When you’re planning to travel somewhere warm and coastal, one of the most useful things you can bring along is a good pair of snorkeling fins. Bringing your own fins allows you to hop in the water anytime you feel like it – and explore the enchanting world beneath the waves!
Full-sized fins are often too long and bulky to fit in carry-on bags. Unlike full-length snorkel fins, travel snorkeling fins feature short blades that easily fit inside a backpack, small piece of carry-on luggage, or a compact dive bag. Their compact blades are designed to provide maximum propulsion for their size, so you won’t need to sacrifice speed for a shorter blade length.
Additionally, snorkeling doesn’t require the power generated from scuba or freediving fins. Swimming on or near the surface where the water pressure is lower lends itself to shorter fin lengths.
I’ll break down some of the best snorkeling fins for travel, explain some of the important features to look out for, and hopefully help you pick the right snorkeling fins for you.
Quick Answer: 5 Best Travel Snorkeling Fins
- Best Overall: Cressi Palau
- Runner Up: Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins
- Best Closed Heel Fins: Cressi Agua Short
- Budget Pick: CAPAS Snorkel Fins
- Best Mask & Fins Snorkel Set: Cressi Palau SAF Snorkel Set
Types of Travel Snorkeling Fins
There are several different fin types to be aware of when you’re picking out a pair for travel.
Closed Heel
Closed heel (also called full foot fins) fins feature flexible one-piece foot pockets that provide your heel with a solid fit. They can be worn either with or without dive boots or socks, but in warm weather, many people prefer to go without this additional layer.
The advantages of closed heel fins are they fit better (providing you have the right size), they don’t need to be worn with dive socks, and they don’t need to be adjusted when putting them on. On the negative side, they can’t be swapped between people with different sized feet.
Open Heel
Open heel fins have foot pockets that are open in the back. An adjustable heel strap allows you to tighten the foot pocket and find the ideal fit for your feet. These fins are typically worn with dive boots or socks, as the rear strap can rub on your heels and get uncomfortable with prolonged use.
Open heel fins are highly versatile, and can easily be swapped between people with different sized feet. They generally perform well in both warm and cold water but don’t provide quite as good of a fit as closed heel fins.
Split Blade vs. Solid Blade
Unlike the one-piece design of solid blades, split blade fins have a slit in the middle of the fin blade, separating the blade into two independently moving parts. Split blades change the way the fin behaves in the water – requiring less energy per kick – but sacrificing some maneuverability and power.
Most snorkeling fins – especially shorter ones built for travel – feature solid blades. Split blade fins can also work well, but are typically longer than necessary for traveling.
Best Overall: Cressi Palau
Cressi makes some of the best dive and snorkel gear on the planet, and this compact set of fins is no exception. They feature a soft, short blade and foot pocket that’s easy to put on and take off and a well-made heel strap that won’t slip or loosen as you swim. The open heel design makes them highly versatile – and able to accommodate 3-4 consecutive sizes.
With an overall length of just 16.5 inches from tip to heel, the fins are short enough to fit inside a backpack or carry-on bag with room to spare. A roomy mesh bag also comes included with purchase, which has enough space for a snorkel, mask, and dive boots.
The back strap is particularly well-engineered, with a wide design that lessens stress on your heel. The strap closure is also rock-solid, making it easy to adjust and lock, but ensuring it won’t slip or shift as you explore the marine environment beneath the waves. The ‘closed-toe’ design is another strong point and prevents the toe blisters you’ll often get from fins with an open toe design.
Keep in mind these fins are designed to be used with neoprene dive boots or socks, although they can also be worn barefoot.
Key Features
- Heel Type: Open
- Overall Length: 16.5”
- Short, compact fins are ideal for traveling
- Well-made heel strap is easy to adjust
- Closed toe prevents toe blisters from forming
- Accommodates a wide variety of foot sizes
- Soft short blade and foot pocket able to be put on quickly and easily
- Accommodates 3-4 consecutive sizes and can be worn over thin footwear
- Adjustable fin for pool or beach use
- Strong ring strap allows reversal of strap
- Designed and created using innovative and patented manufacturing technology
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Runner Up: Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins
Versatile, stylish, and exceedingly comfortable, these snorkeling fins are what you would get if you married a neoprene dive boot with a short snorkeling fin. The durable rubber sole and elevated fin allows you to walk comfortably on land like you would with a regular pair of shoes, while the compact fins provide plenty of thrust to propel you along the water’s surface. Ultra grippy soles provide a high level of traction on slippery surfaces, as well as protection from sharp rocks, shells, urchins and other hazards.
The fins are compact enough to easily fit inside carry-on baggage or backpacks, making them ideal for traveling, backpacking, or anytime space is at a premium. The neoprene upper material is soft and flexible, providing a comfortable fit for a variety of foot shapes.
They also float on the surface just in case a fin manages to work its way loose. This isn’t likely to happen though, as an adjustable Velcro ankle strap allows you to precisely adjust the fit. The floating design means these fins are less efficient for deep diving, so if you’re looking to dive frequently, go with a neutrally buoyant fin.
Key Features
- Heel Type: Closed
- Soft neoprene upper material fits like a glove
- Durable grippy sole provides traction and protection
- Seamlessly transition from dry land to water
- Short fin length allows for comfortable walking and added thrust
- Great for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding & bodyboarding
- Why Buy from SEAVIEW? - Our US based family owned and operated business is one of the fastest growing outdoor brands on Amazon. Leading the way in the snorkel market Seaview 180 has been a household name in the beach accessories category for over 5 years. Our customers are like family. Snag a pair of our NEW & IMPROVED Topside 1.5 snorkel fins today and join our group of over 700k satisfied customers.
- COMFORT - Topside fins fit like a shoe. No more blisters as you happily spend as much time as you want swimming, snorkeling, body boarding, or paddle boarding. The closed toe and heel prevent cramping and hypertension in your foot. Each fin has an adjustable Velcro strap around the ankle to provide further support. The neoprene boot allows for flexibility in sizing as the material has some stretch.
- VERSATILITY- We combine the function of both shoe and fin. Walk around land comfortably. No more awkward waddling in and out of the water. Easier to wear than most other fins. You will have more foot protection as each fin has a strong rubber sole. Additional uses for Topside fins include body boarding, paddle boarding, and river boarding.
- THRUST - While longer fins will provide more thrust for applications like diving, these short blade fins will provide noticeable boost to your swimming. This design has a stronger down kick than up due to the primary fin surface on top of the boot. For extended swims and deeper dives, we recommend you choose fins with longer blades. For casual snorkeling and shorter distance swimming a short blade fin will help with improving strength while providing needed thrust to get the job done.
- TRAVEL READY- A pair of Topside fins will fit easily into a carry-on or backpack. No need to suffer through low quality rental gear. Our swim fins also float. Drag from the rest of your body is reduced by the buoyancy of the fins lifting your legs in the water. Theyll also never be lost to Davy Jones locker.
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Best Closed Heel Fins: Cressi Agua Short
Lightweight, compact, and highly durable, these closed heel fins are the ideal choice for a traveling snorkel fin. Their foot pockets are remarkably comfortable, made from soft and flexible silicone that molds to the shape of your foot. This makes them great for prolonged use in the water – you’ll be able to snorkel for hours without any discomfort!
The compact overall length (approximately 16”) makes them great for packing in carry-on bags and backpacks, and their feather-light weight means you’ll cut down on excess bulk. It also translates into good reactivity in the water and ensures you won’t tire yourself out from kicking.
The comfortable foot pockets can be worn with or without neoprene socks – it comes down to personal preference. If you’re planning to use them without dive socks, then going a size down will ensure a good fit. Also, due to the self-adjusting foot pocket system, both wide and narrow feet will fit well.
Key Features
- Heel Type: Closed
- Overall Length: 16”-17”
- Soft and supple silicone foot pocket molds to your foot shape
- Lightweight design requires less effort to kick
- Ideal fins for traveling light
- Cressi is a Real diving, snorkeling and swimming Italian brand, since 1946.
- Agua is a very easy-to-use fin that does not require special skills and at the same time gives excellent performance without straining your feet.
- Self adjusting foot pocket for an amazing fit.
- Durable blade for powerful kicks.
- Light Weight, Excellent Reaction and Comfortable Fit are the most appreciated features of this Cressi fin.
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Budget Pick: CAPAS Snorkel Fins
If you’re looking for a good pair of travel fins without breaking the bank, then these short fins make an excellent choice. They feature soft foot pockets, compact and lightweight blades, and easy-to-adjust heel straps with large thumb loops. The overall length is approximately 16 inches, making it just the right size for packing in smaller pieces of luggage.
Available in three sizes (including a kid’s size), the adjustable heel strap allows you to adjust the size between 4 consecutive sizes – making them great for swapping between friends and family. The fin material is fairly flexible, making them easy to kick with in the water.
Designed to be used with thin neoprene dive socks, the foot pocket can also be worn barefoot in a pinch. The heel strap is fairly comfortable but can cause blisters if worn without neoprene socks for prolonged periods.
All in all, if you don’t want to shell out money on fin rentals, this inexpensive pair of fins will allow you snorkel anytime you like.
Key Features
- Heel Type: Open
- Overall Length: 16”
- Lightweight, compact fins are great for carry-on luggage
- Flexible fin material
- Designed to worn with neoprene dive socks
- Adjustable Open Heel Design, Good for Sharing - The open-heel design means each fin can accommodate a wider range of sizes, so family members or friends can share equipment more easily. The best parts is the filter pads inside the fins can keep fins in shape when store it.
- Wears Comfortably, Support Various Way to Put On - Carefully select high quality material, soft foot pocket, flexible enough for barefoot, but can also be worn with fin socks or dive booties which help to protect a divers feet from the cold, and blisters. (Reminder: Please purchase sizes up if wear with dive booties together)
- Compact Size, Perfect for Travelling - This short fins is an excellent choice for avid travelers as the short blade is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for packing with ease. And it is a useful swimming aid either for pool or sea swim-lovers or snorkelers.
- Quick and Easy to Try it On and Adjust Size Up or Down - Soft heel straps with large thumb loops, giving you easy one-time adjustment and allowing you to easily put on and remove the fins.
- Kids and Adults Size - 3 unisex size choice for Kids, Children, Teens, Young Adults, Adults(women, men). Generally, kid’s US Standard Size 9-13 should pick size Kids JR 9-13 S/MD, Young Adults or Adults whose size is between 4.5-8.5 should pick size S/M, and the size between 9-13 should pick L/XL. Just take the fins and enjoying your snorkeling or swimming.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Mask & Fins Snorkel Set: Cressi Palau SAF Snorkel Set
If you’re looking for a full snorkel set for travel (mask, fins, and snorkel), then you’ll have a hard time beating this well-made set from Cressi. Made with typical Cressi quality, the set blows most other all-in-one snorkel sets out of the water – especially at this price point. It features the same Palau fins discussed above, as well as a Cressi’s Onda two window snorkel mask and Supernova dry snorkel.
The mask’s soft silicone skirt adapts to most face shapes and features a low internal volume for easier clearing during diving. The dry top snorkel prevents any water from seeping into your mouthpiece as you swim and dive. A mesh carry bag also comes included – giving you a quick-draining carrier for all your gear.
Four different sized fins area available (XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL), ensuring you can find the ideal size for your feet. They’re much easier to walk in than full-sized fins, making them great for shore entry and exit.
Key Features
- Heel Type: Closed
- Overall Length: 16”
- Well-made fins, mask, and snorkel set with mesh carry bag
- Low internal volume mask
- Dry top prevents water from getting into the snorkel
- A true snorkeling set, the Palau SAF Set is ideal for active water sports enthusiasts. Short and easy to pack, its the ultimate travel companion and is suitable for snorkeling, swimming, body surfing, boogie boards and much more.
- The Palau Short Adjustable Fins (SAF) are open heel made for use bare feet, or with neoprene socks, and provide outstanding comfort and versatility. The open-heel design means each fin can accommodate a wider range of sizes.
- The foot pocket and the strap are made of long-lasting rubber that ensures a comfortable fit. The Palaus blade delivers excellent thrust with a modest kicking effort.
- The Onda has a single tempered glass lens, and is designed for snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. The skirt is made from soft hypoallergenic transparent silicone.
- The visibility provided by the single lens and the unusual shape of the frame extends in all directions. Excellent seal on many face types, average internal volume. Quick-release strap buckles.
- The Supernova Dry snorkel has a splash guard on the top that reduces the entrance of water during use on the surface. The top features a special valve that seals the tube when diving even when the snorkel is submerged.
- A water collector, featuring a purge valve, allows quick and easy expulsion of water. The quick-release mask strap keeper is truly simple to use and helps to unhook the snorkel with a simple click.
- The set comes in a practical travel bag. The Palau fins and the Onda mask are manufactured in Italy by Cressi. The Supernova Dry snorkel is designed by Cressi and made in Taiwan. The product is covered by a 2-year limited.
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How to pick the right snorkeling fins for travel
With so many different makes, manufacturers, and designs, choosing the best snorkeling fins for your needs can be a tricky job. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features to be aware of when picking out a pair of travel snorkel fins.
Blade Length
When it comes to snorkel fins for travel, blade lengths tend to be on the shorter side. Stubby, compact blades still provide enough propulsion to keep you moving along rapidly on the surface, but won’t work as well when it comes to strong current or freediving.
Shorter fins are easier to fit inside smaller bags than full-sized ones, making them ideal for packing and traveling with. Short fins also have the advantage of being highly maneuverable, so you’ll be able to snorkel in more condensed locations than with other fins.
Comfort
Other than their compact size, having comfortable fins that fit your feet well might be the biggest benefit of bringing your own flippers.
Good quality fins will feature soft foot pockets and straps that won’t chafe against your skin and cause blisters. Compared to cheap, ill-fitting rental gear – you’ll have a pair that’s perfectly suited to the size and shape of your feet.
As mentioned previously, if you’re looking at getting a pair of open heel fins, a pair of neoprene dive socks or booties will enhance your comfort. These prevent chafing and also help keep your feet warm in cooler water.
Fit
Every fin manufacturer differs slightly in terms of fit. Make sure to check the manufacturers sizing chart before purchase.
Generally speaking, open heel fins can accommodate 4 shoe sizes – for example, a medium fin will fit men’s size 7 through 10 and women’s sizes 9 through 12. This makes them great for swapping between friends and family with different sized feet.
Closed heel fins necessitate a more precise fit, so make sure to consult the sizing chart when picking out a pair. Many closed heel fins are designed to be worn with dive socks, so if you plan to wear them without, then sizing down is a good idea.
If you’re not sure exactly what size you’ll need, you can always order several pairs and return the ones that don’t fit.
Usage
Another important factor to consider is how you plan to use your fins.
If you plan to use them once a year on vacation, then a cheapo pair will probably work fine. On the other hand, if you plan to use them often, stepping up to a more durable pair is the way to go.
Why buy your own snorkel fins
You might be wondering if buying a pair of fins is worth it – considering you can usually rent a pair at most popular beaches and snorkeling spots.
While it’s certainly true that you can usually find snorkeling gear to rent, it’s often poor quality, the rental store may be out of your size, and even if they have your size not it might not fit very well. Rental locations typically purchase cheap fins – as their snorkeling gear gets used constantly – and breaks down from the constant wear and tear.
Rather than relying on gear of dubious quality, getting a compact pair of travel snorkeling fins to throw in your bag will allow you to snorkel anywhere anytime! On top of that, high-quality fins that fit properly result in more efficient propulsion in the water – so you’ll be able to swim longer and see more aquatic wildlife.
If you’re looking for a mask to pair with your travel fins, check out my post on the best full face snorkel masks.
