Best Scuba Fins for Travel (2026) | Public Safety Diver’s Top Picks
Written by our lead diver at Scuba Space, a PADI Master Scuba Diver and Law Enforcement Public Safety Diver with 12+ years of professional underwater operations experience.
Long-haul flights with full-size paddle fins? That’s a recipe for excess baggage fees, cracked blades, and frustrated check-ins.
The best travel fins are lightweight, compact, and still deliver powerful propulsion without wearing you out.
We’ve picked out the best scuba fins for travel that fit effortlessly in luggage while performing beautifully in currents or relaxed drifts.
So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
Check out our guide here if you don’t know where to start:
*Scuba Space is a participant of affiliate programs and earns from qualified purchases*
Quick Comparison
Before we get into the depths, here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links if you see something you like!
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Cressi Frog Plus
4.4
- Utilizes patented 3 material injection molding process that consist in a comfortable foot pocket rubber that extends up the side rails of the blade.
- The dual density techno polymer, which forms the blade, combined with the third silicone based material creates a channeling effect.
- The channeling effect enables a high level of energy to be transferred in both up and down strokes of the kick pattern.
The Cressi Frog Plus is one of the most durable fins of its kind. It uses Cressi’s patented three-material injection molding process. The material is so durable and flexible that you can bend the fin over onto itself without fear of cracking or breaking the blade.
The first material is a nice, comfortable rubber on the foot pocket that extends up the side rails of the blade. The second is a revolutionary, dual-density technopolymer that forms the blade. The third is a silicone-based material that creates a channeling effect. This channeling effect gives you a high level of energy that’s transferred in both the up and down strokes of the kick pattern.
The Frog Plus also incorporates Cressi’s patented positioning of the foot pocket below the blade. This design increases the working surface area of the blade by 20%. The combination of the channeling effect and the foot pocket mounted beneath the blade creates a very powerful and efficient fin with minimal leg strain.
The fin also comes equipped with impact-resistant, non-corrosive, quick-release buckles and straps. The straps have a large tab for easy donning, even with gloved hands.
Color options include:
- Blue / Silver
- Black / White
- Black / Yellow
- Black / Pink
- Black / Silver
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| XS / S | 22.4″ | 1.5 lbs |
| S / M | 23.9″ | 1.6 lbs |
| M / L | 25.5″ | 2.0 lbs |
| L / XL | 26.9″ | 2.3 lbs |
SCUBAPRO GO Travel
4.5
- Lightweight Design increases convenience when traveling and comfort and ease of use in the water
- Ultra strong 100% Monprene stands up to long-term, heavy-duty use; Power Bars on the underside of the rails prevent over-flex under high load conditions
- Barefoot design features a replaceable, adjustable bungee heel strap; Can also be worn with neoprene socks
The SCUBAPRO GO Travel combines the fitment benefits of an open heel fin with the comfort and barefoot freedom of a full foot fin. The barefoot design features a replaceable, self-adjusting bungee strap that gives you a versatile fit and makes the fin easy to don and doff. You can also use these fins with neoprene socks.
The fins are made from ultra-strong 100% Monprene. This avoids problems of delamination, broken blades and torn foot pockets, making it ideal for long-term, heavy-duty use.
The blades are angled at 25º and have a Central Power Panel that gives it longitudinal rigidity and creates a channeling effect. There are Power Bars on the underside of the rails to prevent over-flex and maintain the optimum angle of attack under high load conditions.
The GO Travel fins fit easily in IATA carry-on compliant luggage and use an innovative Piggy Back Stack system that interlocks one fin blade into the other, creating a snug pairing that makes packing and traveling that much easier. They’re also extremely lightweight at just 2.6 lbs for a pair (M / L).
Editor’s Notes: My fiance uses the SCUBAPRO GO Sport fins and she loves them. They’re very similar to these, but they’re stiffer and are designed for boots only. I chose the GO Travel for this list because I think the option of being able to wear the fins with boots or barefoot brings a lot of versatility.
Color options include:
- White
- Blue
- Yellow
- Turquoise
- Black
- Pink
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| 3XS | 16.7″ | 0.8 lbs |
| 2XS | 17.9″ | 0.9 lbs |
| XS / S | 18.9″ | 1.1 lbs |
| M / L | 20.5″ | 1.3 lbs |
| XL | 22.2″ | 1.7 lbs |
| 2XL | 22.6″ | 1.8 lbs |
Mares Avanti Quattro +
4.7
- Unique four-rib structure creates an arched shape during each stroke, converting muscle energy into efficient thrust and enhancing propulsion for improved underwater performance
- Unique Channel Thrust inserts on these versatile open-heel fins enhance water flow, pushing more water with each kick.
- Constructed with a soft thermoplastic rubber foot pocket and a durable Tecralene blade deliver comfort and longevity
The Mares Avanti Quattro + are the most sold diving fins in the world and combine cutting-edge materials, increased performance, and a stylish design. Mares used countless computer simulations and field tests to perfect these fins.
The fin uses a four-channel design to arch during the fin stroke. This arching motion allows muscle power to efficiently be transformed into propulsive thrust that enhances overall performance. Mares calls this Channel Thrust technology. They focused on how water channeling could be improved and how “dead angles” of a fin stroke could be minimized.
The blades are made from Tecralene technopolymer and the foot pockets are made from thermoplastic. The foot pockets also feature perforations to prevent the “parachute effect” that’s often experienced with other fins. Your foot is held securely in place using a bungee strap. These straps have large grasp-loops for easy donning and doffing.
You’ll also find stabilizing trim tabs on the blades. These tabs were designed to improve stability and eliminate the ankle twisting phenomena.
Editor’s Notes: I’ve traveled a ton with these fins, since they were the first pair of fins I started with. They have been very good to me. I’m not the careful type with my fins. I just toss them all over the boat, including our dive team boat where everything gets trampled. These things have held up like champs. The only downside is that they’re pretty long and you’ll have to likely pack them in a checked bag.
Color options include:
- Black
- Lemon
- Reflex Yellow
- White
- Olive
- Aqua
- Reflex Blue
- Orange
| Size | Length (Blade) | Weight / Fin |
| XS | 13″ | Not Specified |
| S | 14.6″ | Not Specified |
| R | 15″ | 2.0 lbs |
| XL | 15.3″ | Not Specified |
Apeks RK3
4.6
- Based on one of the first vented rubber fins sold in North America and popular among military and professional divers.
- Compact, and ultra-rugged for use in harsh environments.
- Improved foot pocket with spring straps for ease of use with cold hands or thick gloves.
The Apeks RK3 is a rugged fin featuring an over-sized foot pocket. The environment that an RK3 is used in will dictate the size of fin that you’ll need. Do you dive in a warm environment wearing wetsuit boots, or are you walking across pebbled beaches wearing rigid dry boots? Both forms of footwear may be the same size number, but will take up different amounts of space in the fin foot pocket.
The rugged thermoplastic fin uses a vented blade design to reduce resistance on the upstroke and enhance thrust on the downstroke. The vents eliminate vortexes that can occur along the back of the blade. The short and wide blade gives you maximum forward thrust while maintaining great manueverability. No wonder why the fin has been standard issue for military, special ops, and public safety divers for decades.
There are two large grommet holes on each end of the fin that were designed to fit most carabiners for easy storage of the fins while accessing dive sites. Spring straps come standard and are held in the optimum position by custom-designed buckles. A simple push pin design allows for replacement of the springs when needed.
Color options include:
- Black
- Pink
- White
- Yellow
- Dark Grey
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| S | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| M | 19.3″ | 2.2 lbs |
| L | 21.5″ | 2.6 lbs |
| XL | 22.4″ | 2.8 lbs |
SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova
4.5
- Blade’s central panel membrane auto-adjusts the angle of attack based on kicking strength, providing easier kicking when cruising and maximum power when needed.
- Innovative blade shape produces more power, more speed and better maneuverability.
- Central panel Hydra-loop channels water flow rearwards for increased efficiency and thrust.
The SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova represent the next generation of powerful SCUBAPRO fins. They’re a step up from their predecessor, the Seawing Nova, and are the winner of the prestigious, internationally-recognized Red Dot Award for product design.
The fin blade’s central panel membrane auto-adjusts the angle of attack based on kicking strength and it uses Pivot Control Technology to make sure that the most efficient 40º to 50º range of angle of attack is maintained. Its innovative blade shape produces more power, more speed, and better maneuverability, while twin-tip winglets improve control and are excellent frog and alternate kicks.
The entire fin is made from premium Monprene for long-lasting durability. Blade and foot pocket are molded separately with a durable Socket-Lock Connecting System that allows for easy assembly and disassembly. Because of this, the parts are interchangeable and there’s even a Modular Fin System Full Foot Pocket you can swap to for warm water use. On top of that, there are multiple SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova Blade colors you can choose from.
This two-piece design is excellent for breaking down and packing in your luggage for travel.
Editor’s Notes: These are the fins I use for everything nowadays (recreation, travel, searching, everything). I didn’t think they would be that good, but they are. The fact that they break down into two pieces for easier storage in luggage is a huge bonus. If you have the budget, definitely go for these guys.
Color options include:
- Black
- White
- Turquoise (Blade)
- Yellow (Blade)
- Pink (Blade)
- Blue (Blade)
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| XS | 22.0″ | 1.8 lbs |
| S | 22.4″ | 1.9 lbs |
| M | 22.7″ | 1.9 lbs |
| L | 25.0″ | 2.4 lbs |
| XL | 25.6″ | 2.4 lbs |
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Five of the best scuba fins for travel, each with its own perks.
Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class, a seasoned diver, or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.
- Cressi Frog Plus: The simple, budget option that just works.
- SCUBAPRO GO Travel: A versatile option that can also be used without boots.
- Mares Avanti Quattro +: The most proven option on the list.
- Apeks RK3: For those that want a vented design.
- SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova: The hinge design that packs down small.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!
Oh and don’t forget about the rest of your gear. Here are also some of our recommendations to pair with these fins:
Why Are These Fins Good For Travel?
Compact Size: Many of these fins have a shorter blade or a modular design that allows them to be packed in a carry-on or a smaller bag. This is crucial for avoiding checked baggage fees and the hassle of lugging a large dive bag.
Lightweight Construction: The use of lightweight composite materials and plastics significantly reduces the overall weight of these fins, helping divers stay under strict airline weight limits.
Durability: Travel gear needs to be tough. These fins are built to withstand the rigors of being packed and transported frequently, with materials that resist breaking, delamination, and tearing.
Effective Performance: Despite their compact and lightweight nature, these fins are designed to provide efficient propulsion. They allow divers to move through the water with minimal effort, conserving energy and air, which is the ultimate goal of any dive.
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