Waterproof Drones – Get a Look Under the Water
Updated:
The fall and winter months are still great months for drone enthusiasts. Crisp air and clear skies can present many flight opportunities and quality air time. For those who haven’t thought about investing in a waterproof drone yet, we’re here to give you a bit of a push.
While your selection of waterproof drones may be a small one right now, we’re hoping to see this list grow over the next few months. Even during rain, snow, sleet, you name it, these drones can handle all of it.
Waterproof drones with camera are a great addition to anyone’s collection. They’re perfect for getting the best shots during wet weather and underwater without the user having to worry about the electronic components being damaged. Their frames are sealed tight to ensure they can withstand something so extreme as sitting on the bottom of a pond!
Before you Fly Become an FAA Certified Waterproof Drone Pilot
Make sure you the time to become a certified pilot before attempting to fly your new waterproof drone. You’re going to want to know how to fly if you’re spending thousands on a new waterproof drone. Check out the #1 rated drone pilto school and get $50 off the price of the course for being a dronethusiast reader. Click here to get your discount.
Waterproof Drones Table of Contents
- #1 Swellpro Splash 3 Drone
- Braha Aqua RC Quadcopter
- Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone
- Goolsky JJRC H31 Quadcopter
- Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Quadcopter
- The QuadH2O Kit
- FAQ on Waterproof Drones
- The Best Waterproof Drones
Waterproof Drones
We’ve tracked down all of the best waterproof drones currently for sale. Each one has something a little different to offer, but they are all waterproof models.
Swellpro Splash 3 Drone
See the Swellpro at Swellpro.com
Back To Top
Even though there are a number of waterproof drones out on the market today, the Splash 3 by Swellpro was the first modular, all-weather waterproof drone. It’s able to both land and float on fresh and salt water and has the ability to fly in any weather conditions.
The amphibious UAV platform has a number of modules that can be switched out for various tasks. For example, you can change it to have a release mechanism for a fishing line, fishing bait, and even has the ability to drop equipment for emergencies if the need arises. The payload release device is sold separately, however.
Listed below are the specs and features of the Splash 3:
• Comes with a built-in 4K waterproof camera able to take photos and videos underwater
• Uses a 2-axis gimbal
• The S3 remote control supports a live video feed with an OSD and a built-in 5” FPV LCD monitor
• Features Position Holding, Auto Landing, Auto Return to Home, One Key Takeoff, Waypoints, Mission Planning, Follow Me, Tap to Fly, and more
• Small enough to fit in a compact case
• Able to use the mobile app for Follow Me using both GPS and GLONASS
• Uses new 620kv motors with 1242 quick release carbon fiber propellers
• Flight time of up to 20 minutes
• Uses a 5.8 GHz transmission system with a video range of 1 km
• Hits speeds of up to 36 mph
• Weighs 5.2 pounds
At this time of writing, the Splash 3 by Swellpro is currently priced around $1,700, and we no doubt see why it’s currently that expensive.
Braha Aqua RC Quadcopter
Read reviews and show for Braha Aqua RC
Back To Top
Who said waterproof drones have to be insanely expensive? The Aqua RC by Braha sets the stage for waterproof drones that won’t drain your wallet. You can fly it both indoors and outside, it comes with a rechargeable battery that is built-in, and is an overall simple, yet very useful, quadcopter.
This is one of the best waterproof drones specifically for those who are trying to get one with that as its main feature. Therefore, if you’re looking for a simple drone that offers basic specs and features, but is a waterproof model at the same time, you’re going to love this one.
Listed below are the specs and features of the Aqua RC:
- • Uses a 4-axis structure for a more flexible flight
- • Uses a 6-axis gyro
- • Uses a 2.4 GHz transmission system
- • Flight time of up to 10 minutes
- • Able to be flown both indoors and outside
- • Weighs 1.8 pounds with a total size of 20”x3.5”x14”
At this time of writing, the Aqua H2O by Braha is priced around $32, which is a great price for what you’re getting. It’s a basic drone that runs well and is 100% waterproof.
Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone
Read reviews and show for Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone
Back To Top
Parrot is a drone manufacturer that we all know and love. They boast quality, affordability, and never fail to please the masses. The Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone is definitely no exception to these qualities. Not only do you not have to worry about registering with the FAA, it’s both air and water-ready and built with a hydrodynamic hull and streamlined foils to ensure it can move effortlessly through the water.
All you need to use to control the Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone is a smartphone or a tablet and the FreeFlight 3 application and you’re good to go!
Listed below are the specs and features of the Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone:
- • Uses the VGA mini camera with 480×640 resolution
- • Has a durable, shock-resistant design
- • Features Flight Mode, Aquatic Mode, 360-Degree Forward Flips, 360-Degree Backward Flips, acrobatic flips and stunts
- • Uses a removable 550mAh LiPo battery
- • Has a maximum flight time of up to 9 minutes
- • Recharges in up to 25 minutes when using a 2.6A charger (not included)
- • Able to reach speeds up to 6.2 mph across fresh water and 11 mph in the air
- • Uses an integrated antenna for increased range
- • Able to tilt from 90 degrees to 180 degrees with a single tap
- • Uses a 3-axis gyroscope with an accelerometer
- • Weighs 8.6 ounces
At this time of writing, the Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone costs a measly $38.
Goolsky JJRC H31 Quadcopter
Read reviews and show for Goolsky JJRC H31
Back To Top
The JJRC H31 by Goolsky has definitely won a place in our hearts. Not only does it have a cheap price tag, but it has the most bang for your buck compared to the previous two cheap waterproof drones.
You can choose between green and white for the color, have Headless Mode at your disposal, multiple flight tricks, and so much more. One of the best features this drone has is the over-charged protection, which ensures that your battery is protected.
It’s a great beginner drone because it doesn’t go all that fast if you have it on the lowest setting. There are multiple speed levels to ensure that it’s able to be used by all skill ranges.
Listed below are the specs and features of the JJRC H31 by Goolsky:
- • Features Headless Mode, One Key Return, 3D Flips, 360° Eversion, and more
- • Uses a 6-axis gyro
- • Includes LED lights for low visibility flying
- • Has high-speed rotations and multiple flight modes
- • Comes with over-charged protection to protect the battery from damage
- • Uses a 2.4 GHz transmission system with 4 channels
- • Flight time of up to 8 minutes
- • Has a transmission range of between 70 to 80 m
- • Uses a 400mAh LiPo battery
- • Weighs less than a pound with a total size of 14”x9.5”x5”
At this time of writing, the JJRC H31 by Goolsky is priced around $33, which is practically stealing. You’re getting some awesome unexpected specs and features, never mind the fact that the manufacturer packed all of this in plus the waterproof capability.
Goolsky Q353 Triphibian Quadcopter
Read reviews and show for Goolsky Q353 Thiphibian
Back To Top
The Q353 Triphibian by Goolsky is an awesome waterproof quadcopter that’s ready-to-fly right out of the box. It’s uniquely made with a design in mind that allows it to support Air, Ground, and Water modes. Even if it’s submerged or has flipped upside down in the water, it’ll roll itself right way up easily.
It also comes with a flashing LED light that allows for better visibility in low light settings. This is especially useful for when the drone is submerged in water. You’ll be able to see where it is at all times.
The orange color also helps with visibility when in the water, as well. This, paired with the flashing LED light, ensures that it’s going to be very difficult to lose it in the water.
Listed below are the specs and features of the Q353 Triphibian by Goolsky:
- • Features Headless Mode, Air/Ground/Water Modes, Hovering, One Key Return, and more
- • Uses a 6-axis gyro
- • Uses a 2.4 GHz transmission system with 4 channels that have been improved for anti-interference purposes
- • Includes a flashing LED light
- • Flight time of between 6 to 7 minutes
- • Takes a 1200mAh LiPo battery
- • Weighs less than a pound with a total size of 14.3”x14.3”x4.7”
At this time of writing, the Q353 Triphibian by Goolsky is going for around $104, but trust us when we say it’s worth every penny. Even though it’s more expensive than the budget drones on our list, never mind the first one, it’s still considered a budget drone. The fact that it’ll flip itself when face-down in the water alone is a must-have.
The QuadH2O Kit
Read reviews and show for The QuadH2O Kit
Back To Top
This one is geared toward enthusiasts who like to build their own stuff and make it their own, whether they switch out a couple of things to their liking or just like to build.
The QuadH2O Kit comes with everything you need to get your specific build ready before you do any installations, but you will need a couple of components separately. For example, the remote control and LiPo battery, which will need to be supplied on your own.
Listed below are the specs and features of the QuadH2O Kit:
- • Able to reach speeds of up to 45 mph with GPS and the motor/prop/ESC combo
- • When paired with a NazaV2 flight controller you gain GPS Assisted Hover, Low Voltage Protection, Enhanced Failsafe, and much more
- • Flight time of between 8 to 12 minutes
- • Can take up to 800 g of payload
- • 3S or 4S 4000 mAh or higher LiPo recommended
- • Able to film and take pictures underwater
- • Transmission range of up to 1 km
- • Uses a 2-axis gimbal
- • Compatible with Sony FPV and GoPro Hero 3, 3+, and 4
At this time of writing, the QuadH2O Kit runs for around $850. This price is only for the kit, however, so be prepared to be paying a lot more for the electronic components.
FAQ on Waterproof Drones
If you don’t see your question listed below in our FAQ section, get in touch with us and we’ll help you out!
What’s the difference between a waterproof drone and a water resistant drone?
Waterproof drones are able to be fully submerged in bodies of water without the user having to worry about damage. Their electronic components are completely sealed off and cannot make direct contact with the water. Water resistant drones, however, are not sealed completely, so they can’t be submerged. They can handle mild snow or rain, but if they become submerged, they’ll be damaged.
What are waterproof drones used for?
You can use a waterproof drone for essentially anything. Whether it’s during heavy rain, other extreme weather conditions, to get some underwater shots, while you fish or kayak, you name it.
What should I look for in a waterproof drone?
Other than the drone actually being waterproof, you should be very careful when looking at the price. If it’s suspiciously cheap for a drone of this category, you may want to avoid it altogether. That, or look into it more seriously to find out that it’s only water resistant instead of waterproof as it was initially advertised.
A Waterproof Drone For Everyone
Waterproof drones are some of the best pieces of technology we have today. We can now take our electronics underwater, so there is no limit to the types of footage you can get when you have one of these.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
Looking for a waterproof sealed drone that can not leak if it is put in water or falls out of the sky into a lake or pond, is there such an animal out there for let’s say under $500
hi i am looking for a drone waterproof with a camera face reconition thanks for your help
I have the splash drone 3 plus latest version with waterproof switch. Great drone but not 100% waterproof especially if it
flips over as I lost one in Cancun this last year. A strong drone and a larger drone for fishing that is water proof is the Poseidon Pro V2 new addition. I have both drones and use them for different conditions in wind strength. The Poseidon capable of handling stronger winds. Both excellent choices but can be pricy.
Have you considered the Swellpro Spry+? Price <$1000, waterproof, smaller, better camera optics (although no gimbal), waterproof controller that floats, and it can dive and drive under water.
It wouldn’t be too much of trouble to equip the cheaper variants with GPS?
Because that wouldn’t be the cost for the manufacturer.
One thing I hate about RTH function with GPS drones.
They return to take-off point. I use to walk with the controller in my hand, which easily can be one or two kilometres from take-off point.
I want it to return to where the controller is, so it comes back to where I AM when the geo-fencing for low battery/no wifi range kicks in. Otherwise I have to walk two kilometers back, which gives bad people plenty of time to steal it.