What is it?

Snorkels let you breathe when your face is in the water. It’s useful for divers to save the air in your scuba tank on surface swims. It allows snorkelers and divers to be safely at the surface in water with less likelihood of water getting in your mouth.

AKA

Snork, J tube

Must have features

Mount for mask – Snorkels come with several varieties of ways to clip on to your mask. Be sure the snorkel you’re looking at has a strong permanent mount.

Mouthpiece – Snorkels need to have a comfortable mouthpiece so it can easily be secured in your mouth.

Options

High Flow - The larger the snorkel tube and the more gradual the curves the better breathing it will be.

Flexible Neck - Flexibility reduces jaw fatigue and increases durability.

Quick Disconnect - Many people store their snorkel off of their mask. The quick disconnect allows it usually to have a solid worry free mount that is also quickly released for storage .

Purge - Most snorleks have purge valves. Inspect them for ease of cleaning and possible future replacement.

Dry Valve – Most scuba divers prefer non dry valve snorkels but some love them and they are fantastic for snorkeling and free diving.

How to choose

Snorkels are fairly easy to pick out compared to other gear. Find one with the features and style you like and it will likely fit you!

After you take it home

There is little to do to keep your snorkel other than a fresh water rinse after use and store it in a cool dry place.