A snorkelling trip is incomplete without a pair of one of the best snorkelling fins.
If you want to maximize the amount of thrust underwater but cut down on the amount of energy you have to use up, then fins are of the utmost importance.
This does, however, depend greatly upon finding the right pair of snorkel fins for you.
Since many snorkelers complain about not being able to find a good pair, we decided to do the work for you.
Best Snorkel Fins
Below, you will not only find what to look for in a good snorkel fins but also see some of the products that we have deemed worthy.
- Cressi Palau Short Snorkeling Fins – Best Short Snorkel Fin
- Atomic Aquatics Split Fin
- Phantom Aquatics Voda Snorkelling Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Travel
- U.S. Divers Proflex II Diving Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Wide Feet
- Mares Volo One Snorkeling Fins
- Seavenger Snorkeling Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Kids
|
|
These snorkel fins have been constructed to be durable, hydrodynamic, and comfortable to wear.
Whether you are a recreational or expert snorkeler, you will be able to find what you are looking for here.
How Do You Buy A Good Snorkeling Fin
The following factors are what you need to consider when you are on the hunt for the best fins for snorkeling;
The Long Fin
A long snorkelling fin will typically measure between 24 and 26 inches. These are the most commonly used fins.
The benefit of a longer fin is that they create a greater thrust but don’t require all that much energy from the swimmer. Just like in the case of full face snorkeling masks, they also work well in a variety of currents and can even be in used to swim against moderate currents.
To make it a little easier for you to move through the water, most manufacturers rely on flexible materials for the blades.
The only real downside to the long fin is that they tend to be a little heavy and be a little difficult to carry with you while traveling.
Types of Long Fin Blades
Long fins have two styles of blades. The most popular one is the paddle fins – the blades resemble duck feet. The other type is split fins. As the name implies, there is a large split down each of the fin blades, allowing each side to move independent from one another.
Split fins do tend to offer greater efficiency than paddle fins. Since there is less surface area resistance with these fins, snorkelers can swim through the water faster. Furthermore, swimmers will have to adopt a “flutter” kick with these type of fins, requiring them to expend less amount of energy.
On the other hand, what paddle fins lack in propulsion, they make up with manoeuvrability. Paddle fins are much better at allowing snorkelers to change direction or even backtrack. Also, snorkelers prefer paddle fins because they can feel the power generated by their kicks. It is not as obvious with split fins, therefore, causing swimmers to perceive that they are moving more slowly.
When it comes to choosing the type of blade that is right for you, it is more a matter of preference than anything else. You will need to make your decision depending on what offers you the greatest amount of propulsion or how much flexibility you require.
The Short Fin
The short fin usually has blades that are between 15 and 23 inches long. They are also known as travel fins due to their compact size.
There is some disadvantage to swimming with shorter blades. This is that you need to kick harder to achieve a certain amount of propulsion. As such, it can get tiring on longer snorkelling trips.
This can be offset, somewhat, if the blades are wider and have a little bit more rigidity to them.
The reason that these fins are so popular, however, is due to their size and weight. They weigh a lot less than the traditional long fins and can easily fit into most travel bags.
This makes them quite easy to take with on scuba and snorkeling holidays.
Open Heel vs. Closed Heel Fins
Another one of the ways that best snorkel fins can be categorized is by the foot pockets.
With the open heel, only the front half of the foot is covered by the fin. The heel is enclosed by an adjustable strap.
Now, these type of fins are useful for two main reasons. The first is that because of the strap, it is easier to find fins that fit you more comfortably. It also allows snorkelers to wear booties underneath the fins. This is why these type of fins are used by snorkelers in colder climates as they offer greater insulation.
Closed heel fins resemble shoes because they form a closed pocket over most of the foot. These can be worn on bare feet and that makes them ideal for warmer waters. It can be a little difficult to find a size that fits well with these type of foot pocket. You should also read up on snorkel vests if you are unsure if closed heel fins are ideal for you.
Nonetheless, the material that makes up the pocket is quite flexible so that it can accommodate two different foot sizes.
Snorkel Fin Size
The main issues with finding the right snorkelling fin is the size.
Most fins rely upon U.S. shoe sizes to describe just how small or large the foot pocket is. Some simply use small, medium, large, and extra large to denote the size.
Unfortunately, these don’t always fit the same way that shoes do. Therefore, it can be a little difficult to find the best fit for you.
In most instances, it is a case of trial and error.
Best Snorkeling Fin Reviews
These are the conclusions that we reached after reviewing the following snorkelling fins.
Cressi Palau Short Fins with Mesh Bag Snorkel Packages... – Best Short Snorkel Fin
- Soft short blade and foot pocket able to be put on quickly and easily
- Accommodates 3-4 consecutive sizes and can be worn over thin footwear
- Adjustable fin for pool or beach use
- Strong ring strap allows reversal of strap
- Designed and created using innovative and patented manufacturing technology
The Cressi Palau snorkel fins are certainly something that you want to pack into your travel bag.
These fins are light and compact, making them perfect to carry while you are walking on the beach as well. The size of the fins wasn’t what impressed us, however, it was the design.
With short fins, the main concern is increased effort and as a direct result, greater fatigue. Now, we still had to expend a lot more effort than we would have with longer fins.
However, the manufacturers have taken certain steps to reduce this. One of these is the fact that the fin starts right from the foot pocket and therefore, has a greater surface area. This helps you to move through the water more smoothly.
There is also a good chance that these fins are going to fit you, regardless of their size.
They are available in sizes ranging from extra small to extra-large.
Furthermore, it has an open heel design and the straps are adjustable. These can easily be tightened or loosened but stay on securely while you are swimming.
The foot pocket is made from very soft elastomer material and is quite comfortable, even when worn for long periods of time.
Atomic Aquatics High Performance Full Foot Split Fin...
- High performance, streamlined fin for maximum power & speed
- Less than half the weight of open heel scuba diving fins - great for travel
- Comfortable open toe soft full foot pocket
If you are looking to go as fast as possible underwater but cut down the amount of energy you use while doing so, then the Atomic Aquatic split fin will work for you.
These are good for beginner snorkelers but to be able to use them well, you need to master the flutter kick.
Regardless, there is no doubt that these fins work like a dream. There is less resistance as the water simply moves between the split in the middle of the blade. We found that these fins do take some getting used to but that is just because of the kicking style.
However, once we mastered that, we found that it was the speed of our kicks that propelled us forward – not the power.
Therefore, if you want to go on a long snorkelling trip and still have energy to burn, these are the fins for you. They are equipped with a closed heel design but have an open toe space up front.
You can find sizes compatible with U.S. shoe sizes from 4.5 to 14. Although they may not look like it, these fins are exceptionally light. They certainly weigh less than most open heel fins.
Phantom Aquatics Voda Full Foot Snorkeling Swim Fin – Best Snorkel Fins For Travel
- Short bladed, non vented fin design
- Highly reactive and lightweight blade
- Foot Pocket: Soft Rubber Elastomers
- Blade Engineered to Ensure Perfect Muscle Training w/o Cramps or Discomfort
- Ideal for pool, snorkeling and swim training
The Phantom Aquatics Voda is yet another well-designed short fin.
The blade is actually composed of three different materials.
This has been done to improve the performance that you experience with a certain amount of kicking. Therefore, unlike many other short snorkel fins, the Voda helps to propel you with less effort.
We found that the ribbed design and the side rails on the blade helped as well. These features ensured that the flow of water was directed behind us. This cut down on the drag and increased the amount of thrust that we experienced.
This has a closed heel design which typically can pose a few problems with them fitting properly.
This has been counteracted with an open toe design. Since there is a little more room for the toes, these fit a variety of snorkelers better.
The manufacturer offers Voda in sizes that can fit those from shoe size US 4 to US 12.
We would recommend these fins to people only just starting to snorkel. The blades reduce the incidence of muscle fatigue and cramping, even after you have been exploring for hours. This makes them good training fins for those who aren’t yet used to continuous kicking underwater.
U.S. Divers Proflex II Adult Large (9.5-11.5) Enclosed... – Best Snorkel Fins For Wide Feet
- U.S. DIVERS PROFLEX II FINS: The U.S. Divers Proflex fins are designed for men or women, these fins...
- POWERFUL STRIDE: The Proflex fins have an optimal flex zone position which is engineered to increase...
- COMFORTABLE: The soft TPR closed heel foot pocket fins are designed to allow for use with wet suit...
- PRODUCT INFO: The fins are size large and fit (Men's 9.5-11.5) shoe size. Providing a means to...
- EXPLORERS WANTED: Whether you’re a first-time diver or a seasoned professional, Aqua Lung products...
These are not just great for scuba diving, the U.S. Divers Proflex II Diving Fins are excellent for snorkelling as well.
Considering the low cost of the fins, you really are getting great value for money with these.
These long bladed fins are made from dual composite material. This allows the fins to feel a lot more responsive as you are kicking.
Despite these being long fins, the material allows them to feel light and snappy.
The other notable feature on these fins are the dual water channels on either side. This allows for a more optimized water flow through the fins.
As a result, even more relaxed kicking leads to a greater amount of thrust.
The centre zones are also quite flexible, allowing for the fin to cup the water before releasing it. This creates a greater amount of power.
The Proflex II fins have a closed pocket design but the material is incredibly soft and encloses around your foot quite securely.
It does have an open toe design which makes it easier for those with longer feet to wear them. These fins come in sizes from small to extra-large. U.S.
Divers also assures a two-year limited warranty with these fins.
HEAD Mares Volo One Adjustable Snorkeling Fins, Blue,...
- Anatomical Foot Pocket
- Super Channel Technology
- Foot Pocket Adds Thrust with Less Fatigue
- Tecralene and thermoplastic rubber materials
- Includes mesh bag with drawstring closure
We were very impressed with the features on the Mares Volo One fins.
These fins are incredibly flexible and this is all due to the optimized pivoting blade or OPB technology.
This means that for the duration of the kicking cycle, the blade is positioned at the best possible angle. This increases the amount of thrust produced while reducing the amount of fatigue experienced due to kicking.
This feature also helps with moving through the water more smoothly.
The other feature that is notable and improves thrust as well are the soft, longitudinal inserts. This allows for a specific amount of distortion of the fin to occur while kicking.
This increases the amount of water that is moved across and behind the fin, increasing the power of the swimmer.
These fins have been built to accommodate a great number of sizes.
This is not just because they are available in sizes from small to extra-large. It is also because that in addition to having an open heel, this foot pocket consists of an open toe as well.
The heel straps are adjustable. It is quite easy to slip the fins on and off.
They come equipped with a quick release buckle system that enables this.
Seavenger Torpedo Swim Fins | Travel Size | Snorkeling... – Best Snorkel Fins For Kids
- DURABLE MATERIAL — Sturdy material that still maintains flexibility.ty.
- EASY DONNING AND DOFFING — Adjustable straps and easy-click buckles for slipping in and out of.
- COMFORTABLE WEAR — Foot pocket is soft enough to wear barefoot or with booties.
- EASY-KICK DESIGN — Swimming / training fins are 16 inch long and ideal for speed and easy...
- GREAT FOR TRAVEL — The quick-dry mesh bag makes this the perfect set to store in your carry-on.
The Seavenger Snorkeling Fins are certainly striking to look at.
However, these are not the only qualities that these fins possess. These are trek fins and incredibly compact and light.
This makes them a great accessory on any snorkelling trip.
The Seavenger fins are quite short which does reduce how much thrust that you can coax out of them.
At the same time, Seavenger has made the blades quite flexible which does improve the power quite a bit.
In addition, the vented blades propel the water behind you on every downstroke which also adds to the thrust. The blade is very accommodating of any kicking style.
Therefore, a variety of swimmers and snorkelers will be able to feel quite comfortable swimming with these fins.
The foot pocket is very comfortable and it can fit children and people with shoe sizes ranging from very small to relatively large.
The straps around the heel are adjustable. There are also thumb loops positioned there. This makes putting the fins on and taking them off rather easy to do.
Surprisingly enough, the fins can be worn on shore for short distances as they are relatively simple and comfortable to walk with.
If you want some of the best snorkelling fins on the market, you will be satisfied with the above models. For those that want to search for their own pair, the guide will be more than helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What kind of fins are best for snorkeling?
The best type of fins for snorkelling are short fins. Due to the compact size, they are ideal for travel. Choose a short snorkel fin with a wider surface area. This will help you use less energy as opposed to long snorkel fins.
Are short fins good for snorkeling?
Short fins are ok for snorkeling. Due to the compact size, they make good travel snorkeling fins.
Do I need fins to snorkel?
You do not necessarily need snorkel fins for shorter snorkeling sessions. But If you will be doing longer and more frequent sessions then you should consider investing in some snorkeling fins. They will help you swim faster and use less energy.
What is the difference between snorkeling fins and scuba fins?
Snorkeling fins tend to be smaller and shorter in length and can be used for swimming. Scuba fins are slightly larger in size and feature more rigid design to allow for strong currents while diving. Some scuba fins also include Open pockets to allow you to wear your diving boots.
Can I use scuba fins for snorkeling?
Yes you can. But you will find yourself using more energy. Scuba fins are designed for stronger currents and feature more rigid materials. They are also longer and don’t work well for surface snorkeling.
This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI
