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Selecting the right mask for diving and snorkeling is crucial for comfort and safety. Here are some tips to help you choose the best mask for your needs:

1. Fit and Comfort

• Seal: The mask should fit snugly on your face without pinching. Ensure there are no gaps that might cause water leakage. Test the mask by placing it on your face (without straps) and inhaling gently through your nose. If it holds on its own, the seal is likely good.
• Facial Shape: Masks come in different shapes to fit various face types. Consider masks with a silicone skirt for better comfort and a more flexible fit.

2. Volume

• Low Volume Masks: These are great for snorkeling and diving as they are easier to clear and offer a wider field of view. They also tend to be more compact, making them suitable for divers.
• High Volume Masks: These may be better for people who want more airspace in their mask, but they are harder to clear when water gets inside.

3. Field of Vision

• Lens Shape: Choose a mask with a lens shape that provides a good view. A wider field of vision will enhance your underwater experience. Some masks have single lenses, while others have two or three to offer panoramic views.
• Large Lenses: For better peripheral vision, look for masks with large or curved lenses.

4. Mask Material

• Silicone Skirt: A silicone skirt provides a soft, comfortable seal around your face. It’s more durable and hypoallergenic compared to rubber.
• Frame: Masks with a low-profile frame tend to be lighter and more streamlined, which is useful for snorkeling or diving at depth.

5. Single vs. Dual Lens

• Single-Lens Masks: These masks offer a continuous lens and tend to have a larger field of vision, as there are no internal supports obstructing your view.
• Dual-Lens Masks: These provide flexibility for prescription lenses and can sometimes fit better, depending on your face shape.

6. Strap

• The mask strap should be easy to adjust. Consider a mask with a wide, comfortable strap made of silicone, as this will help distribute pressure evenly around your head.
• Look for a mask that has easy-to-adjust buckles for quick strap adjustments while wearing gloves.

7. Anti-Fog Features

• Some masks come with anti-fog coatings, or you can use anti-fog solutions to prevent your mask from fogging up while you’re underwater. Your lenses will also need to be cleaned before the first use.  Our team can take care of this for you!

8. Nose Pocket

• Ensure the mask has a soft nose pocket for equalizing pressure, especially important for diving. You’ll need to pinch your nose to equalize when diving deeper.

9. Prescription Lenses

• If you wear glasses, many masks offer prescription lenses that can be added. Alternatively, you can get a mask that allows for clip-in prescription lenses.

10. Quality and Durability

• Invest in a mask from a reputable brand. It’s important for safety, durability, and comfort. Masks made from high-quality materials like tempered glass for lenses are less likely to scratch and more resistant to damage.

11. Snorkel Compatibility

• If you’re also purchasing a snorkel, make sure the mask and snorkel fit well together. A comfortable fit can improve your experience and reduce the risk of leaks.

12. Test Before You Buy

• Whenever possible, try the mask on before purchasing. Many dive shops allow you to test masks, and this can help you assess fit, comfort, and visibility.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to select the right mask for a comfortable and enjoyable diving or snorkeling experience.  Now that you know how to find your perfect fit, let’s get out there and enjoy some beautiful BVI water and fish! 

We know that Life gets in the way.  And that you definitely don’t get to dive as much you would like too!

With time away from the water, your scuba skills will deteriorate and that’s normal.  Our professional staff want you to feel safe and comfortable underwater so that you can focus on the beauty of your surroundings.  As professional Dive Instructors, we can set you up with a Scuba Refresher prior to your dive trips to get you warmed up and relaxed in the water again.

Back in the days when I was living in the islands and working as a Captain and Scuba Instructor, I figured that 90% of the divers who ask to do a refresher don’t really need to do one, and 90% of the divers who refuse to do a refresher really do need one!  When I haven’t been in the water for a while, I like to jump in and double check my buoyancy, equipment, and get comfortable again.  I have been diving for 27 years and 25 of that as a professional.  For me, being comfortable with my gear setup, wetsuit fit and dive conditions are more than just good ideas – they are essential to my safety.  I’m a big fan of my safety!

At Dive BVI, we think of a refresher in a couple of different ways.  We offer an Oral Refresher where you’ll go over your gear configuration, weight selection, hand signals and dive protocols before a trip heads out.  This is for those divers that want to reinforce their knowledge and make sure they understand how it all works before jumping in.  We also offer a full Scuba Refresher. This is a program where divers get the assistance and supervision of an Instructor in the pool while they review the basic scuba skills. It will also include a thorough review of equipment usage and a knowledge review session.

Both of these options are available for our guests with prior notice.  As we strive to follow the tenets of the SSI Responsible Diver Code, we also want our guests to be comfortable and safe underwater.  By practicing your skills in a controlled environment, and having a Dive Professional guiding you, you will regain that confidence and ability to handle situations that may arise while underwater in a calm and collected manner.

Contact us today and let’s get you set up for success when you arrive!

Safe Dives,

Jeff McNutt

SSI Instructor Certifier