Best Waterproof Phone Pouch for Snorkeling
Any time I’m planning a beach day, keeping my phone, watch, and other small electronics dry is a top priority. When traveling you may require bigger dry bags to keep your valuables and electronics safe and dry. In this article, you’ll find the best waterproof phone pouch for snorkeling. These pouches are specifically designed to hold one phone only, so technically you’d need to purchase pouches for all other phones you may have.
The best waterproof phone pouch for snorkeling should have waterproof seals to keep your phone dry and can float easily for easy location in case you drop the phone, and also fits perfectly. Some of the best waterproof pouches include; Pelican Marine Series and JOTO waterproof phone pouch.
These are only a few of tried and tested cases in different surface water sports. Whether snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, or scuba diving, keeping your electronics dry should be a topmost priority.
If you are looking for waterproof iPhone cases for scuba diving and snorkeling, be sure to read more about this here.
Let’s dive into the list!
Pelican Marine Series – IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch
The Pelican marine pouches are designed to cater to many phone sizes. Whether you have a regular-sized phone or a large phone, you will find one that fits your phone perfectly. These are available in regular and XL sizes for larger phones.
Small air bubbles in the pouch material ensure that your phone will float in case you drop it into the water.
A clear view window over the phone camera area allows users to take pictures and videos. A larger clear view window allows easy phone access. Unlike many other phone pouches that are made entirely from plastic which interferes with photography, the plastic used here does not move around affecting the quality of the photos taken.
With an IPX8 rating, users can use the pouch 3ft. underwater for up to 30 minutes without worrying about water leaking in. This feature makes it great for capturing close moments with marine life while snorkeling.
In addition to its waterproof features, this pouch protects the phone against dust, snow, dirt, and sand. Whether you are snorkeling or simply enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, your phone stays protected.
Pros
- IPX8 rating
- Ideal for water photography due to the clear view panel over the camera lens
- Easy phone screen accessibility
- Ideal for large phones
- Has a detachable lanyard
- High-Quality materials make it very durable
- Value for money
- Versatile pouch
Cons
- Available in one color
Stash7 Waterpocket Premium Waterproof Phone Pouch
Another great yet simple waterproof pouch for your phone. Works perfectly for iPhone, Samsung, and any other phone 7.5 inches and below.
The design features a clear window over the phone camera making it easy to take pictures and videos. Its IPX8 waterproof rating makes it suitable for use underwater.
The long detachable lanyard is perfect fo when moving around. Simply secure your pouch by hanging it on the neck or across your body. It’s also easy to quickly access the phone when you need to take a quick photo.
Pros
- Unique design
- IPX8 rating
- The touchscreen is easily accessible
- Great for taking pictures underwater
Cons
Does not fit larger phones over 7.5 inches
JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
A very popular phone pouch for beach lovers and those engaging in water activities. One reason it’s so popular is due to the fact that it fits perfectly on many iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel phone models. Any phone with dimensions 3.35 by 6.69 inches or below will fit perfectly in this pouch.
It has a waterproof rating of IPX8 meaning it’s waterproof up to about 100 ft. When snorkeling you can comfortably dive into the water with it.
The pouches are available in over 12 different colors and have clear windows on both sides. Useful for taking pictures while on the water’s surface. One downside to this pouch is that it is not the best when you want to take underwater pictures or videos using your phone.
The plastic material used in manufacturing these pouches can be quite difficult to see through and also it may crease obstructing the lens on your phone’s camera.
The pouch works well as a dry bag too for storing small personal items like a passport, money, or any other valuables you may have. When you are not using it for your phone, it can double as a small dry bag.
Pros
- Affordable waterproof pouch
- Universal/compatible with many phones
- Doubles as a dry bag
- Has a neck lanyard making it easy to cay around
- The phone screen is easily accessible
- Has waterproof seals and is waterproof up to 100 ft.
- Offers protection against dust, snow, and dirt
Cons
- Not effective for underwater photography
- The pouch lacks floatation abilities
- Opening and closing the pouch can be tricky for a first-time user
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
A waterproof pouch compatible with iPhone models from 11 to 14 as well as the pro max and max models. Fits large phones perfectly including the Samsung S22 or any other phone up to 7 inches long.
Has an IPX* rating meaning it’s waterproof up to 100 ft. underwater. When snorkeling deep underwater for a closer look at marine life, you can easily take some pictures and videos.
This pouch comes as a pair, if you are alone you can use one pouch for the phone and the other for your small valuable items.
The touch screen on your phone is easily accessible. It’s also dust, snow, and dirt proof making it a versatile pouch for different water and winter sports.
When snorkeling during hot or warm weather, you may notice some water droplets inside the pouch especially after diving into the water for closer observations. Don’t worry, the pouches don’t leak (well unless it was damaged before from the beginning) this is just condensed air inside the pouch due to temperature changes from warm/hot to cold.
Simply remove the phone and pat it dry when you notice this after use.
Pros
- Affodable
- Durable and versaitile
- Has a detachable lanyard for portability and easy access to the phone
- IPX8 rating
Cons
None
Where do you put your phone when snorkeling?
If you must carry your phone with you while snorkeling, a waterproof phone case/pouch will come in handy. These are useful when you want to use your phone to capture some memories and pictures.
Since these pouches come with long lanyards, simply place your phone in the pouch and hang it across your torso or neck. Place it in a position that will not interfere with snorkeling but also be easy to access the phone.
If you have a lot of valuable items you have to carry on you when snorkeling, a larger dry bag will work better. Unlike phone pouches that come with a strap, a large dry bag can be secured around the waist. These have a fanny pack design and will hold more items. When you don’t need your phone for photography, this is a good way to store it while you snorkel.
Can you take pictures underwater with a waterproof iPhone case?
Yes, you can take pictures underwater with a waterproof iPhone case. As discussed in this article, hard waterproof phone cases will protect your phone even when scuba diving deep in the ocean. If you are not confident in waterproof pouches invest in a hard-cover waterproof case. Click on the link to learn more about these cases.
The main difference between a waterproof iPhone case and a waterproof phone pouch is the materials used in making the items and the pressure each can withstand underwater. Generally, a hard waterproof case will withstand more pressure from water offering maximum protection for your phone.
For surface water activities, you can choose either a case or a pouch. Both will get the work done since there is not much water pressure on the phone.
In terms of picture quality, a waterproof case is guaranteed to give better results compared to most plastic waterproof pouches.
Can I put my phone underwater with a ziplock bag?
Most waterproof phone pouches have a similar look to zip lock bags and it’s easy to get tempted to just place your phone in a ziplock bag when snorkeling.
A ziplock bag is just that a bag, it lacks the IPX waterproof rating which helps keep your phone dry when underwater. Using one of these, you are risking water leaking into the ziplock bag and ruining your phone.
Avoid this by investing in a good phone pouch, these cost anywhere between 10 – 40 dollars.
Final take
We’ve looked at some of the best waterproof phone pouches for snorkeling and tips for carrying your phone as you snorkel.
Always keep in mind that it’s common to observe some water drops in your pouch after snorkeling especially if you went underwater to take pictures. As mentioned, this is due to the changes in the surrounding temperature.
When you place the phone in the pouch, there is some air trapped in it, and the temperatures above the water are different from those underwater. For this reason, the air trapped in the pouch cools and forms little drops of water.
After snorkeling don’t be alarmed if you notice some water in the pouch. This should b a little amount not water filling the entire pouch.
