Best Snorkel Vest

If you want to go snorkeling, all you really need is a mask, snorkel, and maybe some fins. With this minimal equipment, you can swim and observe undersea life without using bottled air or other cumbersome scuba equipment.

But, for safety and comfort, you may want to add a snorkeling vest to your water wardrobe.

The best snorkel vest will provide you with extra buoyancy if you need it, save you energy when treading water, and turn you onto your back if you should become unconscious. Some models are also designed to maintain your core temperature.

Snorkeling life vests are generally lighter and lower profile than those made for jet skiing and other watersports. That makes them easier to swim in. Plus, the degree of buoyancy is usually lower and controllable, so you can adjust your height in the water.

If you’ve got safety on your mind or just want to make snorkeling even easier and more relaxing, you probably need a snorkel jacket. For this review, we have tried and tested 12 of the most popular, so you can make an informed decision and buy with confidence.

Best Snorkel Vest

1. Scubapro Cruiser 

This close-fitting snorkeling vest is light, unrestrictive, and comfortable to wear. Uninflated, it provides a small amount of buoyancy but is inflated easily to provide more when required. It’s also high visibility to ensure you are easy to see and avoid when you’re in the water.

Key Features

• Neoprene construction
• Inflatable front bladder
• Single side zip for easy entry
• Full back design for sun protection
• Security pocket for valuables/accessories
• Available in two high-vis colors and five sizes, from X-small to X-large

This vest looks and feels like a short-sleeved wetsuit jacket. Because it’s made from neoprene, it will help keep warm. It’s easy to inflate, and buoyancy can be adjusted according to your needs.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to put on and take off
• Handy pocket
• Light and flexible
• Inflates easily

Cons

• High-vis is on the front and not on the back
• Quite expensive

One of the selling points of this snorkeling is its bright color. But, only the front is high-vis, so you won’t be any more visible when you are face down in the water. That small observation aside, this is a very functional and useful snorkeling vest.

2. Deep Blue Gear

This vest deflates completely, so it can be rolled up and stored without taking up a lot of space. This makes it ideal for snorkelers who are also frequent travelers. Light and adjustable, this product won’t encumber you during your next snorkeling trip.

Key Features

• Superior buoyancy
• Easy to use oral inflation tube
• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Made from light but strong 210D nylon
• Adjustable straps for a comfortable but secure fit
• Fold-flat design
• Available in two sizes and two colors

This simple to wear and easy to use snorkeling vest isn’t the most high-tech or even the most functional, but it’s well-priced and should provide plenty of buoyancy and security for any swimmer. It’s perfect for travelers as it folds flat and weighs next to nothing.

Pros

• Very light
• Packable
• Easy to use
• The yellow model is VERY high visibility
• Leakproof construction

Cons

• Between the leg crotch straps may be uncomfortable for some users
• Could rise up during use

This vest doesn’t fit snugly, so it could move around and rise up while you swim and could irritate your skin. Avoid this problem by wearing a rash guard underneath. If you are looking for a no-frills snorkel vest that won’t break the bank, this model is a good choice.

3. Innovative Scuba

This snorkel vest is light, comfortable, and easy to use. Inflated manually, it’s up to you how much air you blow into it. Partially inflated, it will give you just enough support to save you energy. Fully inflated, it will provide you all the buoyancy you need to stay on the surface of the water.

Key Features

• High-quality 210D nylon construction with double stitched seams
• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Easy to adjust, quick-release buckles
• Easy to use inflation/deflation valve
• Attached safety whistle
• Designed in the USA

Easy to inflate and deflate for optimal buoyancy, this well-priced and well-made snorkel vest is a one-size-fits-all product and should fit most users. Easy to adjust, the straps secure it snugly in place without affecting your range of motion.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Attractive design
• Well-made
• Light and comfortable

Cons

• Some users may prefer a higher-visibility product

This snorkeling vest comes in one color – black. It looks cool but, if you want to be safe, be seen, and a higher visibility color would be a better choice. But, if you aren’t worried about visibility, this well-made snorkeling vest could be a good choice.

4. Phantom Aquatics

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a snorkeling vest to keep you safe in the water. This product is both well-made and well-priced. And while it’s a straightforward design, it’s still buoyant enough for most users and should provide plenty of comfortable, reliable use.

Key Features

• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Adjustable waist and crotch straps
• Oral inflation/deflation tube
• Available in three colors
• Universal size

This budget-friendly snorkeling vest is easy to inflate, deflate, and use. Fully deflated, it can be rolled up for easy storage, making it ideal for travelers. Inflated orally, it’s also easy to adjust buoyancy. Universally sized for adults and kids.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Fully adjustable fit
• Light and comfortable
• High-vis colors

Cons

• No whistle

For the price, this snorkeling vest is hard to beat. You don’t get a whistle, which is a standard feature on many other snorkel vests. But, that one small issue aside, this is an excellent product. Plus, for a few dollars, you can always buy a whistle and lanyard and attach it yourself.

5. Scuba Choice Adult 

In this hot pink snorkel vest, you’ll be visible from miles away! Besides being a high-vis product, this vest is very well-priced and will support users up to 200lbs. If you want a cheap and cheerful snorkeling vest, this could be the product you want.

Key Features

• Very high-vis
• Detachable, adjustable waist and crotch straps
• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Easy to use oral inflator/deflator valve
• Welded, stitched seams

Providing you like the hot pink color, this budget-friendly option is a steal! Quick and easy to inflate and adjust, it will provide you with all the buoyancy you need for carefree snorkeling. With fully adjustable straps, it should fit both kids AND adults.

Pros

• Very low price
• Bright, easy to see color
• Light and comfortable
• Easy to use
• Suitable for kids and smaller adults

Cons

• No whistle
• Crotch strap could become uncomfortable if you swim a long way

This is a great snorkeling vest for occasional use, such as while on vacation. It’s light and easy to use but could rub during long swims. Avoid this issue by wearing a rash guard underneath.

6. Scuba Choice Youth

Snorkel vests are ideal for keeping kids safe while they swim. This model is designed specifically for children under 100lbs. It’s high-vis, so you’ll have no problem tracking your child’s movements.

Key Features

• Easy to put on over the head “horse collar” design
• Bright yellow high-vis color
• Adjustable waist and crotch straps
• Easy to use oral inflation/deflation valve
• Welded seams
• Can be personalized with the wearer’s name

This snorkel vest is compact, light, and perfect for kids. Personalize your vest with your kids’ name at checkout, or write it on the white name panel yourself with a waterproof pen. It’s easy to use and comfortable too, so your child will have no qualms about wearing it.

Pros

• Adjustable buoyancy
• Well-priced
• Easy to use
• Easy to see from a distance
• Can be personalized in case you have more than one child

Cons

• Maybe too small for older or larger children

If your child weighs more than 100lbs, they’ll probably need an adult-sized snorkeling vest. But, for younger, smaller kids, this product is excellent value and should keep your child buoyant and safe while they swim.

7. Promate

This simple, easy to use snorkeling vest won’t break the bank, but it’s more than buoyant enough so you can float effortlessly through the water.  Available in kids and adult sizes, this is a good option for the whole family.

Key Features

• Available in two high-vis colors
• Welded and taped seams
• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Available in four sizes, from junior to XL
• Oral inflation/deflation tube
• Adjustable crotch and waist straps

Whether you are a good swimmer who wants to take it easy, or a less confident swimmer looking for some confidence-boosting buoyancy, this vest can help. Adjust the inflation to suit your needs, slip it over your head and tighten the straps, and you’re good to go. This is a very easy to use snorkeling vest.

Pros

• Well made
• Great price
• Easy to use
• Packable and light
• Good range of sizes

Cons

• Crotch strap may be too short for taller users

Reviews suggest this snorkeling vest may not be suitable for very tall users. But if you are tall AND slender, it should still fit you. If in doubt, try before you buy or order a larger size to avoid this problem.

8. Phantom Aquatics 

With more and more products made in China, it’s always nice to see items made in the USA. This adult snorkel vest is excellent quality and made to be reliable and easy to use. It’s designed to fit adults up to 180lbs.

Key Features

• Over the head “horse collar” design
• Made from high visibility 210D nylon
• Adjustable waist and crotch straps with quick-release buckles
• Easy to use brass oral inflation/deflation valve
• Taped and welded seams
• Quick-release buckles

The only real downside of this product is that, if you are over 180lbs, it probably won’t fit you. That’s okay for slimmer users and children and youths, but you may need a different product if you are on the heavier side.

Pros

• High-quality product
• USA designed and made
• Reasonably priced
• Built to last

Cons

• Will not fit larger users

This isn’t the cheapest snorkel vest on review, but it is one of the most well-made. If you are looking for a product that should last (and last!), this could be the one for you. As an added benefit, while it IS high visibility, it’s actually quite a pleasant shade of yellow!

9. Innovative Scuba Deluxe Jacket

While many snorkeling vests have an over the head “horse collar” design, this one is worn like a more traditional life jacket. This makes it not only easier to put on and take off, but it also means it won’t ride up, and you don’t need an uncomfortable crotch strap either. This type of vest is MUCH more comfortable to wear but is usually more expensive too.

Key Features

• Neoprene construction
• High visibility front and back
• 210D outer layer for increased durability
• Compression strap for a more secure fit
• Easy to use oral inflation/deflation valve
• Available in three sizes – kids, adult, and extra-large
• 5×5” pocket for valuables and equipment
• Equipped with a whistle and lanyard

You can wear this vest uninflated for warmth and just a little buoyancy or inflate it fully if you want to be fully supported. It’s easy to inflate and deflate and won’t restrict your movements. The enclosed back panel means you are also protected from the sun’s UV rays.

Pros

• Very comfortable and unrestrictive
• Will keep your torso warm
• Can be used inflated or deflated
• Easy to put on, adjust, and take off

Cons

• Quite expensive

With more parts and materials, vest-type snorkeling jackets are always more expensive than the more straightforward “horse collar” variety. But, this jacket is so comfortable and versatile, it’s worth every extra penny.

10. Phantom Aquatics Zippered Vest

This snorkel vest looks a lot like a jet ski life jacket. However, appearances can be deceiving and, instead, it’s a stylish and functional vest made specifically for swimming.

Key Features

• Available in two colors – orange and yellow
• High-vis 3M reflective tape for increased safety
• Heavy-duty front zip closure
• Handy storage pocket for valuables
• Adjustable waist strap for a secure fit
• Easy to use oral inflation/deflation valve
• Neoprene back panel for increased warmth and a more comfortable fit
• Roll-edged collar to minimize rubbing

This neoprene backed vest is easy to use and comfortable to wear. Just slip it on, zip up the front, and tighten the waist straps. You can then inflate it as required. Neoprene is buoyant, so you may not even need to inflate it at all! It will also keep you warm.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Comfortable, adjustable fit
• Stylish design
• Won’t ride up like a horse-collar vest can
• Provides protection from the sun

Cons

• Could be too warm on sunny days

This vest is sold as a one-size-fits-all product, but that’s not really the case. While it can be adjusted and made smaller, it will not accommodate very large wearers and won’t cinch down small enough for very small users either. If you weigh between 130-180lbs, it’ll probably fit you fine. But, for other users, this snorkeling vest may not fit correctly, or even at all.

11. Rrtizan Swimming Vest

This jacket-style swimming vest is comfortable and easy to wear. The mesh back means you won’t feel overheated or restricted, while the unique strap design will ensure your vest stays securely in place and doesn’t ride up. Well-priced, this vest comes in three attractive colors.

Key Features

• 210D nylon and PVC construction
• Breathable mesh back panel
• Heavy-duty front zip
• Suitable for users from 80 to 220lbs
• Three color options – blue, green, and pink
• Up to 46” waist strap
• Twin leg straps
• Easy to use inflation/deflation valve

One of the biggest problems with snorkeling vests is that they tend to ride up your body and rub on your armpits and neck. Very uncomfortable! This model has leg straps instead of the more customary crotch strap to hold the jacket down and in place.

Pros

• Folds flat when fully deflated
• Well-priced
• Very comfortable
• Fully adjustable
• Stylish colors

Cons

• No sun protection
• No whistle

The only real issue with this particular product is that, if you have a large chest or belly, it may be a little small, even if you weigh less than the maximum weight limit of 220 lbs. It’s a good quality, easy to use product, but it’s not suitable for bigger users.

12. Lyuwpes Inflatable

Snorkel vests don’t come much easier to use than this over the head horse collar model. It’s also flexible, very lightweight, and perfect for travel. Better still, it’s incredibly well-priced too!

Key Features

• Available in five vibrant colors
• Made from polyester and PVC
• Adjustable for users up to 220lbs.
• Quick-release waist and crotch straps
• Easy to use oral inflation/deflation valve
• Supplied with a mesh carry bag

This snorkeling vest should fit most children and adults. The crotch strap stops it from floating up and over your head, and the waist strap prevents it from twisting on your torso. Flexible, lightweight, and compact, this cheap but well-made snorkeling vest is very enjoyable to use.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to use
• Comfortable
• Very lightweight
• Packs down small – ideal for travel
• Nice range of colors

Cons

• No sun protection for your back

Like most over the head models, this snorkel vest leaves your back exposed to the sun, so be careful not to get burned! Protect your skin by wearing a UV resistant rash guard or high SPF sunscreen. Other than that, this cheap but good quality product is perfect for safer, more relaxed snorkeling.

Bottom Line

You don’t need a lot of gear to enjoy snorkeling, but an inflatable vest is a worthy addition to your aquatic kitbag. Wearing a snorkel vest means you can float along with minimal effort and don’t have to worry about getting tired or being unable to get back to the shore.

They also help keep your body flat, so your snorkel is at the right angle for breathing.

Snorkel vests are also useful for anyone who isn’t a confident swimmer. By boosting your buoyancy, you should feel safer and more relaxed, so you can enjoy your swim even more.

It’s important to differentiate between vests and life preservers. Snorkel vests aren’t designed for lifesaving and are not approved by the US coastguard for this purpose. Instead, they’re swimming aids and not intended for jet skis, waterskiing, or kayaking.

Instead, they’re a handy item that makes you more buoyant while you swim. A snorkel vest won’t support your entire body weight but should provide just enough buoyancy that you can float with very little effort.

Snorkel longer and swim further with the best snorkeling vest!

Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert product reviews.