Snorkeling Equipment Market Size, Share, and COVID Impact Analysis, By Type (Snorkels, Snorkeling Masks, Snorkeling Fins, and Others), By Application (Recreational Diving and Professional Diving), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

Snorkeling equipment is used for underwater exploration, involving breathing through a snorkel tube. Since snorkeling involves swimming on the surface, it requires less equipment than scuba diving. The growing popularity of water sports and adventure tourism, rising disposable income, and increasing spending on leisure during vacations propel the product demand worldwide.

The rising adoption of snorkeling among health-conscious individuals owing to benefits such as stress relief, relaxation, and physical exercise, boosts the demand for snorkeling equipment. Furthermore, the rising number of programs by government and diving institutions promoting snorkeling and scuba diving boost the market growth. For instance, in October 2022, Scuba Schools International (SSI), a Colorado, U.S.-based scuba diving certification agency, launched the SSI Explorers Program, its new kids’ program with various components such as snorkel explorer, mermaid explorers, and freediving explorers. According to SSI, the new program is for children aged 6 to 11 to promote snorkeling and scuba diving.

Innovations in snorkeling equipment, such as improved mask designs, ergonomic snorkels, and durable materials, attract consumers seeking performance and comfort. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies such as enhanced visibility, anti-fogging coating, and dry-top snorkels with enhanced breathing mechanisms providing a better snorkeling experience, boosts the product demand. Several manufacturers focus on introducing innovative and technological-advanced products. For instance,

• In May 2022, Fourth Element, a Cornwall, U.K.-based underwater gear company, launched HALO A°R, their brand-new undersuit. According to the company, the new undersuit has highly advanced thermal technology with one of the most-insulating materials.


• In April 2022, TUSA, a California, U.S.-based scuba equipment manufacturer, launched the Zensee, its new frameless scuba diving mask with 3D SYNQ Technology.

The growing demand for eco-friendly and recyclable snorkeling equipment made from sustainable materials is owing to the increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. Several manufacturers focus on launching sustainable and eco-friendly products. For instance, in April 2021, Aqualung Group, a France-based diving and water sports equipment company, launched its all-new XSCAPE collection, including a neoprene-free wetsuit and a rash guard made from yulex eco-friendly natural rubber.

Snorkeling relies heavily on diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs. The degradation and pollution of marine ecosystems worldwide, paired with the government limiting diving activities and a limited number of diving permits, could restrain the market growth. Moreover, snorkeling is often limited to specific destinations and seasons, adversely affecting the equipment demand during the off-peak season.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Snorkeling Equipment Market

The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic negatively influenced product sales in 2020 and 2021. Owing to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, countries across the globe imposed travel bans and lockdowns, notably in 2020, restricting product sales. For instance, according to the World Tourism Organization, an agency of the United Nations, in 2020, international arrivals dropped by 74%, and destinations worldwide lost over 1 billion international arrivals compared to 2019.

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

The type segment is categorized into snorkels, snorkeling masks, snorkeling fins, and others. The snorkel segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The increasing consumer preference for equipment that aids easy breathing while snorkeling with features such as purge valves, dry-top mechanisms, and ergonomic mouthpieces accelerates the global product demand.

Snorkeling masks are becoming increasingly popular across countries, given their beneficial features such as eye protection and clear vision underwater. These equipment are also available with adjustable straps, wide lenses, and anti-fogging coatings. Industry players focus on launching innovative products to diversify their product portfolio. For instance, in March 2023, Blue Reef, a scuba diving and snorkeling equipment brand by Scuba.com, launched a new snorkeling mask with twin-tempered glass to reduce underwater fogging.

Analysis by Application

Based on application, the market is segmented into recreational and professional diving. The recreational diving segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to increasing tourism and the growing popularity of water sports worldwide. Recreational divers include tourists, snorkelers, and other casual divers seeking enjoyment, leisure, and underwater exploration.

The professional diving segment is expected to grow significantly throughout the forecast timeframe. The professional segment includes commercial divers, marine researchers, rescue divers, military divers, and underwater photographers with diving certifications. The increasing number of professional divers worldwide fuels the segment growth.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline. The offline segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the wide availability of various brands and divers preferring to check and use snorkeling products before purchasing. Several players focus on launching physical stores. For instance, in May 2023, Scuba.com, a California, U.S.-based scuba diving and snorkeling equipment retailer, launched its new store in the New York City. The company also claims to offer expert advice and underwater adventure training. 

The growing popularity of online shopping owing to the growing number of smartphone users and the increasing number of internet users worldwide drives the market growth. Moreover, the convenience of purchasing and browsing with benefits such as wide variety, comparing prices, and consumer reviews drives the segment growth.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Supply Chain Analysis


• Industry SWOT Analysis


• Key Industry Developments (Product Launches, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Snorkeling Equipment Market

Regional Analysis

Based on geography, the snorkeling equipment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. This is due to rising disposable income, the growing popularity of water sports, and the increasing popularity of coastal snorkeling destinations such as Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands. Moreover, this region's significant number of scuba divers propels the market growth. For instance, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a Maryland, U.S.-based sports and fitness brands trade association, in 2020, there were 11 million snorkelers in the U.S.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly throughout the forecast period due to rising consumer spending, a growing trend of active lifestyles, and increasing tourism across countries such as Australia, Thailand, Maldives, and Indonesia. Furthermore, rising consumer inclination toward adventure tourism and water-based activities and increasing government initiatives promoting marine sports & tourism are expected to fuel the regional market growth in the coming years.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Johnson Outdoors Inc., Cressi sub-S.p. A, Apollo Sports, TUSA, Kraken Aquatics, Seavenger, Phantom Aquatics, Dive Rite, Zeagle, and Diving Unlimited International.

Key Industry Developments

• In March 2023, Blue Reef, a scuba diving and snorkeling equipment brand by Scuba.com, launched a new product line, including snorkels, masks, fins, and gear bags. The company introduced eleven new masks, eight fin options, and seven snorkels for adults and children.


• In March 2022, Fourth Element, a Cornwall, U.K.-based underwater gear company, launched new Rec Fins made from recycled plastic waste.