The most common method of exploring the underwater world is snorkeling. You’ll be able to move more quickly and use less energy when snorkeling in the ocean if you have a good set of snorkeling fins.
Whether they want fins for power, travel, or simply comfort, each snorkeler places different values on various fin characteristics.
High-quality snorkeling fins are made by numerous reputable companies. However, there are some models that aren’t worth it, so we put together this list of those that we think are good.
As long as you know what you want, it’s simple to find the best snorkeling fins. If you read these reviews, it will be simple for you to decide which snorkeling fins are the best.
Best 12 Snorkel Fins in 2022
- Oceanic Viper 2 Open
- Mares Avanti Superchannel
- Oceanic Accel
- Cressi Pluma
- Tusa Solla
- Cressi Palau
- SEAC Fuga
- Head Volo One
- Greatever Travel Size Short Snorkel Fins
- Cressi Agua Short Snorkel Fins
- Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins
- CAPAS Travel Size Short Snorkel Fins
Best Snorkel Fins in Detail
1. Oceanic Viper 2 Open
The Oceanic Viper 2 Open Heel fins are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for both snorkelers and divers. These fins are excellent for travelers as well because of how easily they can fit in smaller bags due to their shorter length and flexibility.
These fins will be appealing to snorkelers and divers looking for a calm and refined stroking experience.
Both an open heel and a full foot design are offered for the Oceanic Viper 2. Because the blade is vented, it moves well in the water and provides a secure grip. For beginners or those who want to stay in the water longer, these fins are made to be energy-efficient.
The Oceanic Viper 2 open heel fins have excellent propulsion under the water thanks to their distinctive shape and strong materials, which makes swimming simpler and quicker.
Specs & Features
- Material: Thermal plastic rubber (TPR) and polypropylene
- Open heel of Full foot: Open heel
- Blade type: Vented
- Maximum length: 21 inches
- Sizes: XS- XL (US: 4.5-13) (EU: 35-47)
2. Mares Avanti Superchannel
The best fins for any experienced snorkeler are Mares Avanti Superchannel Fins. They are a fantastic option for snorkelers who want to make the most of their time underwater due to their performance, comfort, and style combination.
For experienced snorkelers, the Mares Avanti Superchannel snorkeling fins are the best option. When snorkeling, they offer the most flexibility and control. For the best fit possible, the fins have a narrow strap design with two buckles.
With an adjustable nylon strap, the Mares Avanti Superchannel snorkel fins have an all-leather foot pocket for safe and sound walking on coral or rock formations. These premium fins offer excellent performance and efficiency and have been created to meet the needs of seasoned snorkelers.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Efficiency, Power, Advanced
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber-Tecralene®
- Style: Full Foot
- Blade Type: Not vented
- Sizes: S-XL
3. Oceanic Accel
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins (dive boots required) are a lightweight and comfortable alternative to traditional scuba fins for recreational divers. Due to their portability, these are also perfect for snorkelers, beachgoers, and travelers.
These fins are portable, weighing less than 3 lbs. and having a maximum length of 21 inches. The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins are lightweight, but they are made to give quite a bit of thrust, and their wide, flexible silicone straps are meant to be comfortable and simple to use.
For testing, we had the aqua blue and neon yellow fins.
Specs & Features
- Material: Monoprene synthetic rubber with Silicon strap
- Open heel
- Blade type: Vented
- Maximum length: 21 inches
- Sizes: XS- XXL (US: 5-12+) (EU: 36-46+)
4. Cressi Pluma
The Cressi Pluma fins are a reliable pair that are excellent for snorkeling because they are short and closed-heeled, making them simple to use without booties.
These fins are made using a molding technique that combines thermoplastic materials in a way that makes them flexible and light. These fins offer a high level of performance while also being relatively energy-efficient, making them a great all-around option for snorkeling.
The Cressi Pluma also have a large foot pocket that offers protection from scrapes and scratches, making them excellent for shallow snorkeling, particularly near rocky reefs.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Travel, Efficiency
- Material: 100% Thermoplastics
- Style: Closed Heel
- Blade Type: Not vented
- Sizes: XS-XL
5. Tusa Solla
The Tusa Solla Fins are both effective and comfortable thanks to their angled blade design and tough but supple monprene material.
The angled blade design makes scissor kicking more effective at pushing water in the direction of your body. Kicking is less exhausting than using propulsion up and down. Actually, it performs fairly well.
The open heel design is very comfortable because of the EZ strap. It is also simple to adjust thanks to the buckle.
For snorkelers in the Caribbean where there may be stronger currents, this pair of fins with reinforced side rails and vents is a great choice.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Travel, Power
- Material: Monprene ForcElast Technology
- Style: Open Heel
- Blade Type: Vented
- Sizes: XS-XL
6. Cressi Palau
For snorkelers on a tight budget, the Cressi Palau fins offer an affordable pair of fins with a high level of performance.
The Cressi Palau fins give snorkelers a high level of tracking thanks to full length side rails and a peculiarly shaped blade that effectively moves water.
Although quite responsive, these fins require some getting used to due to their unusual design. They are generally easy to use and comfortable, but given that they are heavier than many of the other fins on this list, they might not be the best option for travel.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Recreational, Affordable
- Material: Monoprene and Thermoplastics
- Style: Open Heel
- Blade Type: Not vented
- Sizes: XS-XL
7. SEAC Fuga
The ergonomic design and soft rubber foot of the SEAC Fuga fins make them among the most comfortable fins on the market. These snorkeling fins from Italy work well for scuba diving in warmer waters.
The SEAC Fuga fins are perfect for snorkelers looking for the most comfortable experience possible while discovering the underwater world. These fins have a double technopolymer blade that will help you move through the water more quickly.
They are simple to put on and take off and suitable for recreational snorkeling. For snorkelers looking for a pair of fins that will offer a fluid and relaxed experience while snorkeling, we suggest these fins.
In warmer waters, scuba divers can also use fumas. They work well for easy-going propulsion in this capacity.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Beginner, Recreational, Comfortable,
- Material: Rubber foot, TPE blade
- Style: Closed Heel
- Blade Type: Not vented
- Sizes: XS-XL
8. Head Volo One
The Head Volo One fins are a fantastic option for those who are new to snorkeling because they offer an adequate level of control and performance at a reasonable price.
The Volo One fins are the snorkeling version of the Mares Volo Power fins that are popular with scuba divers. Given the increased hydrostatic pressure when finning, they are cozy and give a secure fit so that they can stay in place.
The channel thrust system in these fins provides a high level of performance with little effort.
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Beginner, Efficient, Comfortable,
- Material: Thermoplastic rubber material
- Style: Open Heel
- Blade Type: Vented
- Sizes: XS-XL
9. Greatever Travel Size Short Snorkel Fins
The Greatever Travel Size Short Snorkel Fins are a great option if you’re looking for high-quality fins that won’t break the bank. You will be able to easily kick through the water with these flexible fins, which are very accessible for beginners. They can be worn with or without socks and water shoes because of the open-heel design and adjustable buckle. They’re always simple to put on and take off thanks to the quick release buckle’s ability to keep the strap’s length fixed and the mesh instep’s comfort and breathability. These fins are portable and strong, and they even include a quick-dry mesh bag and plastic inserts. They are also lightweight and easy to store. Regardless of your level of experience, these Greatever fins are a perfect, affordable option, offering everything you need for a relaxing and easy snorkeling trip!
10. Cressi Agua Short Snorkel Fins
The Cressi Agua Short Snorkel Fins top the list of the best fins for travel overall. These fins can easily fit in any carry-on bag or backpack because they are small and light. The short fins not only provide hassle-free transportation but also maximum control, allowing you to easily navigate around obstacles and get a closer look at marine life. The responsive yet flexible blades are made for maximum performance without wearing out your feet. You can achieve the best comfort and fit without packing additional socks or booties thanks to the full-foot design’s innovative Self-Adjusting Foot Pocket system. Cressi has ensured that there is no need to forgo first-rate quality for portable fins with the Agua Short Snorkel Fins.
11. Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins
The Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins are by far the most comfortable fins available. This pair from Wildhorn is unquestionably your best choice if you have delicate skin that blisters easily or if you’re simply tired of having to end snorkeling sessions early due to aches and chafes. These full-foot swim fins have a neoprene boot and strap that is attached, which prevents the friction, cramping, and hypertension that are frequently brought on by a traditional foot pocket. You can move comfortably on land and in water thanks to the stretchy boot’s shoe-like feel and the sturdy soles’ protection of your feet from rocks and shells. Additionally buoyant and lightweight, they keep feet from growing tired even during lengthy swims. Slip these shoes into your carry-on and enjoy luxurious comfort wherever your water activities take you. They are equally effective for bodyboarding, paddleboarding, and riverboarding.
12. CAPAS Travel Size Short Snorkel Fins
With this set of compact snorkel fins, CAPAS has incorporated some of the best features of comfort and functionality. They have flexible, soft soles, and a strong non-slip insert is included to safeguard your feet in both dry and wet environments. With a light, flexible blade, the CAPAS Travel-Size Short Snorkel Fins offer maximum effectiveness with minimal effort. To avoid painful blisters, which can lead to long-lasting discomfort in and out of the water, they are made with an open-heel and an ultrasoft silicone strap. Among the best snorkel fins on the market are these CAPAS fins due to their impressive versatility and comfort.
Snorkeling Fins Sizing and Fitting Tips
Make sure they fit properly. Your snorkeling fins should fit snugly but not too tightly. Your feet will slightly contract as they cool in the water. As a result, your fins will slip more and become less tight in the water. So a slightly tighter fit is preferable to a loose one. A strap or heel cup that is too loose is undesirable. Snorkeling fins that come off when you’re trying to kick hard are the worst. If you’re going to wear boots with your fins, buy them first and then test them out. Additionally, make sure your boots are very comfortable and won’t irritate your skin when you kick them for an hour or more.
If your snorkeling fins have hard plastic sides, pay close attention to any areas where it feels like they are pressing firmly against bones or bunions or your shoes. If you’re in a store, point your foot while simulating kicking. If you repeatedly do this in the water for thousands of repetitions, the pinching or rubbing caused by the fin or boot on any part of your feet will only get worse. Find a better balancing act.
Rub Marks and Blisters
If you haven’t been snorkeling recently, you might notice some light red rub marks on your feet from your fins or shoes. Your feet may need a couple of days to adjust to wearing boots and fins once more. Blisters and open wounds, however, are not acceptable. Open wounds can become infected and are extremely uncomfortable. Be careful not to abuse your feet. Be proactive with your foot care while traveling by packing waterproof bandages and toe tape.
Fin Stiffness, Propulsion, Body Strength and Size
You might believe that a fin needs to be fairly stiff if you want to propel a lot of water with it and get a lot of power and propulsion out of it. That is not what we have discovered. We prefer fins that are fairly flexible because we can move quickly and effortlessly while wearing them.
But consider this. We aren’t particularly large individuals with incredibly strong legs. Because it takes too much effort for us to propel a stiff fin through the water, it is ineffective for us. It’s comparable to riding a bike uphill in the wrong gear.
The best propulsion, in our opinion, results from matching your physical strength and size with the appropriate fin stiffness. It helps to test out various snorkeling fins in the water in order to really get that down. Your shock at how different they feel is possible. Your top speed and comfort while snorkeling are completely dependent on the proper fin.
Snorkeling Fins Buyers Guide
Open Heel Or Closed Heel
Depending on the type of snorkeling and location, you will want to choose either an open heel or closed heel fin.
Open heel fins are ideal for colder waters as you can wear booties with them. They are normally more powerful than closed heel fins but can be difficult to travel with.
Closed heel fins are more like a pair of shoes with flippers and you will not need booties for this style of fin. They are more suited for travelling and are easy to pick up and go.
Materials
A variety of materials are used to make snorkeling fins. The majority are made using Monprene, Thermoplastics and almost all of them have some section made of rubber.
For instance, the rubber foot chambers on fins like the Viper 2s and Fugas are supple and flexible.
Silicone, which is more resilient than rubber but just as soft, is also used for the straps on Oceanreef Accels.
This material enables the fin to bend when finned while also maintaining its rigidity and shape to deliver the required amount of propulsion power.
Weight
Depending on their construction and the material used, fins can be heavier or lighter. Lightweight fins are more ideal for travel and for this reason we recommend lighter fins for snorkeling.
Blades
Another factor to consider when choosing a pair of snorkeling fins is the length and style of the blade.
Longer length blades will provide a more efficient use of energy as they have more surface area for propulsion. On the other hand shorter blades will be easier to transport and are more suitable for travel.
The style of blade is also important to consider. Curved, angled or rounder blades offer less energy consumption and are easier to use. Flatter blades with a more rectangular shape provide more propulsion but consume more energy.
The Tusa Solla fins are angled to increase the concentration of the kicking strokes for more effective propulsion.
Vented Or Not Vented Blade
The final thing to consider when choosing snorkeling fins is whether the blade is vented or not vented.
Vented fins have vents that help water pass through in order to help reduce the effort required while finning and reducing energy consumption over time. This makes them more efficient but can reduce power.
Non vented fins are generally more powerful but require more energy to use and for this reason can make you more tired in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Beginner Snorkeling Fins?
There are many excellent snorkeling fins, but to be the best, they must adhere to a set of standards.
See our top 10 snorkeling fins:
- Aqua Lung Express Full Foot Fins
- Cressi Reaction Pro Full Foot Fins
- Oceanic Viper 2 Open Heel Fins
- ScubaPro Go Travel Fins
- Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins
- Cressi Pluma Full Foot Fins
- Tusa Solla Full Foot Fins
- Cressi Palau Open Heel Fins
- Mares Avanti SuperChannel Full Foot Fins
- SEAC Fuga Full Foot Fins
How Should Snorkeling Fins Fit?
The heel of a good pair of snorkeling fins should be snug, and the fins should not overly compress the foot. Fins must be the correct size because if they are too loose, you won’t be able to finn effectively for snorkeling. Wearing neoprene socks along with your fins will help prevent chafing if you’re stuck with a pair that is just a little bit too big for your feet. Snorkeling appears simple, and it is.
How to Pick the Right Snorkeling Fins?
When selecting the best snorkeling fins, there are many different things to consider. Considerations include the kind of material, the weight, the length, and the type of blade. For more details, see our buyer’s guide to snorkel fins.
Which is Better for Snorkelling- Short Or Long Fins?
Since snorkeling tends to be more leisurely than scuba diving, we advise using shorter fins that are easier to carry and use than the more conventionally shaped long fins. To find the best pair of snorkeling fins, read our article on the subject. To see different designs, look at the various swimming fin categories.
How to Use Snorkeling Fins?
As a useful and essential snorkeling accessory, fins are recommended. The best way to wear snorkeling fins is to slip them over your booties or feet (depending on whether they have an open or closed heel) and then adjust them to fit your foot size.
How Do Fins Help Snorkeling?
You can conserve more energy and stay in the water longer when snorkeling with fins. While snorkeling, they also assist in advancing you and make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
