If you want to catch a beautiful underwater view, snorkeling is an excellent way to do that. Yet, spending energy trying to keep your body near the surface of the water can take a toll on your body. A simple way to make your underwater adventure easy is to use snorkeling fins.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best snorkeling fins:
Who Needs To Use Snorkeling Fins?
Anyone who wants to view some underwater sea life can use snorkeling fins. They make swimming much easier. Travelers, adventure seekers and marine enthusiasts wear snorkeling fins. Fins are available for both men, women and kids in a variety of shoe sizes and color options.
Below is a link to a short YouTube video that explains how to snorkel:
Are Snorkeling Fins Different To Scuba Fins?
In contrast to what some may believe, there are different types of fins. Each designed for swimming at specific depths. Using the right fin can determine your ability to swim well. Each offer a certain type of movement and propulsion to glide through the water.
Snorkeling fins have a design for use at shallow depths with a more basic shape. They are shorter in length, and take less leg strength per each stroke. Whereas scuba fins are much longer in length. This allows you to have more power per kick and travel further under the higher pressure of deep water.
Yet, when snorkeling, if you use scuba fins you’ll find yourself fighting the fins with each stroke. That’s why you’ll want to make sure to use the right tool for the job. Understanding these differences can be quite important to your underwater success.
How Do Snorkeling Fins Work?
Snorkeling fins provide you with more amplification in your movements. They will let you move forward in the water without disruptive splashing. By using fins, you’ll avoid scaring off the fish, and move at a comfortable pace. The design works like the fins of other aquatic animals, such as ducks, to propel you through the water near the surface.
Fins also help to support the movement of your swimming so you can conserve your energy. Some snorkeling sessions could last for hours, so you want to be able to maintain a steady pace in the water.
How Do I Choose Snorkeling Fins?
Buy a pair of snorkeling fins that are going to fit your feet, and your preferred style of fin. There are two main different types of fins. The classic style is the closed foot, or also known as the full foot fin. The second option is the open heel fin, featuring an open back and adjustable strap.
The open foot snorkeling fins allow you to wear a boot. This design is more so used by divers to protect against cold waters at deeper depths. This design is typically used with a neoprene sock or diving boot. These could also offer some more protection. Some shorelines or waters have rocks or sharp coral if stepped on. The downside is that this extra gear can give a heavier feel, and more drag.
The closed foot fin weighs less, and is less bulky for packing in a suitcase for example. Additionally, a closed fin can be more efficient to an open fin. This could be due to less bulk, and more hydrodynamics to the foot. Or it may be because of the closer connection to the fin without any socks or boot between.
Choose a pair of fins that fit your preference, and made of good quality materials for durability. If the interior of the flipper is not well made, they’ll wear and tear and will no longer be effective. Good quality fins, straps and material will last. Then, they'll provide the support you need treading the water.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing snorkeling fins:
- Buy fins that match your shoe size.
- Choose fins that fit your preferred use style.
- Use a pair of fins that are well made and durable.
What Are The Best Snorkeling Fins?
We’ve looked at a range of snorkeling fins for both men, women and kids. We looked at quality, price, comfort and the materials used to make the fins. We’ve reviewed five pairs of snorkeling fins and pointed out some pros and cons for each product.
our #1 rated
TREE BETTER
Closed foot fins
Quality
Price
Our rating
The closed foot snorkeling fins made by TREE BETTER have sizes for men, women and kids. The closed foot design with TPR plastics are comfortable to wear and don’t rub your feet. The fins offer a streamlined design for better propulsion and faster swimming.
Customers who purchased these fins like the fact that they are small and convenient to carry. People said the material is soft and made from good quality materials for durability. Many customers also said that these fins are light and super short.
Other customers who used these fins said that they picked the wrong size. Many said to be particular when choosing sizes, and refer to the chart. A few people said that the they were a little too wide. Customers also said that the fins deformed water flow, yet did not affect practical use.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
TREE BETTER
Closed foot fins
Quality
Price
Our rating
These open foot snorkeling fins by TREE BETTER are available in large and small sizes. They also feature an adjustable heel strap. The fins are of soft TPR material for an anti-slip design and comfort. The swim fins also give high flexibility with no deformation and no breakage.
Customers who used these fins for snorkeling said that they’re well made and durable. People said that these fins are adjustable and simple to use with the mounting latch. A few customers also reported they're more comfortable than more expensive products available.
Customers who purchased these snorkeling fins said they were too big. People said the fin straps look a little clunky. Some customers also said that the hardness of the plastic was rigid. Then the material rubbed against their foot.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
WHALE
Closed foot fins
Quality
Price
Our rating
These closed foot snorkeling fins made by WHALE are available in a range of sizes and four color options. The fins contain a foot pocket, and an open toe hole for drainage of water. The fins also have a unique blade design for hydrodynamics and power per kick.
Customers who used these fins said they were comfortable when in the water for long periods of time. Customers commented that the fins are well made and they glide well in the water. People also said that they're of solid quality and materials.
Some customers who purchased these fins said their sizing is not completely accurate. They tend to run a bit small. Others reported that the fins are very stiff in comparison to others. A few customers also said that the fins are long and bulky to fit in their luggage.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Vertvie
Closed foot fins
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Vertvie snorkeling fins are available in a range of sizes for both men and women. The material used to make the fins are of silicone for flexibility and durable strength. The fins follow the duck style design for usage near the surface of the water.
Customers who used these flippers found the soft and comfortable material impressive. People said that they were happy with the quality of the fins for the price paid. Customers also commented that the fins stretched well to fit their feet.
Some users who purchased these fins said the sizes run a tad small in comparison to standard sizing. A few people said the fins are too soft and would prefer them to be a bit more firm. A couple of customers also reported that they should have gone two sizes larger.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
KEEP DIVING
Open foot fins
Quality
Price
Our rating
The KEEP DIVING open foot snorkeling fins are available in a range of sizes for men and women. They're also in three different color options. The fins have a silicone base, with adjustable straps. The flippers give support while in the water, and it's recommended to use diving boots or swim socks in use.
People who used these fins said that they were of very good quality, and that the sizing was accurate. Customers also said that they liked the straps and flexibility of the fins. Many customers reported that these fins are better than other more expensive pairs.
Some customers who purchased these fins said they’re a bit annoying to use with both the boots or socks and the fins. A few customers commented that the fins were a little tight to fit on.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
All the fins we’ve reviewed can assist in swimming when going snorkeling. The fins are of solid pricing and well made using good-quality materials. All the products that we looked at can work for both men and women.
After looking at each model the best snorkeling fins are the TREE BETTER closed foot fins.
These fins are good value for the money and are well made making them durable and suitable for regular use. The TPR plastics offer a good level of comfort and support the foot in the water. We like the fact that these fins work by sliding your foot in, without any adjustments.