Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (2024)

Invest in a pair of the best buoyant floating sunglasses, which will stay afloat even when dropped in water – a necessity for sailors and watersports fanatics that want to prevent losing sunglasses at sea.

Protecting your eyes at sea is necessary for sailors, who are exposed to bright glare and harmful UVA and UVB rays for extended periods. But investing in one of the best pairs of sailing sunglassescan be a waste of money if a mishap causes them to fall off and sink straight to the bottom of the seabed.

For sailors and watersports fanatics with a tendency to lose their sunnies at sea, a pair of floating sunglasses is the solution.

Made from lightweight plastics or bamboo wood, floatable sunglasses are inherently buoyant. They are designed to stay above the waves so that they can quickly be retrieved by their owners. Floating sunglasses offer a convenient alternative to sunglasses retainers, which can be cumbersome to use.

Additionally, buoyant sunglasses are incredibly comfortable for long-term wear because of their lightweight nature, making you forget that you even have them on.

There are many different types of floating sunglasses on the market, with varying shapes and sizes suited to every individual. For sailors, the best floatable sunglasses offer polarized lenses with certified total UV ray protection, as well as hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coatings to protect your sunnies from saltwater exposure. Features like an anti-scratch design and wrap-around arms will ensure they can stand up to all conditions.

For sailors hoping to never lose another pair sunglasses, we roundup six of the best floating sunglasses to buy right now.

6 of the best floating sunglasses for sailors

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (1)

Tribord 100 floating polarized sunglasses

Reasons to buy

-Affordable
-Secure fit
-Eco-conscious design

Reasons to avoid

-Some buyers noted the area of eye coverage is small
-Frame size can be tight for some wearers, but various sizes are offered

At a very reasonable price, Decathlon’s sailing brand Tribord has developed lightweight floatable sunglasses for offshore cruising. They are equipped with Category 3, 95% polarised lenses for excellent UV protection and reduced glare while on the water.

The low-density frames have an air capsule moulded into each arm to ensure they stay above the waves should they fall off, but wrap-around arms and a secure fit should prevent any accidents to begin with. Two different sizes ensure a secure fit for most face types.

The brand also boasts eco-friendly credentials. By reducing the lens thickness by 0.5mm, the designers have reportedly cut the model’s CO2 impact by 13% without compromising on eye protection.

Buy now from Decathlon

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Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (2)

Cressi Ninja floating sunglasses

Reasons to buy

-Affordable
-Hydrophobic lenses for extra clear vision
-Anti-glare, polarised lenses with 100% UV protection

Reasons to avoid

-Delicate frames
-Designed for smaller heads
-Sunscreen may affect the outer coating on the frames

Hailing from the bay of Portofino, Cressi has been making revolutionary dive and water sports equipment since the 1930s. The Italian brand has three types of floating sunglasses, but the Ninja style is the most popular among consumers.

The mirrored lenses are polarised and offer 100% UV protection making them safe for long-term wear at sea. The main selling point of these sunnies is that they have been designed with a hydrophobic treatment that ensures extra clear vision – any spray drops or water splashes will be immediately repelled.

Cressi’s Ninja sunglasses do feature shatterproof lenses, however, some wearers have noted that the frames themselves are quite delicate.

Buy now on Amazon

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (3)

Gill Kynance watersport sunglasses

Reasons to buy

Affordable
-Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings to reduce damage from salt and oil residues
-Transient lens filters suitable for bright, regular and darker lighting

Reasons to avoid

-“One size fits all” may not fit every face

The Kynance model is a popular choice for floating sunglasses by Gill. All sailing sunglasses by the British brand feature total UVA, UVB and UVC protection, but the Kynance style adds integral floatation, oleophobic technology to repel oils from fingerprints or sunscreen and a hydrophobic coating for clear vision even after saltwater submergence.

The polarized category 3 lenses allow for anywhere from 8 to 18% light transmission, meaning they’re suitable to wear in various weather conditions. A classic style in two different colour tones makes them a good choice for most face types too – and all for under £50.

Buy now on Amazon

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (4)

Andwood bamboo floating polarized sunglasses

Reasons to buy

-Stylish, hand-made frames
-Unisex design
-Eco-friendly, natural material

Reasons to avoid

-Lenses are not mirrored, though the brand assures us this doesn’t diminish UV protection
-Some wearers noted that protective lens film may rub off if submerged frequently

The air-filled cellular structure of bamboo wood makes it an inherently buoyant material. For sailors in search of a plastic-free alternative to regular floating sunglasses, bamboo frames are an eco-friendly option. Andwood is a popular brand, with each pair of unisex sunglasses hand-made with a unique wood grain pattern.

Aside from comfortable and stylish frames, Andwood sunglasses are designed for wear by the water with total UV protection and polarized lenses to protect the eyes from the sun’s glare.

Buy now on Amazon

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (5)

GoPro Mezcal floating sunglasses

Reasons to buy

-Polarized lenses
-Extremely comfortable, lightweight frames for long-term wear
-Three pairs of interchangeable lenses for different light conditions.

Reasons to avoid

-Fragile frames; users have noted intensive use can lead to chipping, scratching and lens tint degradation
-Swapping in the different lenses may be fiddly
-Frame size made for bigger heads

Action camera brand GoPro has turned its hand to creating sunglasses for its sporty customers. Designed to float in fresh as well as saltwater, GoPro polarized sunnies stand out by offering three interchangeable lenses to suit various light conditions.

For low light on cloudy days, wearers can opt for blue lenses, while the amber-tinted option is ideal for sun exposure at sea. Finally, the grey lenses are designed for use in extremely bright conditions including while skiing or driving.

If you can be bothered to change out the lenses, these glasses will do a great job of protecting your eyes. Users have also noted that the lightweight feel of the frames makes them extremely comfortable for long-term wear.

There are three frame styles in GoPro’s floating sunglasses range – poolside, magnum and mezcal – but the mezcal option is generally preferred by active wearers, as the frames are smaller and more compact for a secure fit.

Buy now from GoPro

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (6)

Rheos Bahias floating polarized sports sunglasses

Reasons to buy

-Wraparound, wide-armed frame prevents slipping and increases face protection
-Anti-scratch, hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coatings
-Excellent visual clarity
-A portion of sales profits donated to waterway protection charities

Reasons to avoid

-Designed for smaller faces
-More delicate frames and lenses
-Pricier

Rheos is a staple brand in the realm of nautical eyewear. Coopers are typically the best-selling model, but sailors, watersports lovers and anglers swear by the wrap-around frames of the Bahia model for a more secure fit and increased splash and wind protection.

The polarized lenses offer total UV ray protection and reportedly excellent visual clarity in all types of conditions. Hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coatings also ensure that these floating sunnies can stand-up to frequent saltwater and sunscreen exposure.

Users have noted that despite the higher price, however, Rheos frames and lenses are far more delicate than other brands. A portion of that higher cost will be donated to waterway protection charities though, which is a comforting thought for buyers.

Buy now on Amazon

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

Best floating sunglasses: 6 floatable sunnies for active sailors (2024)

FAQs

What is the best color lens for sailing? ›

Grey: Good all-purpose use with no color distortion. Copper: Ideal for variable light and dark or grey water. Yellow: Perfect for low-light, overcast conditions. Blue: (Mirrored lens with grey base tint) Good for blue-dominant conditions, such as the Caribbean.

Are polarized sunglasses better for sailing? ›

Correctly polarized sunglasses are best for sailing because they'll ensure your eyes are shielded from the glare of the sun and the blinding reflection on the water. And bonus points if those sunglasses are also wraparounds.

What is a float sunglasses? ›

Floating eyewear is either constructed from a material which has a relatively low density of molecules, or because air has been injected into components of the frame (such as the temples). In both cases, this leads to a lightweight frame which will always bob on the surface if dropped in the water.

What are the best sunglasses for around water? ›

A copper silver mirror lens, or a green mirror lens that has a copper base is best for light that is variable. You'll get higher visual contrast and clarity for outdoor water activities like freshwater or saltwater inshore fishing, bass fishing, fly fishing, or any sight fishing when choosing a copper based lens color.

What color sunglass lens is best for ocean? ›

Dark gray polarized lenses give the best brightness protection on open waters, which act like a mirror even on cloudy days. Since these tend to be longer trips that require more travel time, you'll need the extra protection to prevent eye strain or fatigue.

Which lens color is most attractive? ›

We found that green is the most popular lens colour, with brown coming in a close second, despite it being one of the most common eye colours. Although blue and hazel are seen as the most attractive eye colours for men and women they are surprisingly the least popular.

When should you not wear polarized sunglasses? ›

For example, pilots or those who operate heavy machinery shouldn't wear polarized sunglasses. If you're driving at night or in low-light situations. If you want to be aware of glare. For example, snowboarders and skiers want to be able to avoid icy areas.

Is there a downside to polarized sunglasses? ›

The biggest disadvantage of polarized sunglasses is their effect on LCD screens. Polarized sunglasses can make LCD screens hard to view due to the way that the lenses filter light. Screens can become extremely dark or even completely blank at some angles when viewed through polarized lenses.

Why can't you fly with polarized sunglasses? ›

Polarized lenses may also interfere with visibility through an aircraft windscreen by enhancing striations in laminated materials and mask the sparkle of light that reflects off shiny surfaces such as another aircraft's wing or windscreen, which can reduce the time a pilot has to react in a “see-and-avoid” traffic ...

Is Hobie sunglasses a good brand? ›

They are stylish, offer great protection and most importantly see into the water very well. While Hobie Eyewear has been making sunglasses since 1982. Although most folks in fishing haven't seen sunglasses from them until a few years ago when they started making sunglasses specifically for anglers.

Where are floats sunglasses made? ›

Sunglasses are supposed to be fun, we want to give you quality for great times outdoors, specially coming from the sunshine state of Florida.

Do sunglasses float in the ocean? ›

They can, but for the most part, the inherent function of sunglasses make them too heavy to scientifically float in water when you combine frames, lenses, and prescription – all important assets of eyewear.

What is the clearest lens in sunglasses? ›

The amber lenses deliver the brightest field of vision and are an excellent all-around lens. Pick these lenses for any situation where high contrast is needed, including driving and sight fishing. Their gray lenses maintain colour saturation and natural contrast in medium to bright sun conditions.

What is the best lens to see in water? ›

Ultra-wide fisheye lenses yield the best corner sharpness. With the ability to focus within a few inches of the lens, fisheyes are the go-to option for close focus, wide angle photography. Wide-angle rectilinear lenses generally don't focus as close and require much larger dome ports to get the same corner sharpness.

What is the best color for a sailboat? ›

Blues, greens, greys and tans with white bottoms are popular colors. Light grey for the bottom color also goes well with all these. For interior colors a majority of our boats are done in a light grey or tan. Dark interiors tend to be hotter and harder to keep clean.

What camera lens for sailing? ›

If you're trying to capture the entire boat or take a scenic shot, like a sunrise or a whole group of boats out on the water, use a high-quality wide-angle lens (approximately 10-42mm).

What glasses do sailors wear? ›

You need polarised lenses. Polarised sailing sunglasses cut out this blinding glare and increase your ability to see contrasts clearly. It also makes for more comfortable sailing and reduced eye fatigue.

References

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