While many would opt to dive into the water barefoot hoping they do not need any kinda support placed right on the foot.
But the fact is, the support is better, and when it is about the fins to wear, this does the fun double instead!
The entire dilemma is to lock on between the fins for two separate aspects. Of course, we have the key difference between snorkeling and scuba fins to list down here, to better educate our audience to decide which ones are a good fit for snorkeling and scuba diving.
3 Core Difference between Snorkeling and Scuba Fins
Let’s dig deep into the difference between snorkeling and scuba-fins and examine who wins the race.
No doubt snorkeling is practiced in shallow depths, and that is the core reason the snorkeling fins are pretty basic and simple in design.
However, the scuba fins can take you farther down the depth of the deep sea, so power and a stronger build are two major components you do need the most.
But those who love snorkeling may not like scuba diving. Or the divers who love scuba diving may not like snorkeling to any extent.
Let’s go straight to the core differences between scuba vs snorkel fins!
Difference #1: Average Fins Size of Snorkeling and Scuba
The fins for scuba diving are clearly larger (by a few inches) than the snorkeling fins.
Snorkel fins size between 24 to 26 inches. While the scuba diving fins’ average size lengthens up to 25 to 30 inches.
Not only do the scuba fins win in the size, but they do also provide a powerful kick at every kick to knock longer distances without much struggle which greatly reduces foot fatigue.
Difference #2: Design Detail and Who is More Flexible
Flexible-wise, snorkel fins top the list if that is what you are wishing to know.
The scuba fins are somewhat stiffer by default for one reason as you go deeper in the sea, the power and thrust are the two major ingredients to keep you pushing and going.
Whereas, the snorkel fins are softer, more flexible, and shorter to knock the shallow water because you would only be swimming a few feet away from the water’s surface.
Snorkel fins come in two typical designs; open-heel and full-foot pockets where you do not need to wear socks.
With scuba diving fins, they seem either designed with a closed or an open-foot pocket.
Pick the open foot-pocket one when you are scuba diving to keep your feet cold in the warm water when exposed. And the vice-versa when it goes with the closed-foot pocket to let warmth locked into the fins to enjoy scuba diving cold-free.
Winner: Snorkel fins due to the flexible build.
Difference #3: What Tops the Best and Quick Maneuvering
Of course, that is snorkeling fins that are best at maneuvering due to their flexible build. The scuba fins that are kinda stiffer, are hard to bend, and thus, they are bitter at quick maneuvering.
So, the winner here is the snorkel fin!
Can You Use Scuba Fins for Snorkeling?
Well, there is no hurdle in using scuba fins for snorkeling but you may face some awkward situations during their use.
As they are stiffer at build, and snorkeling is commonly done in shallow water, the scuba fins can come in contact with sharp-edged rocks and cliffs. So that may tear or break the fins quite easily.
Another situation is, that you gotta go slow while snorkeling, and the scuba finds are quite powerful at kicking, producing immense thrust with every kick which may distract your snorkel experience.
And the snorkeling spots seem to be usually covered with hard rocks to walk on, walking over with the scuba fins could be a daunting task because of their inflexible build.
Let’s dig deep onto the short and long snorkel fins for a detailed overview!
Jumping to the Conclusion
We have winners here (not a winner!) because by finding the key difference between snorkeling and scuba fins, both are winners in their respective domains.
For power and thrust, scuba fins are good for deep diving. Whereas, the snorkeling fins are flexible, and best at maneuvering while it keeps you splashing with required power In shallow water.
But if you are expecting to use the fins in otherwise situations (snorkeling fins for scuba diving or, scuba diving fins for snorkeling), that is gonna ruin the whole snorkeling experience.
So better off, use the respective fins in the recommended situations (for what they are good and made for) to avoid facing the worst experience, and starting to curse the options. 🙂
