Sun Safety and Awareness

Best Boating Sunglasses

When the open water calls your name, the bright sunshine and sparkling water can do a real number on your eyes. While you may love spending time on the boat with family and friends, you likely do not relish the eyestrain and other problems associated with overexposure to the sun. 

If you love to go boating, eye protection is a must, and choosing the best sunglasses can be difficult. Wearing premium sailing sunglasses will protect your eyes against UV exposure, which can cause a host of problems. 

Not only do you want to shield your eyes from the sun, but you also need crystal clear vision to navigate your boat. Glare from the sun and water can cause vision issues and have you steering off course or, worse, hitting another boat.

If you love the water, investing in high-quality boating sunglasses is essential. This guide will help fellow sailors choose the best pair wisely. 

Top Boating Sunglasses

Everyone on the boat must have a good pair of sunglasses to shield their eyes from unfiltered glare and direct sunlight. To keep everyone safe, use this list of the best sailing sunglasses to help you get started. 

Polaroid Polarized Wayfarers

If you are over the age of 30, you likely remember Polaroid cameras. While they have not produced cameras since 2007, they manufacture some of the best sunglasses available. 

These glasses look and feel great, but they also offer a high level of UV protection. Because they are polarized, you will not experience that annoying and even dangerous glare off the water. 

The best sunglasses offer 100% protection against UV rays. One of the features most people appreciate with these Polaroid glasses is that they do not slide down your nose. 

It can be highly annoying when you are trying to steer your boat, and your sunglasses keep sliding down. Some sunglasses are notorious for rubbing the bridge of your nose raw. 

Pros:

  • The frames are solid and weighty, without too much weight.
  • The lenses are scratch-resistant. 
  • These polarized lenses allow you to see with increased clarity. 
  • These quality sunglasses are more affordable than other top brands, with the same quality. 

Cons:

  • The case is not easy to open and close.

Torege Polarized Sailing Sunglasses

The Torege Polarized Sailing Sunglasses are quality sunglasses that offer a classy look and lightweight feel. With their UV400 coating, these glasses block 100% of UVB rays. 

Many customers appreciate that these lenses are made of polycarbonate. If you are unfamiliar with this material, it means the lenses are practically indestructible. If you are rough on your sunglasses, these are a great buy. 

You will also appreciate how lightweight these sunglasses are. When in position, you can barely feel them on your face. The rubber nose pads are highly comfortable, and the sunglasses come with two replacement pads. 

Pros:

  • The lightweight design keeps them comfortable for long wear. 
  • The polycarbonate lenses are damage-resistant. 
  • These sunglasses come in 12 colors. 
  • The UV400 coating provides a high level of protection against UV rays.

Cons:

  • The case is not as durable as it should be.

Maui Jim Ho’okipa Polarized Sunglasses for Sailing

If you have never worn a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, you should check out their Ho’okipa sunglasses. These glasses have polarized lenses and a blue tint that helps keep glares out of your eyes while on the water. 

These sunglasses have polarized lenses that block up to 99% of glare and up to 100% of UVB rays. The lenses are made from polycarbonate for durability, and the frame is made of nylon for a lightweight feel. 

The Ho’okipa glasses offer wearers excellent visibility while on the water. However, some users were not fond of the sunglasses’ square design, which you should consider before purchasing.

Pros:

  • These glasses are durable yet lightweight. 
  • The lens coating helps you see with better clarity and protects your eyes.
  • The lenses are anti-fog, which is perfect for time on the water. 
  • The lenses are impact-resistant. 

Cons:

  • The sizes for these sunglasses are limited. 

Oakley Men’s Five Squared Sunglasses

These rectangular sunglasses are made by Oakley, one of the top sunglasses manufacturers in the world. These polarized lenses are made from Plutonite, which is guaranteed to block out UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light. 

These glasses offer a snug yet comfortable fit. Oakley has created these sunglasses with a three-point fit system that ensures your comfort. These sunglasses will not press on your ears or the bridge of your nose. 

These sunglasses come with their own case and are ready for prescription lenses. Many users found that these sunglasses had an attractive appearance and an air of sophistication about them. 

Pros:

  • The lenses are made from shatter-resistant materials. 
  • These Plutonite lenses block all harmful sun rays. 
  • The three-point fit system makes these sunglasses comfortable.
  • The lenses are ready for your prescription. 

Cons:

  • The square style may not appeal to all face shapes.

Hulislem S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses

Hulislem is another brand of sunglasses we have tried and liked. Most sailors highly recommend wearing polarized sunglasses. These sailing sunglasses feature a polarized lens that will not be too rough on your wallet. 

Customers are constantly impressed with the AcuTint system on the lenses that allows you to see colors in their true hues. Normally, sailors feel that their visual sharpness and depth perception is a little off while on the water, but these truly deliver beautiful real-life color. 

These sunglasses are made from polycarbonate material, and they are ultra-lightweight. If you’re thinking about spending a weekend on the boat, pack a pair of these glasses for your trip.

Pros:

  • These sunglasses feature a 400-mirror coating that blocks 100% of UV rays.
  • These glasses also block all reflected light waves below 400 nanometers, which are damaging ultraviolet waves. 
  • The frames are rugged and lightweight. 
  • These sunglasses have a special coating that ensures colors stay true to their hues. 
  • They are available for both men and women. 

Cons:

  • Some people have complained that their sunglasses started to warp, but many customers never have a problem with theirs.

B.N.U.S. Ranger Sports Sunglasses

If you are tough on your sunglasses, you will want to pick up a pair of these B.N.U.S. Ranger Sports Sunglasses. These sunglasses are perfect for sailing, and customers find them highly durable. 

One of the things many reviewers like about these sunglasses is that they are made from Corning glass. The glass lenses not only make them more durable, but they also offer you crystal clear viewing. 

Because these lenses are made of Corning glass, you never have to worry about them getting scratched. The special mirrored coating blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays to protect your eyes while on the water, and they look sporty and attractive. 

Pros:

  • These glasses block around 85% of all visible light and almost all blue light to protect your eyes. 
  • The polarized lens is scratch-resistant and lightweight. 
  • The glass lenses are meant to last a lifetime with proper care.
  • These lenses are protected against seawater corrosion. 

Cons:

  • Because the lenses are made of Corning glass, they will break if dropped on hard surfaces, so practice caution. 

Dual SL2 ProX Polarized Bi-Focal Sunglasses

Unfortunately, not many sailing sunglasses are meant for those with visual impairments. Thankfully, more and more sunglasses manufacturers are rising up and offering pairs for the visually impaired, including these ProX bi-focal sunglasses. 

These polarized sunglasses are available in two strengths: 1.5X or 2.0X. Like many of the sailing sunglasses on this list, these lenses are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is shatter-proof and scratch-resistant.

Aside from the comfort, durability, and ruggedness of these bi-focal sunglasses, customers are consistently impressed with the company that makes them. The company is family-owned and offers a high level of customer service. 

Pros:

  • These sailing sunglasses are one of the few that offer bi-focal support. 
  • These ProX glasses have a wraparound design that protects your eyes. 
  • The magnified areas are a part of the lens, so there is no distortion when switching from up close to far away vision. 
  • These glasses offer a lifetime warranty. 

Cons:

  • These sunglasses are pricier than some others. 

Newport Polarized Regatta Bifocal Sunglasses

This is another bi-focal sunglasses offering. These sailing sunglasses look and perform great, and they offer a greater variety of magnification levels, including 1.5X, 2.0X, 2.5X, and 3.0X. 

In addition to the bi-focal capabilities, customers are impressed by the polarization. There are very few sunglass options that also feature polarized lenses. 

The mirrored coating with polarization helps you see with great clarity. Many reviewers found the sun’s glare was greatly reduced and allowed them to see with precision while on the water. 

Pros:

  • These sailing sunglasses do not have a visible bi-focal line. 
  • The wraparound design of these sunglasses allows for a greater level of protection for your eyes. 
  • The mirrored polarized lenses reduce glare and prevent eye discomfort. 
  • The frames are flexible and comfortable. 

Cons:

  • Some people have complained about the frame tips causing them ear discomfort. In some cases, users found it helpful to make a slight adjustment to help them fit better. 

Oakley Half-Jacket Polarized 2.0 Sunglasses

Here is another pair of Oakley sunglasses customers are often fond of. This pair is perfect for boating because of the polarized lenses. These lenses are made of Plutonite and offer a high level of clarity. 

Another cool feature of these sailing sunglasses is that you can remove the lenses and change them with multiple colors. You can test this out during various times of the day and see if they offer better vision and more protection for your eyes. 

If you are looking for a pair of boating sunglasses that reduces light intensity as much as possible, these are your pair. The HD lenses on these sailing sunglasses provide amazingly sharp vision, even in peak sun hours. 

Pros:

  • The Plutonite lenses filter 100% of all UV rays, including UVA, UVB, and UVC. Unlike some sunglasses, these lenses also filter harmful blue light up to 400mm. 
  • The lenses on these sunglasses are curved, offering protection on all sides of your eyes. 
  • The interchangeable lens system is unique and allows you to change your lenses for all types of environments. 
  • These sailing sunglasses are lightweight and will not place a strain on your nose or ears. 

Cons:

  • These sunglasses are on the expensive side but well worth the cost. 

Duduma Sport Polarized Sunglasses with Polycarbonate Lenses

Duduma impresses its customers with its durable sunglasses. The company is so confident their sailing sunglasses will not break that they offer a lifetime warranty. Not many sunglass manufacturers back up their products to this degree. 

These sunglasses offer a wraparound style and a mirrored finish. The lenses are made of polycarbonate. Although these sunglasses are highly durable, they are also lightweight and flexible. 

The lenses on these sailing sunglasses are scratch-resistant, and you can choose multiple colors, including white. After a long day out on the boat, your eyes will still feel fresh and unfatigued. 

You will appreciate the polarized lenses that make seeing much more comfortable. You also won’t experience that annoying glare from the water and will be able to see other boats and obstacles much more clearly. 

Pros:

  • The lenses of these sunglasses are polarized to help protect your eyes against harmful glare. 
  • Duduma stands behind their sunglasses and will replace your pair if they break. 
  • The lenses are made with seven layers of protection and include a mirrored finish. 
  • The wraparound style protects your eyes from the front and sides. 

Cons:

  • These sunglasses give a slightly yellowish tint that some people may not like. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Sailing Sunglasses

In addition to offering information on the best sailing sunglasses, it is also essential you know the factors to consider before purchasing. It does not matter what brand you choose; just make sure you consider the following. 

Material

One of the first factors you will need to consider is the materials. The best sunglasses are made of durable materials that will not break down when exposed to saltwater. 

Many boaters prefer polycarbonate lenses because they hold up better and are less likely to break. Choose the most durable material you can afford. 

Lightweight Design

If you are on a boat for hours, heavy sunglasses will take a toll on your comfort. Boaters often wear heavy frames that push on the bridge of their noses and place pressure on their ears. Sailors are notorious for throwing away numerous pairs of sunglasses because they were too heavy. 

You need a lightweight design, so the sunglasses are comfortable to wear and easy to transport. Lightweight sunglasses are going to offer a higher level of comfort. 

Polarized Lenses

The importance of wearing polarized lenses while boating cannot be overemphasized. The glare from the sun, water, shore, and other boats can cause you to experience a range of vision issues. 

Polarized lenses filter out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays through an anti-reflective coating, making seeing easier and more comfortable. If you are not wearing polarized lenses while boating, you should. 

Polarized lenses also protect your eyes from damaging diseases like photokeratitis, cataracts, and some types of eye cancer. 

Lens Shape

The shape of the lens is another critical factor to consider when choosing the best sunglasses for boating. Whenever possible, choose lenses that are curved. 

Flat lenses do not offer glare and UV protection as well as curved lenses. You should also be careful choosing angular lenses because they may not reflect light as well. 

Lens Colors

You are going to find a lot of different lens colors during your search for the best sunglasses. The importance of a specific lens color is not just for style. 

Some boaters’ favorite lens color is gray because it offers a higher level of visual acuity. For some, their least favorite lens color is a yellowish tint because they feel these lenses do offer enough color clarity and glare protection. 

Bottom Line

Wearing protective sunglasses is critical for preventing eye damage. If you are out on the water without eye protection, you could suffer eye sunburns, dryness, vision disturbances, degenerative eye diseases, and more. 

The above offers some of the best sailing sunglasses for UVB protection. Feel free to check them out for yourself to determine which one offers the best eye protection and will keep you most comfortable on your boat.