When snorkeling, you often have to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, the freshness (or coldness) of the water, or even jellyfish. The equipment manufacturers have thus developed two types of clothing to wear in the water:
In snorkeling, the whole back of the body is strongly exposed to the sun. The freshness of the water eliminates the feeling of warmth and the magnifying effect of the water on the skin further enhances the power of UV. For this reason, we always recommend snorkelers to wear long-sleeved rashguards, if possible.
All the models recommended here have an anti-UV protection level of UPF+50, which filters 98% of UVs. Beyond the essential role of protection against the dangers of the sun, the rashguards also allow you to use a lower amount of sun cream, which is harmful to the environment and to minimize the feeling of coldness and wind on the skin.
If you feel the cold quite easily inside the water (the body cools down quickly during long sessions, even when the water has a comfortable temperature), choose black models, which better capture the heat.
Wearing a rashguard is recommended in all weathers while snorkeling. They offer unparalleled sun protection on the surface of the water.
This versatile Cressi rashguard, which offers excellent sun protection (anti-UV UPF50+, long sleeves, reinforced protection on the neck) is a very good choice for your snorkeling session. The elasticity of this model adds comfort in the water.
Developed by a world-class brand for diving and snorkeling, the Mares rashguard is one of the market references. Robust, it has a “Metalite” coating, which helps to keep the heat close to the body. We are using it to explore new spots in hot seas!
A model that brings together everything you would expect from a snorkeling rashguard: a light and soft fabric, a perfect fit, and a successful design. An ideal travel companion, also tested and approved by the SR team.
We love the material and the look of this ergonomic, sober, and elegant model. The location of the seams and the 4-way stretch fabric provide comfort and freedom of movement in the water. We recommend dark models (which capture heat better) in cool seas, and light models in warm seas. Anti-UV (UPF50+).
Fit, light, and resistant material, UPF50+ UV protection: an excellent rashguard for comfortable snorkeling sessions without sacrificing anything in style 😉 Affordable and nice!
A rashguard with a fine and breathable texture, which offers the essentials: effective protection against the sun (anti-UV UPF50 +) and against the wind. Nice colors for a very high-quality product. You will not be disappointed.
If you are practicing snorkeling in temperate seas or outside the hot seasons, it might be essential to wear one-piece suits. They are indeed essential for your protection against cold and allow you to enjoy your snorkeling session for longer.
The wetsuits also protect you from the sun, jellyfish, or even injuries in case of contact with rocks or corals. To this effect, we generally recommend long-sleeved suits, which are more efficient against cold and more protective.
In tropical seas and during summer, wetsuits with 1.5 mm thickness can help you stay in water for more time. In temperate seas (water temperature +/-20°C), choose suits with 2.5 to 3 mm thickness. Beyond 20°C, you can opt for thicker one or supplement your 3 mm wetsuit with a liner.
Don’t forget the slippers and gloves, since the toes and fingertips become cold very quickly in the water.
In cool seas (like here in September in Isla Rabida, in the Galápagos Islands), wearing a neoprene suit is often essential to avoid cooling off too quickly in the water.
Cressi offers this comfortable model, with great elasticity and a smooth surface that improves hydrodynamics. With a thickness of 3mm, it protects against the sun and of course the cold in temperate seas. We also love the design 🙂 and the price is amongst the best for that quality!
A wetsuit designed to promote hydrodynamics (the smooth outer material reducing the braking coefficient of water). Thin (1.5mm), it is especially suitable for snorkeling in tropical seas, and allows to descend in freediving without increasing the flotation too much (or at all).
If you’d rather go for a shorty and short-sleeve wetsuit, the Cressi Tahiti model, available for women and men, is a good buy (lined neoprene, 2.5mm thick, reinforced chest). Especially suitable for tropical seas. We’ve tried it ourselves and were happy with it.
Sharkskin has developed innovative rashguards, designed in 3 layers: An outer layer of Lycra and anti-UV, an intermediate layer windproof and waterproof, and an internal coating Polartec to bring warmth and comfort to the skin. Used by the SR team in temperate seas, or as a wetsuit undercoat in fresh seas.
Resistant and versatile gloves, completely adopted by the SR team. In temperate seas, they protect your fingers from the cold but we chose to take them everywhere. Indeed, the gloves allow you to hang on the rocks when freediving without getting injured, to gain stability during underwater shots (but never cling to corals!).
Most of the time, we feel the cold on our feet before any other parts of our body. To avoid having to get out of the water earlier than expected, these 3mm slippers are the ideal complement to your suit if you are snorkeling in temperate waters.
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