Almost every equipment manufacturer has developed a unique way to attach snorkels to scuba masks. Most of their methods work quite well, and many allow for the snorkel to be quickly attached or detached from the mask. Just keep in mind that if a snorkel detaches easily in air, it will also detach easily in water. Be prepared to hold snorkels that detach easily every time you roll or jump off a boat to avoid losing them when you hit the water.

For optimal fit, a good mask attachment should allow the snorkel to be moved up or down in relation the snorkeler's mouth.

The top left attachment, by Oceanic, uses a loop and hook method to attach the snorkel to a fastener which is permanently mounted on the mask strap. This method allows the snorkel to be quickly attached and detached for the mask.

The photo at the bottom left shows a classic snorkel attachment by Cressi (known as a snorkel keeper or ocho) consisting of two plastic loops connected by a thin plastic strip. The loops are slid over the snorkel tube, and the mask strap is routed between the tube and the strip connecting the plastic loops. This method does not allow for quick attachment of the snorkel to the mask, but is unlikely to detach accidentally.

The two right attachments by Oceanic (top right) and ScubaPro (bottom right) consist of adjustable clips attached to the snorkel which snap over the mask strap. These work well, and allow for quick adjustment and attachment of the snorkel.

However, they occasionally get caught (painfully) in long hair.