Underneath the waves of the ocean is all sort of treasure just waiting for someone to uncover it. The best way to get your hands on some of it is by using an underwater metal detector. It used to be tough to find items under the water since most metal detectors were designed to stay on land. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.
Technology has changed a lot in recent years and heading into a lake or the ocean is possible with a waterproof metal detector. This gives you a better chance of unearthing whatever is under the water and the sand beneath your feet. However, the first step is to purchase a water detector that is designed to go under the water, specifically one that has the right detection type, accuracy, and depth that you need for your adventures.
Today we’re going to look at 11 of the best underwater metal detectors for sale and go over what sets them apart from the competition. We’ve determined what the top choices are and will guide you through choosing the waterproof metal detector that fits your needs and lifestyle. Let’s start with taking a look at the 11 top metal detectors that made the list.
Best Underwater Metal Detectors - Our Top Picks
Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector
The Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT is often called the “Garrett Carrot” based on the fact that it has the shape and color of a carrot. The color was black in the previous version but was switched over to make it a better match for underwater detecting.
The AT in the name stands for “all-terrain” which means that this scuba metal detector can be used in creeks, lakes, rivers, and even the ocean. It also is usable in puddles after a rainstorm. Clean up is a cinch when using the Garrett Pro-Pointer as all you need to do it run it under a hose or a faucet and you’re good to go.
It also boasts three sensitivity modes: high, medium, and low. This helps you find small targets at greater depths more easily. The AT can be retuned, as well, which means the detection signal can be shrunk to create better precision over your target.
This is a lightweight metal detector at less than half a pound and it features a 30-house battery life. You also get a two-year warranty with your purchase.
Pros:
- Waterproof and fully submersible
- Manual retune function gives great target identification
- Bright orange color makes it hard to lose
Cons:
- One button function can be challenging to learn to use
Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil
The Fisher F22 is an underwater metal detector for scuba diving and other activities. This is the improved version of the previous model, the F2, and it has many new bells and whistles. Iron audio is now included along with volume adjustment. It also has a new coil design and more search modes than before.
What really stands out though is that the features above are in a smaller control box that is now weatherproof. This is a great metal detector for entry-level users who want something of a reasonable price with enough power to get the job done when searching for coins, relics, and jewelry.
The coil on this detector is narrow and small and measures 9”. It works well to get into tight spaces and is submersible. However, the controls are not waterproof so be sure not to get them wet in the process.
The LCD screen has all sorts of indicators including target ID, category ID, iron indicator, search mode, depth indicator, battery life indicator, and more. It can also use other coils, although those come separately. The box that comes with the detector includes the control box, coil, rods, arm cuff, and mounting hardware. Assembly is quick and easy so you can get out there and start exploring immediately.
Pros:
- Features digital target identification
- Lightweight and simple to use
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons:
- Does not include adjustable ground balance
Zircon MetalliScanner M40 – FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector
The Zircon MetalliScanner M40 is one of the top water-resistant metal detectors on the market and is also a great tool for land metal detecting and even stud finding in the home. This metal detector is designed for the latter purpose but works well for all three.
Those who do work as contractors will find that this tool can be used for all sorts of things. It has pinpoint stud finding in a small and compact size. It also allows wide scanning for larger surfaces when you’re out and about.
This metal detector comes with an extra battery, so you don’t have to worry about buying one on your own. It has a blue coil with tremendous capability to find metals and make an audible beep for you to follow. After the beep sounds, you can reposition to determine if the reading is accurate.
This is a great choice for a beginner who may not be interested in diving into the water at first. It’s simple to use and easy to set up so you can get started quickly. It also has a nice appearance with yellow and black accents to catch the eye.
Pros:
- Features high penetrating power for finding metals
- Versatile and simple to use
- Provides highly accurate results
Cons:
- Water resistant and not suitable for scuba detecting
RM Ricomax Pinpointer Metal Detector
The RM Ricomax Pinpointer is a small, compact water proof metal detector that is operated with a single button, making it a great choice for a beginner. It has a 360-degree detection design, so you don’t have to worry about having it held at a certain angle to dig up treasure on land or under the sand.
The probe of the metal detector is completely waterproof which makes it a great choice for beaches, lawns, gardens, and more. It has high-sensitivity with three types of indicators: vibrating buzzer, LED, and audio.
One of the most interesting features of which waterproof metal detector is that is also doubles as an LED flashlight. This can be helpful if you end up metal detecting after dark or can be used to get around a dark room in your home.
The pinpointer is capable of detecting all sorts of different types of metal near the probe up to about 3.5 inches away. That means you can detect jewelry, coins, gold, silver, and relics without a problem. All in all, this is a reasonably priced metal detector that is perfect for those new to the hobby.
Pros:
- Features simple one button operation
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- High sensitivity with 360-degree detection ability
Cons:
- Location sounds may be a bit soft for some
Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector with Pro-Pointer AT Underwater Pinpointer
The Garrett AT Pro is undoubtedly one of the best waterproof metal detectors that you can find. It works just as well in an ocean or lake as it does on land. This detector features a sizable search coil and is waterproof up to ten feet. It can handle large terrain but easily catch small targets other detectors might miss.
This detector has manual and automatic ground balancing which means it is ideal for situations with high mineralization like sea water. It also has a quick recovery time so you can avoid spending time standing around waiting for things to happen. The AT Pro works on a 15kHz frequency which is great for finding small items with a 0-99 target sale id, so you know what’s underneath.
Another perk of this underwater detector is that it comes with the Pro-Pointer AT, which we talked about earlier. This pinpointer can handle depths of ten feet underwater to better locate exactly what you’re looking for. This is a metal detector with tons of features that works well both on land and in the sea.
Pros:
- Features high-resolution iron discrimination
- Waterproof up to a depth of 10 feet
- Offers a high-quality digital target ID
Cons:
- Best suited for experienced metal detectorists
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil
The Garrett Ace 250 is a metal detector that works just as well for a beginner as it does for the experienced detectorist. It works well for finding coins, relics, jewelry, and other valuables buried under dirt or sand. The detector is easy to set up and just as easy to use once you get everything ready to go.
This is a lightweight metal detector with an adjustable arm cuff, so you won’t get tired even when using it for an extended period of time. It comes with everything you need, including headphones, a holster, and batteries. Do keep in mind that the headphones are for land so you can’t bring them into the ocean with you.
The device has well-placed buttons for easy use. It includes a power button, sensitivity button, mode button, elimination button, and a pinpoint button so you can easily adjust things to work with whatever you happen to be doing.
The Ace 250 works well with other coils, but you will need to purchase them separately. Most beginners will find the standard coil is fine for their needs. The coil is waterproof, but the actual detector is not, so you want to be careful about what parts of the device get wet.
Pros:
- Great identification of coins and other metal objects
- Superior pinpointing ability
- Comes with everything you need to get started
Cons:
- Does not offer volume controls
Dr. Otek Improved Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector
The Dr. Otek Improved Waterproof Pinpointer is a small and compact metal detector which is waterproof up to 33 feet. It’s available at a low price point and features many features to make it a great choice for a beginner or someone who is more experienced.
This metal detector has precise pinpoint positioning which will save you tons of time when you’re looking for specific metals. You can easily search for exactly what you want without having to worry about junk. It works well on beaches, in parks, and other lands where you don’t want to disturb the landscape any more than you have to.
Unlike many other pinpointer detectors, this one can go down up to 33 feet. You can go well beyond the surface of ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans to locate things other searchers can’t. Being fully submersible is a huge advantage for someone metal detecting in wet areas.
Rather than using sound to let you know when you’ve found something, this metal detector uses LED flashing and vibration, which keeps you from disturbing wildlife and other people who may be around.
Pros:
- Simple to use with one button operation
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- Compact and comes with belt holster and wrist strap
Cons:
- Some find lack of sound problematic
RM Ricomax Metal Detector
The RM Ricomax offers an LCD screen and is simple to assemble straight out of the box. It is lightweight and has an adjustable shaft, which makes it great for people of all sizes, even children. This model is a great choice for beginners who want an inexpensive and easy to use handheld underwater metal detector.
This metal detector has several search modes as well as a pinpoint mode. It can detect up to eight inches away and the LCD screen will show you how deep the item is, so you know how much digging to expect. It has a headphone jack so you can add your own headphones to better hear the audio tones.
The search coil that comes with this model is 8” and waterproof but the control box is not. This means you can easily use it in shallow water or on the beach without worry. It is not fully submersible but will handle whatever else you throw at it. It works well for coin searching, relic hunting, jewelry searching, and more.
Pros:
- Disc or tone mode options for simple detecting
- Features 8” waterproof search coil
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Instructions can be hard to decipher
KKMoon Metal Detector
The handheld KKMoon Metal Detector is an easy to use underwater metal detector for sale. The price is reasonable for even a beginner or someone sticking to a budget who wants a high-quality piece of equipment that is sure to last. It’s also just over a pound in weight so carrying it around is no problem.
This metal detector is capable of being fully submersed in water of up to 98 feet for those who want to scuba dive with it. Rather than needing a pair of waterproof headphones, the KKMoon has a vibration system and LED lights to let you know when there are metals in your area.
It features automatic tuning so there isn’t a lot to overwhelming a beginner at metal detecting. It is also simple to use with a straightforward tilt to turn the machine on and off. It also has depth detection which provides a high level of detection as long as the battery holds out. As long as you’re okay without audible alerts, this is a dream of a metal detector that will do the job all day long.
Pros:
- Features pulse induction technology
- Communicates through vibration and LED light
- Waterproof to a massive 98 feet
Cons:
- Does not come with the required 9-volt battery
Fisher 1280X-8 Underwater All-Purpose Metal Detector
The Fisher 1280X-8 is a perfect example of an under water metal detector with all the features and extras you could want. This beast of a metal detector can handle being up to 250 feet under the water while offering turn on and go operation so even a beginner can use it. It comes with either an 8” or 10” coil depending on your preferences.
The 1280X-8 control housing can be removed to mount on your hip or be mounted to the chest with a chest hardness. This is one of the best fresh water detectors out there, but it can also handle saltwater without a problem. With eight AAA batteries, it can handle up to 75 hours of searching without having to swap in new batteries.
The controls on the metal detector include power, volume, battery test, sensitivity control, and dual function switches. The quartz-crystal circuitry prevents the device from picking up on small pieces of junk rather than the treasure you’re after underwater.
Pros:
- Features an excellent 75-hour battery life
- Includes adjustable volume controls
- Submersible up to an outstanding 250 feet
Cons:
- Does not come with an LCD display
Urceri GC-1028 Metal Detector
One of the top selling features of the Urceri GC-1028 waterproof gold detector is how simple it is to set up and start using. Even a beginner will be able to assemble this device in a few minutes and be ready to hit the beach looking for jewelry and coins. It splits metals up among several categories so you can find exactly what you want with ease.
This device has exceptional pinpointing abilities, so you don’t spend ages digging in areas only to come up emptyhanded. It’s designed to be as accurate as possible, which is great for a beginner who wants to find something quickly.
The Urceri metal detect also has a easy to read LED screen with all sorts of settings for those who want to delve deeper into its options. Those who don’t like to play with knobs and buttons will appreciate the ease of changing controls using a screen.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to set up and get going
- Designed to be easy for beginners to use
- Features large color LED screen
Cons:
- Experts may not see all the features they want
Choosing the Perfect Underwater Metal Detector
There are very few things as fun and exciting as using an underwater metal detector to search the water and sand for treasure. Many people enjoy taking their detectors to the rivers, lakes, and oceans after the summer so find the little tidbits that tourists have left behind. If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, the first thing you need to do is be sure you have an underwater metal detector that can stand up to the job.
If you already have a metal detector, you might think you’re ready to go but there are some things you should know. Underwater metal detecting requires specialized equipment. Before you jump into the ocean, it’s important to be sure your detector is waterproof. Those who are going to search at the sea rather than in a lake or river will also want to be sure the detector can stand up to the saltwater conditions.
We’re going to offer some input on what to consider when choosing the right waterproof metal detector for your needs.
Choosing Between Very Low Frequency and Pulse Induction
There are two distinct types of underwater metal detectors that work well in salty underwater conditions: Very low frequency (VLF) and pulse induction (PI).
A pulse induction detector uses frequent bursts of electronic pulses that go into the ground. A signal comes back to the detector if something metal is found by one of these pulses. This is the optimal choice for saltwater conditions since they can handle large amounts of mineralization. However, they aren’t quite as good as determining what is metal and what is junk as the VLF detectors can.
There are PI detectors that are better at distinguishing between items, but they tend to cost quite a lot.
Very low frequency metal detectors use a low frequency to detect metals and the technology associated with them makes them better at distinguishing between treasure and trash. A decent VLF will pass over mineralized soil so you can find what you want without ending up digging for nothing but a tin can.
Determining which machine is better for your needs can be tricky. The reality is that a VLF is going to be more versatile. These machines can be used on land, in freshwater, and in saltwater and have a good chance of only picking up the things you’re after. These machines also tend to be lighter so carrying them around isn’t stressful.
However, PI detectors are often capable of finding smaller and deeper items and are programmed to avoid ground minerals. There’s no adjustment needed, you can just take the detector and get going.
Those who plan to do most of their hunting in the water or near the ocean may be better off with a PI detector. Those who will be spending time on land or near freshwater more often might be best off with VLF waterproof metal detectors.
Making Sure Your Metal Detector Is Waterproof
Some metal detectors are entirely waterproof while others may have a waterproof coil and still others are only water resistant. Make sure you understand what sort of detector you are buying before you put down the cash.
If you’re going far into the water, you want a fully waterproof model. If you’re only going to be dipping into the shallow, a coil model with a control box that isn’t waterproof may be reasonable. Those who want a weatherproof model but won’t delve into the water may be fine using a water-resistant detector.
When to Go Underwater Metal Detecting
If you enjoy scuba diving, there’s nothing to say you can’t add metal detecting to your agenda any time of the year. However, those who want to choose the optimal time of year will find that there’s nothing better than detecting during the warm summer months.
This is when all sorts of beachgoers and tourists are heading into the water and likely losing some jewelry in the process.
In addition, the summer is warmer than winter in most places so you can spend more time detecting before you need a break. However, metal detecting in winter is possible if you watch the weather and bring along a wetsuit. Avoid heading out into the water if it’s stormy.
As far as the time of day goes, the best time to metal detect is during daylight hours. It’s a safer time of day and you can see what you are doing better.
Considering the Tides
If you are going to be jumping into the water, it’s important to be aware of where the tide is and where it is going. This is something you may already be familiar with if you spend a lot of time on the beach. It’s just as important when metal detecting. You don’t want to end up caught and pulled out with the tide.
There are other things to know about the tide, as well. Being aware of where it is can help you find items underwater more easily and quickly. The sand moves in the direction of the tide, which lets you see a larger amount of the seabed. Avoid fighting the tide for the best results when in the water.
Accessories to Consider
There is no requirement for having extra accessories when using your submersible metal detector, but that doesn’t mean they can’t offer you advantages. While there are dozens of options out there, we wanted to talk about a few that bring the most bang to your metal detecting adventures.
Mesh Pouch
If you scuba dive or snorkel, you likely know the convenience of having a mesh pouch with you. This is the same case when you have a metal detector with you. While you are underwater exploring, you need somewhere to stash all the finds you come upon.
Waterproof Headphones
When you’re in the water, things can get pretty noisy. The sound of the waves can drown out the sounds of target signals. If you are planning to head under the water, having a pair of waterproof headphones that fit your water metal detector is something that will make life much easier.
Chest Harness
You may or may not need a chest harness, but it can be a huge help if you have a metal detector that is heavy. Even something that is only a few pounds can feel a lot heavier when you’re moving it side-to-side over the course of a few hours. It doesn’t help that the waves can pull the metal detector around.
A chest hardness can take the weight off of your arms and make exploring safer since you can easily keep your balance and steady yourself.
Long Trowel
Having a trowel will make a huge difference when digging treasures out of the sand. It will move sand much more quickly than digging with the hands. Those walking and snorkeling can remain standing while using a trowel to dig and uncover a target in the sand.
Conclusion
If you enjoy metal detecting, it’s likely you’ll eventually end up in the water if not far underneath the surface. Many people start out their hobby with a metal detector on the lakeside or the beach but end up delving into the water itself. There are tons of things to find and if you have the right equipment, you never know what you might turn up.
We recommend choosing a best waterproof metal detector from our list above or at least using it to guide your own search. Once you get in the water, it will be well worth having spent the time to find the best detector for your needs. Good luck and have fun out there!