Snorkel vest for adults and kids – A guide to assist in choosing the right one

A snorkel vest is a helpful gear accessory, especially for people struggling with buoyancy control or quickly getting tired while swimming. Although it is not a life-saving device, it is an essential safety item that can make adults and kids feel more confident in the water. Please read our guide on choosing the best inflatable snorkeling jacket and get valuable tips on usage and maintenance!

Snorkel vest types

This helpful safety accessory is an excellent addition to adult snorkel gear and a highly recommended part of a kids snorkel set. But before you make a purchase, knowing how to choose a snorkel vest that will fit you the most is good.

Two models are available on the market: the horse collar over-neck and jacket design. Both are compact, lightweight, easy to use, and equipped with an oral inflation tube for easy and fast inflation/deflation, but they are different in design.

No matter what model you choose, the snorkeling vest needs to be lightly inflated when in water providing enough lifting capacity. Never use it uninflated thinking you will do it when needed. Not only because an uninflated jacket is useless but also in case of emergency you lose valuable time if dealing with inflating.

Horse collar over-neck design

This is the simplest snorkel vest model that does the job very well! Technically, it is a small, inflatable roundish-oval air chamber that you need to put over your neck and secure with adjustable straps.

The waist strap goes horizontally, and the crotch strap is vertical. The straps must be tight enough to prevent the vest from riding up and turning around. Some manufacturers add an extra pocket to store small items like keys or room cards.

Jacket

Classical jacket design safety accessory that closes with zipper and/or locks, and straps. The fabric on the back is usually mesh, sometimes neoprene.

This model is a good choice for those who don’t want to struggle with straps. However, these snorkeling jackets allow less flexibility if it comes to adjustments so make sure the size you order will fit!

Note: some old models were equipped with CO2 cartridges in the past for quick and easy inflation but were discontinued due to safety reasons (cartridge can be explored if overheated). If you would still find one of these, don’t buy it.

How to choose a snorkel vest?

Once you decide on the style, the only important thing is to buy the right size! Before purchase, always check the manufacturer’s size reference! Generally, adult size is for people between 80-200 lbs (36-90 kg). Some manufacturers offer X-Large sizes for adults 180 lbs (81 kg) and up.

If you buy a model with straps, check if they are long enough and adjustable to achieve a snug fit and prevent the air chamber from moving around. If it comes to jacket design, search for a waist size reference! It needs to be tight rather than loose, preventing riding up.

Tip: Since most models leave the back free (except the ScubaPro snorkeling jacket with a neoprene back), wearing a UV Protection rash guard under the vest is highly recommended. This is not only to protect yourself against sun exposure but also to avoid skin irritation that the nylon/canvas material can cause.

Snorkel vest vs life jacket – what is the difference

Sometimes, life jackets and snorkeling vests look very similar, but there are some significant differences in use. An inflatable snorkel vest increases your buoyancy, while a life jacket keeps even an unconscious wearer afloat.

Life jackets are mandatory on airplanes, and commercial boats and highly recommended while water sports. Wearing a life vest is the best choice (often a must) for weak or non-swimmers to give them the best choice for survival if they accidentally end up in the water.

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Using a life jacket for snorkeling is not ideal. It keeps you upright on the surface, meaning putting your head underwater requires more effort, which can result in back and neck pain.

In contrast, snorkeling vests allow you to put your face in the water while increasing your buoyancy giving you a better water experience. Life jackets are often bulky while safety swim vests are compact and lightweight to make them easily portable.

Tip: read our 10 snorkel safety tips to know how to prepare yourself for an enjoyable snorkeling session!

Snorkel vest for non-swimmers

It is a frequently asked question what is the best snorkel vest for non-swimmers. Once again, it is very important to repeat that flotation devices only help to increase and control buoyancy but are not lifesaving items. Non-swimmers have to wear a proper life jacket when in or around water.

If you fell in love with the ocean but are a weak swimmer, learning to swim is the first step of your underwater journey! Take swimming lessons and go open water once you are confident in the water.

Use an inflatable snorkeling jacket as an additional safety accessory that will make snorkeling easier and more effortless, but don’t consider it a lifesaving device. Moreover, if you feel sick or weak, don’t go swimming. Always put safety first!

Maintenance tips

The Best Adults Snorkel Vests

In terms of quality and safety features, the recommended inflatable snorkeling vests are the following models:

ScubaPro Cruiser

This ScubaPro comfortable nylon and neoprene safety swimming vest for adults is designed for warm water. It helps to stay safe and keeps the wearer warm simultaneously, thanks to the 3 mm thick neoprene back.

This design also protects from excessive sun exposure. The extra-small pocket is perfect for storing personal things. The ScubaPro Cruiser is available in sizes X-Small to X-Large. If you are between sizes, order the next size up.

Rrtizan

This inflatable vest for adults increases your buoyancy and allows you to rest when getting tired while snorkeling or swimming. The over-neck design keeps your head above the water. It is equipped with adjustable waist and crotch straps.

It is easily inflatable within 15 seconds by mouth through the inflation tube and is easy to deflate. The Rrtizan inflatable snorkeling vest is available in high-visibility colors. The universal adult size is recommended up to 180 lbs/81 kg.

Promate

The Promate ultimate inflatable snorkeling vest provides you with large buoyancy while snorkeling. The horse collar over neck design gives maximum comfort (the Promate jacket offers the same features as the popular but discontinued SealBuddy snorkel vest).

Bright, neon colors provide the wearer with excellent visibility. Fast inflation and fast deflation are achieved through the convenient mouthpiece location. The waist and crotch straps ensure a secure fit, with straightforward pinch buckles for quick removal.

Kids Snorkeling Vest

A kids’ snorkel vest has to be rather tight than loose, but still comfortable, allowing free movement without the possibility of riding up. Never buy too large, hoping that your son or daughter will grow into it.

Inflate it well to keep the child afloat without turning her/him over. Youth/kids snorkeling jackets, depending on the model, provide enough lifting capacity for children up to 80-100 lbs (max 36-45 kg).

Scuba Choice

The Scuba Choice Kids Snorkel Vest is one of the best on Amazon. It fits children up to 100 lbs (45 kg) and has removable straps to prevent the vest from riding up, ensuring maximum safety while snorkeling or swimming.

It is easily inflatable through the oral inflator, even for kids. The bright neon yellow color ensures high visibility.

Note: flotation devices for kids do not replace adult supervision. Never let children alone in water, even if they seem confident. Stay in a safe distance so you can help if needed.

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