GoPro Tips: How to Take Your GoPro Snorkeling
Chantelle KincySnorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world. Once you’ve picked out the perfect place to go snorkeling you’ll want to be able to take some awesome pictures to remember your experience.
If you’re looking for a way to make your snorkeling trips even better, consider using a GoPro! GoPro cameras are perfect for snorkeling because they are small and waterproof.
Snorkeling with a GoPro is a great way to capture the beauty of the underwater world. Show off the marine life to all of your friends, and take epic snorkeling videos.
GoPro cameras are small and waterproof, so they are perfect for snorkeling. In addition to taking pictures and videos, you can also use a GoPro to take timelapse videos and slow-motion videos.
Should you take your GoPro snorkeling?
Heck yes, you should!
There are many benefits to taking your GoPro Snorkeling. One of the biggest benefits is that you will be able to capture amazing footage of the fish and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, you will be able to record all of your underwater adventures, which can make for some really fun memories.
I love that the GoPro is lightweight, small, and easy to manage while underwater. It’s also user-friendly and simple to learn to use.
Why is the water in the Bahamas so Blue?
Why should you get a GoPro for snorkeling?
Small size easy to use, good stability, and vibrant video. This waterproof action camera goes beyond what you expect, recording your adventures no matter how far you travel. You are able to capture amazing footage.
Many people prefer to purchase GoPro cameras rather than water-resistant snorkel cameras due to the compact size as well as the predefined modes which help you produce great footage.
Even if you’re a photography novice, GoPro cameras are easy to use and produce great images, even underwater.
Which GoPro is best for Snorkeling?
GoPro, like all technology, is always evolving. Here is a rundown of the latest couple of GoPro cameras.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the latest model of GoPro camera. It is a compact and lightweight camera that is easy to use, and it produces vibrant video footage. It is also waterproof, so you can take it with you on your snorkeling adventures. The GoPro Hero 10 Black has a number of features that make it an excellent choice for snorkelers, including:
-A durable design that can withstand the elements
-Predefined modes that make it easy to capture great video footage
-The ability to capture 5K video footage
-The ability to capture still photos
Product Features
- All-new GP2 processor makes this the most powerful GoPro ever
- Unreal 5.3K60 + 4K120 video resolution + 23 megapixel photos
- Advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization
- Waterproof to 33ft + built tough
- Automatically upload footage to the cloud when charging
- TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo + tons of other features to nail any shot
- Better low light capabilities than previous models
- Compatible with Quik app
- Compatible with over 30 mounts + accessories
GoPro Hero 9 Black
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a great action camera from GoPro. It has a lot of new features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for an action camera. Some of these features include a built-in touch screen, voice control, and improved stabilization.
The touch screen makes it easy to control the camera, and the voice control allows you to start and stop recording, take photos, and more without having to touch the camera. The improved stabilization helps to keep your videos smooth even when you’re moving around.
This is the GoPro I currently have and use for snorkeling. I love it. I do wish the battery life was better, but on the whole, I enjoy using this camera. I’ve used it several times snorkeling, including in the Bahamas while swimming with Reef Sharks.
Product Features
- Stunning 5K video + 20 megapixel photos
- Advanced video stabilization from HyperSmooth 3.0
- Waterproof to 33ft + built tough
- Detachable lens + mod compatibility to customize + get creative
- 2 screens—dazzling front display for selfies, rear touch display for intuitive control
- TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo + tons of other features to nail any shot
- 30% more battery life over previous models
- Compatible with Quik app
- Compatible with over 30 mounts + accessories
✅ Learn more about GoPro Hero 9
GoPro Hero 8 Black
The GoPro Hero8 Black has a ton of features, including HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, which is supposed to give you incredibly smooth video footage, even when you’re doing extreme sports, or swimming.
It also has a new TimeWarp feature that speeds up your videos to create a “hyperlapsed” effect. And if that’s not enough, it also has 8x slow-motion recording and live streaming capabilities.
Overall, the Hero8 Black is an amazing action camera and is sure to please even the most demanding users.
Product Features
- Killer 4K videos + 12-megapixel photos
- Amazing video stabilization from HyperSmooth 2.0
- Waterproof to 33ft + built tough
- SuperPhoto + HDR deliver incredible detail in photos
- Vloggers + creators can customize their HERO8 setup with mods
- TimeWarp 2.0, 4 digital lenses + other features to nail any shot
- Compatible with Quik app
- Compatible with over 30 mounts + accessories
GoPro MAX
This, in my opinion, is the most unique GoPro model. I haven’t got to use the GoPro MAX yet, so this is the description directly from GoPro: Experience total creative freedom with the most versatile 360 camera.
You get 3 cameras in one: unreal spherical footage, HERO-style video and photos, and a vlogging powerhouse that’s second to none. 360 capabilities deliver amazing panoramic photos and 360 Timelapse, too.
Featuring unbreakable stabilization, premium audio from 6 mics, and a waterproof design, this camera maximizes WOW.
Product Features:
- Shoot HERO mode or go with 360 mode for stunning 6K.
- Unbreakable stabilization from Max HyperSmooth
- Waterproof to 16ft + built tough
- Premium 360 + stereo audio from 6 mics
- Vlog to the max with 1080p live streaming
- Max TimeWarp, PowerPano, 4 digital lenses + so many other features to nail any shot
- Compatible with Quik app
- Compatible with over 30 mounts + accessories
All four of these GoPro models would be great for snorkeling. If you are looking for the newest model, then the Hero10 Black is the best option. The Hero8 Black is a great option if you are looking to save money on your GoPro. The GoPro MAX would be my top choice right now.
All three of the Hero GoPro models are waterproof up to 33 ft with no additional housing required.
GoPro MAX is only waterproof to 16 feet, but if you are snorkeling, and not scuba diving, that would be sufficient. If you wanted to scuba dive, you can buy a waterproof housing for it. They all are compatible with multiple accessories and mounts to make filming while snorkeling a breeze.
Can GoPro go in salt water?
You can use a GoPro camera in both salt and fresh water. Salt water can be very corrosive, so I always rinse my GoPro after a day in the ocean. You can run the GoPro under fresh clean water for 10-20 seconds and then wipe it clean.
The Best GoPro Accessories For Snorkeling
While GoPros are great for filming underwater videos and taking photos while snorkeling, you’ll need some good GoPro underwater accessories to help you hang on to the GoPro while trying to swim.
GoPro Floating Handler
The floating hand grip is great equipment for a Go Pro camera when shooting underwater quality photos or capturing videos. It helps improve camera handling underwater and stops it from sinking. The GoPro handlers have always impressed me. They last a long time, are comfortable in my hand and float well.
Waterproof Housing
⭐️ ORDER GOPRO WATERPROOF HOUSING
Yes, your GoPro is waterproof to 33 feet, but salt water may eventually take its toll on the gaskets that hold everything together. For realitivley cheap you can buy a waterproof housing for an additional layer of protection. The GoPro waterproof housing is nice because the button to start and stop your filming is bigger than the one on the camera which makes it easier underwater.
GoPro Floaty
A GoPro floaty can be a must in your kayaking gear for any underwater adventure. It helps keep your GoPro safe and doesn’t cause damage when dropped by you. The wrap-around design help keeps your GoPro from getting banged around, it also helps keep it afloat, and the bright color helps you keep an eye on your camera at all times.
Dome Port Housing
⭐️ORDER GOPRO DOME PORT HOUSING
Dome Port Housings are fantastic equipment to take stunning snorkeling shots with the GoPro. The app allows the shoot of incredible split photos, with the video filmed in half over the water and half under water.
GoPro Snorkel Mask
⭐️ORDER A SNORKEL MASK WITH GO PRO ATTACHMENT
Some GoPro snorkeling masks have GoPro mounts so you can film underwater with your hands-free. All while enjoying and preserving amazing moments at sea. This is the one I have and I love it.
Filter Kit
⭐️ORDER UNDERWATER FILTERS FOR GOPRO
These filters help bring out the clarity and offer color correction while underwater. They are easy to apply over your GoPro Housing. Use the red filter for blue water, magenta filter for green water, and snorkel filter for shallow water.
The one downside of these is that they are all attached, so while using one, the other 2 are dangling in front of you.
Tips for Taking Good Snorkeling Pictures with GoPro
Try to shoot on a clear, sunny day but face away from the sun.
Use filters if you are going deep.
Spit on or lick the lens to keep it from fogging up.
Practice your settings, and get it ready to go before you are in the water. It’s much easier, to see, and use the touch screen on the beach or boat.
Get a good fast memory card that works well for high resolution. You don’t want a slow memory card that lags.
Change your field of view to linear
Turn on HyperSmooth to minimize shake
Take video instead of photos so you aren’t messing with your camera the whole time. When you watch the video back, you can always screenshot images to get photos.
Always have an extra battery.
Bring a dry bag to keep your accessories on the boat while you are on your snorkel trip.
⭐️ ADDITIONAL HELPFUL ITEMS FOR YOUR GOPRO SNORKELING ADVENTURES
✅EXTRA BATTERY
✅ MEMORY CARD
✅ DRY BAG
✅ANTIFOG INSERTS
✅ ACCESSORY KIT
Head over to YouTube for more tips on using your GoPro while snorkeling.
Is GoPro worth it for snorkeling?
GoPro is ideal for snorkeling photography since this camera is quite light and can produce stunning underwater photos for a reasonable price. GoPros are made to meet the demands put on a camera under the water. They’re waterproof right out of the box, easy to use and deliver outstanding underwater photographs.
Snorkeling with a GoPro is a great way to capture amazing footage of your underwater adventures. The camera’s wide-angle lens captures everything in crisp detail, and the waterproof housing ensures that it can withstand the elements. Whether you’re swimming with dolphins or exploring a coral reef, a GoPro will help you capture the beauty of the underwater world.
If you are excited to go snorkeling, and need a bit of inspiration, check out these additional snorkeling posts:
Best Snorkeling in St Croix
Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean
Best Places to see Turtles in Maui
