidirectional airflow, and they're easier to remove in moments of distress. Also, you can dive underwater with these masks to get closer to the action — something which is too dangerous to do wearing a full-face mask.

It's not just simulated studies that have led experts to warn snorkelers to stick with the classic goggles and mouthpiece set. People have died using full-face snorkel masks, like one woman who suffered immersion pulmonary edema (a build-up of fluid in the lungs) in 2020. A span of snorkeling-related deaths in Hawaii also led some companies there to ban full-face masks.

It's important that your snorkel mask fits your face comfortably — your nose should be entirely covered — and you should check it out for damage before getting in the water. So, no matter where you're heading for a snorkeling adventure (here are some of the best snorkeling destinations in the world), make sure you have top-notch equipment and you know how to use it. If you're new to snorkeling and would prefer professional guidance, you can always book a guided tour instead (this is one of the best-rated snorkeling tours in the U.S.)