Sailors spend hours in direct sun, with extra light reflecting off the water, the deck and the sails. Long-term exposure to UV light is linked to eye problems such as cataracts, pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) and photokeratitis, and glare makes it harder to spot wind on the water, other boats, buoys and shallows. A good pair of sailing sunglasses protects your eyes and helps you sail better.

Below we explain what to look for in sailing sunglasses and list some of the best options, from premium polarized models to affordable floating pairs.

Sailor wearing polarized sunglasses on a boat

What to Look for in Sailing Sunglasses

Full UV protection

This is non-negotiable. Look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB (often labeled UV400). Dark lenses without UV protection can actually be worse than no sunglasses, because your pupils open wider behind them.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses cut the horizontal glare reflected from the water’s surface, gelcoat and wet decks. They reduce eye strain and let you see wind patterns, waves and what lies beneath the surface. One downside: polarized lenses can make some LCD screens, such as chartplotters or instruments, harder to read at certain angles, so check yours before a long passage.

Lens material

  • Polycarbonate: light, impact-resistant and affordable. It is the most common sports lens material and a good choice for sailors, ideally with a scratch-resistant coating.
  • Glass: excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance, but heavier, and it can shatter on impact.
  • Other plastics (such as nylon or high-grade lens polymers): used in many premium sports lenses for a balance of clarity, weight and impact resistance.
  • Cheap acrylic: inexpensive but prone to distortion and scratches.

Lens shape and color

Wraparound or curved frames block light coming in from the sides and protect your eyes from wind and spray. For tint:

  • Gray gives true color perception and is good in bright sun.
  • Brown, amber and copper increase contrast and depth perception, which helps you read the water and spot shallows and floating debris.
  • Lighter tints work better in overcast or low-light conditions.
  • Mirrored coatings reduce extra light in very bright conditions.

Fit, durability and saltwater resistance

Choose a frame that fits snugly and comfortably for hours, with grippy nose and temple pads so the glasses stay on when you are moving around the deck. Corrosion-resistant hinges, water-repellent (hydrophobic) and oil-repellent (oleophobic) coatings, and floating frames or a retainer strap are all valuable on a boat. If you need a prescription, many brands offer prescription or bifocal lenses.

Best Sunglasses for Sailing

Maui Jim Sandy Beach: Best Overall

Maui Jim Sandy Beach polarized sailing sunglasses

Maui Jim is famous among sailors for its polarized lenses, and the Sandy Beach is a light, rimless model with excellent glare reduction and clarity. Its lenses are treated to shed water and resist fingerprints, and the frame is comfortable for long days on the water. They are expensive, but optical quality and durability are excellent. Check the price on Amazon, and consider adding a floating sunglasses strap: it is far less annoying than watching expensive sunglasses sink.

Maui Jim Makaha

The Makaha is a sportier wraparound Maui Jim with the brand’s PolarizedPlus2 lenses, available in several tints. The lenses are scratch-resistant and have coatings that repel water and grease, while the rubberized nose and temple pads keep them in place. Many Maui Jim fans find the improved contrast makes colors on the water look richer. Check the price on Amazon.

Cébé Lupka

Cébé is a French brand known for mountain sports eyewear, and the Lupka is designed for very bright light around snow and water. It has a wraparound frame, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses in high-protection Category 3 tints and polarized options. It is a good-value choice for strong Mediterranean or tropical sun.

Torege Polarized: Best Value

If you lose sunglasses more often than your keys, the Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses are an inexpensive option. They have polarized, interchangeable lenses, a soft non-slip nose pad and come in many colors. They are a good backup pair to keep aboard.

Gill Kynance

Gill is one of the best-known sailing clothing brands, and its sunglasses are designed with sailors in mind. These Gill sunglasses have polarized lenses, a water-shedding (hydrophobic) outer coating and an oil-repelling (oleophobic) inner coating that helps keep fingerprints off. Check whether the version you buy floats before relying on it.

WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses

WindRider sunglasses are designed to float, so you do not need a strap. They are polarized, light, flexible and sturdy, and have adjustable nose pads. For an affordable pair you will not lose to the sea, they are a great choice. Check the price on Amazon.

Smith Wayward ChromaPop

Smith’s ChromaPop lenses are designed to boost contrast and color, and they come with water- and oil-repellent coatings. The Wayward is available in different sizes and colors, and its frame is made partly from bio-based material. Check them out on Amazon.

VonZipper Lesmore

The VonZipper Lesmore is a rectangular, impact-resistant pair with polarized polycarbonate lenses and full UV protection. Stainless steel hinges add durability. It is a stylish mid-price option, and it is often on sale, so check the current price on Amazon.

Bollé Tetra

Bollé is a well-established French sports eyewear brand. The Bollé Tetra has polarized lenses with water- and oil-repellent coatings, giving good clarity and glare reduction on the water at a reasonable price.

Maui Jim Offshore

The Maui Jim Offshore has a wraparound frame made from lightweight, durable nylon and polarized lenses suited to medium to bright conditions. It offers excellent glare protection and contrast and resists salt water well.

Caring for Your Sailing Sunglasses

  • Rinse with fresh water after sailing to remove salt, then dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • Do not wipe salty lenses dry; salt crystals scratch.
  • Store them in a hard case when not in use.
  • Use a floating strap or retainer, especially on expensive pairs.

For more gear advice, see our guides on what to wear when sailing, the best sailing watches and gift ideas for boaters and sailors.

Best Sailing Sunglasses: Summary

The best sailing sunglasses block 100% of UV, use polarized lenses to cut glare, fit securely and stand up to salt water. Maui Jim models like the Sandy Beach, Makaha and Offshore are among the best for optics and comfort, Smith, VonZipper, Bollé and Cébé offer strong mid-range options, and Torege and WindRider are excellent budget picks, with WindRider adding the bonus of floating. Whatever you choose, protect your eyes every time you go out on the water.