(I may earn a small commission on the products mentioned in this post.)
Snorkel masks are finally being developed to fit faces of various sizes. Until recently, the only mask you could get was a generic, one-size-fits-all option, but finally I found a snorkel mask that fits my small, narrow face.
The standard diving mask may work for the average head size. Unfortunately, those masks have never fit me. The common sizes usually leaked and felt uneven against my face.
There are many people, like me, who love snorkeling and diving that encounter problems with finding a mask.
One of the most common problems is finding a snorkel mask that’s the correct width for your face. Round faces seem to do well with the standard options while people with narrow or angular faces often get frustrated with the lack of options.
When finding a snorkel mask for narrow or small faces you’ll want to focus on a few things. In this article, I’ll highlight what to look for and the best snorkel mask for narrow faces and I’ll review the following masks.
#1 Aqualung Technisub Micromask (my current mask and favorite)
#2 Scubapro Spectra Mini Mask
#3 Atomic Aquatics Venom
#4 Cressi LINCE Diving and Snorkeling Mask
#5 SEAC S/KL Salina MD Diving Mask
Snorkeling With A Mask: Small Face Problems
Do you have a hard time finding sunglasses that fit? Then chances are you’ll have a tough time finding a snorkel mask that fits.
I’m one of those guys that looked for specific characteristics when buying sunglasses and diving masks because I have a narrow face.
I’ve even swallowed my pride and purchased “kids” glasses before. Yep, an adult buying kids sunglasses.
If you and I are in the same boat, don’t worry, there are many other people just like us. We’re unique and can’t be pigeonholed into a one-size-fits-all style.
I grew up snorkeling off the coast of California. I remember swimming with marine life on vacation in Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii. It opened up a whole new world.
But there was one problem, the diving masks I wore never fit. I tried tightening the mask, but this only caused pain and deep red lines in my face.
I tried switching masks with family members. They didn’t have problems with the mask but it didn’t work for me.
I didn’t realize it at the time but my face was different.
A few years later I finally received my PADI diving certification in Africa. The only thing I didn’t like about diving were the MASKS! Why was my mask always leaking?
You get older and you begin to learn more about yourself. I realized I would never grow into those huge sunglasses and the average snorkel mask would never fit me.
Should I accept the fact that I might just wear the kid’s size? No!
The Aqualung Technisub Micro-Mask: Finally A Mask That Fits
In my twenties, I walked into a diving store. I assumed I’d see the regular selection of masks. There was a premium selection of masks and most were a standard size.
As I was looking I noticed a pair that looked much smaller than the others. I asked the employee about them and assumed they were for kids.
Turns out it was a low profile, wide visibility frameless mask, and it was for adults!
I’ve been using the Aqualung Micro-Mask for a few years and love it. It wasn’t cheap so I take good care of it and I plan to use it the rest of my life – yes, the rest of my life.
I can wear the straps to a comfortable tightness and I’ve never had a leak (that’s saying a lot for someone who thought treading water and constantly emptying a water-logged mask was normal).
5 Best Snorkeling Masks For Narrow Or Small Faces
#1 Aqualung Technisub Micromask
Of course, I’m ranking this mask first because it’s the one I own (shown in photo). The product works well and fits my small face perfectly, so I have no problem recommending it.
This is finally a mask worthy of my praise and I plan to take care of it and use it for a long time.
Aqualung got its name when Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau partnered with Emile Gagnan to develop an “aqua-lung” that made it possible for divers to explore the ocean. These days Aqualung is a leader in developing diving equipment and they’re active in over 60 countries.
Chances are, if you’ve rented or purchased diving equipment, you’ve used an Aqualung product.
The Technisub Micro-Mask (check price and colors on Amazon) was the first snorkel mask I’ve used from Aqualung and I’m glad I tried it. I didn’t realize the quality difference between the common, cheaper masks and a mask like this one.
The fit is snug and considered a low profile mask. It is perfect for narrow faces. The low profile provides maximum visibility while in the water.
Some people believe the tempered glass is too close to the eyes and other people may experience a problem if they have a large nose, but if your features are somewhat normal (outside of a small narrow face) then this small mask is perfect.
I find it works perfectly for snorkeling and it’s the first mask I’ve used that never had a leak from being too big.
Highlights:
- Ultra low internal volume
- Large field of view
- Compact (great for traveling)
- Joint buckles for easy adjustments in the water
- Silicone material allows it to mold against the skin
- 10 color choices
Even though it’s made for adult drivers (high quality) it’s also useful for young kids that need a quality snorkel mask. Remember to keep it in good shape and it should last for decades.
People with a common round face may find it small. In my opinion, this is the perfect option for someone who requires a personalized mask.
#2 Scubapro Spectra Mini Mask
Much like Aqualung, this company is legit and reliable. Choosing one of their products really comes down to your needs and expectations.
Scubapro also makes an adult mask made for narrow faces, the Spectra Mini-Mask (check price and colors on Amazon). It features many of the same characteristics as the Aqualung including, low volume for ease of clearing and wide visibility, silicone that fits snug against all facial types, a great color selection (better than Aqualung), tempered glass, and a slightly larger area for the nose.
Highlights:
- Great look (insect looking mask)
- Colorful options
- Low volume
- Wide visibility
- Dependable company
Concerning the fit, you’ll have the same characteristics to consider as the Aqualung. Maybe you’re more comfortable with one brand than another or maybe you prefer one style over another?
I’ll admit, I prefer the look of the Scubapro better but I wouldn’t trade my Aqualung for looks.
I don’t think you can lose with the Scubapro mini-mask.
#3 Atomic Aquatics Venom
In addition to other diving products, Atomic makes killer masks that look and perform great. It’s a premium brand that makes a statement in the water with performance and style.
If you want a snorkel mask that your friends will ask about, the Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask is a great option (check price and colors on Amazon).
I find the frameless snorkel masks allow the mask to better form to the face, and thereby reduce the chance of a leak. They use “Gummi Bear Ultrasoft Silicone”. How comfortable does that sound?
Atomic focuses on visibility and comfort, so this mask should look good and feel comfortable on the face.
Highlights:
- Ultra-wide panoramic view
- Integrated easy-adjustable straps
- Gummi bear soft silicone
- Single lens
- Conforming face seal (good for narrow faces)
- Black and red color options
It’s important to know this is a standard size mask, however, it’s frameless fit and soft silicone should provide a great seal for narrow faces.
With Atomic, you’re paying a premium for a premium product. If you purchase this mask you should plan on it lasting a lifetime (granted you take good care of it).
#4 Cressi LINCE Diving and Snorkeling Mask
Over the years they’ve expanded from diving and snorkeling to swimming. They also have one of the largest selections of snorkel masks available.
Highlights:
- Plenty of colors
- 100% silicone
- Tempered glass
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight, compact for travel and small faces
- Reputable company
This mask is for smaller faces but isn’t as “low volume” as our #1 and #2 options. If you’re on a budget this might be the best snorkel for smaller faces.
Similar to the other options, the LINCE mask is 100% silicone (hypoallergenic silicone skirt) with tempered glass. Due to its design, it is lightweight and compact (check price and color options on Amazon).
I’ve noticed that most people are recommending this mask for small faces and many reviews mention they purchased because of the same. A few customers mention that is doesn’t have a great seal, but others mention it fits well on small faces (mixed reviews).
Due to the great price, the Cressi LINCE is worth taking a chance on. And because it’s a great company, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. Another solid option for small faces!
#5 SEAC S/KL Salina MD Diving Mask
When I was looking for a snorkel mask for smaller faces I was recommended the SEAC Salina (check price and options on Amazon). It was made specifically for smaller, narrow faces and that’s how it’s marketed.
The Salina model features a single lens mask, with tempered glass, and silicone skirt to maintain a strong seal against the face. I like the look, but right now they don’t have the color options I like.
This mask has been recommended to me a number of times so I chose to include it in this review for small sized masks. Give it a try and let us know if you like it!
Conclusion
Snorkeling and diving with a small or narrow face doesn’t need to be frustrating, you just need the right mask. One thing you should never do is rely on a rental shop for your mask (it’s fine to rent the snorkel but not the mask).
Rental shops usually have a standard size and occasionally have masks for children.
Here is the ranked list for best masks for narrow and small faces.
#1 Aqualung Technisub Micromask
#2 Scubapro Spectra Mini Mask
#3 Atomic Aquatics Venom
#4 Cressi LINCE Diving and Snorkeling Mask
#5 SEAC S/KL Salina MD Diving Mask
The best dive and snorkel company’s offer options for people with narrow faces. Aqualung is what I’m using now, however Atomic, Cressi, Scubapro, and SEAC offer low volume masks that work well for narrow and small faces.
I put up with other masks for years before realizing there were great options for people with unique faces. I intend to keep my Aqualung Technisub Micro-Mask for years. It was an investment and I’ll treat it well.
Thanks for reading another Beach Life article. Let us know your experience with narrow or small snorkeling masks. We always like to keep the list updated!
