The 15 Best Sunglasses For Sailing 2025
Choosing the best sunglasses for sailing can make the difference between a really enjoyable day on the water and a disastrous one!
Whether you’re relaxing on the deck in the Caribbean or beating into waves off the UK coastline, a pair of decent sunglasses for sailing will protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays, and stop you squinting into the light for hours on end.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out a whole lot of sailing sunglasses (completely against our wishes, due to a combination of gravity and dolphins off the bow!) and we’ve also got a few rave reviews in the bank for future pairs.
We’re sharing our favourite sunglasses for sailing with you below – just don’t forget to grab yourself a sunglasses lanyard too so you don’t have to replace as many pairs as us!
Quick Guide To Buying Sunglasses For Sailing
- Why buy the best?
- What to look for in sailing sunglasses?
- Keeping your sunglasses safe
- The best sunglasses for sailing for men
- The best sailing sunglasses for women
- Prescription sailing sunglasses
Why Buy The Best Sunglasses For Sailing?
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It might be tempting to settle for wearing your everyday sunglasses when sailing but we’d advise against this.
You need sunglasses fit for purpose if you’re going to spend hours on the water, and most everyday sunglasses just won’t cut it.
Not only are you competing with rays from the sky while out at sea, but you also have the sunlight reflecting off the water, making glare a real problem if you don’t have the right equipment.
A lot of specialist sunglasses for sailing are pretty expensive (but worth the money in our opinion!) They’re designed for purpose and have a lot of ‘built-in’ features that make them superior.
If you plan on being out on the water frequently and for long stretches then spend well, spend once as the saying goes!
With that in mind, make sure you get yourself a lanyard to prevent them from falling off when you’re dolphin-watching – skip to our top suggestions for how to keep your sunglasses safe!
If you aren’t sure if sailing is for you yet, or you don’t plan on being out on the water very often, then we’ve included a few budget options that we got on well with when we first started sailing.
What To Look For In The Best Sunglasses For Sailing
Are Polarized Lenses Good For Sailing?
The short answer here is, yes absolutely. Polarized sunglasses are the best type of sunglasses for sailing and we would recommend against buying anything but.
Polarized lenses are vital in protecting your eyes from UVB and UVA rays that can be super damaging.
When choosing sunglasses for sailing this should be your top priority, and the great thing is that polarized sunglasses aren’t necessarily more expensive.
Asides from providing the best protection for your eyes, polarized sunglasses give sailors a hidden advantage! They are amazing at cutting through the sun flare on the water, giving you eyes on dangers lurking beneath the surface when coming in to anchor.
They honestly make such a difference to visibility under the water when you’re standing on the bow and we would never go sailing without a pair!
Lens Shape
This isn’t to do with how stylish you look I’m afraid! The shape of the lens in the best sunglasses for sailing is important for another reason!
Flatter lenses are usually much better at preserving the contour and contrast of various objects BUT they have less resistance to glare.
Flatter lenses also typically struggle to keep out the rays reflected from the water.
If you have a choice, we would recommend going for curved sunglasses to keep your eyes protected.
We haven’t noticed a big difference in the contrast quality from pair to pair, though you may want to try both before you decide which is best for you.
What Colour Lenses Are Best For Sailing?
This isn’t all about fashion!
Just like when you go skiing you can buy goggles with interchangeable lenses for different weather, the same idea applies to sailing.
Different colour lenses provide different levels of visibility in changing weather, so if you’re serious about your sunglasses you might want to buy a few different lens colours to suit the conditions.
Most will want to opt for a pair that can cope well with all weather conditions, such as black/grey, and if you’re sailing in sunny countries then you might want to opt for blue/purple tints which are great at blocking glare.
For a more in-depth analysis, this is a really helpful guide.
Type of Material
Not only do your sailing sunglasses need to withstand being constantly battered by the sun, sea and wind but it’s also a good idea to make sure they’re shatterproof just in case you suffer any collisions with hard surfaces while out in a seaway!
The other thing you may want to consider is the fact that you might well lose a pair or two to the ocean, and if that happens it’s good to know you went with a more eco-friendly pair. We’ve listed a few for you below.
Durability
If you’ve ever been sailing, you know that it’s important to have a good pair of sunglasses. The sun can be very bright on the water, and the glare can be intense.
But it’s not just about style- sailing sunglasses need to be durable, too. They need to be able to withstand being dropped or stepped on, and they need to be able to resist salt water and wind.
After all, when you’re out on the water, the last thing you want to worry about is your sunglasses. So next time you’re looking for a new pair of shades, make sure to choose a pair that can stand up to the elements. Your eyes will thank you for it.
Lightweight
Not all sunglasses are created equal – weight is an important factor to consider when choosing the right pair of sailing sunglasses.
Heavier sunglasses will tend to stay in place better, even when there’s a lot of movement on the boat. And since you don’t want your sunglasses slipping into the water, it’s important to choose a pair that won’t be easily dislodged.
That being said, the last thing you want is a super heavy pair of sunglasses that make using them and carrying them impractical.
So next time you’re shopping for sailing sunglasses, make sure to keep weight in mind – it could be the difference between a great day on the water and a disastrous one.
Anti-corrosion
We’ve lost many a cheap pair of sunglasses to the power of salt water and have vowed never to buy cheap again for this reason.
Let’s face it, whether you’re out on the open sea or just sailing around your local lake, the last thing you want is a pair of sunglasses that corrode easily.
Anti-corrosion helps to prolong the life of your sunglasses by preventing the frames from deteriorating. So if you’re looking for a pair of shades that will last, make sure to choose a pair with anti-corrosion protection. Most higher-end sunglasses will have this feature as standard.
Style
Ok, ok, style shouldn’t be the main thing you look for but it’s impossible to ignore the fact you’ll want your sunglasses to suit you!
If you hate how you look in them then you’re far less likely to wear them! Buy a pair of sunglasses that you really love the look of.
Keeping Your Sailing Sunglasses!
When Adam and I first started living on board we must have lost about 5 pairs of sailing sunglasses to the sea.
Perhaps Poseiden saw them as a gift and has been kind to us because of this, but it’s far more likely he was pretty cross at us adding to the plastic in the ocean.
We felt terrible and even poorer.
Save your money and the ocean by getting yourself a lanyard to keep your sunglasses from falling into the ocean as you look overboard.
We found an added benefit is that you can store them easily around your neck when you take them off to go below. You don’t put them down for someone to sit on later, and you always have them on hand.
Sun Soul Sisters is a small business run by two sisters who design and hand-make their products and Emily’s fallen in love with the designs.
Not only are small businesses so much better for the environment, but you also won’t find anyone else out there with these unique designs! They deliver worldwide.
We particularly love the Goa rope designs made from vegan leather, which are waterproof and practical for watersports at anchor.
The Gili turquoise stone is lovely for sunset walks, and Emily’s favourite is the Langkawi shell design.
The Best 15 Sunglasses For Sailing
This is the part that you’ve been eagerly waiting for, so we’ll jump straight in.
The Best Sailing Sunglasses For Men
#1 SunGod Vulcans
We’ll put out a full disclaimer here to let you know we’re thrilled to have recently become SunGod ambassadors.
BUT, we don’t make any money from you buying yourself a pair, so there really is no agenda here other than the fact we genuinely think these are the best sunglasses for sailing.
We’ve been using SunGod ski goggles for years now and absolutely love their products and company ethos, so we were (a little more than) excited when we got the opportunity to work with them and try out their sunglasses.
These sailing sunglasses are top-of-the-range. With the option of 8KO, anti-glare, and high contrast lenses for you to choose from. You design the sunglasses, with your choice of arm colour and material, lens colour, logo colour, shape, and lens type.
SunGod sunglasses are guaranteed for life. Yes, we have tested this several times! We sent back several pairs of damaged ski goggles over the years, no questions asked.
They also have a commitment to do better for the planet, making sunglasses that last and can be repaired to prevent waste, using recyclable packaging, and supporting numerous charities that help protect our Earth.
As you can tell we’re pretty crazy about them, and these are our sailing sunglasses of choice from now on. They tell their story a whole lot better than I can so go check them out and let us know what you think!
Pros
- Sustainable company, lifetime guarantee
- Maximum protection from UV rays and glare
- Lightweight
- Very durable and shock-resistant
- Can be custom designed
Cons
- There is a limited choice of lens style
#2 Maui Jim Ho’okipa sailing sunglasses
Maui Jim sailing sunglasses are among the best – these are sunglasses worth paying that little extra for.
There’s a large range of different styles to choose from but we love the Ho’okipa sailing sunglasses for men.
They’re subtle but one of a kind and will go with almost any outfit. The embedded nose pads ensure ultimate comfort and the PolarizedPlus2® lenses eliminate 99.9% of glare and block 100% of harmful UV.
Plus, these Maui Jim sailing sunglasses are made from super-thin glass, providing the crispest optics available. They’re scratch and solvent resistant and made from shatter-proof polycarbonate. The blue/black lenses make them great for a range of different weather conditions.
These are a really quality pair of sunglasses but they don’t come cheap, so make sure you get yourself a sunglasses chain so you don’t lose them overboard while dolphin watching!
Pros
- Incredible optics
- Maximum protection from UV rays and glare
- Comfortable fit
- Durable and shatter-resistant
- Will suit everyone
Cons
- The price!
#3 O’Neill Zepol Sailing Sunglasses
O’Neill sailing sunglasses are a great mid-range option. They have a fantastic reputation for making quality sporting products designed for harsh outdoor environments.
All O’Neill polarized lenses are made of polycarbonate, an ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight, impact-resistant material, and offer optimal polarization and visual clarity.
We love the fact that polycarbonate is a sustainable material with a minimal impact on the environment, being fully recyclable at the end of its life.
The Zepol sunglasses wrap around for full eye protection when sailing.
Pros
- Ultra-durable
- Lightweight
- Maximum protection from UV rays and glare
- Comfortable fit
- Available in wrap-around for maximum protection
Cons
- Some people find the fit a little tight
#4 Knockaround – Best Budget
If you’re looking for a budget option then these sunglasses for sailing are a great choice. They’re designed for outdoor use and are rugged and polarised, yet affordable!
They come in a range of different styles and lens tints so you find just the right pair for your needs.
Pros
- Budget
- Lightweight
- A range of lens tint options
Cons
- Not as long lasting as others on this list
#5 Calcutta
For another great affordable choice check out Calcutta’s range of sunglasses, just make sure you opt for one of their polarized options.
These Caymen sunglasses are perfect for all weather conditions with their blue-tinted lenses, and we love the look too! These sunglasses are also super lightweight so they’re a great option for long days onboard.
#6 Pelagic Sailing Sunglasses
Pelagic have really thought their sunglasses through and designed them perfectly for life on the water.
With features such as a hydrophobic coating applied to the lens to resist rain, dirt and dust, and oleophobic coating to repel sweat, sunscreen and skin oils these sunglasses will stay cleaner for longer.
They have a rugged design and are made for a life outside. They are designed to protect you from harmful rays and glare and have some really interesting extra features that enable this, alongside the polarized lenses.
#7 Sunski Polarized Sailing Sunglasses
We really like the simple, stylish look of these sunglasses, and obviously the fact they’re designed for outdoor use and polarized for the best eye protection possible!
If you’re looking for something simple that works then go for these sunglasses for sailing and you won’t be disappointed!
You should note however that some users have found they don’t fit very well. We think the price bracket probably makes up for this but you should be aware before you buy!
#8 Oakley Sunglasses
Oakley is well known for making quality outdoor products and their sunglasses are no exception. The dark lenses on this pair make them a great choice for all weather conditions, and the wrap-around arms mean maximum protection from harmful rays and glare.
Our favourites have to be the Holbrook Oakleys though, as they come in a wide range of styles with a choice of lens for all weather conditions.
The lenses are treated with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare, and the frames are made from durable, lightweight materials that won’t slip or slide when you’re sweating.
With Oakley sunglasses, you’ll be able to stay focused on your sailing goals and enjoy the experience of being out on the open water.
Pros
- High-quality polarized lenses
- Maximum protection from glare and UV
- Available in a wide range of colors and frames
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- The frames feel a little less sturdy than others
#9 Costa Sailing Sunglasses
If you’re looking for quality sailing sunglasses made with the environment in mind then the Tasman Sea sunglasses from Costa are a great choice.
This bio-based resin offers a 70% reduction in emissions over petroleum-based resin, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint.
They are, of course, 100% polarized, scratch-resistant, and ensure reflective glare and eye strain is minimized or eliminated altogether. The blue mirrored lenses are the way to go for offshore use with bright, full sun on open reflective water.
These sunglasses are on the pricier side but come with a lifetime warranty, so if you’re looking for sunglasses for life then these are the pair for you!
The Best Sailing Sunglasses For Women
#10 Hananpa’a sunglasses
Maui Jim sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare, while still providing crisp vision.
They come with an embedded nose pad that ensures ultimate comfort all day long. These sailing glasses also feature super thin glass for improved clarity, as well as scratch-resistant polycarbonate material making them resistant against scratches which would otherwise leave stains.
Maui Jim provides high-quality products, but you will pay for the quality, so make sure you look after them out on the water!
#11 Women’s Oceanside Polarized Sunglasses
The O’Neill line of sunglasses is a perfect choice for any occasion, with designs that will suit your personal style.
These frames are flattering for most, with their simple style, and they provide excellent protection from harmful UV rays while offering superior clarity.
These sunglasses provide weightless comfort thanks to their durable material construction which features 100% recycled polycarbonate materials (which also makes them eco-friendly- yes please!)
#12 Deja View Women’s Sailing Sunglasses
Looking for a way to spice up your look? These fashionable frames have the statement silhouette of oversized sunglasses without taking things too far. With contoured tops and full coverage lenses, these shades will add some elegance while also making you stand out in any crowd (if there’s anyone around to see you in the middle of the ocean!)
These are the perfect option for low-light sunglasses, so if you’re sailing in areas that aren’t known for their sunshine then these are the sunglasses for you!
#13 The Isla
The Isla is a women’s specific frame combining performance with elegance featuring a proprietary XP-700™ Polarized Lens System.
It offers the latest optical technologies to create an ultimate visual advantage both on and off water.
The design of this frames fits many facial types making it perfect for all face types, so it’s perfect if you can’t decide which style you prefer.
#14 SunGod Sierras
We’ve already raved about SunGod as a brand above, so go give it a read if you’re interested.
If not, go check out what the company themselves has to say, they say it much better than us! And while you’re at it, give the Sierra’s a once over. They’re Emily’s favourites. Now customise them to suit your style!
#15 Prescription Sunglasses For Sailing
Adam wears contact lenses some of the time, but they aren’t all that practical for sailing. He runs out when we’re on remote islands, or the wind and sea salt dry out his eyes and make them impossible to wear.
For this reason, he bought a really decent pair of prescription sunglasses for sailing that he can wear instead of his contacts and still protect his eyes!
Diff eyewear has a fantastic range of prescription sunglasses, but that isn’t the only thing we love about them!
Diff has partnered with Sightsavers to provide charitable glasses, testing, and more to people in need all over the world. They’re a great choice for anyone in need of prescription sunglasses for sailing.
So there you have it! Our top picks of the best sunglasses for sailing. If you’re looking for more advice on top sailing gear then check out our guide on essential sailing gear.
Hopefully this has helped you choose the perfect pair for you – do let us know what you went for in the comments below and shout if there’s any you think we’ve missed!
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