Best Snorkeling Fins Reviewed In 2023

If you find yourself frequently snorkeling, renting equipment can become costly. It also limits the times that you can go snorkeling. When you do decide to buy a pair of snorkeling flippers, you want the best. This is because a quality pair will last for years. Here are some of the reviews on the best snorkel fins and a buying guide, so you know what to consider as you make your decision.

The 10 Best Snorkeling Fins In 2023:

If you need guidance choosing a pair of fins that will give you the experience you are looking for, check out these snorkeling fin reviews.

Snorkel Fins Reviews

1. Seavenger Swim Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Kids

This pair of snorkel fins comes with an open heel design and adjustable straps for flexible sizing. It comes in three sizes, designed to fit women’s shoe sizes 2-14. They also work as a youth and men’s flippers. They can be worn with fin socks or barefoot, depending on how cold the area is that you are snorkeling in.

These are lightweight and easy to pull on, because of convenient thumb loops. Even though they are lightweight, they are sturdy. The flexibility on the fin blade is nice, helping propel you forward without being too rigid. Their length makes it possible to walk from shore to the water, without too much difficulty.

These snorkeling fins also come with a couple of nice accessories. A mesh bag is included, which lets your fins dry as you carry them. Shoe ‘trees’ are also included, which hold the shape of the fin when it is not in use. However, something else to note is that there is a pin on the side of the strap that may pop off, but you cannot attach it if it is lost in the water.

 

2. Cressi Palau Short Snorkeling Fins – Best Short Snorkel Fin

This also has a wide range of compatibility, coming in four different sizes. It has a short blade, which makes walking on land easier. This makes them an ideal fit for people who get in the water from the beach or bank. This also has a mesh carrying bag with a drawstring.

The fit on this is nice, but it may be too wide to fit someone with a narrow footwell. In addition to being adjustable, however, it has an open heel. The soft inner pocket will not chafe your feet if you decide to wear it without swim socks. The fin blade is soft and flexible but still maintains its shape enough to propel you forward when you kick.

If speed is what you want, this is not a good choice. It gets the job done well for relaxing snorkeling, however. The blade fins can be a little stiff at first, but they will feel better with time. Something to note is that if you kick too hard, the straps in the back may loosen. Be careful not to lose the flipper—especially since they do not float.

 

 3. US Divers Trek Travel Snorkel Fins

As its name suggests, this travel fin is ideal for people on the go. It comes with a mesh carrying bag that lets the fins dry as you care them. The short length snorkel fins are compensated by a blade that starts above the toe of the foot and a quad flex rail system. This helps the water flow around the blade, channeling where you want it to so it can propel you forward.

The inner pocket is soft and flexible, so your foot is comfortable. However, it may not be a good choice for cold locations, since it is recommended these be worn barefoot. An adjustable strap helps you secure a solid fit.

One major downside is that the strap can slip when you are kicking, especially if the fin is too big. This can be inconvenient when you are out snorkeling. There are also some sizing discrepancies.

 

4. Wildhorn Topside Snorkeling Flippers

 

This best pair of snorkeling fins is designed for the whole family, from youth to men’s sizes. They are adjustable and compact. The unique feature is the cross between a swim boot and a fin, which gives plenty of ankle support while allowing you to walk in the water and propel you forward almost effortlessly when your kick.

The materials used are nice, making the construction very durable. A neoprene upper is soft and durable, while a high-grade polymer blend is used to make the base solid, so you do not have to worry about damage. These are brought together using stitch construction and a heat weld.

If you want speed as you are snorkeling, these are good choice. The fins float slightly, adding just enough buoyancy to help you move forward, without being too cumbersome on your feet. However, they do require a little muscle strength to use and may be better suited to speed swimming than snorkeling.

 

5. Cressi Pluma Snorkeling Fins

Some notable features of this pair of Cressi snorkeling fins for snorkeling include a smaller overall design with a medium blade length. The blade starts from the top of the foot instead of the bottom, lightweight, and a soft, elastomer foot pocket. This is a good multi-use fin, perfect for snorkeling or swimming.

Inside the snorkel fin, an elastomer thermo-rubber foot pocket cradles your foot. It comes with non-slip inserts, which ensures you are getting the most out of your kicks. The fin blade is designed to be reactive to your kicks, offering controlled bending and a solid rebound. However, if you kick too hard, the fin blade can crack over time, so it is not a good choice for people who use especially hard kicks.

The sizing is another obstacle you will want to overcome. Keep in mind that the elastomer material stretches about a half-size once you are in the water, so you may want to order the fin slightly smaller than you normally do. There is no adjustable strap, so you will need to find the right fit for solid performance.

 

6. Cressi Agua Short Snorkeling Fins

If you are a fan of the Cressi snorkeling fin Agua, then this is something you might want to try. It is similar, but with a shorter fin area that lets, you walk better on land and in water. The short, but the durable blade is travel-sized and very flexible, able to withstand powerful kicks. The short, fast kick that is promoted by this fin is great for the serious snorkeler. The buoyancy of the fins keep your muscles working and your legs active, so it may not be a good fit for someone who is inexperienced.

The fit is slightly adjustable because of the open-toe design. Additionally, the foot pocket is said to be self-adjusting to conform to your feet. While this does work to an extent, it does not offer the perfect fit that it claims to. The pocket is also made of a soft rubber, which prevents blistering.

Overall, this travel-sized fin gets the job done. It allows for ankle flexibility and some support. Finally, while advertised as flexible, they can permanently bend with use if they are not stored properly when done using them.

 

7. Phantom Aquatics Speed Sport Adjustable Snorkeling Fins

If your feet tire when snorkeling, this fin set is a good choice. It has an extended sole point, which helps support your foot to relieve strain and increase thrust. The pocket contours to the shape of your foot and it can be used with or without booties. The adjustability is added to by an open heel, open toe, and a buckle strap.

They do not work as well for walking on land, but they are perfect for snorkeling. This is especially true if you like long kicks. Additionally, these fins feature a hinge point that helps maintain the shape of the fin for a more efficient energy transfer.

Another good point is the included mesh bag, which lets the fins dry while you carry them. They also feature a hard rubber pull tab to get them on easier. However, if it rubs your foot the wrong way, it can get irritating.

 

8. U.S. Divers Proflex II Diving Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Wide Feet

If you want flexible fins for snorkeling that won’t strain the muscles in your feet and legs, these are a good option. US Divers have flex zones that help cup the water, so you move efficiently and effortlessly through the water. The fin blade is longer than some others and has added fin rails to improve thrust. Additionally, they are easy to pull on because of a closed back and pull tab.

Inside the swim fins for snorkeling, a soft foot pocket conforms to your foot. However, it is not as soft as you might expect and you can get blisters if they are a poor fit for your feet. These are best bought when you can try them on, or somewhere with a return policy because of sizing discrepancies.

The long blade flexes a lot, so it is a poor choice for people who have hard kicks. They feature cutouts on the side of the blade that offer less resistance as you propel through the water. While they are not a good choice if you want to go fast, they are perfect for snorkeling.

 

9. Phantom Aquatics Voda Full Foot Snorkeling Swim Fins – Best Snorkel Fins For Travel

These fins for snorkeling have several features to improve performance and make them perfect for snorkeling. The blade is lightweight and reactive, so you do not get cramps. It does help strengthen muscles by providing just enough resistance. The short blades encourage a powerful thrust and a ribbed design controls water flow.

The fin has a roomy toe area, which will not cramp your toes. However, if you have a narrow foot, then you may want to size down. It has an open toe design and a flexible fit. Also does not work well for walking in shallow water.

It is easy to pull this on and off because of a pull tab and a lack of straps. Inside, the foot cup is soft and you do not have to worry about blisters.

 

10. Cressi Palau Short Adjustable Fins For Snorkeling

This is a great pair of fins for snorkeling if you will be sharing because it offers adjustable sizes and responds well to different kicking styles because of the lightweight and responsive blade. To maximize propulsion, the blade starts at the end of the foot pocket. As you kick, the fin hugs to your foot.

It is great for travel because of its small size and easy to put on, because of an easy-to-use buckle. The buckle also is quick adjust and has a single-finger release for quick removal.

As you go through the water, a soft elastomer prevents blisters. Additionally, channel thrust technology controls how the water flows around your foot and propels you forward. A ribbed insole ensures your feet do not slip and these are also easy to walk in. However, one thing to note is that the top can press down uncomfortably on your foot if it is especially tall or you have a high arch. It may also tire your muscles if you are not used to snorkeling.

 

 

How To Choose The Flippers – Snorkeling Fins Buying Guide

If you want to propel effortlessly through the water on your next snorkeling adventure, then you want to choose the right snorkeling fins. The fins for snorkeling you choose should not tire you out, but should instead let you glide through the water. Here are the considerations that you need to make.

Blade Length

The length or shortness of the blade will determine how much surface area your fin has. This affects how much forward momentum you will get per kick. Additionally, the blade length will determine how easy it is to walk on land. Usually, shorter fins for snorkeling are easier for walking in so they may be a better choice for snorkeling.

Adjustability

Some snorkeling fins are sized for a specific fit, while others are adjustable. If you are shopping for yourself, then you may want to choose one that conforms to your foot shape. If you want one that your friends can use or for several family members, look for one with an adjustable buckle.

The flexibility of the Fins For Snorkeling

The flexibility of the blade on the fin determines how much strength you have to put behind your kick for it to be effective. It would be best if you chose something flexible enough to propel you forward, but you do not want something floppy. You should also avoid overly-rigid blades, especially if you have a strong kick. They may crack or become damaged.

The Foot Pocket

There are a few things that you should consider about the foot pocket before choosing a pair of fins for snorkeling:

• Material- The softness of the material will affect if blisters will be an issue. The last thing you want is to be focused on pain of blisters instead of the beautiful sights around you.
• Texture- Some snorkel fins have a ridged texture inside, which prevents slippage as you kick your feet.
• Open toe/heel- The open toe and/or heel is a matter of preference. However, it can affect the fit of the fin.
• Conformability- Some foot pockets are ergonomically designed or contoured, which helps them hug your feet for reduced slippage.

Easy On/Off

The last thing that you want to do is be struggling to put your snorkeling fins on while your friends are all jumping in the water for their snorkeling adventure. If you choose something easy to get on, then you will not have to worry about this. You should also consider if you will be going on land or a boat frequently, since this may also affect how important this feature is to you. For straps, look for something with a quick-adjust or quick-release. You can also look for snorkeling fins with a pull tab.

Full Foot vs. Open Heel

One of the most important parts of buying some snorkeling fins that are the best for you is whether you decide to go for an open heel or full-foot design.

Full foot snorkel fins

Full food type snorkel fins are best worn without the use of water socks. They work hell using barefoot and in warmer waters. These snorkel fins using have a shorter blade. This will make them lighter and easier to travel with.

Open heel snorkel fins

Usually, you would wear these with some aqua sock or boot to stop any rubbing on your feet. This also helps if you are swimming in colder water. This is great for snorkeling sites that require a long onshore trek as they protect your feet. This style is much more popular than their closed toed counterparts as they fit a wider range of feet.

Split Fins or Paddle

When it comes to the blades of your snorkeling fins there are 2 main types to choose from. Split fins can provide, if not more propulsion as the other type of blades, paddle fins. This will make it easier to use and therefore it will use less effort, allowing you to swim for longer.  Paddle fins, on the other hand, have a stiff single blade design that requires more leg muscles to get you moving.

Conclusion

Many things will factor into your decision as you buy snorkel fins for snorkeling. If you are still at a loss, our recommendation is:

Phantom Aquatics Snorkeling Fins

As long as you do not have especially narrow feet, these are a great choice. They are easy to pull on and off and have a roomy toe area. Additionally, they help maximize the output of your propulsion for each kick, so your energy is spent well.