Snorkel for Spearfishing

Snorkels for Spearfishing

The snorkel, or breathing tube, is one of the essential accessories for spearfishing. Its purpose is to allow the spearo to breathe on the surface while keeping the face underwater. Unlike snorkels for recreational snorkeling or swimming, snorkels designed for spearfishing feature specific construction details: a low-profile shape to reduce water resistance, no purge valves that could retain water, an anatomical mouthpiece in hypoallergenic silicone and, on many models, camouflage colors that reduce the visibility of the gear in the water.

DEEP BLUE’s snorkel category includes over 30 snorkel models selected specifically for spearfishing, with a range that covers the needs of both beginner spearos and more experienced users. Available brands include C4, Mares, Cressi, Salvimar, Beuchat, Rob Allen and Sigal Sub.

Types of snorkels for spearfishing

Within the category, several construction types can be identified, each with different technical characteristics.

Dual-hardness snorkels (bi-material)

These are the most common models in the mid-range and high-end segments. The tube is made with two thermoplastic materials of different hardness: the central section has greater rigidity to maintain the shape of the tube and make breathing easier, while the upper section is made from a softer material. This structure allows the snorkel to bend sideways without collapsing the airway. This category includes the C4 Meltemi, Mares Dual, Sigal Sub Air-Soft, as well as other models.

Rigid-tube snorkels

These feature a tube made from rigid thermoplastic material, ensuring stability of the breathing channel. The soft silicone mouthpiece provides bite comfort even during long sessions. This type includes models such as the Mares Dual Basic. 

Soft-tube snorkels

These feature a tube made from soft thermoplastic material, ensuring maximum flexibility in all conditions. The mouthpiece is always made from soft silicone for maximum comfort. This type includes the Beuchat Activa Tubair models, as well as the Cressi Corsica, Mares Element, and other models.

Camouflage spearfishing snorkels

A significant part of the category features camouflage colors, with camouflage patterns in tones typical of coastal marine environments (sandy or rocky bottoms, Posidonia meadows, open-ocean environments). Camo colors reduce the visibility of the snorkel in the water, an important factor for those who practice spearfishing in shallow bottoms or clear water. Available camouflage models include: C4 Meltemi Camo Ocean, C4 Meltemi Camo Med, C4 Mistral Camu, Sigal Sub Air-Soft Camu, Rob Allen Stream Camu, Salvimar Ellipsis Krypsis Camu.

How to choose a spearfishing snorkel

Choosing a snorkel depends on a few practical variables related to use, environment, and the spearo’s habits.

Tube flexibility

A soft tube or one with differentiated-hardness sections offers greater adaptability to movement. This is relevant for those who fish on rocky bottoms, where prey can often hide among crevices or in holes. The soft section bends on contact with the rocks, preventing the snorkel from levering against the mask and accidentally letting water enter when inspecting a hole.

Mouthpiece material

The hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece reduces jaw fatigue during long sessions. On lower-end models, the mouthpiece may be made from less flexible materials that cause discomfort after extended use. Most of the models in this category use silicone for the mouthpiece.

Camouflage or neutral color

The choice between a solid color (black, gray, blue) and a camouflage pattern depends on the environment where you fish. In clear, shallow water, a camo color can reduce the fish’s perception of the gear. In murky water or at depth, the difference is negligible. Black models are still a popular choice among experienced spearos as well, thanks to the visual discretion they provide in various environments.

Buoyancy

Some models are built with positively buoyant materials. This feature helps prevent the snorkel from sinking and being accidentally lost.

Price range

The available range covers a wide span, from just over 10€ for basic models such as the Mares Element Black up to around 35€ for premium models such as the C4 Meltemi. The price difference mainly reflects material quality, bi-material construction, and the presence of camouflage colors. 

Materials and technical features

The materials used in the construction of spearfishing snorkels directly affect comfort, durability, and behavior in the water.

Differentiated-density thermoplastic: most mid-range and high-end models use thermoplastic materials in sections with different hardness levels. This makes it possible to design rigid areas of the tube - which keep the channel open - and more flexible areas - which adapt to movement without becoming stiff.

Hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece: the mouthpiece - the part that comes into direct contact with the mouth - is made from hypoallergenic silicone on almost all models in the category. This choice is driven by the need to ensure comfort during extended sessions and to avoid skin reactions or irritation for users sensitive to synthetic materials.

Floating materials: on various models, the entire structure is made with positively buoyant materials, a feature stated in the product technical data.

Practical use of the snorkel in spearfishing

During a spearfishing session, the snorkel is used mainly on the surface, during the fish-spotting phase and while breathing up before each dive. Once the duck dive has been made, the diver lets it fall to the side while keeping it secured by the mask strap, under which it is tucked.

Generally, modern spearos do not use the snorkel keeper clip supplied with some models. This clip, designed to attach the snorkel to the mask strap, is removed and the snorkel simply sits under the strap. This solution makes the snorkel more fixed and stable during the dive, while also keeping it ready and easier to locate as soon as the spearo resurfaces. For this reason, certain premium snorkels are designed without this clip from the start.

Available brands

C4 is the brand with the widest range in this category, with various models across the Meltemi, Scirocco, and Mistral lines. C4 snorkels stand out for their bi-material structure with differentiated hardness levels and for the availability of colors.

Mares is another brand with a large number of options in this category, with a range divided across three distinct lines: Element (entry-level, with floating and standard versions), Dual Basic (mid-range, available in black and clear), and Dual (mid-to-high range with camo and neutral colors).

Salvimar is represented by various models including the Time (entry-level), the Bite Air, and the Ellipsis. The latter is also available in a camouflage color and with a silicone mouthpiece in the mid-range price segment.

Sigal Sub offers models from the Air-Soft line, featuring a soft tube and a silicone mouthpiece. The line is positioned in the mid-range price segment.

Beuchat is represented by the Spy model in three colors and the Activa Tubair model. The French brand has deep roots in Mediterranean spearfishing, and its snorkels are known for solid, reliable construction.

Cressi is represented by the Corsica line in three colors, soft-tube snorkels with silicone mouthpieces in the mid-range price segment.

Rob Allen is represented by the Stream Camu model, a semi-rigid camouflage snorkel from the South African brand known for producing high-quality spearfishing gear.

Conclusion

Choosing a snorkel is a more technical decision than it may seem. A suitable snorkel reduces fatigue on the surface, does not interfere with the descent, and contributes to the camouflage of the gear in the water. DEEP BLUE’s snorkel category offers a selection of over 30 models covering all levels of use, from beginners to experienced spearos, with products from established brands in spearfishing.

The range stands out for the variety of available constructions - mono-material, bi-material, floating - and for the wide selection of camouflage colors, two aspects that make this selection suitable for those who practice spearfishing in different environments, from the Mediterranean to the open ocean.