Snorkels
Choosing a Snorkel
Depending on your destination and comfort level, you'll need to decide between a standard snorkel and a dry-top. Standard snorkels have an open top, allowing water to flow in when submerged. This style is easy to clear with a big exhale, but won't help much in choppy surf. A dry-top snorkel automatically closes when submerged, keeping the tube free from water entry and requiring no clearing. Kids typically prefer the ease of a dry-top, like the Cressi Dry Kids Snorkel.
Dive Snorkels
Snorkels designed for free-diving typically feature more flexible materials, allowing the tube to flatten in the high-pressure environment and reshape after surfacing. Look for a simple design for easy clearing.