Best Waterproof Bag for Snorkeling: Expert Snorkeler’s Review
My husband and I have snorkeled our way around the globe, 74 sites so far and still counting. Along the way, we’ve tried just about every piece of snorkeling gear you can imagine, from masks and fins to the best underwater camera.
Sometimes I’ll put together a top-5 list of our favorites, but other times there’s one clear standout. Something so good, it deserves its own spotlight.
I’ve been snorkeling since 2007, so trust me when I say I’ve tested plenty of waterproof pouches. After a lot of trial (and more error than I’d like to admit), I’ve finally found a pouch I can depend on to keep my essentials safe and dry.
Ready to hear which waterproof pouch earned a permanent spot in my snorkel gear bag? Let me show you why it’s my absolute favorite.
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TL;DR Version
Here is the short and sweet version if you don’t feel like reading the rest of this article.
Meet Ugo 2.0, your underwater best friend. Keep reading to find out why.
Update: The Ugo 2.0 has been sold out for months, and I don’t know when (or if) it’ll be back in stock.
I wanted to give you another option I’m currently exploring. I just ordered the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack, and it’s on its way.
Based on specs alone, it shares a lot of Ugo’s DNA: TPU with RF-welded seams, floats, and a touchscreen-friendly window.
The main differences: it’s rated IP67 (vs. Ugo’s IP68, so slightly less depth protection), uses Nite Ize’s own TRU Zip instead of Ugo’s uZip, comes in a hip/crossbody style rather than a shoulder strap, and is about half the price of the Ugo.
I’m bringing it to the Galapagos in the next month and will report back with a real-world snorkeling comparison. Stay tuned!
Why You Need a Waterproof Bag
Wearing my Ugo 2.0 and getting ready to snorkel Angel City in Bonaire
First of all, why do you need a waterproof bag? 2 reasons.
#1- Shore Snorkeling
We have done some incredible shore snorkeling like when we were in Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI, Tres Trapi in Aruba (so many turtles!), and more recently while in Bonaire. These outdoor excursions will require some kind of waterproof pouch to carry valuables like a phone, money, credit cards, and car keys.
Never leave these items in the car or on the beach. Car break-ins for these easy-target valuables do occur especially in the Caribbean islands.
We leave nothing in our rental car and often keep the doors unlocked.
Once on the beach, I strap on my snorkeling bag and then jump in the water ready to go.
#2- Snorkeling Tours
There are some snorkeling sites you cannot reach yourself and must book a tour to access.
Some of our favorite snorkeling tours are Shark Ray Alley in Belize, Whale Shark Tour in the Maldives, Manta Ray Tour in Indonesia, and the Underwater Sea Scooter Tour in Moorea.
In cases like this, I still store all of my valuables in my snorkeling pouch. The bag keeps them protected from any water spray on the boat. Then I’ll just leave the bag on the boat while I snorkel.
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Snorkeling with blacktip sharks and stingrays in Moorea
Key Features to Consider in a Waterproof Bag
Showing off Ugo’s IP68 rating by fully immersing it while snorkeling at Pinel Island in St. Martin
When you are shopping for a waterproof bag, you really need to be looking out for these 5 features:
#1- IP Rating
IP (Ingress Protection) rating shows how well a device is protected against substances like dirt, moisture, and water.
Look for an IP rating of 68, which means it is protected from dust and from long-term immersion in water up to a certain pressure/depth.
#2- Buoyancy
Does the snorkeling bag float?
Positive buoyancy is important just in case your bag gets accidentally thrown overboard or sneaks out of your hands before you can secure it in the water.
Learn from my mistakes!
We were in Vietnam several years ago. Unfortunately, my husband knocked my iPhone in the water while we were near the railing on our cruise in Ha Long Bay.
If I had owned an Ugo waterproof bag at that time, there would have been a chance I could have recovered my phone!
#3- Right size
Demonstrating the size of the Ugo 2.0 snorkeling bag by comparing it next to my iPhone
There are many waterproof snorkeling bags to choose from.
Some just fit your phone, others are slightly larger to accommodate keys, credit cards, etc, and others are big enough to fit a tablet or small electronics.
I feel the best one is somewhere in the middle.
If you do offshore snorkeling, you’ll need a pouch that not only will hold your phone but will also carry your keys for your rental car, driver’s license, and any cash/credit cards.
#4- Secure Seal
You do not want to be looking down every few seconds to make sure your bag’s seal is still holding. Especially when that beautiful eagle ray decides to zoom right past you.
There are some bags that have these triple seals + Velcro closure. Think of like a Ziplock bag that you seal three times and then Velcro over the top like the HEETA Waterproof Pouch.
I snorkeled with this bag for many years at many different snorkel sites until one day while we were snorkeling at Boca Catalina in Aruba, the bag leaked!!!!
My phone was destroyed, and I was devastated.
Use these types of bags with caution and change them out frequently if you purchase one because they do lose their seal over time.
A good seal is obviously the #1 feature to look for in a swimming waterproof bag!
The uZip zipper on the Ugo is what makes it so unique. More on that later!
#5- Touch-Sensitive Screen
Touch-sensitive screen on the Ugo 2.0: best waterproof bag for snorkeling
A touch-sensitive screen will be important to some but not me.
I use my GoPro Hero for ALL of my videos underwater.
If you do not have a GoPro and are not planning on purchasing a GoPro, then the alternative is to use your phone. You can slide it into a touch-sensitive screen bag to take all your underwater videos.
Why Ugo is the Best
Snorkeling with Ugo in Bonaire
Remember all those features we just mentioned? Yeah, Ugo has all of them.
Star Features
IP rating of 68
It has been 3rd party tested to make sure it holds up from long-term immersion up to 20 feet. Perfect for snorkeling! So far, I can attest to this rating!
It floats
Great feature in case you have an “oops” moment.
4 different sizes
Many options to accommodate any water activity. It comes in Slim, 2.0 (what I have), Tablet, and Tablet XL.
uZip waterproof zipper
My favorite feature! This zipper type is the same one used on dry suits, hazmat suits, and space suits! It is hardcore. I love when I zip it up, you actually feel it lock in place. Make sure you lock it completely! This feature is what sold me on the product to begin with.
uZip waterproof zipper on the Ugo snorkeling pouch
Super durable
This bag has no glue. It has RF welded seams. There’s no water getting in here! Plus, it’s made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is UV, saltwater, and chlorine resistant.
Touch-sensitive screen
If you don’t have your favorite underwater snorkeling camera, Ugo has you covered. You can use the screen on your phone to take underwater videos while it’s hanging out in the Ugo. If you are using your phone to take underwater videos, it’s best to purchase the Ugo Slim size.
Small business and woman-owned!
I didn’t know this until the writing of this article. It makes me like this company even more. I love supporting incredible women with great ideas.
Fantastic customer service
When I received my Ugo, I noticed a missing anchor to hold the waist/shoulder strap in place. I contacted the company and Melanie (one of the co-owners) personally emailed me back. She sent a new strap with the missing anchor right away, and I got it days later. Talk about amazing service!!!
What Ugo 2.0 Can Hold
What an Ugo 2.0 snorkeling bag can hold: phone, keys, credit card/cash, sunglasses (I can fit a GoPro battery in there too)
Here are the items I can comfortably fit into my Ugo 2.0 snorkeling pouch:
- My iPhone
- Electronic car rental keys
- Cash/credit cards/ driver’s license
- Sunglasses
- GoPro battery
Showing what the best waterproof bag for snorkeling can fit inside
Ugo 2.0 vs. Slim
We have two Ugo bags: the Ugo 2.0 and the Ugo Slim.
I prefer the Ugo 2.0 because my phone easily glides into the bag, and I can fit more stuff inside.
However, if you are looking for a waterproof bag for ONLY your phone and maybe your ID/credit card, the Ugo Slim also works. And it’s considerably cheaper.
Here are a few photos to show you the size comparison between the Ugo 2.0 and the Ugo Slim.
You could also fit a pair of sunglasses in the Ugo Slim if your sunglasses are not too big (which I’ve shown in the photo), but it’s a very tight fit.
Demonstrating the size of the Ugo Slim
Width difference between Ugo 2.0 and Ugo Slim
Length difference between Ugo 2.0 and Ugo Slim
Alternative Uses
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding in Bora Bora
Snorkeling is my first passion, but my husband and I also love other water sports.
Another use-case scenario for the Ugo is paddle boarding.
Because of the included waist/shoulder strap, it’s easy to be hands-free but still keep your valuables close as you paddle through the water.
Kayaking
Hubby and I kayaking on our Crystal Water Kayak Tour in beautiful La Digue in the Seychelles
On a recent trip ocean kayaking into Benagil Cave in Portugal, we accidentally tumbled into the water on our ungraceful attempt to dismount onto the beach inside the cave.
Luckily, Ugo to the rescue! It kept all my vital items dry.
I also used my Ugo on a recent kayaking trip to Pinel Island in St. Martin and a crystal clear kayak tour in the Seychelles.
Luckily, we didn’t topple into the water this time, so I didn’t have to put my Ugo into action (but it was ready to perform if needed!).
Snorkeling Pouch Cost
Taking my Ugo with me to snorkel Coral Gardens at Taha’a in French Polynesia
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
The cost. $129. Ouch.
I get it. It’s expensive, especially when you see other waterproof pouches start as low as ~ $15 on Amazon.
I hate overspending for something. Value for the money is super important to me. So, I tried the $15 option, and it got me through many snorkeling adventures … until one day it did not.
Water leaked in and destroyed my phone. Like many of you, I use my phone for EVERYTHING. Having that lifeline temporarily taken away was debilitating not to mention the expense of buying another phone.
Now, $129 doesn’t seem too bad for peace of mind. I will never use anything else. Spending a little more money up front to potentially save money and my sanity down the road was worth it to me.
Final Thoughts
My Ugo at Anse Georgette in the Seychelles (yes, I have it in 2 colors!)
I research any possible purchase item extensively from the best snorkeling mask to the best travel fins. Getting good value for the money is really important to me.
Without hesitation, the Ugo is hands down the best waterproof bag for snorkeling I have found.
I dare you to find something better.
If you are interested in what else you should be bringing on your next snorkeling trip, don’t miss my detailed Snorkeling Gear Checklist!
Happy snorkeling! 🤿 🐠
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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