Why Snorkeling with Glasses Doesn't Work

You’ve finally booked your dream trip. The ocean is clear, the reef is calling your name… but everything is blurry. If you wear glasses or have poor eyesight, snorkeling can feel frustrating, or even a little scary.

Here’s the thing: glasses don’t fit under snorkel masks. The arms of your glasses break the mask’s seal, allowing water to leak in and making your experience uncomfortable or even dangerous. You risk losing your glasses, or worse, getting hurt.

A Clear Solution: Prescription Snorkel Masks

Prescription snorkel masks are designed to let you see clearly underwater—without contacts or glasses. They help you enjoy the reef, feel confident in the water, and actually see the beauty that’s been missing.

If you’ve been searching for a prescription snorkel mask that fits your needs, here are your best options:

1. Pre-Made Prescription Snorkel Masks (Our Top Recommendation)

These affordable, custom  masks come with corrective lenses matched to common prescriptions, and yes, you can still choose different strengths for each eye. They're perfect if you're nearsighted or farsighted and want a simple, effective solution that doesn't break the bank.

They’re also the most popular option among our customers because they offer clear underwater vision without the steep price tag of custom-made dive masks.

2. Custom Prescription Snorkel Masks

These are designed for more complex prescriptions—like astigmatism or very strong, uneven eyesight. While they offer the highest level of customization, they also come at a much higher price point and longer production time.

3. Stick-On Magnifier Lenses

A temporary budget solution, these are best for reading close-up details. Not ideal for open-water snorkeling as they are known to fall out of place. 

4. Wearing Contacts Under a Snorkel Mask

It’s possible, but not risk-free. Contacts can cause saltwater irritation, fall out during your snorkel, or even lead to infection.

Swim Goggles vs. Snorkel Masks: Which Do You Need?

When choosing between prescription swim goggles and a prescription snorkel or scuba mask, it’s important to consider your activity:

• Prescription Swim Goggles are designed for lap swimming, pool workouts, or surface-level swimming. They’re lightweight, low-volume, and perfect for straight-line visibility.

• Prescription Snorkel Masks cover your nose and are ideal for snorkeling or skin diving, where you need a good seal and the ability to equalize.

• Prescription Scuba Masks are similar to snorkel masks but made with stronger tempered glass and higher-pressure tolerances. Even if you're just snorkeling, using a scuba-rated mask is safer. It’s more durable, better sealed, and designed for a secure fit that lasts longer, especially important in unpredictable ocean conditions.

That’s why all of our prescription snorkel masks are scuba-grade: to keep you safe and comfortable, even if you’re staying on the surface.

At Ocean Optics, we offer both prescription swim goggles and prescription scuba masks, so you can see clearly no matter where your adventure takes you.

Fit Matters: How to Choose a Mask That Seals

Even the best prescription snorkel mask won’t help if it doesn’t fit your face properly. A poor seal leads to water leaks, fogging, and discomfort.

To help you choose the right fit, we’ve created:

• A visual sizing chart to help you measure and compare

• A simple quiz to guide you to the best mask for your face and vision needs

Take the Free Find my Mask QUIZ 

"I Couldn’t See, So I Stayed on the Boat"

We hear this a lot, and it breaks our hearts. Snorkeling should be magical, not blurry or disappointing.

When you snorkel with poor vision:

• You miss out on coral details, fish, and underwater life

• You might feel anxious or unsafe in the water

• You’re not fully part of the experience

But with the right prescription snorkel mask, that all changes.

“I didn’t realize how beautiful the reef really was until I could actually see it.”

That’s the moment we want you to have.

Real People. Real Vision. Real Adventures.

Our community helped shape the development of Ocean Optics prescription snorkel masks:

"I was nervous about not seeing anything, but the mask fit perfectly and the vision was incredible."

"I didn’t even know prescription snorkel masks existed, now I’ll never travel without one again."

Want to share your story? Tag us using #OceanOpticsAdventurer and you might be featured!

Pro Tips for Crystal Clear Snorkeling

• Use a white toothpaste treatment on your new mask before your trip to remove the factory coating

• Apply anti-fog solution before each snorkel session

• Store your mask in a protective case to avoid scratches

Don’t Let Blurry Vision Hold You Back

We created Ocean Optics so that people like you can finally experience the ocean fully, without limits. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or shopping for someone else, we’re here to help you choose the perfect prescription snorkel mask, prescription swim goggles, or prescription scuba mask for your needs.

👉 Shop Prescription Snorkel Masks
👉 Shop Prescription Swim Goggles
👉 Take the Mask Fit & Vision Quiz

Because snorkeling should be unforgettable, not blurry.