Towels, a dry shirt and sunscreen go in a separate dry bag or tote; they don't need the same protection. For the full list, see what to pack for a snorkeling trip, or the cruise excursion packing list if you're snorkeling from a ship's tour. The sealed bag itself needs only this:
Best Waterproof Bag for Snorkeling and Beach Trips
Activity guide / Snorkeling
While you're face-down on the reef, your bag is somewhere else. Decide where before you get wet.
The best waterproof bag for a snorkeling trip is a small sealed one for your phone, key and card that stays on the boat or with someone ashore while you snorkel, plus a dry bag for towels and clothes.
Decision guide
Where does the bag go while you snorkel?
Answer in order. Stop at the first yes.
Check 1Are you snorkeling from a boat?
Yes: the sealed bag stays aboard. Decks and bins get wet from spray and dripping snorkelers, so zip it fully before you go in. Ask the crew where personal bags should ride.
No: you're entering from shore. Go to check 2.
Check 2Is someone in your group staying on the beach?
Yes: the bag stays with them, not on an empty towel. Hawaii's visitor safety card says don't leave valuables unattended on the beach.
No: everyone wants to be in the water. Go to check 3.
Check 3Can most of your valuables stay behind?
Yes: the same card says to use your room safe for valuables and not to leave luggage in your car. Bring only what you need to get back.
Still carrying a key and phone: snorkel in shifts so someone is always ashore with the bag. Don't hide it in shoes, under clothes or in the sand; the card warns that thieves know where to look.
Decision flow organized by SKÖ from the Hawaii Travel Smart guidance cited here.
Pack it small
What goes in the sealed bag
Only what you'd need to get home. Everything else stays in the room safe or the dry bag.
- Phone
- Car key or room key
- One card and ID
- A little cash for parking or a tip
The small bag
Choosing the bag
Its job is spray, splashes, a wet boat deck and a dropped-in-the-shallows moment. The SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody is one example sized for that kit.
Capacity~1.14 L
Size7.5 × 4.7 × 2 in
Material1680D TPU
ClosureWaterproof zipper
Where it fits
- Phone, key, card and cash, worn on the walk and the boat ride
- Designed to be waterproof and submersible when the zipper is properly closed and sealed
- Easy to hand to whoever stays ashore
Where it doesn't
- Worn while snorkeling: no published depth or time rating
- Towels, clothes or snorkel gear: use a dry bag
- It isn't flotation or safety equipment
Choosing between styles? See how waterproof crossbody bags compare, or read our guide to the best crossbody for beach days.
Questions
Snorkel trip bag FAQ
Can I wear a waterproof bag while snorkeling?
We don't recommend it, and we couldn't find snorkel-safety guidance that does. Without a published depth and time rating, keep the bag on the boat or with someone ashore. If you want photos in the water, use a camera or housing rated for it.
Is one big dry bag enough for a snorkel trip?
It can carry everything, but then your phone and key sit in the same big bag as wet towels, and the whole thing has to be watched. A small sealed bag for valuables is easier to hand off or stow; the dry bag handles the rest.
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