There are many places in the world where snorkeling is amazing. It’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, including children. In fact, kids love it. When you go snorkeling, you can see colorful fish, corals, sea turtles coming up for air, rays scavenging for food, and much more. To fully enjoy such a magical experience, it’s important that you have the right snorkel equipment. The three main pieces of equipment for snorkeling are a (snorkel) mask, a snorkel tube, and fins suitable for snorkeling. Fins will allow you to move through the water a lot easier than if you were barefoot and they help you to save a lot of energy.
Fins help you move in the water faster and more swiftly than if you were swimming barefoot. They allow you to conserve energy and spend longer periods of time in the water without exhausting yourself or getting leg cramps. So if you’re interested in having the best time underwater, you may want to select a pair from this list of top-rated, best-selling snorkeling fins.
What to Look for in Snorkeling Fins
The first thing you need to be aware of when looking for snorkeling fins, is that they’re absolutely not the same as scuba diving fins. Snorkeling fins are much lighter and usually shorter. There’s a real difference between diving fins and snorkeling fins. For divers it’s handy to have fins that are heavy. If their fins are too light, they would pull the divers feet towards the surface. This is not ideal while diving if you want to stay comfortably at a certain depth. For snorkelers it is different, as snorkelers don’t want a fin that’s too heavy and pulling them down. Therefore, snorkel fins are shorter and lighter.
Secondly, make sure to look for a fin that has a soft foot pocket design. You’ll be most likely wearing it barefoot, so comfort is important.
And third, the snorkeling fins where the blade is vented, are the easiest to use. As a little bit of water flows through, it makes kicking a lot easier. Because there is less resistance, there’s also less chance of cramps.
Finally, if you’re going for an open heel-fin you will want to make sure the strap is adjustable. It’s important this strap is made of a soft material, especially around your heel.
Above all, buy a fin that fits you well. If a fin is slightly too big there’s a chance of losing it, and if it’s too tight there’s a fair chance it will start to hurt.
What are the Best Snorkeling Fins?
To help you find the best fins for snorkeling, we selected these best fins that are currently on the market.
Cressi Pluma Full Foot Fins
If you’re looking for an all-around pair that you can use for snorkeling, scuba diving, and more, the PLUMA Full Foot by Cressi offers the perfect mix of comfort and power in a highly versatile package. Featuring light and reactive polypropylene, these extra long flippers were developed to be lightweight yet 20% longer than traditional fins. This enables them to produce powerful and snappy motions that will get you even further underwater—with much less effort.
The non-slip foot pockets, which are made of a soft and stretchy thermo-rubber material, help keep your feet securely in place while delivering supreme comfort even with extended use. They’re also positioned at the bottom of the blade rather than above it, so your feet will have extra protection.
For those who want to add power to their kicks but don’t want rigid blades, the PLUMA is definitely worth the investment.
Features:
- Full foot design
- Snappy polypropylene blade construction
- Covers 20% more blade surface area
- Lightweight and powerful
- Non-slip thermo-rubber foot pockets
- Great for snorkeling and scuba diving
Cressi Palau (SAF) Short Adjustable Fins
As you can probably tell by now, Cressi has some truly great snorkeling fins—and the Palau Short Adjustable Fins are no exception. This pair is one of the best options for snorkelers who want something compact and travel-friendly, but it’s greatest claim to fame is the fact that one pair can actually fit a wide range of foot sizes. Recommended for those with wide feet, this fin features a comfortable foot pocket that is designed to adapt to at least three or four foot sizes, as well as a soft open heel that can be easily adjusted if needed.
Another notable feature of the Palau SAF is its lightweight and responsive blade, which employs Cressi’s innovative design to ensure maximum thrust with minimal effort.
Finally, the Palau SAF is quite inexpensive for something so versatile and adaptable. While it’s considered one of the most affordable options on the market, it’s actually made and designed in Italy—much like all other Cressi equipment—so you can be sure that it’s a high-quality product.
Plus, you get a bag thrown in.
Features:
- Short, adjustable fins
- Lightweight and responsive blades
- Open heel with adjustable buckles
- Soft and comfortable foot pockets
- Suitable for snorkeling and other water sports
Atomic Aquatics Full Foot Split Fins
Coming from another well-known brand of scuba diving gear, the Atomic Aquatics Full Foot Split Fins are designed to greatly enhance the quality of your snorkeling experience. With long durable blades and an innovative split fin design that reduces water resistance, these fins allow you to go as fast as possible without expending as much energy as you typically would with non-split fins.
To make the most out of this high-end pair of Atomic fins, you’ll need to get used to doing flutter kicks. There’s a very short learning curve, but even beginners can easily get the hang of it after learning that propulsion relies more on speed than power. These surprisingly lightweight and durable fins also feature a closed heel, open-toe design for a snug yet comfortable fit.
If you tend to engage in long snorkel sessions that involve a lot of swimming for extended periods of time, these are the best snorkeling fins for you.
Features:
- Full foot split fins
- Closed heel design
- Lighter than most open-toed fins
- Significantly reduced water resistance
- For both beginners and intermediate snorkelers
Cressi Reaction Pro Full Foot Fins
Moving on to our last pair of Cressi snorkel fins, the Reaction Pro is designed to deliver power and performance—enough to keep up with even the most advanced recreational scuba divers. Compared to the rest of the fins on this list, the Reaction Pro is significantly stiffer and offers a more defined snap for yielding those powerful thrusts that are needed when swimming against currents and other difficult underwater conditions.
These fins are also built using the brand’s patented tri-material molding technology, which enables them to be durable, flexible, comfortable, and powerful all at the same time.
For a performance model that can be used for both snorkeling and advanced recreational diving, the Cressi Reaction Pro surely delivers.
Features:
- Long, full foot fins
- Stiff and defined blade snaps
- Durable and flexible
- Tri-Material Molding Technology
- Ideal for snorkeling and advanced recreational diving
Mares Avanti Super-Channel Full Foot Fins
This unique Mares design is said to have been inspired by marine animals. Taking into account years of research on their efficient and powerful movements underwater, these Mares fins were built with Super-Channel Thrust technology to efficiently guide the water flow and move greater amounts of water without the need to exert too much effort. The blades are built to last with a blend of durable Tecralene and Thermoplastic rubber and its orthopedic food pockets vary in thickness so they can provide ultimate comfort for frequent snorkelers and divers.
These compact and lightweight fins are great for travel and are perfect for use in warm waters.
Features:
- Open toe, full foot design
- Three-channel blade
- Orthopedic foot pockets
- Tecralene and Thermoplastic rubber
- Ideal for diving and snorkeling
Oceanic Viper Full Foot Fins
The Oceanic Viper Full Foot Fins could very well be your fastest and most responsive pair yet. It combines hydrodynamics and high-quality materials—Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR) and Polypropylene—to provide optimum comfort, improved efficiency, and superior performance. It also utilizes flexible and carefully engineered power thrust channels to direct the flow of water down the length of the blade. The blades are also oversized for the main purpose of increasing thrust and propulsion, yet they remain lightweight at 1.98-372 lbs (depending on the size).
Features:
- Full foot, non-vented design
- Oversized blades for enhanced propulsion
- Reduced spill-over effect
- Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR) and Polypropylene material
- Ideal for all snorkeling and diving skill levels
Aqua Lung Express Full Foot Fins
Perfect for warm water use, the Aqua Lung Express Full Foot Fins was designed for the comfort of scuba divers and snorkelers alike. It employs a highly elastic armadillo membrane at the base of the blade to absorb energy during each power stroke and release them at the end of the kick to boost each thrust. It also features a Mid-Foot Flex Joint in the middle of the blade and foot pocket to efficiently transfer energy and reduce strain.
The blades are made of customized techno-polymer alloy material, which provides a high spring effect while maintaining its flexibility for speedy acceleration and responsiveness. The fins also have rubber side ribs to direct water off the tip of the blade (instead of spilling over the sides) and reduce energy waste. Finally, it has comfortable and ergonomic foot pockets, as well as anti-slip rubber pads for better grip when walking on flat and slippery surfaces.
Features:
- Full foot, non-vented design
- Energy-absorbing techno-polymer alloy blades
- Ergonomic foot pockets
- Mid-Foot Flex Point for reduced joint strain
- Perfect for warm water diving and snorkeling
Ocean Reef Duo Travel Fins
These short blade snorkeling fins are perfect for people who travel. They’re lightweight, fitted for barefoot use, and easy adjustable. The fins are very comfortable on your feet. You just slide your foot into the pocket and tighten the heel strap. The heel strap has a neoprene pad for extra comfort.
The fins come in 5 different colors and their design is unisex. The composite rubber and plastic non-vented blades are designed for maximum propulsion in a short blade fin. This means that you can use them almost effortlessly and will displace a lot of water.
Features:
- Easy-to-Adjust Design
- Great for Beginning & Experienced Snorkelers
- Unisex Design & Sizing
- Comfortable Fins w/Comfortable Foot Pocket
- Neoprene Pad & Quick Release Strap Easy to Adjust
US Divers Hinge Flex 2 Fins
One of the best travel fins on the market. These snorkeling fins are very compact and lightweight which makes them suitable for traveling. The vented blade design allows water to flow through the gaps, creating the right balance between resistance and streamlining. The so-called pivot flex technology. The fins come in the color combination blue and black. There are two sizes, the small/medium version suitable for foot sizes 4 up to 8.5 and the large/x-large works for sizes 9 up to 13. These fins can either be used barefoot or with neoprene socks.
Features:
- Adjustable Strap for Fit & Comfort
- Short Blade Great for Travel
- Vented Blade Design
XS Scuba Propel Snorkeling Fins
Available in two colors, yellow and blue, these open heel fins are a great pick. The fins have a medium-sized blade, making them more powerful than most snorkel fins. The foot pocket of this fin is slightly bigger than most, allowing you to wear thin dive boots when using them. Having said that, you can use them with neoprene socks or barefoot. The easy-to-use adjustable strap allows you to tighten the fin. This fin is good for hours of snorkeling fun. The fins come in a mesh bag that can also be used to wash and dry the fins, whilst in the mesh bag.
Features:
- Vented fin blade design
- Comfortable foot pocket
- Ideal for snorkeling
US Divers Proflex Jr Open Heel Fins
Quite possibly the best-looking snorkeling fins out there. Kids will love the modern look. On top of that, the US Diver Proflex fins stand for comfort and control. The well-designed short fin blade allows the junior snorkelers to move quickly though the water, without getting tired too quickly. In fact, these fins will support hours of snorkeling fun without getting tired. The heel strap is adjustable and has a quick release system. This will make putting the fins on and taking them off very easy.
Features:
- Adjustable Strap for Fit & Comfort
- Quick-Release Easy-Adjust Buckles
- Composite Material: Plastic & Rubber
- Vented Blade Design
US Divers Sea Lion Jr Fins
The only closed heel fin that made it in the list of best snorkeling fins. The reason? A lot of thought has been put in the design of these, on first sight, simple snorkeling fins. For starters, they’re buoyant which means that if they fall of your child’s foot, they float to the surface. Because they’re bright yellow they’re also very easy to spot.
US Divers is known for their snorkeling fins being very good for extended use by children without straining the ankles. The full foot pocket is very soft and comfortable for your child’s feet. The blade of this closed heel fin is the classic blade, without a vented system. This will allow your child to displace as much water as possible with every kick and thus move forward quickly, but it also requires a little more effort. Very active and energetic kids will love these.
Features:
- Buoyant Rubber Design Fin
- Comfortable Soft, Full Foot Pocket
- Non-Vented Blade Fin
Aqualung Sport Bolt Fins
If you’re looking for compact, short and lightweight snorkeling fins, you have found them. These Aqualung snorkeling fins are perfect for lots of snorkeling. They’re also good for pool workouts. The fins have vented blades, making it easier to kick. This will safe you lots of energy. The fin is an open-heel design that comes with easy adjustable heel straps. The fins are blue, have an open toe design and are available in different sizes.
Features:
- Pack Light & Especially Compact
- Get-Away w/Sport Bolt Fins In Your Bag
- Adjustable Open Heel Compact Blade Fins
- Provide Easy Kicking & Perfect for Travel
- Dual-Composite Plastic/Rubber Blade
Cressi Kids Rock Fins
These open-heel snorkeling fins are great for kids. They come in blue/white and lilac/white and in two different sizes. Putting on and removing the heel strap is very easy. This way, your child can adjust the strap themselves while snorkeling. These fins can be used by your child over several years as the size is adjustable and can be used while your child’s feet are growing. Kids love these snorkeling fins for both the looks as well as the use.
Features:
- Vented Open Heel Fins
- Adjustable Straps Designed
- Follows Kid’s Growth
- Provide Excellent Power
- Easy Donning & Doffing
Deep See Jr Splash Kids Snorkeling Fins
These snorkeling fins come in three bright colors: yellow, blue, and pink. Your kids will love them! The rubber open-heel foot pocket is soft and comfortable. The fin is a composite design with a plastic blade and durable side-rails that channel the water down the blade for maximum propulsion with minimum effort. The adjustable quick release strap will make it easy to put them on and take them off. The fins come in a mesh bag.
Features:
- Open Toe Design
- Comfortable, Supple Foot Pocket
- Easy Adjust Buckle
- Composite: Plastic & Rubber
- Durable Side-Rails
How to Choose a Snorkel Fin
When looking for snorkeling fins, there are a few things to work out before you can determine which snorkeling fin is the best for you or your child.
Open Heel Fins vs Closed Heel Fins
There are two types of fins: open heel fins and closed heel fins. Open heel fins are fins where you can slide in with your foot and then use a rubber strap on the back to tighten the fin. Snorkel fins with an open heel are usually for barefoot use or neoprene socks. There are a few suitable to use with dive boots. This can be a good choice if you have to walk over sharp rocks for example. Open heel fins are easy to put on and adjustable in size. This makes them a good choice for children as their feet are still growing.
Closed heel fins are the fins that have a full rubber foot pocket. This means that you slide your foot and the rubber pocket seals around your ankle. It’s very important you pick the right size as you can lose them easily if they are too big. If they’re too small, they will hurt.
Short vs Medium Flexible Fin Blade
In general, the best fin blade for snorkeling is a short or medium fin blade. A blade that is flexible and moves up and down when kicking. This movement will help you get the most out of your fins. If they were long and stiff, they could cause cramps in your legs and would require you to put in way more effort to swim. This is counterproductive.
Vented vs Closed Fin Blade
When a fin has a vented blade, it means that there are holes in the blade to allow water to flow through. This technology allows snorkelers to get the most out of their fins as the streamlined designs allow snorkelers to move relatively fast with very minimal effort.
Lightweight
Planning to take your snorkeling fins with you on holiday? Make sure to get some lightweight fins! Not only does it save you extra pounds in luggage, they’re also lighter on your feet. Win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short or long fins better for snorkeling?
In almost all cases, short fins are better for snorkeling. The shorter they are, the less power required, so for adults, a short or medium blade would be ideal. This is also true for children that just want to rocket through the water and have plenty of energy. Really long blades don’t make a lot of sense for snorkeling, as these type of fins usually have pretty sturdy blades when used for scuba diving. Plus, even longer fins are used for free diving. Also, the longer your blade, the bigger the chance you accidentally hit something, like a piece of coral.
What are the four types of snorkeling fins?
There are two types of heels and two types of blades available with snorkeling fins. Those combined come down to four different types of fins: Open Heel Paddle Fins, Open Heel Split Fins, Closed Heel Paddle Fins, and Closed Heel Split Fins. In general, most snorkel fins are paddle fins, meaning that the blade is one piece.
Split fins are basically as the name suggests — fins that are split. Split blades can be a preference for people who get cramps really quickly or for medical reasons can’t have too much resistance from the fin. With that said, probably 90% of the snorkel fins come with a paddle blade. Open Heel is also more common than closed heel nowadays, but there are still plenty of closed heel fins on the market.
Conclusion
It’s fair to conclude that there are many good snorkel fins available. Some features are highly recommended regardless of which fin you go for, such as a short to medium blade and soft foot pockets. Other features, like the open or closed heel option, or the type of blade, are really all good picks, depending on your own preferences. It’s nice to see how the technology of fins keeps evolving, improving streamline and comfort for users.
