Best Snorkelling Gear Australia
Australia has some of the world's best snorkelling — the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef, and dozens of accessible spots along every state's coastline. Cheap hire gear with foggy masks and leaky snorkels ruins the experience, and owning a decent set pays for itself after two or three outings. The key is matching gear quality to how often you'll actually get in the water.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1A dry-top snorkel with a splash guard is essential for Australian ocean conditions — waves and chop are common even on calm days, and a basic J-tube floods constantly.
- 2Tempered glass masks are non-negotiable for safety — plastic lenses fog faster, scratch easily, and can shatter on impact unlike tempered alternatives.
- 3Get fins that match your snorkelling style: short travel fins for reef walking from shore, or longer open-heel fins if you're entering from a boat and swimming distances.
- 4Silicone skirts on masks last years longer than PVC in saltwater and sun — the price difference is worth it if you snorkel more than twice a year.
- 5Consider a full-face snorkel mask only for calm, shallow conditions — they're not suitable for diving below the surface and can restrict breathing in rough water.
Top 5 Surfing & Beach Picks for Australia
Cressi
Cressi Palau SAF Snorkelling Set
| mask | Dual lens tempered glass |
| snorkel | Dry-top with purge valve |
| fins | Adjustable short blade |
| includes | Mesh carry bag |
Pros
- Adjustable short fins pack flat in luggage
- Dry-top snorkel prevents water entry in choppy conditions
- Tempered glass dual-lens mask with silicone skirt
- Includes mesh carry bag for rinsing and storage
Cons
- Short fins lack power for long-distance swimming
- One-size fins may not suit very large feet
Verdict
The most popular travel snorkelling set in Australia — compact fins, dry snorkel, and quality mask in one package.
Mares
Mares X-One Marea Snorkelling Set
| mask | Single lens tempered glass, wide-view |
| snorkel | Dry-top with purge |
| fins | Open-heel with self-adjusting buckle |
| weight | 1.8kg total |
Pros
- Self-adjusting fin buckles eliminate fiddly strap adjustment
- Wide single-lens mask provides panoramic underwater view
- Dry snorkel with easy-clear purge valve
- Durable construction built for years of saltwater use
Cons
- Heavier than travel-focused sets
- Higher price point than entry-level bundles
Verdict
Italian-made quality with self-adjusting buckles and a wide-vision mask — excellent for regular snorkellers.
Cressi
Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Mask
| lens | Dual tempered glass, inclined |
| skirt | Crystal silicone |
| volume | Low (95cc) |
| strap | Swivel buckle |
Pros
- Inclined lenses give the widest field of vision in its class
- High-grade silicone skirt seals on nearly every face shape
- Low internal volume makes clearing effortless
- Swivel buckle system for quick strap adjustment
Cons
- Mask only — snorkel and fins sold separately
- Higher price for a single piece of gear
Verdict
Standalone mask upgrade that transforms budget snorkelling gear — exceptional field of vision and seal.
Seavenger
Seavenger Aviator Snorkelling Set
| mask | Tempered glass with PVC skirt |
| snorkel | Dry-top |
| fins | Full blade, closed heel |
| sizes | XS to XL |
Pros
- Full-length fins provide more propulsion than short travel fins
- Tempered glass mask with anti-fog coating
- Dry-top snorkel included
- Affordable entry point for families
Cons
- PVC mask skirt less durable than silicone long-term
- Full-length fins harder to pack for travel
Verdict
Solid budget set with full-length fins that punch above their price for occasional reef trips.
Cressi
Cressi Supernova Dry Snorkel
| type | Dry-top with purge |
| tube bore | Wide bore |
| mouthpiece | Orthodontic silicone |
| attachment | Universal mask clip |
Pros
- Float-valve dry top blocks 100% of water entry
- Large-bore tube for easy breathing
- Orthodontic silicone mouthpiece reduces jaw fatigue
- Bottom purge valve clears any residual water with one breath
Cons
- Snorkel only — no mask or fins included
- Dry mechanism adds slight weight to the top
Verdict
Best standalone snorkel upgrade — completely dry mechanism and comfortable silicone mouthpiece.
Editor's Note
Cressi and Mares are the most widely stocked snorkelling brands in Australian dive shops, with local availability at Adreno and Dive Warehouse. Peak snorkelling season in Queensland runs April to November (stinger-free months), while southern states are best December to March. Budget sets from Amazon AU around $50–80 are fine for occasional holiday use, but regular snorkellers should invest $120+ in a proper silicone mask and dry snorkel combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What snorkelling gear do I need for the Great Barrier Reef?
At minimum: a tempered glass mask with silicone skirt, dry-top snorkel, and short fins. A rashie or wetsuit is recommended for UV protection and jellyfish stings. Most reef tours provide gear, but it's typically low-quality — bringing your own mask alone makes a huge difference to the experience.
Are full-face snorkel masks safe to use in Australia?
Full-face masks are fine for calm, shallow water but are not recommended for open ocean, strong currents, or diving below the surface. Several Australian tour operators have banned them due to CO2 rebreathing concerns. A traditional mask and snorkel combination is safer and more versatile.
How much should I spend on snorkelling gear in Australia?
For occasional holiday use, a $50–80 set from Cressi or Mares is perfectly adequate. If you snorkel regularly (monthly or more), spending $120–200 on a quality silicone mask, dry snorkel, and adjustable fins will be more comfortable and last 5+ years with proper rinsing after use.
Do I need a wetsuit for snorkelling in Australia?
In Queensland from October to May, a stinger suit or full-length rashie is strongly recommended due to box jellyfish and Irukandji. In southern states, a 2-3mm shorty wetsuit helps in water below 22°C. On warm northern reefs outside stinger season, boardshorts and a rashie are usually enough.
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