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Sun Protection

Sun Protection

Sun Protection

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Buy reef-safe sunscreen and UPF 50+ UV shirts for snorkeling and scuba diving in Canada. UV radiation reflects off water and sand, significantly increasing your exposure — you can burn badly even on a cloudy day. All sunscreen products we carry are free from oxybenzone and other chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine life. UV shirts and rashguards offer the most reliable sun protection available, blocking over 98% of UV radiation without washing off in the water. Available for adults and kids. 

Choosing the best type of sun protection for me and my family

What to know about sun protection for snorkeling and scuba diving

UV shirts — the most effective protection
A UPF 50+ rashguard or UV shirt blocks over 98% of UV radiation — significantly more reliably than any sunscreen, and it never washes off in the water. Long-sleeve styles protect the arms and the backs of the hands, which are particularly prone to burning during snorkeling when your arms are extended in front of you. UV shirts dry quickly, are comfortable in and out of the water, and can be worn over a swimsuit or as a base layer under a wetsuit to prevent chafing from seams. For anyone spending extended time on the water, a UV shirt is the first line of defence. Also look for head and neck gaiters that will help protect the top of your head and neck from sun exposure.

Rashguard fit — size snug, not loose
Rashguards fit on the small side compared to regular clothing. You want a snug but comfortable fit — if the shirt is too loose it will flap and drag in the water once wet, which becomes uncomfortable quickly. If you plan to wear it under a wetsuit, a closer fit is especially important. Check the sizing notes on each product page as fit can vary between styles and brands. When in doubt, size down rather than up for in-water use.

Reef-safe sunscreen — mineral only
For skin not covered by a UV shirt, use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to damage coral reefs and are banned in several dive destinations including Hawaii, Palau, and parts of the Caribbean. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them gentler on sensitive skin as well as the reef. Apply generously and reapply after extended time in the water.

Don't forget the easy-to-miss spots
The most common sunburn spots for snorkelers are the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, the backs of the hands, and the lower back — areas that face directly upward while you float at the surface. A long-sleeve UV shirt covers most of these. Apply sunscreen to any remaining exposed skin before entering the water. Peak UV hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. — plan your surface time accordingly, particularly at tropical latitudes where UV index regularly exceeds 10.

Frequently asked questions

What is reef-safe sunscreen and why does it matter?

Reef-safe sunscreen uses mineral active ingredients — zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — instead of chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies have shown that oxybenzone causes coral bleaching and disrupts the development of juvenile marine life even at very low concentrations. Chemical sunscreen washes off your skin in the water and enters the reef ecosystem directly. Several popular dive destinations have banned chemical sunscreens entirely. All sunscreen products we carry are free from oxybenzone and other reef-damaging ingredients — you can protect your skin without harming the environment you came to see.Check out our Stream2Sea selection of products, the #1 recommended reef-safe product line.

What does UPF 50+ mean on a UV shirt?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor — it is the clothing equivalent of SPF in sunscreen. A UPF 50+ rating means the fabric blocks over 98% of UV radiation from passing through to your skin. This is significantly more reliable than sunscreen, which degrades in water, rubs off, and requires reapplication. A UPF 50+ shirt provides consistent protection for as long as you are wearing it, with no reapplication needed. For snorkelers spending one to four hours at the surface, a UV shirt is a far more practical and effective choice than relying on sunscreen alone.

Can I wear a UV shirt under my wetsuit?

Yes — wearing a UV shirt or rashguard under a wetsuit is very common and has two benefits. It reduces chafing from wetsuit seams, particularly around the neck, wrists, and ankles, and it makes the wetsuit easier to put on and take off. A snug-fitting rashguard works better under a wetsuit than a loose one. The thermal benefit is minimal — a thin rashguard adds very little warmth — but the comfort improvement is noticeable, especially on multiple dives per day. Some divers wear their UV shirt for the surface interval and simply pull the wetsuit on over it for the next dive.

Is regular sunscreen safe to use while snorkeling or diving?

Most conventional sunscreens contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical UV filters that wash off in the water and have been shown to harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. If you are snorkeling or diving on a reef, we strongly recommend switching to a mineral-based reef-safe sunscreen. Beyond the environmental issue, chemical sunscreens also wash off faster in salt water and require more frequent reapplication than mineral formulas. For areas covered by a UV shirt, no sunscreen is needed at all — which is the simplest and most reef-friendly approach.