Best Underwater iPhone Cases for Snorkeling

Here is our list of best waterproof iPhone cases in various sizes for underwater photography and snorkeling in 2022:

  1. JOTO Waterproof Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case for iPhone 13  >> 100 feet IPX8 Certified waterproof
  2. Anker Universal Waterproof Case for Snorkel  >> super-sealed waterproof pouch for phones
  3. Syncwire Waterproof Phone Pouch >> excellent waterproof seal performance (IPX8 rating)
JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Mini Xs XR X 8 7 6S Plus SE, Galaxy S21 S20 S10 Plus Note...

We all know that iPhones can take great photos and videos. However, they are limited to be used in land and other dry places. But with the development of iPhone accessories like an underwater case, iPhones can now take pictures and videos even if you are in the water.

This is the reason why snorkelers are using iPhones to document their snorkeling adventures. But this does not mean that you just need to buy an iPhone underwater case, place your iPhone inside, lock it and you’re ready to go.

You need some tips for you to effectively operate the mobile phone while having the same quality pictures and videos iPhone produces on land. Moreover, you need to know the pros and cons in using an underwater case with your iPhone.

ProShot Touch - Waterproof Case Compatible with iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, Xs Max. Floating Hand Grip Mount Included. Underwater Camera...

Depth rating: 15 meters (50 feet)

The Proshot Waterproof Case is ideal for reef snorkeling where this underwater case allows your iPhone to be completely submerged underwater up to 15 meters (50 feet) deep. Aside from having a transparent color, the ProShot Waterproof Case has external knob holes that is compatible to all action camera mountings including those of GoPro. With this, you can mount this underwater case using a selfie stick, on the helmet or on the wrist. The external knob holes also acts as your lanyard hole where you can attach a buoyant lanyard and attach it to your wrist for added security. This configuration alone allows you to engage in other aquasports like water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, boating and paddleboarding.

ProShot Touch - Waterproof Case Compatible with iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, Xs Max. Floating Hand Grip Mount Included. Underwater Camera...

Once your iPhone is inside the case and securely locked in place, you can still use your phone’s touchscreen capability, but only when you are in land. Once you get in the water, you can no longer use the touchscreen feature of your iPhone. But do not worry. The Proshot Waterproof Case comes with its own app - the Proshot Case App. It is highly recommended that you use this app when taking photos and videos while on water. Once the app is on, it automatically converts the volume buttons of your iPhone into camera control allowing you to navigate the settings in each picture you take. Just a simple reminder: do not forget to turn on the underwater mode in the ProShot Case App. This allows automatic disabling of your touchscreen and converts the volume buttons in to your camera controls. We also recommend you activate the assistive touch feature if your iPhone has a screen protector.

AquaTech AxisGO-iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max Polycarbonate Waterproof-Phone Housing Bundle - Contains Bluetooth-Pistol Grip and Sports Leash - Deep...

Depth rating: 10 meters (33 feet) 

The AxisGO Waterproof Case is considered the total accessory package for aspiring photographers and videographers that chooses an iPhone as their main camera equipment. Aside from the rigid and robust top to bottom construction, you can easily identify this waterproof case through its black and orange colored casing that has a sealing mechanism made up of o-ring. The locking mechanism for this underwater case involves a large single button that internally holds and secures your iPhone. Once the underwater case is locked and secured, it can be totally submerged underwater up to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet). The back side of the case has a transparent cover that allows you to access the touchscreen feature of the iPhone where you can operate and navigate to the apps even if you are in the water. This feature alone allows you to access your phone’s front and rear camera using its native camera app. Located at the bottom of the case are 2 volume controls that is made from marine grade stainless steel giving you the power to adjust the iPhones volume while recording the same superior audio quality.

AquaTech AxisGO iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone X/iPhone Xs Waterproof Phone Housing for Underwater Action Photography Snorkeling Surfing Travel Case - Deep...

When it comes to the lens of the case, it has a built-in external lens where its lens port has multiple upgrades. You can either purchase the red filter, 6-inch dome port or the wide angle lens port. While the package already includes accessories such as the protective soft case, wrist lanyard, o-ring grease tube and o-ring removal tool, you can still purchase some upgrades like the pistol grip, sports leash and the action mount kit.

JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Mini Xs XR X 8 7 6S Plus SE, Galaxy S21 S20 S10 Plus Note...

Depth rating: 30 meters (100 feet)

The JOTO Cellphone Dry Bag Pouch is a universal waterproof case. Aside from having a design that fits most iPhone models, this waterproof case can also fit the Galaxy S10, S10e, S9, S9 Plus, S8, S8 Plus, Note 8, S7, S7 edge, S6, S6 Edge plus, S5, S4, S3 and other mobile phones with a diagonal measurement of 6 inches and below. This cellphone pouch is made from a soft and flexible material that has a clear front and back windows allowing you to access your phone while inside the case through its touchscreen capabilities. Its locking mechanism involves a simple snap and lock access that is pretty efficient in keeping away water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt. In effect, this dry bag pouch is highly recommended for fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking and snorkeling.

JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case for iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Mini Xs XR X 8 7 6S Plus SE, Galaxy S21 S20 S10 Plus Note...

Once fully locked and sealed, the IPX8 rating of the JOTO Cellphone Dry Bag Pouch allows you to safely submerged the unit underwater up to 30 meters (100 feet) where you iPhone is completely dry. However, you have to take note that due to pressure buildup, the touchscreen feature may not function and taking pictures at greater depths may require you to use the volume buttons of the case as your main mechanism to access the camera settings. It also comes with its own neck strap that is attached to the holes of the locking mechanism for convenience in carrying the unit. Aside from your iPhone, you can simultaneously store small personal items like ID cards, passport, cash and other important belongings.

Anker Universal Waterproof Case, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch Dry Bag for iPhone X / 8 / 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8 / S7, Samsung Note Series, Google...

iPhone compatibility: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus

Depth rating: 10 meters (33 feet)

Aside from comfortably fitting the latest iPhones models, the Anker Universal Waterproof Case can also be fitted with the Samsung Galaxy S8, S7, Samsung Note Series, Google Pixel 2 or any mobile phones that is no bigger than 6 inches. It has a simple pouch design made from highly-clear, ultrasensitive PVC material that allows you to access the touchscreen feature of your iPhone even if you are in the surface or underwater.

Anker Universal Waterproof Case, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch Dry Bag for iPhone X / 8 / 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8 / S7, Samsung Note Series, Google...

The sealing device of the Anker Universal Waterproof Case involves a simple snap and lock mechanism. It has earned an IPX8 certification where you can safely submerged the unit underwater upto 10 meters (33 feet) deep. It also comes with its own neck strap that is attached to the holes in the sealing mechanism providing you a hands-free carrying experience. The strap can quickly be detached from the pouch if needed courtesy from its quick release mechanism.


Tips for using Your iPhone with an Underwater Case

We all know that iPhones can take great photos and videos. However, they are limited to be used in land and other dry places. But with the development of iPhone accessories like an underwater case, iPhones can now take pictures and videos even if you are in the water.

This is the reason why snorkelers are using iPhones to document their snorkeling adventures. However, this does not mean that you just need to buy an iPhone underwater case, place your iPhone inside, lock it and you’re ready to go.

You need some tips for you to effectively operate the mobile phone while having the same quality pictures and videos iPhone produces on land. Moreover, you need to know the pros and cons in using an underwater case with your iPhone.

1. Backup your iPhone before getting wet

Your iPhone contains important information such as contacts, log-in credentials, photos, videos and other relevant files. When you are in the water, accidental flooding is always a threat and you don’t want to lose all those important information. It will only take you a few minutes to backup your phone, but it will take you eternity, even impossible, to retrieve your phone’s stored data once it is flooded.

2. Do not forget to fully charge your iPhone

The last thing that you want when you are in the water is a low battery iPhone. Instead of relaxing and taking your time, you will be pressured to take pictures or videos before your iPhone shuts down. Nothing beats a fully charged iPhone where you can have the luxury of time to select your subject, find that perfect angle and bring back an amazing photo. Subsequently, it is highly suggested that you place the camera app in sleep mode between taking pictures to lessen battery usage. You have to take note that some apps will not work once the “low battery” warning pops out.

3. Set your iPhone to airplane mode

Many have considered it cool when someone calls or text you while on water. However, it will disturb your snorkeling adventures and you are not in the right place to accept calls.

4. Set auto-lock to NEVER

You will not take photos all the time while you are in the water. Sometimes you need to swim or observe a subject for a couple of minutes. This causes your phone to become idle and may require you to enter your password which is time consuming especially when you are in midwater while wearing all your snorkeling equipment.

5. Open the Camera App before placing the iPhone inside the case

Not unless you are using a waterproof pouch or bag where you can navigate through the apps, the touchscreen feature of your iPhone is literally useless once it is inside the underwater case.

6. Attach a lanyard to the underwater case

While most of us has this habit of holding the underwater case with the iPhone during the entire time you are in the water, there are some instances that we lose grip on the unit. Having a lanyard in your underwater case attached to your wrist guarantees you that you will not lose the unit and it is always inches away from your hand.

Tips for taking photos while snorkeling

1. Downward angle is better than an upward angle

You will have better photos if your subject is on a lower position than your iPhone and close to the reef or seafloor. Shooting upwards will often result in a blurred background where water can reflect light coming from the surface.

2. Do not move the camera when shooting

If you are shooting especially videos, try not to move the camera. In case the need to move the camera is inevitable, move or pan it as slowly as possible.

3. Use red filter

Using red filter gives you more color especially if you are shooting in deepwater. Reminder: do not use red filter when shooting in brightly lit environment or when the subject is too close.

4. Turn on Burst mode for shooting moving objects

Shooting burst mode for highly mobile fish will give sharp picture instead of blurred subject.

Pros and Cons of using an iPhone while Snorkeling

Pros:

  • since you already have an iPhone, the only thing that you will need to buy is the underwater case and by purchasing it, will not hurt your pocket.
  • You are already acquainted with the features of your iPhone and you only need to familiarize the features of your underwater case to maximize your iPhones operation.
  • After your snorkeling adventures, you can immediately upload and share your photos and videos to social media, unlike having a separate digital camera where you need to download first the contents in the memory card in a computer or laptop before you can upload it.

Cons:

  • You are limited to the depth ratings of your underwater case. It is very important to read and know the depth limits of your underwater case especially if you do a freedive. Different brands and models of underwater case has its own depth rating and we highly advise not to reach, moreover exceed, the depth limits of your underwater case. Otherwise, its sealing mechanism will be compromised and water may leak and flood your iPhone.
  • Not all underwater case allows you to access the touchscreen capability of your iPhone. This is particularly true if you choose a solid underwater case where the access to your iPhone is limited through the buttons of your underwater case.
  • Since your iPhone is producing heat and the surrounding water in your snorkeling site is cold, the possibility of a fog buildup inside the underwater case is imminent. This is especially true if the temperature difference between your iPhone and the surrounding water is high. In effect, it can disrupt your camera lens, and much worse, moisture in your iPhone. With this, we highly recommend the use of anti-fog strips which significantly reduces fog buildup

Your underwater iPhone case is considered as an accessory. It needs maintenance to last long. With this, you need to soak and rinse the underwater case with freshwater after every use while totally sealed.

Further, you need to wipe the underwater case with dry cloth before opening. And lastly, if the locking mechanism of your chosen underwater case uses an o-ring, clean and lubricate it with silicon grease once in a while.

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