What to Buy in 2025: A Guide to the Best Kids Scuba Gear

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Scuba diving can be an unforgettable experience for kids—offering adventure, discovery, and the chance to build lifelong skills and confidence. But for young divers to thrive, having the right gear is essential. Comfort, safety, and proper fit all play a huge role in how much a child enjoys their time beneath the surface.

Fortunately, today’s market offers a wide range of high-quality kids scuba gear, with trusted brands now designing equipment specifically for younger, smaller divers. From masks and fins to wetsuits and regulators, choosing the right setup can make all the difference.

In this guide, we cover the best kids scuba gear for 2025—plus expert tips to help you pick gear that grows with your child and keeps them safe every step of the way.

Choosing the Best Kids Scuba Gear: What to Look For

Selecting the right kids scuba gear is essential not just for safety and comfort, but also for building confidence underwater. Children have different needs than adults when it comes to fit, flexibility, and usability. Here is what to consider in each gear category—plus a top product recommendation to help you get started.

Masks & Snorkels: Comfort and Fit Matter Most

One of the most important pieces of kids scuba gear is a quality mask and snorkel set. A proper fit helps prevent leaks and ensures clear vision, while a comfortable snorkel allows relaxed breathing at the surface.

Tips for Choosing:

• Look for masks designed specifically for smaller faces.
• Choose tempered glass lenses for safety and durability.
• A dry-top snorkel helps keep water out—ideal for beginners and kids.
• Adjustable straps allow the gear to grow with your child.

Top Pick: Mares X-One Pirate Snorkeling Set 

Designed for younger faces, this combo offers great visibility, a soft silicone skirt, and a splash guard for stress-free surface swimming.

Fins: Power Without the Effort

Fins are essential for mobility underwater, but the best kids scuba gear should include fins that are easy to kick and sized for growing feet.

Tips for Choosing:

• Open-heel fins with adjustable straps are perfect for long-term use.
• Soft, flexible blades reduce fatigue and are easier to control.
• Make sure the fins are not too tight or too large—they should feel snug but comfortable.

Top Pick: Mares Manta Junior 

These youth-specific fins balance performance with comfort and are ideal for both pool training and tropical dive trips.

READ MORE: How To Help Your Junior Diver Find The Perfect Mask 

Wetsuits: Keeping Warm, Safe, and Flexible

A wetsuit is about more than just warmth—it is about comfort, protection, and confidence. The right wetsuit keeps kids comfortable in varying water temperatures and helps avoid scrapes and stings.

Tips for Choosing:

• 3 mm suits are perfect for warm-water dives and 5 mm+ for cooler environments.
• Choose flexible neoprene for freedom of movement.
• A snug fit is crucial—too loose, and it will not trap heat effectively.

Top Pick: Mares Manta Junior Wetsuit 

This shortie 2.2 mm wetsuit is ideal for warm-water diving and snorkeling, with stretchy neoprene that offers all-day comfort and protection.

BCDs: Lightweight Buoyancy Built for Kids

A proper buoyancy control device (BCD) designed for children gives young divers more control in the water and a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Tips for Choosing:

• Select kid-specific BCDs that are smaller and lighter.
• Integrated weight pockets can improve comfort and balance.
• Make sure the straps are adjustable to accommodate growth.

Top Pick: Mares Explorer BCD 

This compact, adjustable BCD is built for younger divers, offering reliable buoyancy and a snug fit for better control in the water.

Planning a Dive Trip with Kids? Discover essential safety tips: How to Prioritize Your Kid’s Safety 

Regulators: Easy Breathing for Smaller Mouths

Regulators need to be lightweight, safe, and easy to use—especially for young divers. Good breathing performance builds confidence and makes diving more enjoyable.

Tips for Choosing:

• Use small mouthpieces designed for kids to reduce jaw fatigue.
• Choose regulators with balanced performance for easier breathing at depth.
• Corrosion-resistant materials ensure long-lasting use.

Top Pick: Mares Small Mouthpiece Kit for small Mares diving regulators. 

This kit makes standard Mares regulators kid-friendly and lightweight, ideal for junior divers starting out.

5 Must-Have Safety Features in Kids Scuba Gear

When it comes to diving, safety is everything—especially for young divers. The best kids scuba gear includes thoughtful features designed to keep children visible, comfortable, and in control underwater. Here are five key safety tips to look for when choosing gear:

1. Choose Bright Colors for Easy Visibility Underwater

Brightly colored masks, fins, and BCDs help you keep an eye on your child in the water. Vivid colors like yellow, pink, and neon green stand out even in low-visibility conditions.

2. Look for Adjustable Components for a Secure Fit

Kids grow quickly, and poorly fitting gear can cause leaks, discomfort, or distraction. Adjustable straps on masks, fins, and BCDs help ensure a snug, safe fit throughout the dive.

3. Prioritize Good Buoyancy Control

A child-sized BCD with proper lift capacity allows kids to maintain good buoyancy control, reducing the risk of accidental ascents or descents. Look for BCDs with simple inflator controls and a snug fit.

4. Use Regulators with Easy-to-Press Purge Buttons

Some standard regulators can be difficult for smaller hands to operate. A regulator with a soft, easy-to-use purge button helps kids clear water safely and confidently.

5. Choose Fins with Soft Blades to Prevent Overexertion

Heavy, stiff fins can tire out young divers quickly. Choose soft, flexible blades that provide gentle propulsion without straining the legs.

LEARN MORE: How To Plan A Great Family Dive Vacation 

Price Range and Budget

Investing in kids scuba gear can range from budget-friendly options to premium equipment designed for long-term use. Here is a general price guide for common scuba gear categories:

• Masks & Snorkels: $30 - $80
• Fins: $50 - $150
• Wetsuits: $80 - $300
• BCDs: $200 - $500
• Regulators: $250 - $700

When selecting gear, consider value over price alone. Some brands offer package deals, bundling essential items together at a lower cost. Rental gear is also an option for kids who are still growing, but owning personal gear provides better comfort and hygiene.

Ready to dive in? Read this: Learn to Dive: 5 Best Places For Kids Scuba Diving 

How to Maintain Kids Scuba Gear: 5 Simple Care Tips

Proper maintenance of kids scuba gear helps extend its life, ensures safety on every dive, and saves money over time. Whether you are preparing for a dive trip or cleaning up afterward, these essential care tips will keep your child’s gear in top condition:

1. Rinse Gear Thoroughly After Every Use

Saltwater, sand, and chlorine can break down materials over time. Always rinse masks, fins, wetsuits, BCDs, and regulators in fresh water after each dive to prevent damage.

2. Store Gear in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat and direct sunlight can weaken materials like silicone, neoprene, and plastic. Keep gear out of the sun and store it in a ventilated space to avoid mildew and fading.

3. Inspect Gear for Wear and Tear

Before and after each trip, check for cracks in snorkels, tears in wetsuits, worn fin straps, or any leaks in regulators or BCDs. Catching issues early keeps kids safe underwater.

4. Service Regulators Annually

Even if the regulator seems fine, it should be serviced by a dive professional once a year to ensure optimal airflow and performance, especially when used by young divers.

5. Store Wetsuits Flat or on Wide Hangers

To maintain shape and elasticity, avoid folding wetsuits. Lay them flat or hang them on padded or wide wetsuit hangers to prevent creases and deterioration.

Take your kids snorkeling with sea turtles: Explore The 7 Best Spots Here! 

Scuba Training For Kids

Choosing the right kids scuba gear is just the beginning. Enrolling your child in a well-structured training program helps them build confidence, understand underwater safety, and enjoy the experience. SSI offers age-appropriate courses that make diving fun and accessible for young adventurers:

• SSI Explorers: A playful and educational program for kids aged 8+, introducing them to scuba in a safe, shallow-water setting.
• SSI Junior Open Water Diver: A full entry-level certification designed for ages 10–15, allowing kids to dive under supervision once qualified.
• SSI Snorkel Diver: A great starting point for younger children who are not ready to scuba but want to learn safe snorkeling skills.

A Safe Start to a Lifetime of Diving

Selecting the best kids scuba gear in 2025 means prioritizing safety, comfort, and performance. Whether you are starting with entry-level gear or investing in premium options, choosing the right fit and high-quality materials makes a world of difference. 

With trusted brands like Mares offering junior-friendly gear, young divers can explore the underwater world safely and confidently. Combine the right equipment with proper care and training, and your child will be set for years of fun, safe diving adventures.

Ready To Take The Next Step? 

To find programs near you, use the SSI Dive Center Locator to connect with certified instructors who specialize in teaching young divers.