Your shades can make or break your day on the water. When it comes to selecting the best sunglasses for sailing or boating, there are several factors to keep in mind. These include:  

Battling Glare
The sun’s glare can prevent you from seeing your sails or spotting underwater structures. This is where sailing sunglasses and boating sunglasses with polarized lenses come into play. 
 
Polarized lenses are a game changer in any boating or sailing adventure because they reduce glare reflected off the water’s surface. Every pair of Costa sunglasses comes with polarized lenses, boosting your visual comfort and visibility in even the brightest conditions. Glare reduction is especially beneficial for spotting fish and navigating tricky underwater terrain.  
 
Costa’s 580 lenses take things a step further. Made with proprietary technology, 580 lenses filter harsh yellow light to enhance the natural vibrancy of the reds, greens and blues around you. The lenses also sharpen contrast and allow for a higher-definition visual experience. 

UV Protection at Sea 
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential when boating, sailing or going on any watery adventure. Extended exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions that can eventually impact your vision. Some of these include:   

• Photokeratitis (sunburned eyes)
• Cataracts
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Pterygium (surfer’s eye)
• Cancers in or around the eye  

At Costa, we understand the importance of UV protection and we’ve made it a top priority in our precision lens design. All Costa sunglass lenses provide 100% UV protection, helping to safeguard your eyes while you focus on the task at hand. 

Durability Against the Elements
Boating sunglasses and sailing sunglasses must withstand rigorous conditions on the open water, from salty sea spray to gusty winds. Sunglass lenses are made from either glass or a plastic material (such as polycarbonate). While glass lenses may be ideal in some instances, polycarbonate lenses are often more impact-resistant for intense boating activities. 
 
Costa sunglasses are built to last, featuring durable frames and lenses that can take on some of the harshest conditions. Their precision engineering ensures you can rely on Costas trip after trip, no matter where the current takes you. 

Lens Tints for Various Conditions
Choosing the right lens tint for sailing sunglasses or boating sunglasses can help ensure a productive, enjoyable day on the water. It’s important to select a tint designed for the conditions you’re most likely to encounter. 
 
Costa sunglasses come in a range of lens tints. Each tint is designed to optimize visibility and contrast in specific conditions, such as: 
 

• Bright light and deep water – For bright sunny days and deep-water trips, a lens tint like blue mirror or gray is ideal. These tints reduce glare and protect against intense sunlight, enhancing visibility even in the brightest conditions.
• Variable light and shallow water – In variable light conditions and shallow water environments, a versatile lens like green mirror or copper is preferable. These tints enhance contrast and depth perception, making it easier to spot fish and navigate sandbars.
• Low-light and cloudy conditions – For overcast or low-light conditions, a lighter lens tint like the sunrise silver mirror is a good choice. This tint increases brightness and definition, improving visibility in dim lighting. However, sunglasses with the silver mirror tint should not be worn while driving. 

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Sailing or Boating Sunglasses 
The features above are all essential for a day on the water. But there are other key factors to consider when looking for the best sunglasses for boating or sailing. These include: 
 

• Hydrophobic lenses – Hydrophobic lenses have a special coating that repels moisture and helps prevent fogging. Costas offer this coating, helping you maintain a clear view without the distraction of water droplets or hazy lenses.
• Prescription sunglass lenses – If you need vision correction, prescription sunglasses are a great option for maritime adventures. They provide clear vision while shielding your eyes from the sun and other elements. Most Costas can be fitted with prescription lenses.
• Ventilation – These features promote airflow to reduce fogging while keeping you cool and comfortable. Some Costas have special ventilation channels built into the frames to optimize airflow and drain moisture away from the lenses.
• Frame style and materials – The right shape and size can make all the difference in the fit and comfort of your shades. Costa offers a variety of styles, from full-coverage frames to classic aviators. Costa frames are also made from high-quality materials, such as bio-based resin, for durability and lasting performance.

Ultraviolet (UV) protection. American Optometric Association. Accessed April 2024.