Yes snorkels were originally designed for diesel vehicles as a diesel engine can be destroyed if water is gulped down the air intake system. A petrol engine due to less compression is less likely to suffer from this but is susceptible to dirty muddy water like all mechanical items. No engine likes this.
Snorkels can also offer better fuel economy and performance. By force feeding a petrol or diesel engine with more air allows the engine to burn more fuel creating more horsepower. Snorkels also allow fresh cool air to be supplied to the engine rather then the stuffy hot air from under the bonnet. Cool fresh air will expand better in the piston chamber also burning more fuel and creating more power.
A vehicle fitted with a snorkel can run better on all fuels if set up correctly without sacrificing economy and will also increase engine life.