Updated – January 2025
Are you considering getting a GoPro for snorkeling? Do you want a really small camera? Do you take mostly videos and don’t mind a fish-eye like perspective? Do you want the camera to be almost fully automatic? If you answered yes, then a GoPro can be great for snorkeling. But it does have a number of limitations compared to other cameras you should be aware of. And we actually now prefer a new DJI camera that is mentioned below.
On this page you can learn what model we recommend, the pros and cons of using a GoPro for snorkeling and what accessories you will need.
Note: Our suggestions come from hands-on experience. We hope you find them helpful. You can help us if you purchase from the links below. We may make a small commission, as an Amazon Associate or from other companies, at no extra cost to you.
What GoPro Model Is Best for Snorkeling?
Hero13 Black – GoPro for Snorkeling
GoPro currently produces only two models that we consider suitable for snorkeling. The brand new Hero13 Black (on Amazon), and the Hero 12 Black (on Amazon). They also have a Hero Mini and a 360 degree camera that can be ignored for snorkeling.
The Hero 13 is very similar to the Hero 12, and in terms of video quality, it is not really any different, since it uses the same sensor and primary lens.
It does have a new larger battery, at 1900 mAh, that is not backward compatible with previous GoPros.
They have also added GPS back in.
There is a new magnetic mount, that is similar to what DJI has been offering. Actually the new Hero13 has three different ways the mount works, the new magnetic clips, the fold down handles, and a 1/4″ tripod mount in the center.
Another big change is that it now has a new lens system, allowing you to change out to a macro lens, and ultra wide lens, anamorphic lens, or some ND filters, and the camera knows what lens you have put on, so you don’t have to make any setting changes. Again, those lenses are not backward compatible with previous GoPro cameras.
In all other ways that matter for a snorkeler the Hero 13 and Hero 12 are very similar.
They both offer 5.3K video, and a 27MP sensor for pictures, and 10 bit color. And they are both waterproof down to 33 feet. And you can buy a waterproof housing to take them deeper.
Both cameras have horizon lock, which allows you to spin the camera head over heels, and the horizon won’t move.
Both cameras have GoPro’s vibration reduction, Hypersmooth 6.0. But it is only slightly better than the last version, which was already incredibly good.
The Hero 13 retains the same rear touch screen, and it has a front screen that has no touch controls.
The Hero 12 still has a slightly sluggish touch screen, and has the same tendency to overheat, particularly when video is left on for a long time, without any airflow around the camera to help cool it.
The new Hero13 camera retains the hydrophobic coating on the lens, that appears to work well at keeping water drops from clinging to it. So when you pop your camera out of the water to take a picture above the water, you should have less water drops on your screen. And the lens cover is replaceable if you scratch it.
Important GoPro for Snorkeling Features by Model
GoPro Hero 12 Black Features
- Waterproof to 33 feet
- Live preview screen
- 27.6MP sensor (23MP stills)
- 5K video at 60fps, and 4K video at 120fps
- 19mp video still captures
- Fast F2.8 lens
- Touch screen (although not underwater)
- HDR Video Mode
- HyperSmooth video stabilization
- RAW picture format
- Lens coating that reduces water drops
- HyperSmooth video stabilization 6.0
- Downloads via cable
What’s New With the GoPro Hero13 Black?
- Larger battery
- New magnetic mount
- New burst photo mode
- Auto-detecting lens system
Which Would We Get?
The Hero 13 costs more than the 12. But if it were between the two, we would likely buy the Hero 13 for the longer battery life and the magnetic mounts. Actually, we would buy the DJI camera below instead.
Housing Options – GoPro for Snorkeling
The GoPro cameras on this page are waterproof enough for snorkeling, without a housing. But they all have housings available for $50 or less that make them waterproof down to diving depths, and add protection to your camera from damage. It’s a good insurance policy. Another benefit of using the camera with a housing is that it gives you bigger buttons for easier use underwater and it allows filter mounting options for improved underwater color in deeper waters.
The Hero13 and Hero 12 use this housing (on Amazon). We have heard folks say that the housing can make the overheating problem worse, so keep that in mind.
These cameras are so small that some sort of handle is nearly essential. They all now have mounts on the bottom that you can attach a variety of handles to.
Pros of a GoPro for Snorkeling
Affordable
A GoPro camera with housing, an extra battery, and some type of handle will cost you much less than any other good snorkeling camera with a housing. GoPro and many aftermarket companies also offer tons of accessories for the camera at very good prices.
Small
In the water many people use their GoPro for snorkeling on a extended pole, where its small size makes it easy to handle this way. And the small size is also great for packing in your luggage.
Good Video
The GoPro is really optimized for taking selfie video of action sports, like surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. It does a good job of that, including underwater while snorkeling.
Simple to Use
It’s a very simple camera to use, since most all functions are automatic. You can make some menu setting changes, but for the most part you just push a button and let it figure everything out.
Cons of a GoPro for Snorkeling?
The View Screen Is Tiny
All of the GoPro cameras have touch screens, but they are tiny (and the touch screen does not work underwater, or if your finger is wet).
The Lens Is a Fisheye With No Zoom
These cameras are designed as sports selfie cameras, so they are super wide angle, which can be fine underwater, but it means you need to get very close to your subject to see any details. Also, the perspective of the lens is a fisheye, not linear, meaning vertical lines wrap into curves, particularly on the edges. The 170 degree field of view on the GoPro is equivalent to a 14mm fisheye lens (35mm equivalent). And it is a fixed lens with no zoom. There are perspective setting change options that mimic a zoom, but those are done digitally, which crop the image and reduce overall image size and detail.
Not Great Still Pictures, Poor Low Light Performance
These cameras have tiny sensors, which yield still pictures that cannot compare to compact cameras with bigger sensors. Image details, tonal range, sharpness, and low light performance all suffer by comparison to a good compact camera.
Auto Everything – Less Control
The camera also sacrifices controls for size. Almost everything is automatic. If you like more creative control of your pictures this is not the best camera.
Battery Life Is Limited
These cameras are so small that their battery life is fairly low compared to other cameras. We would buy extras (on Amazon).
Note: The remote control available for these cameras is cool, but it does not work underwater.
We Prefer the DJI Osmo Action Cameras
If you are considering a GoPro for snorkeling, you should also be considering the DJI Osmo Action 4 or even better, the new Action 5 Pro. We tested a 4 recently in Indonesia and now prefer it to GoPro for the following reasons.
- The DJI has a larger sensor for better low light performance
- Dedicated white balance sensor for fantastic colors in any depth
- Waterproof to twice the depth as GoPro
- Faster charging
- The 5 Pro has built-in memory
- Better screens and easier to use menus
- Doesn’t overheat
See our full review of the DJI Osmo Action Cameras with sample video footage here.
Essential Accessories to Use a GoPro for Snorkeling
Besides the underwater housing above, here are some accessories you will find useful with your GoPro for snorkeling.
Floating Handle or Strap
GoPros are small and they sink, so you really need a floating handle or strap for them. One diving friend has now found 50 of them on the ocean floor. So either get a floating handle, or make sure you have a wrist strap always attached to your GoPro for snorkeling. The GoPro Handler (on Amazon) has an official GoPro mount, and it floats and has a wrist strap. If you don’t want to use a handle for your GoPro for snorkeling, make sure and get a floating wrist strap, or they also make a foam case that wraps around camera called the Floaty (both links to Amazon.)
Get a Spare Battery or Two
GoPro is not renowned for long battery life. It’s best to have a spare battery or two and swap out between snorkeling spots. For the reasonable price of an OEM GoPro battery (on Amazon) we would avoid aftermarket batteries and their associated problems.
Extending Stick
Many folks prefer to use an extending selfie stick to take videos with their GoPro for snorkeling. It allows you to place the camera down closer to the fish and corals. But it is not easy to find a selfie stick that holds up well in salt water. Most have parts that start to immediately rust and cause problems. But folks have left good reviews about using the GoPro Extending Pole (on Amazon) in salt water, while diving and snorkeling. It does extend longer, and is waterproof, so the tubes don’t fill with water. Note that the remote control it comes with will not work underwater while snorkeling.
Get Anti-Fog Inserts
GoPro cameras can get hot shooting video, which can create moisture and fogging problems. Make sure and put an anti-fog insert (on Amazon) in your housing before you snorkel to help prevent this.
Want to Shoot Cool Over/Under Pictures?
This is not an essential accessory, but a pretty cool and affordable one. These six inch domes make it possible to take those cool split above and below water pictures. It also increases your underwater field of view by 33%. I have not used one of these yet, but here is a link to the options on Amazon. It has a trigger for taking pictures or video. What I don’t understand about it is that the trigger appears to block your view of the camera screen? Most of these have a plastic dome, which is safer to travel, but also very easy to scratch.