Snorkeling is a very enjoyable activity that helps you connect to nature, but it may be a little hard to let go and have fun if you’re worried about your little one.
To avoid that, you should get a snorkel set for your kid. And to spare you the research, I’ve compiled this list of the best kids snorkel sets.
Comparison Table
| Set | Includes | Type of Snorkel | Ages |
| U.S. Divers Dorado Combo Set | Snorkel, mask, fins, mesh bag | Dry snorkel | 6+ |
| Mares Head Italian Snorkeling Set | Snorkel, mask, fins, bag | Dry snorkel | 5 – 13 |
| Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set | Snorkel, mask, fins, mesh bag | Dry snorkel | All ages |
| Cressi Junior Snorkeling Kit | Snorkel, mask, fins, net bag | Splash guard snorkel | 3 – 8 |
The 4 Best Kids Snorkel Sets
1. U.S. Divers Dorado Combo Set – Best Overall
The U.S. Divers Dorado is an excellent snorkeling set for kids of ages 6 and up as it comes with the full package, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a handy mesh bag where your child can keep all their belongings. It’s made of high-quality materials to perform very well and provide your little one with comfort throughout their snorkeling adventure.
This classic set comes with a mask of good clarity and 3-way pro-glide buckles that make adjusting it a breeze, even for kids who aren’t very well-versed with the activity. Moreover, the snorkel comes with a splash guard that stops any water from entering the tube when your little one splashes water as they swim.
Also, the fins are equipped with a kick dual composite blade that makes movement easier as well as propel your little one further with each kick. Not to mention, their size is easily adjustable to provide the perfect fit.
Pros:
- Dry snorkel
- High-quality materials
- Comes with a mesh bag
- Foot straps are easy to adjust
Cons:
- Snorkel might leak sometimes
- Can cause some pain around the ear
2. Mares Head Italian Snorkeling Set – Budget Pick
Coming at a budget-friendly price, this snorkeling set manufactured by professional Italian snorkeling and diving experts is one of the best value for money purchases you can make.
It comes in 9 colors, 7 of which include a character bag that your kid would love to stuff with their belongings, which encourages them to accompany you on more trips. This is also why it’s suitable for kids of all ages, starting from as young as 3 years old.
The Mares set is very child-friendly as it comes with a dry snorkel, a very soft mouthpiece that won’t hurt their mouth or make them feel uncomfortable, and a wide view mask that shows them a wide area with easily adjustable straps and a quick-release mechanism.
Moreover, the set comes with open-heeled fins to facilitate size adjustments and an easy-kick design that keeps them going for extended periods with no fatigue.
Pros:
- Dry snorkel
- Available with 7 different character bags
- Easily adjustable mask and fins
Cons:
- Mouthpiece may leak after a while
- Quality of the fin strap isn’t the best
3. Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set – Premium Pick
The Seavenger Aviator set could be a bit of an overkill if your little one is only trying out the sport. It suits those who are already well-versed and in love with the snorkeling experience. In fact, this set is suitable for adults as much as it is for kids.
Of course, if you’re getting it for a child, you’ll opt for the XXS size that comes with very secure straps. You can rest assured about water staying out of the snorkel with the dry top splash guard and the valve that’s specifically designed for purging the tube from water. Moreover, the open-heeled fin design makes adjustability easy and flexible.
One of the advantages of this set is that it comes with a mask that resists scratches that sand could cause. Not to mention, all the components are compact and lightweight for convenient and easy traveling.
Pros:
- Single-lens mask with resistance against sand scratching
- Dry snorkel
- Purge valve
- Compact travel bag with fast drying
Cons:
- Overkill for beginners
- Doesn’t suit much younger crowds
4. Cressi Junior Snorkeling Kit – Best For Younger Users
Unlike the Seavenger, the Cressi Junior is perfectly suitable for very young kids of ages 3 to 8, as you can tell from the “Junior” in its name.
This set is another Italian-made one with highly adjustable straps to suit a wide range of head sizes, a soft mouthpiece, and a splash guard that stops any water from infiltrating the snorkel’s tube. Not to mention, the mask is equipped with quick-release buckles that facilitate taking the mask off or putting it on.
There’s also a mesh bag where kids can keep their gear, and the set is available in 7 colors to suit your kid’s taste and provide them with a sense of personalization.
Pros:
- Highly adjustable
- Comes with a mesh bag
- Quick-release buckles
- Soft mouthpiece
Cons:
- Construction is a bit weak
How to Choose a Snorkel Set
When you’re shopping for a snorkel set, especially one for kids, there are some factors that you should pay attention to, and these are as follows:
Quality of Components
Mask
It’s very important to make sure that the components of your kids snorkel set are made of high-quality materials that would withstand this demanding activity. That’s why the mask should come with tempered glass lenses and a wide range of vision. In other words, make sure the mask comes with angled glass to provide your little one with a panoramic view and clear peripheral vision.
Additionally, you should look for a strap that’s easily adjustable and wide enough for your child’s head to be comfortable. The skirts of the straps should be made of silicone or a high-quality material that offers a reliable combination of sealing and comfort.
Fin
Your little one would love the kind of movement they can get with fins, which is why you should get them something that makes them confident while swimming. The fins should be easy to put on or take off as well as easily adjustable.
The best way to achieve that is by getting fins with a ratcheting system, which enables them to make accurate adjustments, even with their relatively smaller hands.
Also, try your best to find the ideal balance between flexibility and firmness, which is highly subjective to your kid. You can gauge that balance by considering how well your little one can swim as well as how old they are.
Younger kids would need more flexibility than rigidity, while the latter would help older kids with more experience to make progress with their snorkeling skills.
Snorkel
Last, but most importantly, is the functionality, material, and fit of the snorkel. First, make sure to get one with a splash guard to prevent any water from entering your kid’s snorkel when their kicks spray water in the air.
Further, a dry valve would be an excellent addition as it allows air in with inhalation but locks below water. It works by floating under the water, consequently blocking the air tube and preventing your little one from accidentally breathing in the water.
Moreover, a purge valve is also a good way to ensure safety during snorkeling as it works on kicking water out of the snorkel. Finally, make sure you get a snorkel with a comfortable mouthpiece to maximize the fun your child gets out of the experience and prevent any strain on their mouths.
Gear Bag
Having a gear bag where they can keep their belongings would give your little one the full snorkeling experience and make it more enjoyable for them, as well as train them to be responsible for their gear and equipment.
If the bag isn’t made of mesh, make sure it comes with a drain valve or a method through which you can get rid of any water that infiltrates it.
Warranty
The warranty you get with your snorkel set is really important, especially if you’re opting for a relatively pricey and high-quality set. Don’t go for anything less than a year’s warranty, but it’s even better if you can find one with a 2-year warranty.
It’s also preferable to get a set with a generous return policy would be better, just in case your kid doesn’t enjoy snorkeling as much as you thought they would.
Final Thoughts
Finding a reliable snorkel set for your little one isn’t so hard once you know what to look for and what you’re going to do with it.
If you’re looking for great quality and performance overall, go for the U.S. Divers Dorado Combo Set. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget choice for your kid to experience the sport, opt for the Mares Head.