Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.
A good snorkeling camera captures the underwater world without breaking the bank or requiring a separate housing. These cameras are waterproof out of the box and shoot quality photos and video. Here are the best for 2026.
1. GoPro Hero 13 Black
Waterproof to 33 feet without a housing. Shoots 5.3K video and 27MP photos. HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization eliminates shaky footage. The wide-angle lens captures expansive reef scenes.
About $400. The easiest way to get professional-looking underwater footage. Mount it on a tray with a red filter for the best color at depth.
2. Olympus Tough TG-7
The TG-7 is waterproof to 50 feet, crushproof, and freezeproof. The dedicated underwater mode auto-adjusts white balance for natural colors at depth. 12MP sensor with a bright f/2.0 lens.
Macro mode captures incredible close-up detail of coral and small sea life. About $500. The best point-and-shoot for underwater photography.
3. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Waterproof to 60 feet without a housing. 4K at 120fps with RockSteady stabilization. Dual screens for easy framing. About $350. Excellent color science produces vibrant underwater footage.
The extra depth rating gives more margin than the GoPro for deeper snorkeling spots.
4. Fujifilm FinePix XP150
Waterproof to 80 feet, which is the deepest rating on this list. 16MP sensor. 5x optical zoom, which is unusual for a waterproof camera. About $250. The optical zoom lets you capture marine life from a distance without disturbing it.
Good for snorkelers who want a traditional camera experience.
Underwater Photo Tips
Get close to your subjects. Water absorbs light and color quickly, so reducing the distance between camera and subject improves results dramatically. Use a red filter below 15 feet to restore warm tones. Shoot with the sun behind you when possible. Stabilize yourself before shooting to avoid blurry images.
Empty your mask before taking photos so fog does not obscure your vision.
