If you have just one beach experience, you will acknowledge that there is no place better than a beach for metal detecting. However, metal detecting on beaches requires a good waterproof metal detector. For all those hobbyists turned professional metal detectorists who are looking for the best waterproof metal detector, this is your buying guide.

How is a Waterproof Metal Detector Different?

Not all metal detectors you see, especially the entry-level detectors, are designed and developed to resist water or stop its penetration. Any exposure to water or high moisture content can result in malfunctioning parts or total product failure.

The waterproof metal detector parts, especially electrical parts, are designed to resist water. The electrical part enclosures are manufactured to stop water penetration even when the detector is under several feet of water.

A waterproof metal detector’s search coil, display meter, headphones, and all of its electrical connections connecting its different electrical parts are made to resist water, ensuring their functionality is not easily affected by water.

There are three different types of metal detectors within the domain of waterproof metal detectors. They are water-resistant, waterproof, and underwater metal detectors.

Metal detectors labeled as water-resistant might have a few or all of their parts designed to resist water up to a certain level. These metal detectors can be used in rain or on beaches but cannot be used to scan even an inch-deep water.

Waterproof metal detectors are designed to resist water even up to several feet of depth and can be used on beaches, ponds, lakes, and even in flooded fields.

Underwater metal detectors are totally different. They are truly designed to perform metal detecting underwater perfectly, even up to several meters of depth. These are designed with features to support underwater metal detecting and are used by professional scuba divers for treasure hunting. They are rarely used on land like normal metal detectors.

Waterproof Metal Detector Buying Guide

Buying your first waterproof metal detector can be challenging, especially when you have a limited budget. You need to create a blend of your current needs, limitations, budget, and an element of what you might need in the near future.

We will guide you through all the aspects of a waterproof metal detector and the things you need to know before making a purchase.

Write Down Your Requirements

First, decide what you need. Do you want a water-resistant, waterproof, or underwater metal detector? All three are used in different environments and work optimally in their specific conditions.

You also need to write down each and every requirement you have for your metal detecting journey. It’s always best to set a range for each requirement, such as the maximum and minimum capabilities you want in your metal detector.

Waterproof Rating

The first thing you should look at in a waterproof metal detector is its waterproof rating. It can be in NEMA or IP ratings, which define the level of waterproofing or the depth of water up to which any electrical circuit or its enclosure can stay waterproof. Most metal detector brands directly mention the depth up to which their metal detector remains waterproof.

Waterproof Parts

A brand mentioning a waterproof metal detector in their product does not mean that all its factory-supplied parts will be waterproof. You need to put in some effort and study all the parts provided with the metal detector. In most cases, the headphones are not waterproof, and in some cases, the display meter’s waterproof rating is lower than the search coil.

You also need to research waterproof aftermarket parts to ensure the availability of waterproof parts for replacements or upgrades.

Detection Indicator

The selection of a metal detector depends a lot on how it indicates metallic objects detected during scanning. A visual display on the screen and sound are normal indicators, and they must deliver exceptional results during underwater detecting. However, you cannot rely on them 100% during underwater metal detecting because sometimes water is not clear, and your own breathing makes sound less effective. Some underwater metal detectors offer vibration indications, which work best in all conditions.

Metal Detector Features

You probably have shortlisted a few professional metal detectors even before reading this guide. After ranking them based on the above factors, you need to evaluate them on standard metal detector features. A metal detector that excels in the above-mentioned points and offers high performance in the following features will be the best one for you.

Dedicated Search Modes

A true waterproof metal detector should offer a dedicated underwater search mode where all parts and features are automatically adjusted to optimal settings for the best performance. Almost all professional metal detectors have a beach mode, but very few offer a mode that is truly for deep-diving treasure hunting.

Budget and Brands

The last thing you need to consider is your budget. How much you are willing to spend defines what you can get from your next waterproof metal detector. To get the best value for your money, we recommend investing in brands with proven performance. This is where build quality comes into play and defines the performance of features that the detector offers.

Comparing the Best Waterproof Metal Detectors Available

The following five are the best waterproof and underwater metal detectors available on the market. If you’re wondering why these five were chosen, it’s because of their brand reputation and past performance. All five have a proven track record and are highly trusted in the metal detecting community.

1. Minelab Excalibur II
2. Nokta Makro PulseDive
3. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
4. Minelab Equinox 800
5. XP Deus II

Here is a short but very comprehensive one on one comparison of all five waterproof metal detectors.

Conclusion

The Nokta Makro PulseDive is the ultimate deep-water metal detector at a moderate cost with extreme lightweight, making it highly recommended for dedicated scuba divers. However, if you are looking for a metal detector that works both on land and underwater, the XP Deus II is the best waterproof metal detector available.

Paul Edgerton

My name is Paul and I am the founder of Detector For Metal, a dedicated resource for metal detecting enthusiasts seeking to uncover historical treasures and connect with the past using the latest technology. As a stay-at-home dad and family man, I’ve found metal detecting to be the perfect hobby that combines family adventure with historical learnings for the whole family.

As a father, I’m deeply committed to passing on this hobby to the next generation of detectorists, starting with my own children. I share advice on everything from metal detecting with kids to exploring the top 10 metal detecting sites you never thought about. My methodical approach to the hobby goes beyond the thrill of discovery—it’s about creating family traditions while preserving history and sharing the stories of those who came before us.