I’ve watched more phones get ruined by “waterproof” dry bags than by actual accidental drops in the ocean. That’s the part nobody tells you when you’re shopping for one online. Most of the damage doesn’t happen because the bag failed underwater — it happens because the bag was never sealed correctly in the first place, or because it was never meant to handle what someone assumed it could.
That’s really the whole story with dry bags. The gear itself isn’t complicated. Understanding what you actually need it to do — and matching that to the right design — is where most people go wrong.
If you’re heading out for a day of snorkeling and want somewhere safe to put your phone, wallet, keys, sunscreen, and a towel, you don’t need the most expensive bag on the market. You need the right kind of bag for how you’re actually going to use it. That distinction matters more than any spec sheet. To ensure all your gear stays dry and organized, picking the right snorkeling bag is a crucial first step.
Here’s what I look at when I’m evaluating a dry bag before it goes anywhere near saltwater:
- Waterproof rating — is it actually sealed, or just water-resistant?
- Closure system — roll-top, zipper, or buckle, and how forgiving it is if you rush
- Durability — will it hold up against boat decks, coral rock, and sand?
- Size — matched to what you’re actually carrying, not what looks impressive
- Comfort — can you carry or wear it without it becoming a nuisance
- Floating ability — what happens if it goes overboard or you let go of it
I’ll walk through all of it below, including where a lot of “waterproof” marketing quietly falls apart.
Table of Contents
- What Actually Separates a Good Dry Bag From a Bad One
- Quick Picks: Best Dry Bags for Snorkeling
- Best Overall Dry Bag for Snorkeling
- Best Budget Dry Bag for Snorkeling
- Best Submersible Dry Bag for Snorkeling
- Best Small Dry Bag for Snorkeling
- Best Dry Bag for Swimming While Snorkeling
- Best Dry Bag Backpack for Snorkeling
- How We Evaluate Dry Bags for Snorkeling
- What Size Dry Bag Do You Actually Need?
- Are Dry Bags Completely Waterproof?
- Dry Bag vs. Waterproof Phone Case for Snorkeling
- What Should You Put Inside a Snorkeling Dry Bag?
- How to Use a Dry Bag While Snorkeling
- Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dry Bag
- Common Dry Bag Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: What Is the Best Dry Bag for Snorkeling?
What Actually Separates a Good Dry Bag From a Bad One
Once you start comparing dry bags side by side, they can all start to look interchangeable — roll-top, colorful, “100% waterproof” printed somewhere on the packaging. The differences that actually matter are underneath that.
Material and thickness
Cheaper bags use thin nylon or vinyl that feels fine in a store but abrades quickly against boat decks, coral rubble, or a sandy beach chair. Better bags use heavier denier fabrics — often reinforced at the base, where most of the wear happens.
Closure design
This is the single biggest factor in whether a bag actually stays dry. A roll-top only works if it’s rolled enough times and buckled correctly — the design depends on the user getting it right every time. Zippered submersible bags remove that variable entirely, which is why they cost more and why they’re worth it for higher-stakes situations.
Seam construction
Welded seams (heat-sealed, no stitching) are generally more reliable than sewn-and-taped seams, since stitching creates tiny needle holes that can let water through over time, especially once the seam tape starts to wear.
Hardware quality
Buckles and D-rings seem like an afterthought until one snaps on a boat ramp. Cheaper bags often cut corners here first, since it’s the least visible part of the product in photos.
None of this means you need the most expensive bag on the shelf. It means you should know what you’re paying for — and more importantly, what you’re not paying for — before you decide what fits your trip. Prioritizing snorkeling safety starts with reliable gear.
Quick Picks: Best Dry Bags for Snorkeling
If you just want a starting point before reading further, here’s the short version.
Top Snorkeling Dry Bags
Quickly compare our top-rated bags chosen for specific snorkeling needs.
| Category | Product | Capacity | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag | 13L–20L | Most snorkelers | Check Price |
| Best Budget Pick | Marchway Floating Dry Bag | 10L | Casual trips, phones + valuables | Check Price |
| Best Submersible | YETI Panga 28L Backpack | 20L–28L | Boat trips, rough conditions | Check Price |
| Best Small Dry Bag | Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack | 5L | Minimalists, just the essentials | Check Price |
| Best for Swimming | New Wave Swim Buoy | 15L–20L | Towing gear while actually snorkeling | Check Price |
| Best Dry Bag Backpack | OverBoard Waterproof Classic Backpack | 20L–30L | Travel days, hikes to remote spots | Check Price |
Now let’s get into why these categories exist in the first place, because that context is what actually helps you choose.
Best Overall Dry Bag for Snorkeling
Best Overall
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag (13L or 20L)
13L / 20L
Roll-Top
Heavy-Duty
Roll-Top
Heavy-Duty
This is the one I’d point most people toward if they just want something dependable without overthinking it. It uses a heavier 420-denier fabric, which matters more than people realize — thinner bags tear or abrade against boat decks, rocks, and coral rubble faster than you’d expect. The roll-top closure is wide enough to load easily but still seals cleanly when you roll it down three or four times, which is the part people usually skip.
Who it’s for: Snorkelers who want one dependable bag for beach days, boat excursions, and general travel, without needing anything specialized.
Why it stands out: The fabric thickness and multiple lash points (useful for securing it to a kayak or boat rail) make it more versatile than most bags in this price range.
Downsides: It’s a standard roll-top, not a submersible design. If it goes fully underwater for an extended period or gets rolled incorrectly, it can leak. It’s also not built to float on its own if it goes overboard unsecured.
Pros
- Heavy 420-denier fabric withstands abrasions
- Wide opening makes it easy to load gear
- Multiple lash points for securing to boats
Cons
- Not fully submersible like a zip-top bag
- Will not float on its own if dropped
Alternative Pick
Alternative pick: Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag — a solid budget-friendly option that often comes bundled with a separate phone pouch, which is a nice touch if you want backup protection for your phone specifically.
Best Budget Dry Bag for Snorkeling
Best Budget
Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag (10L)
10L
Roll-Top
Tarpaulin
Roll-Top
Tarpaulin
I want to be upfront about something: a lot of guides list a “best waterproof” and a “best submersible” bag as if they’re meaningfully different categories. In practice, they’re not — both terms just mean “keeps water out,” and the real difference is in closure design and how much abuse the materials can take. So instead of splitting hairs there, this is the pick for people who want solid protection without spending much.
The Marchway uses a stiffer tarpaulin-style material, which actually helps here — it holds its shape well enough that rolling the top down creates a tight, consistent seal even if you’re not being especially careful. It’s inexpensive enough that most people won’t think twice about tossing it in a beach bag.
Who it’s for: Casual snorkelers and swimmers who want reliable protection for a phone, wallet, and keys without paying for features they won’t use.
Downsides: The straps and buckle hardware are noticeably lower quality than pricier options, and the fabric doesn’t hold up as long if you’re using it several times a week rather than a few times a year.
Pros
- Very affordable and budget-friendly
- Stiff tarpaulin material creates a reliable seal
- Holds its shape well for easy packing
Cons
- Straps and buckle hardware feel cheap
- Not ideal for heavy, frequent use over long periods
Best Submersible Dry Bag for Snorkeling
Best Submersible
YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack (or Simms Dry Creek Simple Tote)
28L
Airtight Zipper
Submersible
Airtight Zipper
Submersible
This is where the distinction actually matters. A roll-top bag depends on you sealing it correctly every single time — miss a fold or leave it loose, and water finds its way in. A true submersible bag uses airtight zipper systems, similar to what you’d find on a drysuit, so the seal doesn’t depend on technique at all.
If your bag is going to sit on a wet boat deck, get splashed by waves, or has any real chance of going overboard, this is the category worth paying more for. I’ve seen boats take on more water than passengers expect during a rough crossing, and that’s exactly when a roll-top bag with an imperfect seal lets you down.
Who it’s for: Boat-based snorkeling trips, choppier conditions, or anyone who’s had a bag leak on them before and doesn’t want to repeat that experience.
Downsides: These bags are heavier, bulkier, and cost more than roll-top alternatives. If you’re just walking from your car to a calm beach, you’re paying for protection you don’t need.
Pros
- Truly submersible airtight zipper system
- Completely immune to user error with roll-tops
- Ultimate protection for rough boat conditions
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than roll-top options
- Significantly more expensive
Best Small Dry Bag for Snorkeling
Best Small
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack (5L)
5L
Roll-Top
Minimalist
Roll-Top
Minimalist
Most people overestimate how much space they actually need. If you’re carrying a phone, a set of keys, a card or two, and maybe some sunscreen, a 5L bag is plenty — and a smaller bag is genuinely easier to manage while you’re getting in and out of the water.
3L–5L covers: phone, keys, cards, sunscreen
10L covers: the above, plus a towel and a change of clothes
Who it’s for: Minimalist travelers, solo swimmers, or anyone who doesn’t want a bulky bag getting in the way.
Downsides: Obviously limited if you’re traveling with a group or carrying gear for more than one person.
Pros
- Compact and easy to handle in the water
- Perfect size for true essentials
- Lightweight and packs down small
Cons
- Limited capacity for group gear or clothing
Best Dry Bag for Swimming While Snorkeling (Not the Same as “Floating”)
This is a distinction that a lot of buying guides blur together, and it’s worth being precise about, because it changes what you should actually buy.
Leaving a bag on the boat or beach and swimming while towing a bag behind you are two completely different situations. A standard dry bag — even a good one — is a poor choice for the second scenario. It drags in the water, it’s hard to spot from a distance if you let go of it, and depending on how it’s packed and rolled, it can actually sink rather than float.
Best for Swimming
New Wave Swim Buoy (15L or 20L)
15L / 20L
Inflatable Chamber
High-Visibility
Inflatable Chamber
High-Visibility
If you actually want to swim with a dry bag trailing behind you — which is common for open-water snorkelers, especially in areas with boat traffic — a swim buoy is the better tool. It has an inflatable chamber built around a waterproof dry compartment, so it stays reliably buoyant, and it’s designed in bright, high-visibility colors specifically so boats can see you from a distance. Most come with a waist leash, which keeps it from drifting away while you’re focused on what’s below the surface.
Who it’s for: Open-water swimmers and snorkelers, especially in areas with boat or jet-ski traffic where visibility matters.
Downsides: Not ideal for carrying a large amount of gear, and it’s an extra piece of equipment specifically for swimming — not something you’d also use as your everyday travel dry bag.
If you’re just leaving your bag on a boat deck or in the sand while you snorkel nearby, you don’t need a swim buoy — a standard floating-capable roll-top bag is fine. The swim buoy is specifically for people towing gear with them in the water.
Pros
- Highly visible to boat traffic for safety
- Reliably buoyant inflatable chamber
- Waist leash keeps it securely tethered
Cons
- Limited internal storage capacity
- Niche use-case (not ideal for general travel)
Best Dry Bag Backpack for Snorkeling
Best Backpack
OverBoard Waterproof Classic Backpack (20L or 30L)
20L / 30L
Backpack Straps
IP66 Rated
Backpack Straps
IP66 Rated
If your day involves more than just the water — a hike down to a remote cove, a bike ride to the beach, or travel between multiple stops — a backpack-style dry bag is worth the extra bulk. Hands-free carrying matters more than people expect once you’re managing fins, a mask, towels, and snacks all at once.
Why it stands out: Padded straps and back support make a real difference over distance, and it still carries a legitimate waterproof rating (commonly IP66-class) along with enough buoyancy to float if it ends up in the water.
| Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10L | Just the essentials |
| 20L | Standard day trips |
| 30L+ | Full gear for a group or longer outing |
Downsides: Bulkier and heavier than a simple roll-top, and probably more bag than you need if you’re just spending an afternoon at a calm, nearby beach.
Pros
- Padded straps for comfortable hiking
- Hands-free carrying capacity
- IP66 waterproof rating floats if dropped
Cons
- Bulkier than standard roll-top bags
- Overkill for short, simple beach visits
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The Ultimate Snorkeling Gear Checklist
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How We Evaluate Dry Bags for Snorkeling
I’m not interested in repeating manufacturer claims — I want to know how a bag holds up once it’s actually been in salt water, sand, and sun. Here’s what actually gets checked:
- Waterproof performance. This comes down to seam quality and how forgiving the closure is. A roll-top needs to seal well even if you’re in a hurry or your hands are wet and sandy — which, realistically, they usually are.
- Durability. Material thickness matters more than most people assume. Thinner fabrics tear against rocks, boat decks, and coral rubble faster than expected, and stitching quality tends to be the first thing to fail on cheaper bags.
- Ease of use. Can you open and close it quickly without a struggle? Is it comfortable to carry for an hour, not just five minutes in a store?
- Snorkeling-specific practicality. Does it drag while swimming? Does it float the way it’s supposed to? Is it actually the right shape and size for how you’re going to use it?
What Size Dry Bag Do You Actually Need?
This is worth thinking through honestly, because oversized bags cause more frustration than undersized ones.
5L
Phone, wallet, keys. Good for minimalists and solo swimmers.
10L
The above, plus a towel and extra clothing. Covers most snorkelers’ actual needs.
20L
Family trips or longer excursions where you’re carrying gear for more than one person.
30L+
Camping-adjacent trips or multi-activity days where the dry bag is doing double duty.
If you’re unsure, size down rather than up. A bag that’s too big becomes awkward to carry and harder to seal properly, since there’s more excess air and slack fabric to manage.
There’s also a comfort factor that doesn’t show up in a spec sheet: a bag with too much empty space sloshes and shifts while you carry it, which gets annoying fast on a boat that’s already rocking. A bag that’s sized closer to what you’re actually carrying sits more predictably, whether it’s clipped to a kayak, sitting in a dry storage bin, or strapped across your back.
If you’re traveling with a partner or family and trying to decide between one large bag or several smaller ones, consider splitting things up. One bag holding everyone’s phones, wallets, and keys means one point of failure — if the seal fails or the bag gets misplaced, everyone’s valuables are affected at once. Two mid-sized bags spread that risk out, even if it’s slightly less convenient to carry. Need help picking out the rest of your gear? Check out our guide on what you need for snorkeling.
Are Dry Bags Completely Waterproof?
Not automatically, no — and this is where a lot of disappointment comes from. “Waterproof” on the label doesn’t mean unlimited underwater use. Most roll-top bags are rated for splashes and brief submersion, not extended time below the surface. The seal only works if you’ve actually rolled the top down enough times (usually three or four) and clipped the buckle correctly. A loose roll is the single most common reason a “waterproof” bag lets water in.
Pro Tip: Test Before You Trust
Before you trust any bag with your phone, test it first — with something disposable, like a folded paper towel, not your electronics. Submerge it briefly, then check whether the paper towel came out dry. If there’s any dampness at all, the seal isn’t tight enough, and you’ll want to redo it or reconsider the bag.
Dry Bag vs. Waterproof Phone Case for Snorkeling
These solve different problems, and honestly, most snorkelers benefit from having both rather than choosing one over the other. If you plan on taking underwater photos, you should look into a dedicated Waterproof Phone Case rather than relying solely on a dry bag.
| Feature | Dry Bag | Phone Case |
|---|---|---|
| Holds multiple items | Yes | No |
| Protects phone | Yes | Yes |
| Easy to swim with | Moderate | High |
| Carries other gear | Yes | No |
| Lets you take underwater photos | No | Yes |
A dry bag is for transporting your phone safely between the boat, the beach, and the water — it’s not something you’re opening mid-swim. A waterproof phone case is what you’d want if you actually plan to take photos or video while you’re in the water. If underwater photos matter to you, budget for both. You might also want to consider an underwater camera for snorkeling if you want higher-quality shots than a phone can provide.
What Should You Put Inside a Snorkeling Dry Bag?
A reasonable packing list looks something like this:
- Smartphone
- GoPro or spare batteries
- Wallet
- Car keys
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- A change of shirt
- Portable charger
Expert Insight
One thing worth adding to that list that most guides skip: a small silica gel packet. If you seal a warm phone inside a dry bag and then head into cooler water, condensation can build up inside the bag — the same way a cold drink sweats on a warm day. That moisture won’t usually damage anything, but it can be unsettling to open a bag and find your phone screen fogged over. A silica packet or two keeps that from happening.
How to Use a Dry Bag While Snorkeling
The process is simple, but skipping any step is exactly how leaks happen:
- Place your items inside, leaving some room at the top.
- Push out excess air before sealing — trapped air makes the roll less tight and can actually help the bag stay open more than you want.
- Fold the top down at least three to four times, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Clip the buckle securely, making sure both sides are properly connected.
- Test it before you actually need it to work — a quick dunk in shallow water near shore tells you a lot before you trust it further out.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dry Bag
This part gets skipped constantly, and it’s a big reason people think their bag “failed” when really it just wasn’t maintained. Saltwater leaves a fine crust on zippers, buckles, and fabric seams over time. Left alone, that residue works its way into the closure mechanism and gradually degrades the seal — which is often why a bag that worked fine last season suddenly starts leaking.
Maintenance Habit: After each use in saltwater, rinse the bag thoroughly with fresh water, paying particular attention to the buckle and any zipper tracks. Let it air-dry fully before storing it, and keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure breaks down the waterproof coating on most fabrics faster than people expect. It’s a two-minute habit that meaningfully extends how long a bag actually stays watertight.
For more tips on extending the life of your equipment, read our guide on how to clean snorkel gear.
Common Dry Bag Mistakes to Avoid
Buying too large
An oversized bag is awkward to swim with and harder to seal properly, since there’s more slack material to manage.
Size down if unsure
Skipping the test
Always test a new bag with something disposable before trusting it with your phone or wallet.
Use a paper towel test
Overpacking
Cramming too much inside prevents the roll-top from sealing correctly — there needs to be enough empty material at the top to fold down cleanly.
Leave room at the top
Assuming waterproof means indestructible
A dry bag protects against water, not against getting punctured on sharp rocks or coral, and not against long-term saltwater residue if you never rinse it off.
Rinse and inspect regularly
Trusting an old bag without checking it first. Fabric coatings and seam tape degrade over time, especially with sun exposure. A bag that worked perfectly last year isn’t guaranteed to seal the same way this year — particularly if it spent the off-season baking in a car trunk or a garage. If it’s been a while since you last used it, run the paper-towel test again before you trust it with anything you can’t afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dry bags good for snorkeling? Yes. They protect valuables from saltwater, sand, and accidental splashes, and a good one holds up well across repeated beach and boat trips.
Can you swim with a dry bag? You can, but a standard dry bag isn’t ideal for towing while actively swimming — it drags and can be hard to spot if dropped. For that specific use, a swim buoy with an inflatable chamber and waist leash is the better tool.
Do dry bags float? Some do, depending on trapped air, material, and design. If floating matters to you — say, for boat trips where the bag might go overboard — check for that specifically rather than assuming all “waterproof” bags share the same buoyancy.
What is the best size dry bag for snorkeling? For most people, a 10L bag covers phone, wallet, keys, and a towel without being bulky. Families or longer trips may want 20L or more.
Can a dry bag go underwater? Some waterproof dry bags handle brief submersion fine, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications rather than assuming. Submersible designs with airtight zippers are built for extended underwater exposure; standard roll-tops generally are not.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Dry Bag for Snorkeling?
For most snorkelers, a 13L–20L waterproof roll-top bag like the Sea to Summit Big River covers everything you actually need without overcomplicating things.
That said, the right pick really does depend on your situation:
- Traveling light? A lightweight 5L–10L bag is easier to manage than it looks like it should be.
- Bringing the family? Size up to 20L or more so you’re not juggling multiple bags.
- Actually swimming with your gear, not just leaving it on the boat? Get a swim buoy, not a standard dry bag — it’s built for a different job.
- Heading out on a boat where conditions might get rough? A submersible design with an airtight zipper is worth the extra cost.
- Just need somewhere for a phone and keys? A small 5L bag does the job without any fuss.
None of these are dramatically better or worse than the others — they’re just built for different situations. Once you know which situation is actually yours, choosing between them gets a lot easier.
Related guides: Best Snorkel Gear · Best Snorkel Set · Best Waterproof Phone Case for Snorkeling · Best GoPro for Snorkeling · Best Snorkeling Fins · Best Snorkel Mask · Snorkeling Gear Checklist · What to Bring Snorkeling