The IMAX Adult Inflatable Snorkeling Life Vest is our best snorkel vest and is an ideal life vest jacket for snorkeling and other water activities. Easily packable due to the fact that it is very light weight compared to other snorkel vests out there so it is relatively easy to carry, you get absolute safety in all kinds of water sports and water activities plus it can save people’s lives. Swimming activities can also be enhanced with this vest jacket and you can also do various boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing with this life vest jacket. Most kids and adults can definitely use this life vest jacket for snorkeling and other water sports due to the very fact that it has highly adjustable straps to help you find your way into the right fitting.
Our step-up pick is the Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Snorkel Vest and there is also a great security pocket that allows you to keep the important items that you need to keep while snorkeling or diving. The high visibility of the snorkel vest makes it very useful when it comes to snorkeling and swimming as well as diving. It is easily have extra lift using the oral inflator tube and it is available in a myriad of sizes, from small to X-large. The colors you can choose from include neon orange and neon yellow and the snorkel vest is perfect for a wide variety of snorkeling purposes as well as water sports and water activities.
The budget pick is the Phantom Aquatics Snorkel Adult Vest and the nylon construction of the snorkel vest material is very durable. It is also available in yellow and orange colors, both in regular and deluxe versions and a 3M reflective tape is included in the snorkel vest so that even at a distance far and wide, you can definitely add more visibility to your snorkel vest. This adult sized snorkel vest has a great floating capability and the waist strap of this snorkel vest is also highly adjustable for your convenience. The oral inflation valve has a locking mechanism and is also relatively easy to reach and the snorkel vest in deluxe mode is very versatile to wear as a great snorkel vest to have.
A Little Background
Snorkel vests have a wide range of usage. For instance, snorkel vests are used like snorkeling neoprene socks such that they protect the user from the blistering cold temperatures of the salt water and the underwater world that would normally freeze you if you stay there longer.
In addition to that, snorkel vests also act like life jackets except for the fact that they are submersible so that they can be taken under the water for a dive or a snorkeling session. They are the greatest thing to use with when it comes to overall protection as well as style and color.
In some cases, snorkel vests also add visibility and signal so that people will easily recognize you while underwater because some snorkel vests also have light signaling as well as luminous material and luminous bright colors that are attached to their snorkel gear in general so you get totally awesome visibility in your snorkeling session or scuba diving as well.
How We Picked
On choosing the best snorkel vests, we consulted the following:
Safety factor – it is important for a snorkel vest to have safety features such as high visibility and emergency equipment.
Buoyancy control – as a snorkeling vest, it must be able to help you control the buoyancy and the air so you can control how you want to float.
Adjustability – we have to make sure that the snorkel vests are highly adjustable with the comfort factor in mind due to the fact that it should be highly comfortable for any user.
Our Pick
IMAX Adult Inflatable Snorkeling Life Vest
An ideal life vest jacket for snorkeling and other water activities, our best snorkel vest is the IMAX Adult Inflatable Snorkeling Life Vest and it can also be used for surfing due to its protective material and build. Swimming activities can also be enhanced with this vest jacket. You can also do rafting and fishing with this awesome snorkeling best and you can also do various boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing with this life vest jacket.
You get absolute safety in all kinds of water sports and water activities plus it can save people’s lives and it is available in three various colors. A great must-have for beginners when it comes to scuba diving, snorkeling and the like, the collar has a horse style that goes over the neck in its design. It is relatively easy to remove and to put on so you don’t have to feel hassle while putting it on or taking it off.
Most kids and adults can definitely use this life vest jacket for snorkeling and other water sports due to the very fact that it has highly adjustable straps to help you find your way into the right fitting. It is easily packable due to the fact that it is very light weight compared to other snorkel vests out there so it is relatively easy to carry and the buckles have a quick release design for your convenience and comfort.
The vest can be easily secured using the tight straps on the crotch as well as on the waist part for better fitting while the mouth piece has been located strategically and conveniently for the snorkel vest. Easily deflate or inflate the snorkel vest using just the oral inflation tube that works well. Also, straps have a buckle system and some clips to keep them secured. The weight range of this snorkel vest is from 100 to 180 pounds. It can also be used on water wheels, wind surfing, water skiing, water polo, yachting, sailing, rubber boats, water trampolines, rowing, and many more water activities.
The snorkel vest is made from TPU or thermoplastic polyurethane and there is also an LED version of this snorkel vest that can be used for emergency purposes. There is also an inflatable bladder part so you can add control to your buoyancy, especially for people who are having trouble on floating properly.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Not all products in the swimming world and in the snorkeling world have perfect features. Some of the few shortcomings of our best snorkel vest, the IMAX Adult Inflatable Snorkeling Life Vest, include the fact that the color does not match the ones that are displayed on the screen, but this is not really a big deal at all.
Step-up Pick
Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Snorkel Vest
Our step-up pick, the Scubapro Cruiser Snorkeling Snorkel Vest is a great snorkel vest to consider. The high visibility of the snorkel vest makes it very useful when it comes to snorkeling and swimming as well as diving and the colors you can choose from include neon orange and neon yellow. There is also a great security pocket that allows you to keep the important items that you need to keep while snorkeling or diving and it is available in a myriad of sizes, from small to X-large.
The snorkel vest is perfect for a wide variety of snorkeling purposes as well as water sports and water activities. Easily have extra lift using the oral inflator tube as the snorkeling vest is made from high quality neoprene to keep you warm amidst the cold water and the deepest underwater terrains out there. The mixture of nylon and neoprene add durability and ease of use as well as comfort to the snorkel vest overall. You can easily cruise through the underwater worlds and see the reefs and corals as well as marine life. Super lightweight at only 2 pounds, it is an adult sized vest for people with great floating capabilities.
Budget Pick
Phantom Aquatics Snorkel Adult Vest
Our budget pick is the Phantom Aquatics Snorkel Adult Vest and this adult sized snorkel vest has a great floating capability. A 3M reflective tape is included in the snorkel vest so that even at a distance far and wide, you can definitely add more visibility to your snorkel vest. The closure is easy to have due to the buckles that are included in the pocket part of the snorkel vest and it is also available in yellow and orange colors, both in regular and deluxe versions.
The nylon construction of the snorkel vest material is very durable and the zipper closure is also very dependable due to the fact that the front part is also very heavy duty in its build. The snorkel vest in deluxe mode is very versatile to wear as a great snorkel vest to have and the comfort factor is a plus due to the collar that has a rolled edge design for better convenience while wearing this snorkel vest.
The oral inflation valve has a locking mechanism and is also relatively easy to reach and the waist strap of this snorkel vest is also highly adjustable for your convenience. There is also a nice crotch strap to keep the vest super secured without compromising the comfort factor. Buoyancy can be adjusted manually by the user and the wearer using the adding and subtracting of air.
Ideal Snorkel Vest with a Name Box
Scuba Choice Adult Neon-Yellow Snorkel Vest
The Scuba Choice Adult Neon-Yellow Snorkel Vest has a great build as well as a comfortable factor using its great design and high quality material and it is also an extra large adult sized scuba diving and snorkeling vest so it can really accommodate people who are plus sized. It can fit most adults with a weight limit of about 200 pounds or more due to its sturdy build as well as excellent quality of material.
When it comes down to visibility, it is not compromised due to the very fact that this snorkel vest has a striking neon yellow color so it will give off great visibility while underwater or while in rigorous situations that people need to rescue you. The inflation is not a problem because of the very fact that it can prevent itself from riding upwards due to the great design that contains one removable strap that makes it an excellent snorkel vest all in all for its quality build and comfortable factors.
The oral inflator is very excellent in its build and is very easy to use and the snorkel stands at a size of 27 by 19 inches so it is quite large but can fit a lot of larger people. Its neck size amounts to 27 inches and the very fact that it has a unique name box makes it a great snorkeling choice among a group so that you do not lose your own scuba diving or snorkeling vest while snorkeling with a group of people.
A great and reliable snorkel vest that can be used by beginners and experts alike when it comes down to snorkeling as well as scuba diving and other water sports, you also get a manufacturer’s warranty of 30 days. It is also great for people who are 6-footers and other tall people and those who weigh more than 250 pounds due to being an extra large snorkel vest in its design.
Snorkel Vest that can also be used for Diving
Ivation Free-Diving Jacket Inflatable Snorkel Vest
The Ivation Free-Diving Jacket Inflatable Snorkel Vest is a great snorkel vest to make things easier while you are taking a dive under the water or snorkeling or just doing anything that is related to the sea or to the water without the risk of submerging yourself unintentionally. The diving snorkel vest is a great way to keep yourself safe in open water and in just about any situation wherein you are not very proud of your floating or swimming skills and it is also a great survival vest for the flood as we all as being in a boat. It is also highly inflatable so you can control your buoyancy that you would naturally want to control like a submarine so you can use it effectively while you are snorkeling in shallow water or while you are scuba diving in the deepest parts of the ocean.
The rapid inflation feature allows you to easily set up the snorkel vest without much hassle so you can get straight on to snorkeling other than anything else and you also get a lot of customization factors with this snorkel vest due to the very fact that it also has a bunch of crotch straps to keep it safe and secure and a comfortable fit for you who would want to wear the snorkel vest for protection.
There is also a bunch of waist straps to keep you safe and sound while wearing the snorkel vest so that it does not float away from your body while you are wearing it while snorkeling or scuba diving and the style of the snorkel vest is over the neck so it is rather easy to manage and to wear without compromising the overall comfort factor of the snorkel vest.
While in deep water, you can get the best confidence possible due to its elevation features and the very durable material of the snorkel vest that is very tough and also resistant to tearing so you can definitely have more confidence while snorkeling or scuba diving. The mouth piece is also very easy to access and has an intuitive design so you can inflate or deflate right off the bat and you can also definitely wear the snorkel vest for long hours of use due to its durability and reliability as a snorkeling gear. It is available for small, medium and large sizes. The perfect fit is very precise in this snorkeling vest and it will assure you that it will not fall off or slip while swimming, diving or snorkeling.
Best 2-Pack Snorkel Vest
Typhoon Sports 2-PACK Mix&Match Snorkel Vest
The Typhoon Sports 2-PACK Mix&Match Snorkel Vest combo can be customized to any way you want and you can choose two adult sized, youth sized or one adult and one youth sized and you can also choose the weight limit rating so it is a fully customizable and versatile mix and match snorkel vest set for you and your snorkeling or scuba diving partner. The youth size is recommended for people under 80 pounds of weight and the adult sized snorkeling vests come in two categories: the regular size and the XL size. The regular size is for adults who weigh about 80 to 180 pounds while the XL size is obviously for people who weigh 180 pounds and above.
It is also equipped with a handy and usable oral inflator valve that has a locking action feature so that you can stay confident when inflating the snorkel vest right off the bat and the neon yellow color of this snorkeling best also allows it to easily be visible when needed in the dark corners of the ocean or at night or while in tough situations where there is a need to rescue people. The nylon material is made from 420-denier quality so you can be assured that it is very tough to beat and resistant to scratching, abrasions and many more and it also comes with a high quality strap that can be removed at any time and at any place and it also keeps the vest from riding upwards when it has been inflated in place.
It is truly dependable, trustworthy, and reliable and is made from only the best quality materials so that you can stay safe and confident while snorkeling or diving under the sea and it is also relatively easy to deflate and inflate and it is also a very trustworthy snorkeling vest for those people who are not very good at swimming. It is also very easy to pack up due to its compact build
Ideal Snorkel Vest for Kids
Rrtizan Children Portable Inflatable Snorkel Vest
The Rrtizan Children Portable Inflatable Snorkel Vest is very ideal for children and kids or for adults and teenagers who have a smaller frame and it has a weight capacity of up to 130 pounds of load due to its high quality TPU membrane material for the composite canvas construction equipped with storey strength. The canvas material is also highly durable on its outer layer to give you the best protection that you need for floating or submerging exercises or for your scuba diving or snorkeling adventures.
If you are new to snorkeling then this portable and inflatable snorkel vest is a must-have as you can also snorkel in the deepest parts of the water right off the bat due to its unprecedented quality that you can take under the water and into the world of coral reefs. You can also feel much more comfortable while in the water with this children’s portable snorkel vest due to its great support for people who are very new to snorkeling in general.
You will be guaranteed with safety, security and comfort in the long run due to the user-friendly design of the snorkel vest that this product is and you can also use it for spotting people in the water easier due to its shocking and easily reflected at night neon color of yellow. It also prevents user fatigue in the long run with its intuitive design. Moreover, it is a must-have for people who are new to snorkeling and scuba diving and the plaid design makes it very comfortable to use.
It also has adjustable body straps on the crotch as well as on the waist so that the snorkel vest will not go anywhere while you are submerging yourself in the underwater reefs. And also, the vest is also very easy to use and to inflate and deflate at the same time and the oral inflation tube is also rather easy to locate and adjust so that you can really stay put with this snorkel vest with all of your needs. It weighs less than 1 pound so it is definitely for the kids and it also helps you to build more confidence while you are out in the sea.
Ideal Snorkel Vest for Reef Exploration
Reef Tourer by Tusa Snorkeling Vest
With the Reef Tourer by Tusa Snorkeling Vest, you can choose from an adult size or a child size snorkeling vest due to its durability and versatility as a snorkeling vest. In fact, you can definitely use it for coral reefs as it is our ideal snorkel vest for reef touring and reef viewing. Its yellow air cell gives off a lot of high visibility in the long run and in darker places so you totally get the best visibility while under the water and buoyancy is very important and is also very high in this snorkeling vest and it can also be adjusted accordingly to your needs to give you the best kind of comfort possible from a snorkel vest.
You can also easily enjoy safety, accommodation and overall comfort using its buoyancy features as the snorkel vest weighs very light at less than 1 pound but it has a buoyancy of about 17 pounds. It also comes with a long inflator valve that spans at a length of 6 inches and can be easily operated whenever and wherever and there are straps for the crotch are as well as the waist area for better support for your snorkeling adventure without the worry of the vest slipping off to the surface of the water.
The compact storage is a great feature of this snorkel vest due to its ability to easily deflate or inflate whenever you need it to. You can also avoid fatigue and easily tiring yourself by using this ultra comfortable snorkel vest. The collar has a horse collar design so it is guaranteed to give you comfort all the way and it also has a strap for the waist which measures 44 inches in total. You also get a boost in your endurance and overall confidence as a swimmer or a diver. It has a limited warranty of 3 years for the snorkel vest.
Best BCD Snorkel Vest
Seac Pro 2000 Sws-Diving Bcd Vest
With the Seac Pro 2000 Sws-Diving Bcd Vest, you get a lot of support with this BCD vest and it is very ideal for scuba diving but can also be used for snorkeling. It has a total of three dump valves and all of them have pull commands each and there are a total of 3 D-rings that measure 50 mm and are stainless steel in material and are also curved in design.
There are also two D-rings that measure 50 mm and are also made from stainless steel with a straight design and there is also a stainless steel pair of D-rings at 25 mm each. Its dry weight totals in 4,750 g alongside the weight pocket as well as the hose that is built-in and needed. The internal bladder has been coated with polyurethane for extra protection as well as 420-denier nylon material for the best durability possible and its Duragon material for the outer bladder also adds durability to the snorkeling vest. In fact, it is one of the best BCD vests for scuba diving as well as snorkeling in its quality, design and features. Moreover, it has also been certified by EC as a great snorkel vest in its high quality. It also has a great buoyancy factor which is important for safety and security and it also distributes volumes evenly and as it should.
Ideal Snorkel Vest with High Visibility
Scuba Max Zip Front Hi-Vis Vest
With the Scuba Max Zip Front Hi-Vis Vest, it is super comfortable and it is also very high in its visibility as a snorkeling vest and snorkel jacket. Moreover, its edge collar has a rolled design so it is very comfortable to use for long hours of snorkeling or scuba diving and the yellow color of the snorkeling vest is very bright so it stays very visible in the dark corners of the ocean. Moreover, the nylon material will be a great addition to snorkeling quality and durability and it is currently available from sizes small to medium to adult size.
The Competition
Other snorkel vests that did not match our criteria were left out because we do not want you to have snorkel vests that easily slip up to the surface and leaving the snorkeler or diver behind. It is important that safety and security are upheld by the snorkel vest.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the nifty tips for snorkeling for beginners?
A: According to Tidal Tao , you should choose a reliable and comfortable snorkel mask and you should always wet your hair before you put on the snorkel mask. Always make sure your mask is defogged properly and the fins should also fit well so that they do not slip or you can use neoprene socks as well. And also, make sure you equip your snorkel vest and secure it.
Q: What are the safety tips to remember with snorkel vests?
A: According to Content Injection , you should make sure you check all of the fasteners and straps of the snorkel vest to make sure it fits well and you should also check leaks on the bladder if there are any. And furthermore, the adjustability of the snorkel vest buckles should be considered for the best comfort possible.
Wrapping It Up
To wrap things up, the IMAX Adult Inflatable Snorkeling Life Vest is our best snorkel vest when it comes down to snorkeling or even scuba diving. You can definitely count on this vest to help you stay safe and floating, especially for people who are not very trained with swimming underwater.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.