About Snorkelling Fins
Snorkelling fins from Mares, Tusa, Scubapro, Cressi and Seac, from the Mares Fluida and Tusa Solla to the Cressi Light, with the Mares Fluida Junior for children. A short, flexible full-foot fin is easy on the legs and light in the luggage, while open-heel fins with boots suit rocky shore entries.
How to choose snorkelling fins
Snorkelling fins are shorter and lighter than scuba fins, because you are carrying no cylinder and the aim is a comfortable, steady kick. Most adult pairs cost about R960 to R1,750, and children's fins start from about R140. Fit and strap type matter more than blade colour or brand.
Full-foot or open-heel
- Full-foot fins slip on like shoes and suit warm-water beach and boat snorkelling. Size them to your bare foot.
- Open-heel fins have a strap and are worn over neoprene boots, which protect your feet on rocks and keep them warm. Size them with the boot on.
Blade and fit
A short, softer blade is easy on the ankles and calves, which suits casual snorkellers and children. A longer, stiffer blade gives more thrust for swimming against current. Try the fin with the sock or boot you will wear: the foot should sit snug with no pinching across the toes, and the heel should stay down when you kick. Rinse fins in fresh water after the sea and keep them out of the sun to protect the rubber. Brands here include Cressi, Mares, Tusa and Aqualung. For scuba, see open-heel scuba fins.
Questions we get asked
Can I use snorkelling fins for scuba diving?
You can for a short, easy dive, but scuba fins are longer and stiffer, which gives better control with a cylinder and BCD on. Most divers move to scuba fins early.
How should snorkelling fins fit?
Snug without pinching. Your heel should stay seated in the pocket when you kick, and your toes should not press against the end.
Should I wear socks with full-foot fins?
A thin neoprene sock stops rubbing and adds a little warmth, but sizing is normally by your bare foot, so choose the size that works with the sock you will wear.