U.S. Divers Snorkel Set Review: Is It the Best Starter Kit?

Let's cut to the chase. If you're searching for a U.S. Divers snorkel set, you're probably planning a tropical vacation or a local lake day and don't want to rent questionable gear. You want something reliable, affordable, and easy to use. After testing the popular U.S. Divers Cozumel set for over three seasons—from the calm bays of Hawaii to the choppier waters of the Caribbean—I can give you a straight answer. It's a solid, no-fuss entry point into snorkeling, perfect for getting your feet wet (literally). But it's not the ultimate gear for everyone, and there are some quirks you won't hear in most reviews.

What's in the Box: The U.S. Divers Cozumel Set Breakdown

When you order a U.S. Divers snorkel set, you're typically getting the "Cozumel" model. It's their flagship starter pack. You'll find three core pieces plus a mesh gear bag.

The Mask: A single-lens, low-volume design. This means the air space inside the mask is smaller, which makes it easier to clear of water if some gets in. The skirt (the part that seals against your face) is made of silicone, which is the standard for comfort and durability.

The Snorkel: This is a "dry" or "semi-dry" snorkel. It has a splash guard or a floating valve mechanism at the top designed to prevent water from flooding the tube when you're on the surface. The mouthpiece is silicone.

The Fins: These are open-heel, adjustable strap fins. They're not full-foot pockets. You're meant to wear them with or without thin neoprene socks. The blades are relatively short and flexible.

The Bag: A simple, blue mesh bag. It does the job of carrying your gear but isn't padded. Don't expect it to protect your mask lens from a serious impact.

The Mask: Fit, Fog, and That One Annoying Thing

Fit is everything with a mask. A leaky mask ruins the experience instantly. The U.S. Divers mask has a decent, generic fit that works for a lot of face shapes. Here's the real test I do with any mask, and you should too: place it on your face without using the strap. Inhale gently through your nose. The mask should suction to your face and stay put for a few seconds without you holding it. If it falls, it's not sealing properly.

This mask passed that test for me. The silicone skirt is soft and doesn't pinch.

Now, the fog. All new masks have a factory coating on the lens that will cause fogging. The biggest mistake beginners make is not properly preparing their new mask. Spitting in it and rinsing is the old-school trick, but using a tiny drop of baby shampoo rubbed in and thoroughly rinsed works better and lasts longer. You must do this before first use.

The one design flaw? The strap adjustment buckles. They're a bit clunky and can be hard to slide while the strap is wet. You'll want to set the strap length on dry land and mostly leave it alone.

The Dry Snorkel: How It Really Works (And When It Doesn't)

This is the heart of the set's appeal for beginners—the promise of a snorkel that keeps water out. Let's demystify it.

A true "dry snorkel" has a float valve mechanism inside the top. When the top goes underwater, the float rises and seals the tube, blocking water entry. The U.S. Divers version often uses a simpler "splash guard"—a plastic cover with small holes or a deflector. It stops waves from splashing directly into the tube but won't fully seal if submerged.

What This Means in Practice

When you're floating face-down, breathing calmly, it works great. Minor surface chop doesn't send water into your mouth. But if you dive down just a few feet or get tumbled by a wave, water will enter the tube. You must learn to clear it by exhaling a sharp burst of air when you surface. The dry feature reduces how often you need to clear it, but it doesn't eliminate the skill.

The mouthpiece is comfortable for most people. A subtle but important detail: the purge valve at the bottom. This is a one-way valve that lets water drain out easily when you exhale, making clearing simpler. Keep it clean of sand.

The Fins: A Reality Check on Comfort and Power

These fins are designed for casual snorkeling, not for fighting strong currents or diving deep. The adjustable strap is a huge plus for families—one set can fit different foot sizes throughout a trip.

Comfort: The foot pocket is fairly soft. However, the plastic adjustment buckle and strap can rub against the top of your foot. After an hour in the water, I've felt a hot spot develop. The fix? Wear them with thin neoprene socks or even rash guard socks. It makes a world of difference and is my top recommendation for anyone buying this set.

Performance: The short, flexible blades require a faster, shorter kick cycle. They're efficient for leisurely swimming over a reef. You won't get the powerful thrust of a long, stiff diving fin, but you also won't get leg cramps as quickly. They're perfectly matched to the set's purpose.

Who Should Buy This Set (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

This isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Based on my experience, here's who will get the most out of a U.S. Divers set.

Buy it if:

• You're a first-time snorkeler going on a once-a-year vacation.
• You need gear for a family with varying foot sizes (those adjustable fins are key).
• You hate the idea of renting a wet, foggy, ill-fitting mask from a tour operator.
• Your snorkeling will be in calm, protected bays and reefs.
• Your budget is under $50.

Look at other brands if:

• You snorkel frequently (more than 2-3 times a year). Investing in higher-end, more durable separate components makes sense.
• You have a narrow or wide face that struggles with generic mask fits. You need to try on masks specifically for your face shape.
• You plan to freedive down more than 10 feet regularly. You'll need a simpler "wet" snorkel (no dry top) and more powerful fins.
• You're sensitive to gear comfort and want premium features like a frameless mask or quick-release fin buckles.

Three Critical Setup Mistakes Beginners Always Make

I've taught enough friends to snorkel. They always mess up these three things with new gear like this U.S. Divers set.

1. Not testing in a pool first. Do not wait until you're on the boat in the ocean. Put the gear on in a swimming pool. Practice breathing through the snorkel, flooding the mask and clearing it, and getting water out of the snorkel. Build muscle memory in a controlled, calm environment. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) always emphasizes this for a reason.

2. Setting the mask strap too tight. A tight strap curls the skirt and causes leaks. The strap's only job is to keep the mask in place. The seal comes from the suction created by the skirt against your skin. It should be snug, not a vise.

3. Putting fins on in the wrong order. On a boat or rocky shore, put your fins on last, right before you enter the water. Walking in fins is a great way to trip and fall. Enter the water, then float on your back to put them on.

Your Snorkel Set Questions Answered