The Best Underwater Cameras for Snorkeling

Updated: Nov 9, 2022

If you are looking for the best underwater cameras for snorkeling for your upcoming trip, you have come to the right place! As technology continues to develop and improve, so do underwater snorkeling cameras. But with so many on the market, how do you even choose an underwater camera for snorkeling?

In this article, we will go over five incredible options of underwater snorkeling cameras so that you can decide which is the best camera for snorkeling for your upcoming adventures.

Photo by Mike L on Unsplash

What is an Underwater Camera for Snorkeling?

An underwater snorkeling camera is a camera that can capably record while fully submerged in water. This means that it needs to have a few key features to be a viable option as an underwater camera for snorkeling:

1- It should be completely waterproof. This could mean that the camera is waterproof or encased in a fully waterproof material.

2- It will need to be able to be waterproof even while at considerable depths. Some cameras that are waterproof can only go down amounts that are much shallower than you would need for snorkeling.

3- It should be fairly small so that it will not hinder you when you are below the surface.

1- GoPro HERO10 Black - Waterproof Action Camera

We start this list with a great option from GoPro, the HERO10 Waterproof Action Camera. This underwater snorkeling camera gives you incredible professing speed and image quality that will have your friends and family back home gasping at the footage you took underwater.

The HERO10 shoots in high resolution with a high frame rate, capturing your images at 60 fps and 5.3k.

2- Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition – Waterproof 4K 60fps Action Camera

This option is great for those who readily want to record action in high definition. The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition supplies you with two cameras in one. You can choose between using a 4k lens to capture your snorkeling adventures or a 360 lens that will allow you to look around you without needing a selfie stick!

The Insta360 ONE RS also offers you the ability to take extremely crisp 6k resolution widescreen videos. We love this choice for an underwater snorkeling camera!

3- GoPro HERO9 Black - Waterproof Action Camera

Another GoPro option on this list is the GoPro HERO9. With a 5k resolution recording capability, the GoPro HERO9 is a star on this list. Like the other GoPro options, you can live stream at 1080p, all while looking through a larger touch screen display and a front display.

The GoPro HERO9 is also fully waterproof and takes beautiful photos. It is an excellent option for an underwater snorkeling camera for your adventures under the surface.

4- OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera

This option is on the higher end in terms of price for this list but gives you incredible value. This waterproof camera for snorkeling has a little bit of a lower depth ability than others on this list. Still, it features incredible resistance to other types of damage, such as dropping, crushing, and freezing temperatures.

Also, this camera shoots in 4K and fully HD resolutions and can store quite a bit of footage. You can compare this camera to the Sony waterproof camera, though this one is a bit sturdier! This rugged option is definitely a waterproof option to consider!

5- GoPro HERO8 Black - Waterproof Action Camera

The GoPro Hero8 is an underwater camera for snorkeling that is a great option for those that are looking for a lower price point. It is fully waterproof and contains great stabilization options. The GoPro Hero8 also has touch screen capabilities and the ability to live stream in 1080p.

Its video capture resolution is 4k Ultra HD for clear pictures while underwater. If you would like to use your new waterproof camera for purposes other than just snorkeling, the GoPro HERO series is a wonderful option for those who want to shoot vlogs or other videos.

GoPros shoot amazing videos, but their audio quality is often overlooked. However, there are ways you can improve the audio quality of your GoPro microphone.