A full face snorkel mask is a beginner’s best friend for snorkelling. This gear is easy to use at once, unlike traditional snorkel masks. For the conventional choice, snorkellers usually need to conduct frequent practices to become comfortable with the tools. This prerequisite isn’t always the case with the full face option.
The snorkellers can just put the equipment on, and then they can swim on the surface of the water comfortably. Indeed, wearing a full face snorkel mask gives comfort because it helps you breathe naturally while floating on the surface. This greatest benefit comes from the design of the gear itself, which covers the entire face in one piece.
The swimmers won’t have to wear separate goggles and a snorkel tube, which can cause fatigue along the way. Find out more about the good and bad sides of the tool in this article. Besides, learn about the key features behind the instrument that make your first-time snorkelling experience no longer difficult or frightening. Keep scrolling!
Can you go underwater with a full face snorkel mask?
You can briefly dip below the surface, but these masks are designed strictly for surface snorkelling. If you insist on using it underwater for a long duration, some consequences might occur as the dry-top valve closes. For example, you can’t breathe because no fresh air comes in. You need to hold your breath and come back up to breathe again.
A full face snorkel mask is also not recommended for diving. Given its bulky design, you will find it harder to dive down and control your movement. Besides, the gear is not good for freediving, riding through strong currents, and waves. The apparatus is ideal for the following activities:
- Calm water snorkelling: Shallow reefs, lagoons, and bays.
- Relaxed surface floating: Tropical lagoons, coral reefs close to shores, and lakes.
- Long surface swims: A full face snorkel mask provides a wide field of view so you can observe the underwater scenery for a long period.
- Family trips: The easy-to-use trait of the gear can be suitable for kids when properly fitted and used under supervision in calm, shallow water.
Key features of the full face snorkel mask
The full face snorkel mask gained popularity in the 2010s as brands introduced user-friendly designs for beginners. Back then, they might have been too afraid to try because of the lack of practice with traditional snorkel masks. These first-time snorkellers might think they need to pay extra for a specific course on how to wear the tool properly.
With the sales of the full face option, they have more activity options while vacationing at the beach or ocean. These travellers can enjoy the underwater view for a while without feeling fatigue, adjusting the gear with the mouth or nose. If you are wondering why the equipment seems so magical, check the details of the features below:
Dry-top snorkel system
A full face snorkel mask contains this key feature, which mainly prevents water from entering the breathing chamber. As a result, your face will remain dry, allowing relatively natural breathing compared to traditional snorkels. A valve at the top will automatically close when the tip submerges. Thus, you can be relaxed as you swim and observe the marine ecosystem.
Separate air channel system
A full face snorkel mask has this critical feature, which is broken down into inhalation and exhalation channels. The inhalation one brings fresh air from the snorkel into your mouth and nose. It works the other way around by carrying the exhaled air out of the mask through a different exit. Thus, the inhaled and exhaled air don’t mix inside the gear.
Watertight seal
This aspect is also important to improve your natural breathing and snorkelling comfort. The seal is usually made from soft silicone or rubber. It prevents water from entering the mask, hence you can float comfortably. You can say this feature works in tandem with the dry-top snorkel system. Bear in mind to choose the seal that fits your face because a mask that is too big or too small can cause leakage.
Wide field of view
This full face snorkel mask feature is what makes the gear unique. Unlike the traditional goggles with a limited view, this feature allows you to see more underwater. In other words, it offers a wide panoramic field of view, often approaching 180 degrees depending on the design.
Make the most of your holiday in Komodo Island with Diving First!
Planning to have a holiday around Komodo National Park in Indonesia? Diving First is ready to welcome and assist you along the way. We are a team of local, professional divers with extensive experience handling clients all over the world. We offer various packages, such as private diving trips, snorkelling, and diving courses.
You can rely on our expertise for all travel-related things linked to the destination, including the use of a full face snorkel mask. Just a gentle reminder that the visitor quotas can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance to have the best holiday of your life in Komodo this year. Chat with us to get the quota or ask for more information!