Genesis Hydra Dry Snorkel Dry Valve Top and Hypoallergenic Mouthpiece

A classic open-top snorkel is a simple tube, the most reliable design, but it takes on water when a wave passes or you duck under. A semi-dry snorkel adds a splash guard at the top that deflects surface chop, though it still floods if fully submerged. A dry snorkel adds a float-operated valve that closes the top when submerged and keeps the tube mostly dry, at the cost of more moving parts and a little extra bulk and buoyancy.

A purge valve is a one-way valve in a sump below the mouthpiece that lets water you blow out drain away instead of sitting in the tube. It makes clearing easier, since a short sharp breath clears the snorkel with much less effort. The tradeoff is one more part that can foul with sand or grit, so rinse it and check that it seats cleanly.

Snorkels attach on the left side of the mask with a keeper that grips the mask strap, leaving your right side clear for the regulator hose. Position it so the mouthpiece reaches your mouth with the tube running alongside your head, without twisting the strap or pulling the mask skirt off its seal. Many keepers are quick-release, so you can remove the snorkel without disassembling the mask.

It depends on your training agency, the dive operation, and the diving you do, since some courses and operators require one. A snorkel lets you breathe at the surface without using tank gas, which matters on a long surface swim or in chop while waiting for the boat. Follow your instructor's or operator's requirements, and consider a folding snorkel if you want one stowed rather than on your mask.

A snorkel that is too long or too wide increases the volume of air you rebreathe and makes clearing harder, which is why recreational snorkels cluster around similar lengths and bore sizes. A flexible lower section lets the mouthpiece drop away from your face while you are breathing from the regulator. Mouthpiece comfort matters more than any other feature, so pick one you can hold without jaw fatigue.

Rinse the tube, mouthpiece, and purge valve in fresh water after each dive day, then let it drain and dry fully, because standing salt water in the sump grows mold. Check the mouthpiece for splits and the purge valve for trapped grit, both of which are inexpensive to replace. Store it out of direct sun so the silicone stays soft and clear.

Nine options are published: Black Silicone, Ice Blue, Ice Blue Silicone, Ultra Violet, Ultra Violet Silicone, Lemon Yellow, Lemon Yellow/Black Silicone, White and White Silicone. Each has its own SKU in the FS3000 series, such as FS3000BS for Black Silicone and FS3000WH for White. The snorkel itself is the same design in every color, so choose the one that matches your mask or fins.

The Hydra uses a smooth operating dry ball mechanism at the top of the tube. It allows free air flow while you breathe on the surface and closes swiftly with any movement, such as a wave passing overhead or ducking under. Water that does make it inside is captured by the deep base receptacle, which holds it without impacting the breathing experience.

Yes. The Hydra is designed for scuba diving and snorkeling, and its keeper buckle attaches to the strap of any regular scuba or snorkeling mask. Divers use it to breathe on long surface swims without drawing tank gas, while snorkelers benefit from the dry top and the large diameter tube for easy surface breathing.

Yes. The Hydra uses an anatomical 100% hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece that is soft and supple for extended use, and it is replaceable if required. Rinse the silicone mouthpiece in fresh water after each dive day and check it for splits. If you need help identifying a replacement, contact us at 888-701-4017.