Best Snorkeling Fins - A Complete Guide

by CaliCase Team on June 07, 2023

Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world and get a closer look at the incredible marine life beneath the surface. However, without the right equipment, your snorkeling experience can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even dangerous. That's why choosing the right pair of snorkeling fins is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this article, we will be sharing our top picks for the best snorkeling fins for adults and children, based on factors such as comfort, fit, performance, and value for money. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or just starting, these fins will help you swim with ease, speed, and maneuverability, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the underwater world. So, let's dive into the world of snorkeling fins and find the perfect pair for you!

 

BEST SNORKELING FINS FOR ADULT

Fins Cressi Palau Adult Short

Fins

The Palau short adjustable fin (SAF) is a versatile fin designed for practicality and comfort. The foot pocket can easily adapt to multiple foot sizes, making it great for families or rental use. The blade is lightweight and responsive, allowing for a fluid and effortless kick. The strap has a strong pull tab ring for easy donning and doffing. The soft elastomer fin pocket adds to the overall comfort of the fin. It is portable and commonly used for swimming and snorkeling.

Pros:

  • Comfortable and fit well
  • Portable
  • Suitable for snorkeling in shallow water

Cons:

  • Short and less effective against strong current
  • No secure fit

 

 Here are the three most informative reviews we found on Amazon:

"Comfortable and light weight so great for traveling. everything you would expect from cressi!!! would totally recommend...pretty sturdy so good to use too if you are dealing with a bit of a current...i used for snorkling against a current and worked well... may try for diving if no current."

"Loved these fins for snorkeling. They were just the right size for quick dives and not too cumbersome on a boat or dock. They were easy to put on and take off in the water, and the straps and foot cups didn't cut into my feet or rub. They were very comfortable. I wish they had come with a travel bag."  

"These aren't very good fins. Unless you have tried them in person and like them, I would recommend staying away from them. The straps come off easily, and even when they stay on, they feel like they are going to slide right off the back of your heel. I couldn't kick hard, and I could barely make headway against a mild current. I was worried for my safety. You should consider buying a better fin than this one."

 

Their price was $45.49 the last time we checked on Amazon.

 

Fins Mares Plana Avanti 

Mares fins

The Mares Avanti are lightweight, durable, and efficient They have an orthopedic foot pocket, to optimize the comfort, and a mid-sized blade with three channels for optimal water movement during the kicking cycle. These fins are easy to kick, making them ideal for extended snorkeling time.

 

 Pros:

  • Lightweight design, 6 grams lighter than other fins in this list
  • Secure fit
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Not suitable size
  • Foot pockets may rip if used daily

 

 Here are the three most informative reviews we found on Amazon:

 

"I have used just about every fin style you can imagine, including turtle, split, boogie board, and snorkel fins. This Avanti fin is my favorite "cross-over" fin for warm water. It has a closed heel (no booties needed when it's warm!), is flexible enough for snorkeling, and stiff enough for scuba diving."

"These fins are great for the price and provide good propulsion. This is my third pair, and I typically get about 8 to 10 years of steady, almost daily use for diving or swimming before I break one. While I have free diving fins I use for deep water, these fins get a lot of use in the 30-foot and shallower range and perform great."

"Discrepancy between label and product received! Ordered size "Mens 8-9", but received "Mens 6 1/2-7 1/2" despite the label on the bag indicating "Mens 8-9". Unfortunately, the 30-day return policy had expired by the time the gift was given, resulting in the recipient receiving fins that were too small. Now, I have to buy the gift again, as I cannot risk getting the same ones due to the packaging mistake."

 

Their price was $87.95 the last time we checked on Amazon.

 

Fins IST Rubber Rocket Scuba 

Mares fins
The IST Rubber Rocket Fins are a reliable and durable choice for deep sea diving, open sea rescues, and recreational spearfishing. The fins are made of strong rubber material that won't wear out or lose its stiffness over time. The foot pocket offers an optimal fit that's comfortable and snug, reducing drag. These fins provide reliable power for any underwater activity.

 Pros:

  • Strong materials
  • Comfortable 
  • Powerful propulsion

Cons:

  • Stiff and heavy
  • Sizing can be tricky

 

 Here are the three most informative reviews we found on Amazon:

"Choose knockoff rocket fins over the real brand. These are perfect for Navy training. The only difference from the real ones is the missing logo. They are faster than recreational fins and outperform split fins or long fins. They are slightly heavier, but this does not affect your speed. I wear them with 2-3mm socks from Amazon, and the fit is perfect, with the strap not hitting my ankle. The new straps are sturdy, and I plan to look for identical backup straps in case they snap."

 "Rocket fins are like ankle weights that enhance ankle flexibility and endurance while swimming. These fins are quite heavy, but they are excellent for increasing speed and propelling through the water. If you're planning to become a special operator, these fins will undoubtedly help you prepare."

"These fins are excellent! They're versatile enough for functional training programs or diving. I've heard some negative feedback that they're too heavy, but it ultimately comes down to training and getting accustomed to their fit. I would highly recommend them to anyone training for selections or to any avid scuba divers."

 

Their price was $108.80 the last time we checked on Amazon.

 

Fins TUSA SF-22 Solla Open Heel Scuba 

Tusa fins
The TUSA SF-22 Solla Fins combine advanced materials and hydrodynamic innovations to deliver superior propulsion, speed, and maneuverability. The multi-compound foot pocket increases power transfer to the fin blade, while the newly designed anatomic foot pocket enhances comfort. The three-channel blade with crescent tip maximizes propulsion, and the reinforced blade side-rails and vents fine-tune performance. 

 Pros:

  • Advanced materials and comfortable to wear
  • Powerful fins
  • High-quality straps

Cons:

  • Sizing can be tricky
  • High-end fins make them more expensive than others

 

 Here are the three most informative reviews we found on Amazon:

"I used to think I was a poor swimmer, but now I realize that I just needed new fins! These fins are incredibly comfortable to wear, and I don't need to exert a lot of effort to get around, even in stronger currents than usual."

"I am in love with my TUSA fins! They fit me perfectly, are incredibly easy to adjust, not too heavy, allow for excellent movement in the water, and look amazing. I am extremely satisfied with this product."

"I wear size 12EEEE shoes and used these fins for a dive trip to Jamaica with Mares 2mm booties. They're incredibly comfortable; however, their hydrodynamic performance depends on proper swimming technique. They're fantastic when the foot angle is optimal but provide just an OK propulsive force if it's slightly off. Despite this, I'd highly recommend them to people with larger feet. A little bit of practice could make a significant difference."

 

Their price was $139.0 the last time we checked on Amazon.

 

Fin ScubaPro Seawing Nova Gorilla 

Scubapro fins
The Seawing Nova Gorilla diving fin is similar in appearance to the Seaw Nova, but features a Monprene elastomer with a special additive to increase blade stiffness and feedback. Ideal for technical divers and instructors, the fin is effective at high and low-speed maneuvering for improved handling. The G4 articulated hinge allows the wing-shaped blade to pivot and generate thrust for maximum control. The blade has a perfect balance of stiffness and flex, with upward-arching wing tips for added power and stability. Pivot Control Technology maintains the most efficient angle of attack. The fin is easy to don and doff with a marine-grade bungee strap and improved non-skid grip on wet surfaces. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

 Pros:

  • High-quality materials
  • Suitable for diving trips
  • Provide good movement in the water

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky
  • Quite expensive if compared to others
  • Sizing can be tricky

 

 Here are the three most informative reviews we found on Amazon:

"Before using these flips, it's recommended to use them for a few serious workout swims to get your back in shape. Initially, my back felt like it was going to break, and the pain was excruciating for about three weeks. However, once I got in shape, these flips were a game-changer. I swim year-round in the lower Columbia, where the currents are strong, but these flips allow you to swim directly against the current for a short sprint and easily swim perpendicular to the current. However, it's essential to pre-plan for the distance that the current will pull you and ensure no boats are in the way. These flips will make you fly if you swim directly with the current." CFL from Amazon Review.

 "I love these orange speedster fins! They work great for scuba diving and lap swimming. The spring hinges give me a lot of power to do fast barrel rolls and swim backwards along the bottom. I can even launch a huge splash when a lifeguard gets too close. These fins are amazing, and I haven't been kicked out of the pool yet!" Sam from Amazon Review.

 " I'm a big supporter of the Jet Fins, but an experienced diving instructor I know has used regular Seawing Novas for hundreds of dives without any issues. I recently tried the regular Seawing Novas and, coming from jet fins, I found them lacking in power and didn't like the snapping sensation. Additionally, I wasn't comfortable with frog kicking and swimming backwards. However, they are very comfortable around the footpocket and lighter than my jet fins." Mark from Amazon Review

 

Their price was $281.00 the last time we checked on Amazon.

 

What is the appropriate size of fins for snorkeling?

Choosing the right size of fins can be challenging, as it can vary depending on an individual's foot size and the brand. While it may be tempting to purchase fins online or based on recommendations from others, it is essential to try them on before buying to ensure a proper fit. Here is the comparison chart to help you find the best size for the most popular fin brands. We summarized the size of the fins of these five popular brands: Cressi, Mares, Scubapro, IST, and Tusa for men and women. 

 

 Comparaison Chart Fin Size for Men

Fins Size Comparaison Chart by Brands - Mares, Scubapro, Cressi, IST, Tusa

 

Comparaison Chart Fin Size for Women

Fins Size Comparaison Chart for Women by Brands - Mares, Scubapro, Cressi, IST, Tusa

 

Best Snorkeling Fins For Children

When it comes to choosing fins for children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the fins fit well and provide comfort. It’s no fun having blisters or cramps ruining the day. Secondly, safety is a top priority. Choose a pair of fins that have safety features such as shorter blades to prevent accidental contact with other swimmers or marine life. Thirdly, look for fins that are easy to use and maneuver, as children can struggle with stiff or heavy equipment. Lastly, a fun design is always a plus for kids, so choose a colorful or exciting pattern that they’ll love wearing. Overall, when selecting fins for children, prioritize comfort, safety, ease of use, and fun design to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience for your little snorkeler!

 

Cressi Mini Light Fins 

Cressi Mini Light Fins For Children
The Cressi Mini Light is a great option for the youngest snorkelers, as it is easy to use and comfortable to wear. Made from plastic, these fins are designed with shorter blade to make it easier to maneuver in the water, and even to walk with on the beach. We recommend wearing a pair of fin socks to avoid the skin rubbing on the fin. You can buy socks for children on Amazon for $18 USD.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and walk with
  • Secure fit
  • Size from 2 year olds

Cons:

  • Not adjustable

    Their price was $24.50 the last time we checked on Amazon.

     

    Deep See Junior Splash

    Deep See Junior Splash Fins
    The Deep See Junior Splash are open toe fins. You can adjust the buckle to fit the foot. The fin is bigger than the other products we recommend for children and they are more recommended for 9/10 year-olds. The advantage with these fins is that the child can use them for a longer period of time since it is adjustable with the size of foot. Although they tend to have a less secure fit than the close fins.

     

    Pros:

    • Adjustable with the foot
    • Powerful strokes

    Cons:

    • No secure fit
    • Easy to break the buckle

      Their price was $29.95 on Scuba.com the last time we checked.

       

      Arena Junior Fins 

      Arena Chidren Fins
      The Arena Junior Fins are designed with an open heel giving more flexibility to the ankle. They offer a solid and reliable option for those looking for a comfortable and flexible fin. They are the shortest fins we recommend in this list, perfect for beginners in calm waters.

      Pros:

      • Arena is a reliable brand
      • Open heel gives more flexibility
      • Secure fit

      Cons:

      • No size for under 9 year olds
      • Not adjustable

       

      These fins are available on Amazon, starting from $24 the last time we checked. 

       

      Children's Snorkeling Fin Sizes: Comparaison Chart

       

      Children's Snorkeling Fin Sizes

      Do You Need Fins to Snorkel?

      Our team obtained this information regarding snorkeling fins from Google. 

      "Fins are highly recommended for snorkeling as they provide numerous benefits such as increased efficiency, ease of movement, better control and precision while exploring coral and wildlife, and extra buoyancy which allows for longer snorkeling sessions without getting tired. Although fins are not mandatory, they are an essential component of a proper snorkeling kit. Without fins, snorkeling can be more difficult and less enjoyable. Additionally, fins can contribute to safety by protecting feet from injuries, and in emergencies, they can help a snorkeler quickly return to the beach. Choosing a bright color for your fins could also increase your visibility in the water, making it easier for lifeguards to spot you. While the initial cost can be a drawback the benefit are worth investing in fins."

      Are Long Fins Better than Short Fins?

      We've asked Guillaume, a swimming teacher, and lifeguard for five years, whether long fins are better than short fins.

      "Short snorkeling fins are better for high-velocity kicks. They are easier to maneuver and quicker to change directions. They are easier on the leg muscle, and you're less likely to get cramps. I recommend short fins for children and beginners or if you get cramps quickly. They are also suited in shallow water. However, short fins are not optimal in rough conditions, such as on the coast with waves and currents. In that case, long fins will provide more power. You'll spend less effort for long distances and move faster."

      BACK TO TOP