3 best inflatable life vest for snorkeling

Inflatable life vests, commonly referred to as snorkel vests in the context of snorkeling, are an essential piece of safety equipment for many water enthusiasts. Here's an overview:

What is a Snorkel Vest?

A snorkel vest is a type of inflatable vest designed specifically for snorkelers to provide buoyancy while in the water. Unlike traditional life vests, snorkel vests are generally less bulky, allowing for more freedom of movement. This is especially beneficial for snorkelers, as it enables them to float effortlessly on the surface and dive down to view underwater sights with ease.

Key Features:

Inflation/Deflation Mechanism: Most snorkel vests come with an oral inflation tube. Users can inflate the vest by blowing into this tube. It allows snorkelers to adjust the amount of buoyancy they need. When they want to dive down, they can release some air, and to float on the surface, they can inflate it fully.
Secure Fastening: The vests often come with adjustable straps, typically around the waist and sometimes between the legs, to ensure a secure fit. This prevents the vest from riding up while in the water.
Visibility: Many snorkel vests are designed in bright colors, like yellow or orange, making snorkelers easily visible to boats or other watercraft.
Compactness: These vests are generally lightweight and can be deflated, making them easy to pack and transport.
Comfort: Designed for water sports, they usually have openings for the arms, providing a range of motion suitable for swimming.

Benefits:

Safety: The primary advantage of a snorkel vest is the safety it provides. For those who are not strong swimmers or are snorkeling in areas with currents, a snorkel vest can be a lifesaver.
Energy Conservation: Snorkel vests help snorkelers conserve energy as they don't need to tread water constantly or keep themselves afloat.
Adjustable Buoyancy: The ability to adjust buoyancy is a significant benefit.It allows snorkelers to dive down while partially deflated and then inflate it for rest or when they want to stay on the surface.

Considerations Before Buying:

Fit: It's crucial to choose a snorkel vest that fits well. A vest that's too big can ride up, while one that's too tight can be restrictive.
Material: Look for durable materials that are puncture-resistant and can withstand the marine environment.
Ease of Use: The inflation and deflation mechanism should be user-friendly, and the straps should be easy to adjust.
Type: There are different types of snorkel vests, like horse collar style (which is worn around the neck) and jacket style (similar to a traditional life vest). Choose the one that you find most comfortable.
Additional Features: Some vests come with added features like pockets, D-rings for attaching gear, or even a whistle for emergencies.

Usage Tips:

Always Wear It: Even if you are a strong swimmer, it's advisable to wear a snorkel vest in unfamiliar waters.
Check Before Each Use: Before getting into the water, ensure there are no punctures and that the inflation mechanism works properly.
Adjust Buoyancy: Inflate the vest to the desired level depending on your activity. Remember, it's safer to stay positively buoyant, especially in strong currents or deep water.
Avoid Sharp Objects: When snorkeling near coral reefs or rocky areas, be cautious to avoid sharp objects that could puncture the vest.

In conclusion, a snorkel vest is a valuable tool for both novice and experienced snorkelers. It enhances safety and provides a more enjoyable snorkeling experience by allowing users to float comfortably and adjust buoyancy as needed. Always ensure you choose a quality vest and maintain it properly for maximum longevity and safety.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best inflatable life vest for snorkeling on the market

WACOOL Inflatable Snorkel Diving Swimming Scuba Vest Jacket (Kids, Sky Blue)

Based on 321 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WACOOL Snorkel Vest Designed For Snorkeling

- Make Snorkeling Much Easier,provides enough buoyancy while snorkeling,give you more confidence,both great for learners and good swimmers.

- Designed For Snorkeling,comfortable and enjoyable,the bright colors provide excellent visibility.

- Suitable For ALL Water Activities,such as snorkeling,swimming,surfing,boating etc.

Product Size(Deflated Flat)：

- Adult: 23" * 17.5" inch

- Kids: 20" * 15.5" inch

Package Includes：

- Vest * 1

- Mesh Bag * 1

- Instruction * 1

Ultimate Snorkeling Vest for Adult: Small footprint, large buoyancy(from 80 to 220 lbs); Neon colors provide excellent visibility, idea for learners & swimmers. Main Material: Polyester 60% (outer) + PVC 40% (inner).
Ultimate Snorkeling Vest for Kids: Small footprint, large buoyancy(from 80 to 220 lbs); Neon colors provide excellent visibility, idea for learners & swimmers. Main Material: Polyester 60% (outer) + PVC 40% (inner).
Horse Collar over the Neck: Simple to put on and take off, very comfortable. Large enough for most adults. This inflatable vest provides enough buoyancy while snorkeling, give you more confidence to explore in the water.
Adjustable Waist & Crotch Straps: Latch straps vertically and horizontally, providing a secure and worry free snorkeling experience, easy pinch buckles for fast removal.
Bonus Mesh Bag Included. Limited life time guarantee. Try risk free.

User questions & answers

Question:	I purchased the sky blue, adult size. however, when the product arrived, it was marked as child size. which colors are for adults
Answer:	I felt it worked really well for me when I was snorkeling in some big waves. I’m not the best of swimmers and I felt totally confident in the water. It worked just as well as my friend’s vest who paid much more money.
Question:	Are there 0, 1, or 2 leg straps
Answer:	Yes, it will work well.
Question:	Can anyone answer where these are manufactured
Answer:	Yes.
Question:	can this be used as a life jacket
Answer:	Hi Melyce, this is adult vest and it will be too large for kids, you can choose a vest for kids here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795Q2TCW

Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket Life Vest Highly Visible Automatic for Adults (Grey)

Eyson Lifesaving Equipment

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

* Automatically inflates when submerged in water or when the wearer manually pulls the handle to inflate the life jacket.

* Fast inflates in approximately 3-5 seconds to adjust your head above the water.

* Equipped with a back-up oral inflation tube on the left of life jacket.

* Provides comfort, safety and peace of mind for the sportsman, flat water paddler, or recreational boater without knowing you have it on, until you may need it. Comfortable, lightweight, low profile design, soft neoprene neckline for all day comfort.

Fabric Cover

1. SOLAS Approved USA 3M Reflectors: 2 large area reflective bands on fabric cover, greatly increase visibility in darkness.

2. Transparent Plastic Window: Designed for easily checking the status of the device to confirm whether it's ready for use or not.

3. Large Pull Cord: Easily hold and pull the cord to inflate the air bag/chamber.

4. Neoprene Neck Cushion: Soft neoprene neckline for all day comfort.

5. Useful Stainless Steel D-ring: Extra D-ring for hanging small stuff and it can be also used for someone to pull you back to the land.

6. Stainless Steel Buckle: This buckle is much durable than the traditional black plastic quick release buckle, BUT it requires a new way to open and close the buckle, please refer to picture 5 about how to use this buckle.

Air Bag

1. SOLAS Approved Reflectors: Two reflective bands on the air bag for greater visibility in darkness.

2. Eyson Patent Inflator: High quality Eyson inflator for inflating the life jacket in approximately 3-5 seconds.

3. Oral Tube: TPU material, a backup to supply air.

4. Whistle: Professional life-saving whistle with is high penetration and high frequency.

5. CE Approved: Tested for 48 hours for the air leakage before leaving the factory.

Package includes

1 x Eyson life jacket

1 x Carry bag

1 x User's manual

CE Certificated & SOLAS approved 3M reflectors
Lightweight & soft neoprene neckline for all day wearing comfort
Adjustable belt fit for universal adult & slender design keeps you cool in warm weather
Reusable, washable and easy to air dry
Buoyancy: 150N, fits for Universal Adults under 330 lbs (150kg)

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this pfd uscg approved? thanks
Answer:	Pulling the broom in a backwards motion. No not push forward as you would a regular broom.

Lyuwpes Inflatable Snorkel Vest Adult Snorkeling Jackets Vests Free Diving Swimming Safety Load Up to 220 Ibs

Lesberg

Based on 704 reviews Check latest price

Product description

How to wear?

1.Loosen the straps to make them bigger;

2.Put your head through the hole and the crotch strap falls behind you;

3.Find the waist strap and bring it around you, secure the male buckle to the corresponding female buckle,the same as the crotch strap;

4.Adjust the straps length to your most comfort;

5.Press down the air valve to inflate or deflate the air and when loosening your fingers, the valve will automatically lock the air in.

What is the purpose?

To ensure the water safety and prevent accidental events.

To elevate your confidence and self-reliance in the water.

Airbag Main Material: Polyester 60% (outer) + PVC 40% (inner)
Imported
backstrap closure
Lyuwpes Snorkeling Vest: small footprint, large buoyancy (from 80 to 220 lbs) while snorkeling; fluorescence colors provide excellent visibility, great for learners and good swimmers
Fast Inflation, Fast Deflation: snorkel vest supports the body, just right fully inflated without the need of excess air, convenient mouthpiece location
Horse Collar Style Over The Neck: simple to put on and take off, very comfortable without skin abrasions, fitting well for most adults
Adjustable Waist & Crotch Straps: latch straps vertically and horizontally, providing a secure and worry free, easy pinch buckles for fast removal
Flexible, Lightweight & Compact: easy to pack, a little smart companion for journey (bonus mesh bag included)

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work in big waves to provide confidence? I get that this is not a life vest, but I’m worried about undertow where I’m traveling
Answer:	Yes, the Myklops has been designed to be worn on both wrist. The unit had a rotating base for this purpose.
Question:	Will this fit 42” waist
Answer:	It appears to be plastic-- I like it- However the distance from your eyes to your wrist does limit the sharpness of the view- You can't see really past maybe 15-20 yards behind ya. But you can catch car lights coming and when other bikers approach pretty decent
Question:	Could I use one on my cruise if I am not a swimmer
Answer:	The size of the mirror only is 1 1/8" x 2"
Question:	It could be used in kids with height 45 inch
Answer:	Yes as indicated by another reviewers it can be used on the drop bars of a road bike. But I would think that this is not the ideal solution as the Blackburn Multi Bike Mirror is relatively large and mainly designed to work with a normal straight handle bar which you would find on a mountain or hybrid bike. I also use a very small and light "Take a Look Cyclist Mirror" which attaches to my glasses (can also be mounted to your bike helmet). Because it is much closer to your eyes it actually has a very wider field of vision and I have found that I refer to it much more than the Blackburn. In a pinch it can also be attached to either side of your eyeglasses. I would recommend you try the "Take a Look" over the Blackburn for a road bike.