7 Best Prescription Snorkel Masks

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7 Best Prescription Snorkel Masks.

Seeing the sights below the water isn’t limited to those without vision issues. Even when snorkeling, your sight can be an issue—but it doesn’t have to be that way with a prescription snorkel mask. You have several different options before you head out into the water.

What are the best prescription snorkel masks?

While you can pick from full-face masks, traditional snorkels, corrective lenses, or optical inserts, how do you know what is best for you? Read on to find out which you may prefer, and then see which brand is best for you.

Should I get a prescription mask?

If you have to wear corrective lenses or contact lenses to drive, you should have some sort of prescription mask or way to see when snorkeling. Because sight is everything when you look underwater, it is imperative that you can see properly and can be aware of your surroundings.

Not only is it safer, but it will be more enjoyable. Not being able to see the reason you went underwater in the first place can turn your snorkeling adventure into something you don’t enjoy.

What kind of prescription snorkel mask do I need?

There are several different options if you are looking to get a prescription snorkel mask. The first option is purchasing a full mask that comes with your prescription in the lenses—many of the Promate brand snorkel masks suggested below allow you to upload your prescription upon ordering.

The other option is simply buying prescription lenses that you can place in your existing snorkels. Brands such as TUSA and Cressi allow you to do that. Going this route can be best for those whose prescriptions tend to change over time.

To change the lenses in your mask, you must remove your existing lenses. Depending on the brand, it could vary; you can also seek help from your local shop or expert. Lenses should pop out of your mask for you to replace each side.

The final and most inexpensive option is purchasing prescription lens inserts. If you do not want to buy a new mask or replace your lenses in your existing mask, you can instead purchase an insert to place in your existing mask. Note that these are not one size fits all, so make sure your insert fits into your mask before purchasing.

You must also determine whether you want a premade mask or a custom mask. Most companies allow you to pick a premade increment for your prescription, or you can upload your own prescription information.

Before you purchase, you should know your prescription information. Most prescription mask lenses are listed under diopters, which is the unit to measure the focusing power that your eye needs. If you are nearsighted, your diopter number will be negative, while if you are farsighted, it will be positive. Check with your eye doctor if you do not know what your specific diopter is for each eye.

1. Promate Optical Prescription Snorkel Mask

This mask is one of the highest-rated prescription snorkel masks on the market. When purchasing, you can upload your specific prescription information or choose from a drop-down, allowing you to choose lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, bioptical, or even a different prescription for each lens.

While these masks are affordable and a large range of prescriptions are available, they are bulky and the bifocals have a line separating each section. They are also worn best by average-sized faces—narrow or larger faces may have issues with this mask.

The mask itself also comes in several different colors and fits different face shapes with ease. It also sports adjustable straps and a wide view, making it very versatile in the water.

This snorkel mask usually averages around $100.

2. Promate Pro Slender Prescription Snorkel Mask

Following in the footsteps of the Promate Optical Prescription mask is the slender version of the first—while the first option is made for many different face sizes, this version is made for smaller faces. Still allowing for the customization for nearsightedness, farsightedness, bioptical lenses, or different prescriptions for each eye, it provides the same sort of use as the first Promate snorkel

mask does for smaller faces.

The purge valve on the matching snorkel also helps with beginner and advanced snorkelers, and the mask itself has a decent fit for various face shapes. It’s important to note, though, that the mask and snorkel combination does not come with a bifocal option, only the single mask. The strap on the mask is also relatively thin and can easily shift around.

This mask also comes in different colors with an adjustable strap; it also costs about $100. If you purchase the mask and snorkel combination, it will be around $120.

3. IST Prescription Snorkel Mask

The IST Prescription Snorkel Mask is another more affordable option for snorkelers. While you can purchase this mask without the prescription lenses, they can also come with your prescription. While two different lens options are available, you will have to contact the seller before you make that purchase.

It sports tempered glass for your lenses, making sure they are safe and durable, along with a silicone strap to prevent them from moving around on your head.

Note that you may have to treat your mask with an anti-fog solution and be aware that your hair could impact the functionality of the seal.

This mask comes in around $70.

4. Promate Full Face Prescription Snorkel Mask

If you’re looking to use a full-face snorkel mask, you can still find one that is a prescription mask. While this one is more limited—you can only pick a prescription for nearsightedness on pre-made masks—you can still upload your prescription information to the page prior to ordering. If you need different lenses on each side, simply message the company when placing your order.

This mask also allows you to forgo the traditional snorkel and simply breathe normally, as the snorkel is included in the full-face mask.

This mask comes in either blue or black and will run about $100.

Do you know how to attach a snorkel mask? Learn how to in 5 easy steps.

5. Cressi Focus Snorkel Mask with Corrective Lenses

Cressi masks are already lauded as being some of the bests masks on the market, but the Cressi Focus snorkel mask also gives you the option to turn it into a prescription mask.

The mask itself has inclined glasses, allowing for better sight when snorkeling. It is also lightweight and smaller with a low volume inside. It also has a wide split strap and is hypoallergenic, making it safe and easy to use for most snorkelers.

Because it is one of the most popular masks in the market, if you would like to purchase this mask with corrective lenses, you should be able to find help at your local dive shop. If you already have this mask and are looking for new lenses, you can purchase the matching lenses online.

These masks come in several different colors and have an adjustable head strap. They usually cost around $40, while the corrective lenses are around $20 each.

6. Tilos Universal Dual Lens Mask

Another great option for your prescription mask is the Tilos Universal Dual Lens mask. Its website touts that it is the first mask on the market that allows you to swap out your lenses for prescription ones without a tool.

This two-lens mask makes it easier to replace your lenses, so if you already have a Tilos Universal dual lens mask you can also replace them with prescription lenses.

Purchasing them with existing prescription lenses is an option on their website by making a call to their support line. Full lens prescriptions are available for both farsightedness and nearsightedness; they also provide bifocal options.

This mask without the prescription lenses will cost about $60. If you are simply ordering the corrective lenses, they will cost $60 per lens.

7. Scuba Specs Optical Inserts

If you want to forgo buying a new mask or inserting new lenses into your existing mask, consider purchasing Scuba Specs Optical Inserts. Measurements are available on the website, where you have two different size options.

These optical inserts have a suction cup where you can place them on the front of a single-lens snorkel mask. Depending on the size, they can also fit inside a full-face mask.

These inserts usually run about $40.

Regardless of the route you take—either a new prescription mask, a full-face mask with your prescription, swapping out your lenses for new ones, or an optical insert—finding the right one for you is key. Once you determine which you like best, you’re set to get into the water and enjoy snorkeling with a clear view.