Our Favorite Snorkel Gear for Unforgettable Adventures
Discover our favorite snorkel gear for unforgettable adventures! After 10+ years on the island of Bonaire and 5 years living aboard our sailboat Cosmos, we’ve tested lots of gear - masks, fins, and accessories for comfort and performance. Avoid leaks, blisters, and frustration!
Bonaire isn’t just where we grab a mooring — it’s home. When we’re not sailing the world aboard Cosmos, our 2008 Leopard 40, you’ll find us exploring the crystal-clear waters right off our doorstep. We met here during COVID in 2020, so this island will always hold a special place in our hearts. And while Bonaire is famous as a Diver’s Paradise, we think it should also be crowned a Snorkeler’s Paradise!
As an avid diver, I love snorkeling just as much. It’s so easy to throw on a mask, fins, and a wetsuit (yes, I’m always covered head to toe with a hooded vest and booties!) and hop right into the water. Our favorite spot? Treasure By The Sea Bonaire, where we have four beautiful rental houses just steps from the ocean (read below if you want more information). We try to get in the ocean daily because it makes you feel incredible - and no two snorkels are ever the same! Our personal best is finding 7 octopus in one 1 1/2 hour snorkel!
After over 10 years on the island and 5 years living aboard, we’ve put our snorkel gear through the ultimate test. We both have different preferences, and after years of trial and error (and even testing out our guests’ and friends' gear!- Thanks guys!), we’ve figured out what works best for us. Some of our gear has been going strong for over seven years, proving that investing in the right equipment, whether it’s budget-friendly or top-of-the-line, makes all the difference.
Mel Montagano from Prestige Performance Horses snorkeling through a bait ball in Bonaire with split fins.
Let’s be real: snorkeling should be effortless and fun! The last thing you need is a leaky mask, blister-inducing fins, or boots that feel like torture devices. You’re already out of your comfort zone, floating in the deep blue, wondering if that shadow in the distance is a friendly fish or something with teeth. Don’t let bad fitting gear be the thing that ruins the moment! Instead, you should be gliding weightlessly, soaking in the magic of the reef, watching colorful fish, graceful turtles, or majestic rays drift by.
So, if you're wondering what snorkel gear is worth it, we’ve got you covered! Here's what we love and why.
Chris' favorite fins are the Mares Avanti Pure! He is all about keeping it simple - no boots unless absolutely necessary! If he’s jumping straight off the boat (his favorite way to snorkel), there’s no sand to deal with, so why bother? These open-heeled fins provide the perfect blend of comfort and performance - and no dive boots needed. Designed for effortless power and flexibility, they're great for snorkeling or scuba diving. You can wear them with boots, but you will need a larger size, so be sure to try the fins on with your boots to make sure they fit. Chris bought them on Bonaire from XProDiver Bonaire, but you can order Mares Avanti Pure fins on Amazon.
Suzette’s favorite fins are the Oceanic Manta Ray Fins! Perfect for snorkeling, playing in the waves, or scuba diving, these fins offer power, comfort, and efficiency in the water. Whether you're exploring vibrant reefs or gliding effortlessly beneath the surface, they provide the perfect balance of performance and ease. When it comes to shore entries in Bonaire, she’s not taking any chances - hard coral and sea urchins can easily pierce even thin booties. Su suits up for protection, because nothing ruins an epic snorkel adventure faster than stepping on something spiky! Su bought them on Bonaire from XProDiver Bonaire, but they are available on Amazon.
Our amazing property manager, Verna, swears by her Hollis F-2 Technical Diving Fins! Why? Because they’re light as a feather and perfect for anyone with heel spurs (like her!). Whether she’s snorkeling or diving, she never has to worry about foot pain afterward. These fins let her enjoy the underwater world without any discomfort - now that's a win! She bought the on Bonaire from XProDiver Bonaire, but they are also available on Amazon.
Suzette prefers a thick-sole short dive boot for shore entries, offering comfort and protection on rocky or uneven surfaces. Make sure your boots fit snugly inside your fins - loose boots can cause your feet to move around, reducing efficiency. Keep in mind that water makes boots feel looser, so don’t size up too much! Here’s a pair we recommend: Check Cressi Dive boots here!
Suzette’s favorite dive mask is a wide-view, single-lens mask with side windows for maximum visibility. She prefers a mask with a purge valve under the nose - allowing for easy clearing by simply tilting her head back and exhaling. She’s been using this style since 1995, and it remains her top choice for comfort and clarity. Check it out here: Click to see Suzette’s favorite mask!
To check if a mask fits properly, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Keep hair out of the way - make sure no strands are between your face and the mask.
2️⃣ Skip the strap - don’t put it on yet! Just press the mask gently against your face.
3️⃣ Inhale through your nose - if the mask suction-seals to your face and stays put without using the strap, it’s a good fit and won’t leak.
4️⃣ If it falls off right away, it doesn’t seal properly and will likely leak in the water - try a different one!
A well-fitting mask means less adjusting, no leaks, and more fun underwater!
Chris' go-to dive mask is the Cressi Nano Freediving Mask - the only one he’s found that reliably seals with his mustache and beard. Designed for a snug, low-volume fit, it’s perfect for freediving, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Check it out here on Amazon or you can buy it in Bonaire at Bonaire Freediving School.
Chris is a huge fan of his Suunto D5 watch - it’s perfect for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving! The watch tracks your depth, time, and even provides real-time data, so you can stay safe while having fun in the water. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to enhance their underwater adventures. Grab yours on Amazon
"Sea" Clearly with Stream2Sea Mask & Goggle Defog! We never put on our masks without using Stream2Sea Mask & Goggle Defog - it’s a game-changer for you and the ocean! Not only does it keep our masks crystal clear, but it’s also reef-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it safe for both you and the planet. Without defog (even if it’s just your own spit), your mask will fog up, blocking your view of all the amazing underwater sights. Once your mask is on, keep it in place - lifting it off lets warm air in, causing fog to return. Stay crystal clear, protect the ocean, and enjoy every moment underwater!
Chris is all about his Bare wetsuit! Since he runs warmer in the water than I do, he keeps it light with a 1mm suit in the summer (May - November in Bonaire) and steps up to a 3/2mm for winter (December - April in Bonaire). It’s the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility for year-round comfort.
Suzette captures stunning underwater photos and videos with her Olympus TG-6, bringing the vibrant world beneath the waves to life. While the camera is waterproof down to 50 feet (15 meters), she always uses the Olympus housing for extra protection when exploring the ocean. The bright red color not only adds a pop of style but also makes it easy to spot if needed.
Want to discover the most breathtaking snorkel spots in Bonaire? The Reef Smart Guide is a fantastic resource, filled with expert tips to help you find crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life waiting to be photographed!
Check out our list of favorite gear that you can purchase on Amazon.
Ready to dive into your own unforgettable snorkeling adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just starting out, having the right gear makes all the difference - and so does the perfect place to stay!
At Treasure By The Sea Bonaire, you’ll be just steps from the ocean, with incredible snorkeling right out front. Our coastal rentals offer everything you need for a relaxing and adventure-filled stay, and our amazing property managers, Verna & Daniëlle, are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. So pack your fins, grab your mask, and come experience the magic of Bonaire with us! Book your stay today and let’s explore the underwater paradise together!Use discount code SAJGA10 to save 10% off your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you and make you part of our growing family of repeat guests! 😊🇧🇶
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Read our other articles:
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