Full-face masks, like the Cressi Baron and Duke, cover your entire face and let you breathe naturally through both your nose and mouth. A valve system and deflector reduce fogging, and the field of view runs up to 30% larger than standard masks. Traditional masks, like the Onda or F1, cover only your eyes and nose, pairing with a separate snorkel mouthpiece. They're lower profile, easier to clear underwater, and generally preferred by more experienced snorkelers and divers who also want the option to dive beneath the surface.

A dry snorkel, like the Cressi Supernova Dry, uses a float valve at the top that seals the tube shut when it goes underwater, keeping water out almost entirely. A semi-dry snorkel, like the Mexico, uses a splash guard instead of a sealing valve, reducing water at the surface but still letting some in if you dive down. For adult beginners staying mostly at the surface, a dry snorkel usually means less time clearing water and more time relaxed and breathing easily.