Can you use a full-face snorkel mask on boat snorkeling trips in Hurghada, Egypt?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: today
TL;DR
On many boat excursions (e.g. the Santorini yacht from Fun Sun) full-face snorkel masks are banned due to CO2 buildup risk — you'll be given a standard mask and snorkel from shared gear instead.
What the community said
On the full-day Santorini yacht excursion (operator Fun Sun) full-face masks are banned — staff say they cause CO2 buildup and risk of suffocation. You get a standard mask and snorkel from shared gear, disinfected in soapy water and rinsed with fresh water from the onboard shower. Fins and life vests are also provided on request. Safety and service on this trip are rated as very good.
1 day ago Santorini yacht, Fun Sun
An experienced full-face mask user says with regular use there's no discomfort or breathing issues — visibility of fish is good and it's comfortable for surface floating and observing. The main limitation: you can't dive underwater with this type of mask, only snorkel on the surface.
3 days ago
First-timers who've never used a classic mask-and-snorkel are advised to practice breathing through the mouth in advance — that's the main challenge for beginners switching from a full-face mask.
14 days ago