Snorkel Vests

Buy snorkeling vests in Canada for adults and kids — an inflatable buoyancy aid that lets you rest comfortably at the surface while snorkeling, then deflate and dive down when you want to. Particularly useful for beginners, children, non-swimmers, and anyone snorkeling in choppy water or unfamiliar conditions. A snorkeling vest is not a substitute for a life jacket but is an excellent safety aid for recreational snorkeling. Available in horse-collar, jacket, and vest styles, including kids snorkeling vests. .

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What to look for in a snorkeling vest

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Inflatable bladder — how it works Every snorkeling vest uses an air bladder that runs along the front of your chest. When inflated it keeps you floating face-down at the surface with very little effort. To inflate, press the top of the oral inflator valve and exhale into it — a few breaths is all it takes. To deflate, press down on the valve top and squeeze the air out with your hands. The vest can be inflated or deflated quickly at the surface, giving you full control over how much buoyancy you want at any moment. Horse-collar style A horse-collar vest uses a donut-shaped bladder — you slip your head through the centre hole and secure the vest with adjustment straps. Nothing covers your back, keeping it lightweight and simple. Horse-collar vests tend to fit a wide range of body sizes and are easy to put on and take off in the water. A popular choice for families and rental situations where one size needs to fit many people.

Jacket and vest styles A jacket-style vest zips up at the front and includes neoprene coverage across the back, giving a more secure and streamlined fit than the horse-collar. A vest-style design is similar but tends to be more form-fitting and size-specific — better suited to regular use where a precise fit matters. Both styles provide the same core function as the horse-collar but with more coverage and a snugger feel, which some snorkelers find more comfortable over long sessions. Kids vs. adult sizing Snorkeling vests are sized by body weight and chest measurement rather than age alone. A vest that is too large will ride up over a child's face in the water, which defeats the purpose entirely. Always check the weight and chest size range in the product description when buying for a child. We carry kids snorkeling vests specifically sized for younger snorkelers. When in doubt, come into our Edmonton store and we can help with fitting.

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Frequently asked questions

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Is a snorkeling vest the same as a life jacket?

No — a snorkeling vest is a buoyancy aid designed for recreational snorkeling at the surface, not a certified life-saving device. A life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face-up and keep their airway clear in open water. A snorkeling vest is intended to help a conscious snorkeler rest at the surface and reduce fatigue — it is not a substitute for a life jacket in high-risk or open-ocean conditions. For recreational snorkeling in supervised or sheltered water, a snorkeling vest is an excellent safety aid, particularly for children and beginners.

Can I dive underwater while wearing a snorkeling vest?

Yes — when the vest is fully deflated you can dive down beneath the surface just as you would without it. The deflated bladder has very little drag and does not significantly impede movement underwater. Simply deflate before diving and re-inflate when you return to the surface. This is one of the key advantages of a snorkeling vest over a life jacket — the ability to control your buoyancy and dive down when you want to, then come back up and rest comfortably on the surface.

What size snorkeling vest do I need?

Snorkeling vests are sized primarily by chest circumference and body weight — check the size chart on each product page. A vest that is too large will ride up over your face in the water and is both uncomfortable and unsafe. A vest that is too small will be difficult to put on and restrict movement. For children especially, getting the sizing right is important — we recommend checking the weight range listed in the product description and sizing down rather than up if in doubt. If you are local to Edmonton, come in and try one on before purchasing.

Can I prevent my child from deflating their snorkeling vest on their own?

Yes - the tube that you blow into to inflate the vest has a screw-down top that essentially locks it in place, preventing the vest from being deflated.

How do I care for my snorkeling vest after use?

After every use, rinse the vest thoroughly with fresh water inside and out. To rinse the interior bladder, push a small amount of water through the inflation valve, shake it around, then drain it fully. Rinse the valve itself to remove any salt or sand that could cause it to stick or leak. Allow the vest to dry completely — inside and out — before storing. Packing a wet or damp vest away will result in mould and odour. Store out of direct sunlight. Before each use, check the oral inflation valve is seating correctly and inspect the seams for any signs of wear.