The GoPro Hero 13 Black with a 60m housing is my scuba pick.
Picture this. You slip below the surface, the light fades, and the reef glows. You want clear, stable video that looks true, not washed-out blue. You need gear that survives the pressure and protects your camera. A rugged housing, color tools, and simple controls matter a lot. I have tested many setups and learned what works. In this guide, I explain what makes the best gopro for scuba diving shine. I also show the gear that helps it do the job right on any dive.
TOP PICK
FitStill Underwater Waterproof Diving Housing…
【DESIGNED FOR】Go Pro Hero 13 Black/Hero 12 Black/Hero 11 Black/Hero 10 Black/Hero 9 Black. 【60M/196FT Waterproof】This waterproof housing case with upgraded waterproof sealing ring and tight buckle that help avoid…
FitStill Dive Housing for GoPro Hero 9–13 (60m)
This FitStill housing is a simple, strong shell for GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Black. It is rated to 60 meters or 196 feet, which covers most recreational and many advanced dives. The clear flat port keeps footage sharp, and the latch feels secure. It aims to add real safety for your camera in cold, current, or rough entries.
I like it for travel due to the small size and weight. It slides on fast and has clean lines that reduce drag in water. The buttons press well with gloves, which helps when you adjust settings mid-dive. For many divers, this is the little upgrade that protects a big investment.
Pros:
- 60m/196ft depth rating for most dive profiles
- Fits Hero 9–13 Black, so it spans many models
- Clear flat port for sharp video and photos
- Strong latch and gasket to resist leaks
- Buttons are glove-friendly and firm
- Slim shape with low drag while swimming
- Affordable price for a full dive case
- Simple to mount on trays, arms, or poles
- Easy to rinse and inspect between dives
- Good companion for the best gopro for scuba diving
- Works with red filters and macro wet lenses (check size)
- Great for boats, surf entries, and surge
Cons:
- No vacuum valve for pre-dive leak checks
- O-ring needs care and lube to seal well
- Bulkier than naked camera in a tight pocket
My Recommendation
If you plan to shoot real scuba footage, use a dive housing. The stock camera shell is fine for a pool or a shallow snorkel. Deeper water adds pressure, stress, and risk. A 60m housing like this one is the simple fix. It protects the best gopro for scuba diving from leaks, knocks, and sand.
I suggest this FitStill case for travelers, new shooters, and budget pros. It costs less than premium housings yet does the core job well. The latch is sturdy, the port is clear, and the buttons have a crisp click. That is what you need on a rocking boat at dawn when gear must just work.
Pair the housing with a red filter or use color correction in post. At depth, red light drops fast, so scenes turn blue or green. Filters help restore warm tones in daylight. For night dives, use video lights instead. This setup turns the best gopro for scuba diving into a tiny cinema rig.
I also like how it fits many camera bodies across Hero 9 to 13 Black. If you upgrade later, you do not waste the housing. That spreads your cost while keeping your kit lean. It is a smart add-on that helps the camera hit its full potential under the waves.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Travel divers | Light, compact, and easy to pack without fuss |
| Budget creators | Solid 60m protection at a friendly price |
| Deep reef video | Strong seal and clear port for sharp color and detail |
Let me get more specific on real-world use. Before the dive, clean and lube the main O-ring. Check both the groove and the O-ring for hair or sand. Close the case and do a dunk test in a rinse tank. Watch for bubbles or a slow trickle. It takes one minute and can save a camera.
Mount the housing on a tray for stability. A two-handle tray adds control when you kick or when surge hits. It also gives you room for video lights. Clear, even light makes coral pop and cuts blue haze. It turns a good clip into a great one with the best gopro for scuba diving.
Button feel matters more than many think. With gloves, soft buttons can feel vague. The FitStill buttons have defined travel and feedback. I could tap shutter or toggle modes without looking. That means fewer missed shots and a calmer, safer dive.
Sharpness depends on a clean flat port. Rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth. A drop of anti-fog on the inside helps in cold water. Fog comes from warm, moist air inside the case hitting cold seawater outside. Keep the camera cool and the case sealed until you splash.
Color is the biggest pain point underwater. Water eats reds first, then orange and yellow. A red filter restores warmth in shallow sunlit water, usually 5–20 meters. Past that, add lights for best skin tones and reef color. The best gopro for scuba diving paired with lights records richer detail and true color.
Stability is the next big factor. The latest GoPro stabilization is very good, even in surge. Still, two hands beat one in chop. A tray also keeps your framing steady during slow pans. Your audience will thank you for smooth, watchable video.
Audio is not a focus underwater, but the housing seals mics. That is normal and fine. Let your images do the talking. If you want sound, record topside voice notes. I sometimes use a quick clip to mark a dive site, time, and plan.
Battery care helps on boats and long days. Turn off screens when not needed. Use performance modes that match your plan. For example, 4K60 is a sweet spot for quality and smoothness. It also plays well on most devices. Save 5.3K for wide scenes with lots of detail and light.
Clips look best when you shoot with intent. Move slow. Hold a shot for at least five to seven seconds. Avoid chasing fish. Let subjects swim into your frame. Keep your fins off the bottom to avoid silt and backscatter. The best gopro for scuba diving rewards calm, steady shooting.
I also suggest a simple shot list. Start wide to set the scene. Then go medium on a coral head. End with a close detail like a nudibranch. Mix in a few reveal moves or a slow push. These basics give you a story, not just random clips.
As for safety, never let filming distract you. Check air, depth, and buddy often. Know local rules and fragile zones. Good video comes from good diving. When you are calm and aware, your camera work also improves.
Who should buy this housing? If you own any Hero 9–13 Black and plan true dives, this is for you. If you only snorkel at the surface, you may not need it. But for wrecks, walls, or cold quarries, I call it essential. It helps the best gopro for scuba diving survive the harsh parts of the sport.
What about upgrades? A premium housing may add a vacuum valve or metal build. Those are nice for tech dives and very heavy use. But for many dive trips, this FitStill case nails the basics. It is an easy yes if you want a proven, simple shell.
In short, this is my budget-friendly pick. It gives you safety, clear optics, and easy control. It matches the cameras most people use today. And it leaves money for lights, filters, and spare batteries. That is smart planning for the best gopro for scuba diving rig.
Availability is wide and shipping is fast in most regions. Stock can swing in peak season, so plan ahead. I always carry a spare main O-ring in my kit. It is cheap and can save a shoot if you nick the original.
FAQs Of best gopro for scuba diving
What is the best GoPro for scuba diving right now?
The newest Hero Black model is the top choice. Its sensor, color, and stabilization are best. Pair it with a 60m housing. That combo is the best gopro for scuba diving for most users.
Do I really need a dive housing for my GoPro?
Yes for real dives. A housing adds depth safety and impact protection. It also improves button feel with gloves. It is a must for the best gopro for scuba diving setup.
How deep can a GoPro go safely?
The camera body handles shallow water only. For scuba, you want a 60m housing. It covers most recreational and many advanced dives. Always follow the rated depth.
How do I get true color underwater with a GoPro?
Use a red filter in daylight at moderate depth. Add video lights as it gets deeper or darker. Shoot in a flat color profile if available and correct in post. The best gopro for scuba diving shines with good light.
Which accessories matter most for scuba video?
A 60m housing, red filter, and a two-handle tray help a lot. Add dual video lights and extra batteries. A soft lens cloth and anti-fog also help. This kit elevates the best gopro for scuba diving.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you dive with a Hero 9–13 Black, get this FitStill 60m housing. It is simple, safe, and clean to use.
It protects your camera and supports better color, light, and control. It also unlocks the best gopro for scuba diving performance on real dives.
