Snorkelling trips with your family are always fun. If Getting to see the underwater species and intriguing reefs is just breathtaking. Here are the best camera options for snorkelling in 2024. We’ll will make it easy for you to choose a decent waterproof camera for snorkelling by narrowing down your choices.
If you’re travelling to Europe with kids, snorkelling is a popular activity. It’s suitable for younger children than diving and your kids will learn essentials water skills while they do it. One of the most popular snorkelling destinations in Europe is Crete, so if you’re planning a city break to Heraklion, make sure you read this post! Other popular snorkelling spots include Sardinia in Italy, France, Southern areas of the UK, Malta and Croatia. A snorkel camera will allow you to treasure those special holiday memories. So let’s dive in:
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What is a Snorkel Camera?
A snorkelling camera or underwater camera allows you to take photos underwater. You can record videos of the underwater sceneries and species too.
Underwater cameras come with the ability to withstand exposure to water without damage. They are also freeze-proof and shockproof which makes them very durable and tough.
Most waterproof cameras are even automated, allowing them to take videos and pictures. Modern waterproof digital cameras are among the specific underwater cameras available today.
Why a Snorkel Camera Should be On Your Packing List
There are various underwater snorkelling cameras available in today’s technologically advanced world. However, waterproof cameras differ significantly in terms of their cost, features, and capabilities. But why should you invest in an underwater camera? Here’s why:
Capture marine life: The beauty of the undersea world is truly amazing. With an underwater camera, you can take underwater photos and videos. Thanks to the introduction of these waterproof cameras, those priceless snorkelling moments may be preserved for all time.
Ease of use: There are pocket-sized underwater cameras that are inexpensive, easy to use, and offer good quality results.
Waterproof camera: The best waterproof camera is just as good and useful out of the water as it is underwater. You can use it outdoors even when it’s raining, so it’s pretty versatile.
Sharing your experience: With an underwater camera for snorkeling, you can capture and share images and footage of marine life and reefs with your friends and family on social media.
Top 10 Underwater Cameras in 2024
An underwater camera is a must if you want to take capture the beauty of the underwater environment when snorkelling with your family. Kids, in particular, would love it as they can watch images and videos later too.
We have chosen the best waterproof cameras for snorkelling on the market.
The best snorkel camera on our list has distinctive advantages. All you have to do is consider the features you require and choose a spending limit.
1. Olympus Tough TG 6 – Best Overall
Olympus cameras are the best camera for snorkelling in 2022, especially Olympus Tough TG 6. The low-light features put it among the best underwater cameras for snorkelling.
The Olympus TG 6 is a fantastic option for snorkelling as it has the new UW white balance pre-sets and five underwater modes such as macro mode, snapshot, microscope mode, wide-angle mode, and Full HD mode.
Additionally, the Olympus TG is also a tough camera which means it is shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof.
KEY FEATURES
- 50 minutes recording battery life
- Full HD with 4k video and low light adaptability
- Anti-fog
- 8x Optical zoom
- Five shooting modes
Pros
- HD Image quality
- Zoom lens
- Great low light performance
Cons
- Transferring video and photos can be slow
2. Nikon Coolpix w300 – Best Underwater Camera with High Zoom
The Nikon Coolpix W300 is the one to take into consideration if you are searching for the finest point-and-shoot underwater camera for both snorkelling and diving.
The Nikon Coolpix W300 is a reasonably priced underwater camera that supports 10 metres of water resistance. Nikon Coolpix is a compact model with a 5x optical zoom lens that functions well as a snorkelling camera.
Additionally, the Add Clarity underwater feature of the Nikon Coolpix W300 makes 4k videos as well as enhances images when shooting underwater.
KEY FEATURES
- Up to 100 ft. water resistance
- Freezeproof and dustproof
- 16 MP low light sensor
- 5x optical zoom lens
- Full HD video resolution
Pros
- Great battery life
- Works well in low light
- Compact camera
Cons
- Cannot take pictures in RAW mode
3. Canon PowerShot G7x – Best Underwater Camera for Travel
The most widely used Canon underwater camera is the Canon G7x. It is a compact camera which is a great option for snorkelling and easy to carry on your travels.
It has a big 1-inch, 20 MP sensor and has a fantastic quick focusing, fast frame per second (FPS) rate, built-in macro mode, amazing image quality, and CMOS sensor.
The Canon g7x has a modern design and is one of the best tough cameras for snorkelling. Furthermore, by controlling the white balance the image quality would enhance.
KEY FEATURES
- 20 MP sensor
- Fast frames per second rate up to 120 fps
- Made in Japan
- 4.2x optical zoom range
- White balance adjustment option
Pros
- Tough camera construction
- Long-lasting battery life
- Comes with a wrist strap
Cons
- Does not offer slow-motion feature
4. GoPro Hero10 Black- Best GoPro for Snorkelling
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is an action camera that offers numerous features for snorkelling. It has a modern look and compact design. This can be the best waterproof GoPro for snorkelling option for you.
The majority of features offer 4k video resolution with a max 5.3K video resolution, 8x slow motion to capture stunning underwater photos and video.
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best underwater action camera for snorkelling with features and advancements which work great for underwater expeditions. It is a highly user-friendly camera that serves a range of functions and is adaptable.
KEY FEATURES
- The best action camera
- 8x slo-mo
- 4k video recording with 60 frames per second
- Time-lapse features
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Pros
- 4k video resolution and amazing image quality
- Waterproof
- Anti-shaking (video stability)
Cons
- Poor battery life
5. AKASO EK7000 Pro – Best Underwater Camera for Scuba Diving
This AKASO camera offers an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality. It is a 1-inch camera for snorkelling that can be put on your head when snorkelling underwater.
The AKASO EK7000 Pro touchscreen buttons can be used for menu navigation. The kit includes a waterproof housing, and attachment sets such as ties and tethers, two batteries, a battery charger, a handlebar mount, a lens cloth, a helmet mount, and more.
The diving mode adds a red filter for photos that appear more authentic. The camera can shoot 4k video resolution, and with electronic image stabilization, you can capture clear and sharp images.
KEY FEATURES
- Medium, wide, narrow and super wide-angle
- 4k video resolution
- Ultra 2-inch IPS LCD screen
- Up to 131 feet deep waterproof
- Wifi-enabled
Pros
- Easy to switch shooting modes
- Compact design
- Underwater shooting mode
Cons
- Lack of low light mode
6. AKASO V50X – Best Underwater Camera with 4k Video
What makes AKASO V50X the best underwater camera for snorkelling is the 4K video recording and its shooting modes. You can use it underwater at a depth of 40 metres, which is perfect for those who love deeper snorkelling.
The electronic image stabilization feature is quite helpful especially when you are moving underwater. Making changes in the setting is easy thanks to the touch LCD screen’s straightforward user interface.
The AKASO V50X 2.0-inch IPS touch screen is quite convenient. You can swipe easily through the options. The free waterproof housing is provided in the box with it. The waterproof housing is a great option for those who enjoy taking still photos and shooting videos underwater or in rainy conditions.
KEY FEATURES
- Touch LCD screen
- Electronic image stabilization
- Control wrist strap
- Offers slow motion, angle adjustment, still pictures, and more
- Rechargeable 1350mAh batteries
Pros
- Great user interface
- Point and shoot
- Image stabilization offers crisp image quality
Cons
- No optical zoom lens
7. APEXMAN A79 4K Camera – Best Budget Camera For Snorkelling
The APEXMAN A79 4K Camera is the least expensive camera in our list. If you are on a budget and want a good digital camera for your snorkelling trip then this is the best option.
Even at a low price, it still offers amazing features for underwater photos and videos. This really affordable camera lets you capture footage 40 metres underwater for over an hour. Furthermore, it has a 1050mAh battery which enables you to do underwater photography at 1080p and for an hour in 4K.
When you combine the image stabilisation technology with the waterproof housing and remote control, you get sharp and clear resolution photography.
KEY FEATURES
- Up to 30 fps
- Can be used 40 meters underwater
- 2.4G wireless remote control
- 12-month warranty service
- 6 layers of optical glass lenses
Pros
- Waterproof case
- Realistic image quality
- Offers underwater shooting modes
Cons
- No high zoom range
8. Sealife Micro 3.0 – Best GoPro Alternative
This Sealife waterproof camera is built for diving and snorkelling and is a great alternative for GoPro. This camera is best for those individuals who are not interested in taking professional image quality photos.
Furthermore, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 is waterproof and has a 16 MP Sony CMOS sensor. The fixed-focus lens provides a wide-angle underwater field of vision of 100 degrees. It also provides RAW support, good topside shots, and a 4K video with electronic stabilisation.
The Sealife Micro 3.0 is the ideal camera for beginner underwater photographers because the image and video quality are great for the price range.
KEY FEATURES
- 3+ hours of battery life
- 16 MP Sony CMOS image sensor
- 920K-dot LCD screen
- Manual white balance
- Waterproof up to 60 m
Pros
- A good alternative for GoPro
- RAW format for post-processing
- Easy to setup
Cons
- No optical zoom
9. RICOH WG-60 – Best Point and Shoot Camera For Snorkeling
Without any doubt, the RICOH WG-60 is the best point-and-shoot camera for snorkelling. This underwater digital camera has a 14-meter depth limit for up to two hours and is waterproof and shockproof.
This compact camera is underwater-optimized which, makes it easy to do quality vivid shooting. It has an outdoor-friendly LCD panel that allows you to quickly change the brightness in a given shooting circumstance.
On the other hand, the setting also automatically increases sensitivity when the camera detects low lighting conditions when taking still images underwater.
KEY FEATURES
- Sturdy, compact point-and-shoot camera
- Waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and crushproof
- 30 fps for full HD video
- Slo-mo option
- Underwater movie mode
Pros
- Quality video and image
- High-quality performance image processing
- 25 shooting modes
Cons
- Lack of adjustable LCD screen
10. Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition – Best 360 Video Compact Cameras For Snorkelling
In the action camera market, Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is a market leader in 360-degree video compact cameras.
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is an incredibly compact camera with a unique design that enables users to rapidly switch between a conventional 4K lens and a 360 lens. This design instantly adds value and versatility without compromising image quality.
It lets users quickly swap between different kinds of camera modes. Moreover, it is simple to use, makes shooting quality 360 videos easy, and offers different editing templates. The camera does not require external housing because it is completely waterproof.
KEY FEATURES
- FlowState image stabilization
- IPX8 waterproof to 5 meters
- Range of editing templates
- Has a compact and sturdy exterior
- 360 quality video and photo features
Pros
- Easy to switch between modes
- Simple to use
- Exceptional quality video
Cons
- Pricey
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Camera?
It is important to choose an underwater camera that will allow you to use it with comfort and ease when you are snorkelling.
The undersea environment has plenty of fascinating photographic scenery. You can now bring home stunning underwater photography from your snorkelling tours since waterproof cameras have never been so high-performance and reasonably priced.
Understand Your Requirement
There are several best snorkel camera options available. It all depends on what kind of camera you are looking for such as a 360 camera, action camera or a basic snorkelling camera.
Waterproof Capacity
The best waterproof cameras have different depth restrictions. Check the depth limit of the camera according to your requirement, for instance, what depths you will be diving.
Low Light Option
The low light feature will help you adjust to any depth you are diving to and the underwater condition. In addition to capturing stunning underwater pictures and shooting breathtaking videos, search for cameras that are durable and able to survive wear and tear.
Image Stabilization
No one likes blurry pictures. The best waterproof camera will offer an image stabilization feature which is a must-have if you want to capture clear photos and videos.
FAQ’s
When snorkelling you can use the wrist strap or attach your waterproof camera to a pole for shooting your underwater snorkelling journey.
Additionally, a wristband will allow you to swim with both hands, which is quite vital for your safety. Furthermore, if you purchase a GoPro or something similar to it, you can attach it to your head or chest.
The Olympus Tough TG 6 is the best camera for snorkelling. For snorkelers to capture vibrant photos in the water, Olympus Tough TG 6 offers 5 underwater shooting settings, including underwater macro mode, microscope mode, and underwater white balance mode.
Olympus Tough TG 6 has a 12 MP Hi-speed sensor which guarantees that your photographs are always clear and vivid. This feature is best when shooting fast-moving objects.
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.