Full-face masks have taken the snorkelling scene by storm over the past few years, and with good reason.
They offer a unique snorkelling experience and have some big advantages over a traditional mask and snorkel set.
There are, however, a huge number of products on the market, varying widely in both price and quality.
In this guide, we review the best full-face snorkelling masks currently on the market in Australia. After that, we discuss the key features you should keep an eye out for when choosing.
Our top pick: Ninja Shark Equaliser Pro Full Face Snorkel Mask
Australian brand Ninja Shark has proven itself to be one of the market leaders in the world of Full Face Masks.
With the latest release of their Equaliser Full Face Snorkel Mask, they incorporate a host of new technology, all with the focus of making full-face masks more comfortable, reliable, and safe.
The main selling point of Ninja Shark’s mask is its revolutionary breathe flow system.
This allows users to breathe naturally, through both their nose and mouth, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience of exploring an underwater world, without any concern or discomfort.
This is the result of its three air chambers and four intake valves, which allow for improved air circulation.
This design also results in a mask that is more comfortable to use, is safer (no CO2 buildup), and one that is much less prone to fogging.
The introduction of the equaliser in this mask was a direct response to a common criticism of full face masks – that they are only suitable for surface snorkelling and are not safe for diving below the surface.
With the ability to pinch your nose, users are now able to explore further and deeper than ever before.
What’s more, Ninja Shark is an Australian owned and operated business, offering fast and local shipping and a Lifetime Warranty on all products.
Note Ninja Shark also make a kids mask, available here.
PROS
- 20% better visibility than regular full face mask
- Improved airflow for natural breathing through nose and mouth
- No CO2 buildup
- Improved anti-leak seal
- Equaliser functionality
- Universal size fits most faces
- GoPro compatible
- Australian owned & operated business
CONS
- Not suitable for very narrow or very big faces
- More expensive than other options
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Runner up: Wildhorn Seaview 180 Full Face Mask v2
The latest version of the original full face mask, and still one of the most popular full face masks in the world, the Seaview 180 v2 by WildHorn receives rave reviews from almost all who get the chance use it.
Manufactured only with high grade materials, the Seaview 180 features fully adjustable comfort straps, a fog resistant design, and integrated GoPro camera mount.
With high-quality silicone skirting, this mask rarely lets in any water. But if you are unfortunate enough to get a small leak, you can rest easy knowing the one-way valve in the bottom of the masks allows water to escape without needing to take the mask off or blow through the snorkel.
PROS
- Original full face snorkel mask
- Very popular, proven product
- Dry snorkel
- Fog resistant design
- Breathe through nose or mouth
- Anti leak technology
- Go-pro compatible
CONS
- Slightly harder to breathe through than a traditional mask and snorkel
Best value: IClique Full Face Snorkel Mask
One of the best lower cost options on the market, the iClique full face snorkel includes many of the features found on more premium products.
Featuring double channel airflow to reduce fogging, high quality silicone seal, dry top snorkel, GoPro camera mount, and an adjustable fabric headband, it’s easy to see why this mask is so popular.
Offering full 180° panoramic viewing, the iClique is sure to add an extra element of excitement to your next snorkelling adventure.
PROS
- Affordable
- Suitable for ages 5+
- Ear plugs
- Carry bag and waterproof phone case included
CONS
- Curved lens can distort viewing
Also great: Ocean Reef Aria Full Face Snorkeling Mask
Available in four different sizes, the Aria full face mask from Ocean Reef is one of the most popular on the market.
Featuring a huge wide angle lens, the Aria mask offers superior field of vision, while design ensures air is circulated through the mask, reducing the risk of fogging.
With a polycarbonate lens and surgical grade silicone skirt, this is also one of the best quality, and a product you can trust will hold up against the elements in your next snorkelling adventure.
Feature packed, the Aria also includes a camera mounting dock, “dry top” to stop any water entering the snorkel, and light colours within the mask to provide the brightest possible viewing experience.
PROS
- Fresh air venting that allows no fogging of the mask
- Four size options to suit almost any face type
- Super wide field of vision
- Removable snorkel for easy transport and storage
- 24 month warranty
CONS
- Ranging from 0.7-0.9kg, it is one of the heavier options
- Not suitable for diving far below water surface due to pressure build up
Ninja Shark Folding Full Face Snorkel Mask 2.0
The key thing differentiating this mask from the rest is its unique foldable snorkel tube, making installation and transport a breeze.
Features of the Ninja Shark include anti-fog design, flat lens providing 180 field of vision, environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, and a leak-proof dry top seal.
Further, a detachable camera mount provides you with the option to capture your underwater adventures for future viewing.
To top it off, Ninja Shark offers a lifetime warranty and no questions asked satisfaction guarantee.
PROS
- Great face seal
- Flat lens removes distortion
- Anti-allergic medical grade silicone
- Detachable camera mount
- Available in S/M and L/XL sizing
- Australian Family Owned Company
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Only suitable for ages 12+
Benefits of full face masks
No Mouth Piece
This may not seem like a big deal, but some find hours of snorkelling with a traditional snorkel quite painful. Others suffer from an unpleasant gag reflex as the result of the traditional mouth piece. The full face mask eliminates these problems with the added benefit of being able to breathe through both your nose and mouth.
No need to clear water from your snorkel
Unless you are using a fully dry snorkel of the traditional design, you will end up with water in your snorkel that needs to be cleared each time you resurface, and often ends up in your mouth. Full face masks remove this issue with a valve that prevents any water from entering.
Improved Visibility
Full face masks do not have the traditional skirt surrounding the lens restricting visibility of the user. They therefore provide a panoramic view and a fully immersive snorkelling experience.
Less prone to fogging
Due to their built in two way air system, full face masks are much less prone to fogging than the traditional variety.
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Downsides of full face masks
There are of course some trade-offs with full face masks vs the traditional design. Here are the key drawbacks:
Equalising
One of the downsides of full face masks is the reduced access to your nose, meaning you cannot equalise, making them appropriate for shallow snorkelling only and not for diving.
Update: Some manufacturers are now releasing full face masks with equalising capabilities.
Less oxygen
Some users report that they notice less oxygen flows through the full face mask vs the traditional variety, which is backed up by comments from some manufacturers.
This makes them less appropriate for exercising in, and more suitable for casual snorkelling.
Australian brand Ninja Shark addresses many of the safety concerns people have with full face masks here.
Now that you have an idea of the pros and cons of this exciting new variety of masks, read on for detailed reviews of our recommended products in the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Breathe Underwater With A Full Face Snorkel?
Similar to a traditional mask and snorkel set, with a full face mask the top of the snorkel needs to be out of the water for you to be able to breathe.
You are able to hold your breath and dive below the surface, and a floating ball design in most products will seal the snorkel so no water can enter. You can then blow out any water that does make its way in once you resurface.
It is recommended, however, that you follow manufacturers guidelines when diving with full face masks, as often this increases air pressure around the face.
How Do You Measure For A Full Face Snorkel Mask?
Most full face masks use the vertical measurement from the bridge of your nose to the tip of your chin. However, the sizing with each product will differ so be sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart.
For example, with the WildHorn Seaview 180, it is recommended that if the above measurement is above 11.9cm, you choose a L/XL, and if below this a S/M.
Can I Snorkel With A Beard?
Depending on your beard shape and size, it is possible, but generally beards and snorkelling don’t mix well.
Anywhere the mask needs to form a seal around your face needs to be free from obstruction, and unfortunately facial hair is likely to cause problems in this regard.
Where Can I Buy A Full Face Snorkelling Mask In Sydney, Perth, Brisbane Or Melbourne?
Given full face snorkels are still fairly new to the market, the best products are generally only available online in Australia. If, however, you are set on checking one out in a physical store, your best bet will be your local dive or sports shop.
