What is the cheapest way to get a camera that’s good for snorkeling?!
Using a camera you already have! (That would be your phone.)
You’ll just need to find some cheap protection.
And for that, take a look at this.
It’s one of the cheapest waterproof phone cases you will find!
Why you may not want this type of underwater camera for snorkeling
Of course, this type of waterproof phone case isn’t without its drawbacks.
But if you’re off on a snorkeling vacation soon, and you’re just looking for a simple way to take some pictures of your snorkeling activities, it can work out quite well!
The touchscreen doesn’t really work underwater, so you’ll have to use the side button on your phone for that. This just takes a little bit of practice to get down a system. Make sure the case is flat against the camera side of your phone. The touchscreen works above water though, so no problem there!
Another down side for getting a cheap waterproof phone case as your way of having a snorkeling camera is that when you’re taking pictures underwater, it can be difficult to figure out what you’re actually taking a picture of. This can make video a good option. Just hit record when you’re above water, and then lower your phone to capture the marine life underwater!
But, if you can get past these things, the price to make your camera ready for snorkeling is hard to beat!
If you want to have a look at digital cameras for snorkeling instead, have a look at some of these.
And for a snorkeling mask with a camera mount to place that underwater camera on, have a look at some of these.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How to make it easier to find your lost snorkeling camera
Whichever type of snorkeling camera you get, cheap waterproof phone case or digital underwater camera, you may consider getting a floating camera strap like this one. In case your camera does get away from you, instead of sinking to the bottom of the ocean, it will float to make it easier to locate!
So less stress in worrying about losing your camera.
To add this to your waterproof phone case, instead of using the string that the waterproof phone case comes with, you can completely replace it with the floating camera strap. Here’s a picture of how it’s done.
More things you may want for snorkeling!
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your packing list for snorkeling so you’re ready for the sun when you’re snorkeling!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face beginner-friendly snorkeling mask like this one
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- These types of UV protection shirts to wear so you don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water! If you’re on a desktop, use the far left column to filter by women, men, girls, or boys! Look at these types of swim shorts too, for women and men!
- These types of beach shoes so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
- This type of beach bag that’s open air to start the drying of your beach gear after you’re done snorkeling to get ready for the next beach day!
All of the pictures on this page were taken with a phone with this case on. For the above water pictures, you can’t really tell the difference in the pictures with the case vs without the case! And for the underwater pictures, well, it takes those pictures!
HAPPY UNDERWATER PICTURE TAKING!
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snorkeling in oahu hawaii | snorkel rental in oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling