If you’ve already checked out our complete collection of eyewear for water sports, then you know we offer some of the best shades available on the market. To help you decide which pair is right for your athletic endeavors on the water, we’ve compiled a convenient list of the Best Sunglasses for Water Sports that includes our favorites for boating, surfing, sailing, and more. Discover the best frames for water sports with the technical features you want, from award-winning polarized lenses to fully eco-friendly construction that’s good for the planet and your eyes.
Green lenses are the best color of sunglass lenses for water sports. This tint helps to reduce glare from the reflective surface of the water while reducing shadows in shaded areas. Many of the best eyewear for water sports makers create shades with green lenses for their crisp, clear views while water skiing, surfing, or kayaking.
In the water or on the shore, your eyes need the best sunglasses for water adventures with protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.Polarized lenses are essential for sailing, skiing, and boating, to cut through the blinding glare from the water. Trusted brands like Maui Jim make rugged sunglasses with award-winning lens technology, and Oakley's proprietary Unobtainium™ gets grippier when wet for an impressively secure, comfortable fit. Set sail on the high seas in style wearing a pair of frames from our list of the Best Sunglasses for Water Sports.
The Best Water Sports Sunglasses of the Year:
Maui Jim has been the trusted name in water sports eyewear for almost a half century. The Maui Jim Makaha-405 sunglasses are easily our choice for the Best Overall Sunglasses for Water Sports, with their amped-up tech features and rimless, wrapped profile that helps block UV light at the periphery. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2® lenses boast a color-infused technology that cuts glare from water’s reflective surface and provides an ultra-clear field of view. The impressively lightweight but durable Grilamid construction resists damage from salt- and freshwater, and promises supremely comfortable all-day wear. When you need a pair of water sports sunglasses that deliver all-around reliable performance, look no further than the Makaha-405 from Maui Jim.
With their flattering, wrapped 6-base profile, High Definition Optics™, and the option for proprietary Prizm™ lenses, the Oakley Twoface sunglasses are our choice for the Best Oakley Sunglasses for Water Sports. Not only will the polarized lenses reduce glare on bright days, the rugged O Matter™ frame resists damage from water, sweat, and heat. The shades also meet or exceed common safety standards for high-mass, high-velocity impact resistance, so if you pitch overboard, your frames won’t go to pieces. Whether you kayak, wakeboard, or sail, the Oakley Twoface is a great option.
Inspired by Costa’s other popular style, the Blackfin, the Costa Fantail sunglasses are our pick for the Best Prescription Sunglasses for Boating. The rectangular wraparound frames offer optimal eye coverage, and provide a comfortable, 8-base fit across your face. Available with Costa 580® polarized lenses, these Rx-ready sunglasses for boating are ready to go with you on your next escapade.
While you may think of Ray-Ban chiefly as the company that makes the iconic Wayfarer and Aviator, their line of sports eyewear reflects the same attention to detail and effortless cool. The Ray-Ban Liteforce Rb4179 sunglasses are easy-to-wear and lightweight, making them a great option for surfing. Rely on Ray-Ban's high-tech lenses for ultra-clear views every time you take to the waves.
Kayaking, sailing, or taking out the Boston Whaler for a day trip—no matter how you boat, the Costa Rincon sunglasses provide a bright field of view and optimal protection from UV light. The ultra-durable scratch-resistant lenses come standard with an additional barrier that repels water, grease, and sweat, and the lightweight bio-resin construction is sturdy and durable. Enjoy superior comfort paired with reliable extended wear in our pick for the Best Boating Sunglasses: the Rincon from Costa.
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face without worrying about the health of your eyes wearing the Smith Pinpoint Sunglasses—our choice for the Best Sailing Sunglasses. The 6-base lens curve provides a comfortable fit and a wide field of view, and the Megol nose pads offer a non-slip grip. The Evolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable, and the auto-lock hinges stay open for an easy one-handed on and off. Take to the rigging in style wearing the Best Sailing Sunglasses: The Smith Pinpoint.
The Oakley Frogskins sunglasses are one of this renowned sports eyewear brand’s most popular styles, for good reason. Our choice for the Best Polarized Sailing Sunglasses features Oakley’s lightweight O Matter™ construction for durability, and the 4-base lens wrap provides an extended field of view. Available with Prizm™ lenses for some of the brightest viewing fields on the market, the Oakley Frogskins protect your eyes while you set sail in style.
The Hobie Bluefin easily took the top spot as the best sunglasses for jet skiing with their floating frame technology and pre-drilled holes for a head strap. The rubber frames are also highly durable and resist damage from impacts and falls. Fully waterproof, the Hobie Bluefin is a true winner in the race for the best shades for riding a jet ski.
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