Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling: An Expert Snorkeler’s Pick

Here’s the short and sweet version:

The GoPro Hero 13 is my favorite underwater camera for snorkeling.

A lot of generic reviews just toss in a few stock photos of the camera and maybe a fish for good measure. That’s not actually useful to you.

I want to show you how this camera performs in real, lived-in conditions. And you’ll be able to tell.

As you can see from my photos, my camera has clearly been put to work. Lots of visible wear and use, no stock images here.

So before I get into the technical specs, pros, cons, and the usual review checklist, I want to show you what this camera can actually capture.

Below are real photos I’ve taken on my own snorkeling trips around the world.

I shot these in all kinds of conditions including up close and from farther away, under bright sun and overcast skies, and even in rougher water (like when we snorkeled at Buck Island in St. Croix … that one was tough!).

Each photo is tagged with the location, so you’ll know exactly where it was taken.

If you want to see MORE personal photos taken with the GoPro Hero, check out my Maldives Fish Chart which includes 42 species of fish!

✔️   Vivid photos

✔️   Incredible 5.3K video

✔️   Frame grabs

✔️   Hydrophobic Lens

✔️   Waterproof and durable

✔️   Vertical capture

✔️   Enduro batteries

✔️   Selfies underwater

✔️   Split shots?!?

Alright, now we’ll get into the technical stuff.

These are just a few of the reasons I’m such a fan of this little camera powerhouse. Now let’s take a closer look at what each of these points really means.

→  Vivid Photos

The GoPro wasn’t always known for amazing photo quality.

I bought my first one (the Hero 6) back in 2014. It was decent, but not exactly impressive.

Fast forward to the Hero 13, and the upgrade is huge. With a 27MP sensor, the image quality is in a whole new league.

To show the difference, check out these side-by-side shots of a curious turtle I photographed at Tres Trapi in Aruba.

The Hero 13 captures every detail, right down to the wrinkles on the turtle’s neck.

The Hero 6? Not bad, but clearly not the same.

The improvement says it all.

→  Incredible 5.3K Video

I know this is technically a review of the best underwater camera, but finding one that captures both stunning photos and incredible video? That’s a big win.

My husband keeps gently nudging me about when I’m actually going to post all my snorkeling videos, and I really do mean to get them up soon.

I’ve got some amazing footage just sitting there waiting: blacktip reef sharks cruising past in Moorea, octopuses (yes, it’s “octopuses,” not “octopi” …  who knew?) in the Maldives, stingrays gliding along the sandy bottom in Bonaire, turtles grazing on seagrass in St. John, and sea lions and penguins whizzing right up to your face in the Galapagos.

Stay tuned!

→  Frame Grabs

I’m not a diver, just an experienced snorkeler, and underwater photography as a snorkeler is a whole different challenge.

You’re diving down, kicking hard, trying to get close to that perfect shot, only to run out of breath just as you line it up. By the time you resurface and go back down, that shy little octopus is long gone.

That’s why the frame grab feature on the GoPro Hero is such a smart solution.

Instead of stressing over timing the perfect shot, I just hit record.

Later, I pull a sharp 24.7MP still image straight from the video. No missed moments, no button panic. Just crisp, detailed photos and smooth footage.

It’s one of my favorite features.

If you’re a snorkeler who wants to capture underwater moments with less effort and more success, this is the camera to get.

→  Hydrophobic Lens

One underrated feature of the GoPro Hero is its water-repelling lens cover.

I usually keep mine in a protective housing to use a snorkel filter (check out my recommended camera accessories), so I haven’t relied on the hydrophobic lens much … until I forgot my protective housing/filter on a whale shark tour in the Maldives.

Even without the setup, my footage came out surprisingly clear, with no water spots ruining the shots.

If you’re skipping the housing and filter, this built-in feature really comes in handy, especially when you want to snap a quick photo right after surfacing.

→  Waterproof & Durable

The GoPro Hero is waterproof down to 33 feet, which is more than enough for most snorkelers, including me.

I tend to stick to the shallow reefs, but my husband? He’s the one diving down to see what’s hiding below.

Like that time we were snorkeling at Salt Pier in Bonaire.

He spotted an octopus gliding along the ocean floor under the pier (that’s the first photo), and of course, he had to get a closer look. So he dove about 20 feet down to snap a shot, and the GoPro didn’t miss a beat. That’s the second photo.

This camera is seriously tough. I’ve never had any issues with leaks or damage, even after a few unintentional drops and bumps over the years.

And considering my husband isn’t exactly gentle with gear, it’s safe to say the GoPro can take a beating and still perform like a pro.

→  Vertical Capture

This is a feature I’ve come to really appreciate, even though it’s rarely mentioned in underwater camera reviews.

These days, it’s important to capture footage that works for both widescreen (16:9) and vertical (9:16) formats.

Whether you’re sharing on YouTube or Instagram, having flexible footage makes a huge difference.

From personal experience, I’ve had moments I wanted to share (like an eagle ray drifting by at Angel City or a swirl of sharks and rays surrounding us in Moorea) that just didn’t translate well when cropped the wrong way.

With the GoPro Hero 13, I can shoot in 9:16 right from the start without losing quality.

→  Enduro Batteries

With my old GoPro Hero 6 and 10, I felt like I was always swapping batteries.

On busy snorkel days (like our packed 9-day itinerary in St. John), I never went out with fewer than two backups.

There’s nothing more frustrating than spotting something amazing underwater, only to have your battery die right as you hit record.

The GoPro Hero 13 changed that. Its new Enduro battery lasts much longer, whether you’re snapping photos or recording video. GoPro claims up to 90 minutes at 5.3K30 and over 2.5 hours at 1080p30.

I haven’t tracked it to the minute, but I’ve definitely noticed the difference. I still carry a spare just in case, but the Hero 13 holds up way better for longer snorkeling sessions.

→  Selfies Underwater

Want to snap an epic shot of yourself surrounded by colorful fish at the Coral Garden in Taha’a and make your friends just a little jealous?

The GoPro Hero 13 makes it simple with its dual LCD screens.

Just switch to the front screen, frame your face with the underwater scenery behind you, and capture the moment. No guessing, no missed shots.

→  Split Shots?!?

Funny discovery: turns out my GoPro Hero 13 can pull off split shots.

I always assumed you needed one of those dome ports to get that half-above, half-below water look.

My camera was set to 60 fps when we were snorkeling at Muelle Tijeretas in the Galapagos.

I was filming back and forth, dipping below the surface, then back above, trying to catch a marine iguana swimming by so I could get both its body and head in frame.

Later, when I was pulling stills from the footage, I realized I’d accidentally captured a split shot in the process.

Total surprise. Pretty cool moment. Had no idea the camera could do that without any extra gear.

To turn your GoPro into a fully equipped underwater camera, there are a few must-have accessories, and I found that out the hard way.

When I upgraded to the GoPro Hero 13, I assumed my older accessories and snorkel filters would still work.

They didn’t.

Totally my fault for not double-checking before setting out to snorkel 14 sites in Bonaire.

It’s definitely frustrating having to replace some gear just to match the latest model, but that’s part of the game with tech upgrades.

Now that we’re here, let’s go over the accessories that are actually worth adding to your underwater setup.

✔️   Grip handle (the Handler and Extension Pole)

✔️   Memory card

✔️   Extra Enduro batteries

✔️   Filter kit

✔️   Protecting housing

Here are all the accessories in my camera setup.

The only two items you absolutely have-to-have are a grip handle (otherwise that camera will likely end up on the ocean floor!) and a memory card.

The other items (extra batteries, filter kit, protective housing) are nice-to-have items.

Let’s go through each one!

→  Must-Haves

Grip Handle

Trust me, do not take your GoPro into the ocean without one. A floating grip handle keeps your camera secure and easy to hold. I switch between two:

•  The Handler is perfect for tours when you’re jumping in and out of the boat.

On a sea scooter tour in Moorea, I handed it to our guide, who attached it right to the scooter. Worked perfectly.

Plus, it floats. If it slips out of your hand, it flips over and reveals the bright orange tip, making it easy to spot and grab.

• The Floating Extension Pole is great for getting closer to shy sea life. It extends up to 32 inches but packs down small, and best of all, it floats.

That last part matters more than you’d think.

During a snorkeling tour of the Sister Islands in the Seychelles, I jumped in the water and forgot to secure the wrist strap on my old GoPro extension pole … one that most definitely did NOT float.

My GoPro sank straight to the bottom, way too deep for me to reach. Thankfully, a kind local free diver from a nearby boat came to the rescue and retrieved it. I’m still incredibly grateful.

I’m so glad GoPro finally made a FLOATING extension pole. It feels like such an obvious thing in hindsight. You’re using it in the water, of course it should float. Better late than never!

I’ve used this floating pole in Aruba to capture close-ups of a chainlink eel and in Bonaire for a detailed shot of a swirling bait ball. The angles and close-up shots you can get are just not possible handheld.

If you’re serious about underwater photography, a floating pole isn’t optional. It’s insurance.

Memory Card

Don’t overlook this.

I use the SanDisk Extreme 256 GB, and it’s been perfect for long snorkeling days with lots of video.

On a two-week trip to French Polynesia, I shot over 120 GB. Go for at least 128 GB if you plan to shoot in high resolution.

→   Nice-to-Haves

Extra Batteries 

I learned the hard way in the Maldives. I ran out of power just as I spotted my first octopus, and yes, I was crushed.

Now I always bring backups.

The dual battery charger with Enduro batteries is a smart investment. It charges fast and keeps you ready.

Filter Kit 

Want more vibrant colors in your underwater shots? A filter kit helps restore the natural look lost underwater.

Red filters work best for blue water, magenta for green, and snorkel filters for shallow depths.

I used to swear by mine … until a snorkeling session at the Sofitel Coral Garden in Moorea changed my mind.

I was filming a massive school of convict surgeonfish when water somehow crept in between the dive filter and the housing, leaving a distracting line straight through my footage. Ruined the whole clip.

That was the last time I used it.

Do filters help? Absolutely. But after that experience, I decided the risk wasn’t worth it. Now I just color correct in post if needed.

Protective Housing 

If you do decide to use a filter, you’ll need the protective housing too. It’s solid and keeps your camera safe though opening it takes some effort.

Every time I wrestled with it, I felt one tug away from sacrificing a fingernail.

I understand that the GoPro and its accessories can be a significant investment.

If you’re more of a casual snorkeler and just looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to snap a few photos on your trip, there’s a great alternative.

Consider using your iPhone paired with a waterproof pouch (especially with the impressive cameras on the latest models!) to keep it safe while snorkeling and taking photos or videos.

I recently came across the newly released and highly-rated Torras IP68 Certified Waterproof Bag. Unlike other waterproof cases I’ve seen, this one features a unique double-pouch design, and I’ve honestly never seen anything like it.

One compartment securely holds your phone and allows for easy photo and video capture through the clear front window.

The second pouch gives you space for essentials like your ID, hotel key, or car keys. Super handy if you’re snorkeling from shore and need to keep your valuables with you.

While a GoPro is still the best option for capturing high-quality underwater footage, the iPhone with the Torras double-pouch waterproof bag is a great, budget-friendly choice for the casual snorkeler.

✔️  Look for the Right Light

Bright, sunny days make a huge difference in underwater photography. Sunlight filtering through the water brings out the colors and sharpens the details in your shots.

✔️  Get Close (But Be Smart)

The closer you are to your subject, the clearer your photos and videos will be. Just be respectful and cautious. No chasing stingrays or getting too cozy with eels.

✔️  Enhance with Light Editing

Even with good lighting, underwater shots can look muted. A quick edit in Lightroom or Photoshop can bring your colors back to life.

✔️  Use Contrast to Your Advantage

I’ll sometimes snap what I think is a fantastic photo, only to realize later that the fish blends right into the background. To avoid this, try positioning yourself so your subject is framed against a contrasting backdrop like coral or open water to make it stand out. Sometimes shifting just a few feet can make all the difference.

It might be tempting to use a waterproof phone pouch for underwater photos, but take it from me, it’s just not the same. I’ve tried it. The quality doesn’t come close.

After snorkeling dozens of sites around the world since 2007 and filming since 2014, my top pick for the best underwater camera is without question the GoPro Hero.

It’s compact, powerful, and loaded with smart features that make capturing underwater moments easy and impressive.

If you like honest, firsthand gear recommendations, don’t miss my roundup of the 13 best snorkeling essentials for your next snorkation.

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