Beards these days are super popular, not just for hippies but for gentlemen too. If like many men out there you have a beard and you enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling you’ll know that your facial hair can be a problem. Many men consider their beard an asset and take pride in having one.
However, having a beard or mustache it can get in the way of your mask making a good seal allowing water to enter your mask. This can be highly frustrating and can make mare your diving experience as you’ll constantly be emptying your mask, which is far from ideal. So, what options do you have?
The first option is to use a sealer on your facial hair to create a tighter seal, which is great but there are other options out there. The second option is to shave it off, which is something not a lot of men would like to hear, just for a short water trip. So the simplest option is number 3. Option three involves taking a look at our list of the 7 best snorkel masks for beards so you can choose the right option without having to lose your facial hair.
Table of Contents
1. Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask
The Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask is a high-end mask that features an ultrasoft skirt for the ultimate comfort. Its made by reputable makers of scuba diving equipment. The co-molded dual silicone material features Atomic’s Gummi Bear Seal which is designed to prevent leaks even for those with beards. The UltraClear Schott SuperwhiteTM glass lenses allow up to 96% more light transmission for a clearer underwater view.
The venom frameless mask has a wide field of view so even your peripheral vision can be used when looking at your surroundings. The simple squeeze-to-adjust strap makes wearing this mask even easier, as it allows you to adjust the strap within seconds without needing to fumble around. Like all mask’s though there is always the possibility that the mask will fog up so you may need to do a de-fog treatment.Â
| Pros | Cons |
| – Comfortable – Its frameless design means it wraps around your face – Has a tight seal | – May have fogging issues – No anti-reflective coating |
2. ScubaPro Synergy Twin Dive Trufit Mask
The ScubaPro Synergy Twin Dive Trufit Mask has a unique ribbed design that molds to the contours of virtually every face making it perfect for those with beards. The flexible skirts allow the mask to fit tightly against your face while the outer skirt provides additional support. Combined these two skirts provide superior comfort and resistance to leaking.
The mask contains a dual-lens design for an excellent field of view and its buckle and strap system is also very easy to use. The quick-release buckles attach to tabs on the skirt rather than on the frame. This optimizes strap angle and range of motion when perfecting your fit, plus it allows for easy packing as it allows your mask to fold flat. The trufit technology forms a watertight seal on all faces meaning you’ll have a secure mask without having to sacrifice comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Excellent visibility – Dual-lens design – Comfortable – Provides a good seal | – Some customers thought the nose pocket was a bit small – Not ideal for beginners – May have fogging issues |
3. ScubaPro Crystal Vu Plus with Purge
With its patented single-lens design the ScubaPro Crystal VU Plus with Purge offers a fantastic panoramic view while underwater. The ultra-clear no-tint glass delivers optimal clarity underwater too. The purge valve, high durability, and seamless view make this a great diving mask, not just for those with beards but for pretty much everyone. The purge valve allows for easy cleaning of water from the mask and helps to stop the mask from fogging up. To clear the water simply breathe out through your nose.
The crystal-clear double silicone skirt provides comfort and a watertight seal. The adjustable straps are easy to change underwater even with thick gloves and the folding buckles collapse down to a low profile making it easy to store.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Purge valve is easy to use – Adjustable fit – Panoramic views due to patented single-lens design – Provides a good seal | – May have fogging issues – Some customers found the purge valve pushed against their nose |
4. ScubaPro Solo Snorkeling Mask
The double-sealed high-quality silicone skirt contours to all faces including bearded ones, giving you a leak-free seal. The ScubaPro Solo mask has a modern tempered glass single-lens design that provides the widest field of view. The buckles on the ScubaPro Solo are easy to adjust even with gloves and the non-slip strap makes sure this mask stays in place when swimming through the water.
This mask is a favorite among divers due to its comfortable fit and wide field of vision. The nose pocket allows you to pinch your nose to clear the mask. ScubaPro is a well-established brand in scuba diving and snorkeling gear which is why they are trusted among divers. The brand is known for durability and quality gear.Â
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy adjustable strap – Good field of view – Comfortable – Strong watertight seal | – May have fogging issues – Relatively expensive – Nose pocket is small |
5. Cressi Pano 4
The Cressi Pano 4 mask is an affordable option for beginners. It features a 4 lens panoramic design for maximum light and is excellent for peripheral vision. The lightweight, durable polycarbonate frame with a soft silicone skirt means it can fit a wide range of faces including those with facial hair. This soft silicone skirt also provides a comfortable and secure seal.
The ratcheting strap buckles make this mask easy to adjust so you can enjoy hours of snorkeling fun. You may need to treat the lenses with an anti-fog spray if you experience any fogging issues. The nose pocket allows for easy equalization. This mask also comes in a range of colors to match your preferences.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easily adjustable strap – Good field of view – Strong watertight seal – Affordable | – Has fogging issues – Frame is slightly bulky – Some users might not like the split lens design |
6. Cressi Matrix
The Cressi Matrix snorkeling mask features inclined and inverted tear-drop lenses (a Cressi patented design) for better downward visibility. The lenses are also made from tempered glass to give a clear view of the underwater world you are exploring. Because the lenses curve inwards they increase peripheral vision by up to 30%. The soft hypoallergenic silicone skirt provides a wide sealing surface for a leak-free fit.
The micrometric adjustable buckles allow for a more precise headband adjustment. The buckles are fixed to the silicone skirt instead of the frame so they are free to pivot and swivel in all directions making them less prone to breaking. The clear silicone provides more light and is a great option for beginners, the darker silicone option can be good to cut out glare and allows for a more focused view for experienced divers and photographers.Â
| Pros | Cons |
| – Comes with a 2-year warranty – Tempered glass Has good peripheral vision – Affordable | – Does not seal well on small faces |
7. Hollis M1 Frameless Scuba Diving Mask
Visibility is one of the most important aspects of a dive and the Hollis M1 Frameless mask raises the bar optical quality and distortion-free vision. Although this mask is on the expensive side it makes up for it in quality and durability. The Saint-Gobain Diamant crystal clear lens provides super crisp and clear views while the black silicone skirts help to reduce glare by blocking out light from the sides.
The rigid silicone melding means the mask is frameless and the silicone skirt contours to most face shapes to provide a watertight seal, even for those with facial hair. If you have fogging issues you can try cleaning the lens with toothpaste or applying an anti-fog treatment. This mask also comes with its own travel case to prevent scratches that can affect your views. The large exhaust and purge valve allows for easy clearing of water.Â
| Pros | Cons |
| – Frameless design – Comes with a travel case – Good field of view – Great mask for free-diving – Comfortable fit | – May have fogging issues – Can seal tightly around nose pocket – Relatively expensive |
People Also Ask
How do I keep my snorkeling mask from fogging up?
The first thing to do when you’re snorkel mask keeps fogging up is make sure it’s cleaned thoroughly. Dirt could be one reason why it’s fogging up. Using toothpaste instead of regular soap should do the trick and help stop your mask from fogging up.
Always make sure your face and mask are dry before your put it on and be sure to rinse it off after every use. If it still fogs up it might be worth investing in an anti-fog spray which will help keep fogging to a minimum.
Do I have to use sealants so that my mask doesn’t leak because of my beard?
No, you don’t have to use sealants. Many masks will work absolutely fine without the need for added sealants even if you have a beard. Test it out first before deciding whether a sealant is needed. Chances are you won’t need one.
How tight should my snorkel mask be?
Your mask should be tight enough that you feel some pressure but not too tight that it ends up squishing your face.
A good way to check is by doing the suction test. Start by putting the mask to your face with the straps still over the top of the mask. Press the mask slightly to your face, then inhale a small amount through your nose to suction the mask to your face. Release your hands. The mask should stay suctioned to your face without needing to continue inhaling. Try moving your facial muscle, does it fall off? If not, put the strap over your head, you should get an airtight fit with very light pressure. If you have red marks around your face when you take it off, your mask is too tight.
Why are full-face snorkel masks dangerous?
Some people may prefer full-face snorkel masks however, they can be very dangerous. As humans, we produce CO2 when we breathe. The risk with full-face snorkel masks is that this can build up if not expelled properly, which can lead to CO2 poisoning. But don’t worry too much, this very rarely happens if you have high-quality snorkeling gear from reputable brands and you are using them correctly. Signs of CO2 poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and unconsciousness.