Reviews of Best Underwater Metal Detectors for Beach & SCUBA Diving
Our Top Pick
Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
- Compact and built for rugged use
- All connections are waterproof
- Headphones screwed into the device
- Features include tracking, iron check, discrimination, and automatic frequency shifting
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If you’re fascinated by the idea of finding lost pieces of history or golden doubloons at the beach or in the ocean, you need the right device. Detecting on the beach is challenging because of the seawater’s high mineral content, which can skew results.
The best metal detector for the beach is always the best waterproof metal detector, but you also want a device that is either multi-frequency or pulse induction. For an underwater metal detector, there are handheld versions and more budget-friendly options.
There’s nothing like the thrill of hearing a signal, notifying you of a secret that’s waiting to be unearthed.
Easy Navigation
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Best that Money Can Buy 
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Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
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Runner Up Best that Money Can Buy 
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Minelab CTX 3030 Standard Pack with GPS Rechargeable
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Best Value 
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Nokta Makro ANFIBIO Multi
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Best Value Runner Up 
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Garrett AT Max
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Best for Beginners 
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Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior
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Best that Money Can Buy Runner Up 
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XP Deus RC WS5
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Best for Beginners Runner Up 
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series
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Best that Money Can Buy 
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Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Bundle
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Best for Beginners 
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Wedigout
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Best Value 
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Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut
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If you have a penchant for finding buried treasure on a beach, you need a specific set of functions.
On both wet and dry sand, the best beach metal detector should be pulse inductive (PI) rather than Very Low Frequency (VLF). Different coil sizes and whether it’s weatherproof, waterproof, and submersible also influence which option is the best metal detector for the beach.
If you SCUBA dive or snorkel looking for buried pirate treasure, an underwater detector is right for you. The best underwater metal detector should be waterproof and submersible for many feet and have a high capacity for dealing with mineralization.
Best Metal Detectors for Beach
Best that Money Can Buy
Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
Specifications
- 5.5 lbs. Extends 20" to 68"
- Mono coil, headphones, sling, charger, 2 rechargeable AA batteries, coil cover, soft and hard cases for travel
- Advanced Pulse Induction with multiple frequencies
- Submersible up to 10 ft.
- In ideal conditions, can detect up to 18”
- Uses 8 AA battery in 2 drop-in packs
- Best for shore hunting, high mineralization, wet sand, seawater, all locales
If you’re serious about finding some buried treasure, this is the best waterproof metal detector. The Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package can fulfill all of your expectations as to depth detection, sensitivity, and discrimination between objects buried deep in the earth.
With this device, you have optimal detection at all times, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between modes to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Using Pulse Induction technology at multiple frequencies allows for more sensitivity and depth.
It also doesn’t hurt that the Deepseeker has a 20” coil that allows for an even broader search range. This advanced DD coil design makes this device more sensitive to smaller objects.
The features of this incredible metal detector provide precision and depth clarity in your treasure hunting. It’s durable, so take it with you into even the toughest terrain. With extra features like tracking and iron check, the Deepseeker is the best beach metal detector money can buy.
Pros
- Design is military-grade
- 20” search coil
- Electronic pinpointing
Cons
- Poor-quality battery holder
Runner Up Best that Money Can Buy
Minelab CTX 3030 Standard Pack with GPS Rechargeable
Specifications
- Weighs 5.2 lbs.
- USB cable, Lithium battery, 8 “AA” batteries, car adapter, 11” waterproof DD coil, UR-30 headphones, starter’s guide
- Pulse Induction and 1.5 kHz - 100 kHz
- Waterproof up to 10 ft.
- Depth indicator included
- One rechargeable lithium-ion battery and 8 replaceable “AA” batteries
- Best for gold, beach, underwater, shore
This metal detector is chock-full of features. If you’re a fan of shore hunting and want to know the best detector for the beach and price is not a challenge, then the Minelab CTX 3030 Standard Pack Metal Detector may be just the device for which you’ve been searching.
With Full Band Spectrum (FBS) technology, the CTX allows for rectangular frequency waves, which improves communication between the coil and the control box. The wide range of frequencies FBS uses – 1.5 kHz to 100 kHz – vastly improves this device’s sensitivity, accuracy, and depth.
If you are a PC-user (not Mac), you can take advantage of the CTX’s GPS mapping function. Target separation and a full-color display make find identifications a cinch.
Usually, PI detectors cannot discriminate between targets well, but the Smartfind 2D Discrimination feature of the CTX levels the playing field by adding to the device’s accuracy and sensitivity.
Pros
- Sand seal protects battery
- Updated armrest lock
- Full-color display
Cons
- You can’t use it underwater
- Price
Best Value
Nokta Makro ANFIBIO Multi
Specifications
- Weighs 3.7 lbs.
- 11” DD coil, wireless headphones, USB cable, coil cover
- Selectable frequency at 5 kHz, 14 kHz, and 20 kHz
- Fully submersible up to 16.4 ft.
- Has depth indicator
- 19 hours of battery life
- Best for the shoreline, multiple locales, intermediate, jewelry, coins, relics
This metal detector is one of the sturdiest, simplest, and most sensitive products on the market in the same price range. Waterproof up to 16.4 feet, this detector has a rugged body and a coil cover to keep dust and water out, a must when looking for a cheap underwater metal detector.
ANFIBIO Multi uses 3 different frequencies to detect with – 5 kHz, 14 kHz, and 20 kHz. The lowest is great for ground penetration and detecting objects like coins; the highest is best for small objects with low conductivity; the midrange is a good blend of both.
The ANFIBIO aims for simplicity along with super-functional features. With only 1 menu to display, it’s easy to adjust your settings so that no treasure is left behind.
To specialize your search, there are several search modes: Beach, cache, deep mode, general mode, 3-tone, and 2-tone. With a simple interface and a wide range of specializations, this ANFIBIO is a great all-around device for an excellent price, even if it’s not a handheld underwater metal detector.
Pros
- 1 menu display for simplicity
- 9 search modes
- Can be used underwater
Cons
- Wireless headphones cannot be used underwater
- Frequencies used one at a time
Best Value Runner Up
Garrett AT Max
Specifications
- Weighs 3.4 lbs.
- DD coil, pro-pointer, batteries
- VLF at 13.6 kHz
- Submersible up to 10 ft.
- Depth indicator included
- 4 included AA batteries
- Best for rugged terrain, intermediate to expert use, coin, jewelry, or artifacts
The Garrett AT Max Metal Detector has many notable features that recommend it as the best metal detector for the beach. One of the strongest attributes of this detector is its use of 13.6 kHz frequency, which is effective for a wide range of conductivity levels and sizes of finds.
The Z-lynk audio technology is 6 times faster than Bluetooth, so you won’t be moving over your target and past it before you get a signal. This package comes with a free pro-pointer from Garrett, so you can exactly pinpoint where your treasure lies.
The 175 points for high-resolution ground balance lets this detector work effectively in high-mineral areas like the sea-soaked sands. Both manual and automatic ground balance are perfect for a day of detecting at the beach.
The Garrett is also ideal for the seaside because of the evolved Target ID tech, which makes separation and identification of valuable finds easy and quick.
Pros
- Included pro-pointer
- Backlighting for improved low-light visibility
- Adjustable threshold
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Needs different coil for smallest objects
Best for Beginners
Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior
Specifications
- Weighs 1.3 lbs. Dimensions: 10” x 9” x 57”
- User’s manual, detector, headphones
- Operating at a single frequency of 6.6 kHz
- It is not waterproof
- Finds small objects up to 5” depth; larger finds up to 3 ft. depth
- 2 9V batteries required
- Best for amateur, low-stakes searching, children
This super-lightweight and affordable metal detector is perfect for a young person in your life that is intrigued by the idea of hunting for treasure. It requires 2 9-volt batteries, but it is simple to set up and get running.
We love the easy user interface, which allows users ages 6 and up to aptly and handily find buried metal objects. With only 2 knobs, the detectorist won’t get confused and can concentrate on the thrill of the hunt instead.
The tone varies due to the target indication meter, showing the user how close they are to the metal object. Discrimination control cancels out the detection of iron or other unwanted metals.
The 6.5” coil is not completely waterproof, so it’s best not to submerge this product. If you’re looking for a way to get someone, young or old, interested in being a detectorist, this is a wonderful gateway gadget to get them started.
Pros
- Battery tester included
- Unit can expand and retract for easy storage
- Lightweight and ergonomic
Cons
- Sometimes does not work accurately
- Coil is not waterproof
Best that Money Can Buy Runner Up
XP Deus RC WS5
Specifications
- Weighs 5.35 lbs and dimensions are 23.7” x 10” x 4.5”
- AA batteries, lithium battery, and charger, ABS transport case, belt clip, operator’s manual
- 35 frequencies of 3.7 to 27.7 kHz
- Waterproof coil is submersible to only a few inches
- Has depth indicator
- 27 hours of battery life
- Best for expert, gold, small items, coins, shore
If you’re looking for a device that can do it all, the XP Metal Detectors Deus RC WS5 is what you’ve been searching for. With an easy user interface and preset programs for beginners, the Deus offers various options to satisfy expert detectorists.
What makes this device a standout is that the detecting technology is built right into the coil, so the results are almost instantaneous. The Deus is made up of 3 elements – coil, headphones, and remote, and you can charge them all simultaneously.
Five multi tones and different pitches make signals fully customizable. It comes with 8 user programs and 10 factory programs that can be used in various conditions. Although the XP Deus has a steep learning curve due to its advanced technology and a multitude of features, it has fairly simple menu options. It is also quick to change the coil and deploy the stem in a matter of seconds.
Pros
- 8 user programs and 10 factory programs
- Hip mount provided for remote
- Beach On mode in the GROUND Menu is perfect for seashore hunting
Cons
- Larger headphones may get too hot
- Steep learning curve
Best for Beginners Runner Up
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series
Specifications
- 51” collapses to 22” and 2.3 lbs.
- Detector, user’s manual
- VLF
- Only the coil is waterproof
- Detects metal at a depth of 10 inches
- 4 AA batteries, not included
- Best for novice, family, beach, small items
The National Geographic PRO is an excellent choice if you have a young person in your life that is interested in the hobby or you want a new family hobby. Fully extended, this detector is 51” long but collapses to 22”, making it easy to store in a backpack for the beach.
The easy-to-read user interface has 3 different detection modes that make it straightforward to hone in on what you want to find. A pinpoint feature focuses your search even more, and the 3 sensitivity levels help novices understand the different functions of a metal detector.
The LCD flashes with icons according to what the detector has found; it can detect iron like horseshoes or nails, lesser value coins and aluminum, rings and pull tabs, and high-value coins. The tones correspond to the find’s value, and the highest tones connote something of great value, like the gold and precious metals found in pirate’s treasure.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Ultra-lightweight to take anywhere
- Easy to use with multiple functions
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Coils are not changeable
Best Diving Metal Detectors
Best that Money Can Buy
Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Bundle
Specifications
- 35.2” x 12.4” x 10.25” and 7.5 lbs.
- Headphones, rechargeable battery pack, finds bag, chargers, user’s manual, 1-year warranty
- Multiple frequencies with an operating range of 1.5kHz - 25.5kHz
- Fully submersible to 196 ft.
- No depth indication
- 4 C batteries and NiMH battery pack lasts up to 12 hours
- Best for beach hunting, scuba diving, relic, coin, jewelry, intermediate, expert
The Minelab Excalibur II with patented BBS technology is an excellent diving metal detector for anyone who wants to find buried treasure. Fully submersible up to 196 feet, and with fluorescent markings on the housing, this device is easy to see in the murkiest waters.
The Minelab Excalibur uses BBS technology to gather and assess data from multiple sources and frequency, resulting in high sensitivity, excellent accuracy, and impressive depth detection.
The Minelab Excalibur’s assets are also in its ability to reduce ambient noise and boost the signal from more distant objects. Interchangeable coils of 8” to 10” allow you to swap your coil for added customization.
The smart ground balancing helps the device weed out any signals caused by high mineralization, making this ideal for sea expeditions. You don’t have to manually adjust the ground balance as this machine automatically discards less-attractive metals to focus on the true hidden treasure. an distinguish between ferrous objects, non-ferrous low conductor metals, and non-ferrous high conductor metals. It also has fixed discrimination modes to allow kids to ignore debris if they desire. This provides a valuable teaching opportunity for kids to learn about how much metal trash is in the ground and different kinds of metal.
The backlit LCD is child-friendly, and the instruction manual contains excellent diagrams and how-to explanations for young explorers. The discrimination modes are easy to understand and use. Parents love the sturdy construction, 1-year warranty, and adjustable length.
Overall, it’s the best metal detector for kids and comparable to adult-sized metal detectors in the same price range. It makes a great birthday or Christmas gift, especially for young ones with a parent who already owns a metal detector. It’s worth trying with your child at its price point, especially if you need new outdoor bonding activities or want to get your kid interested in science.
Pros
- RCB detects deep, faint objects
- Hi-Visibility skid plate
- Car charger and extra rechargeable battery pack
Cons
- Batteries are awkward to swap out
- Included battery pack is not waterproof
Best for Beginners
Wedigout
Specifications
- Metal detector, wrist strap, belt ring, user’s manual
- Pulse induction
- Completely waterproof up to 100 ft.
- 3.9” to 5” depth detection
- 9V batteries, not included
- Best for SCUBA, snorkeling, saltwater
The Wedigout is the perfect choice for treasure hunting underwater. The user-interface consists of an on-off button, reducing any control box confusion. This device automatically adjusts settings to enhance depth detection and sensitivity levels.
In terms of construction, the epoxy resin exterior is waterproof to protect the detection coil, and the whole device is sturdily built from stainless steel and sealed against leaks. There’s even a low-battery indicator, so you are never taken unaware by a dead battery.
A wrist strap secures the detector to your arm, so you don’t have to worry about losing it in deep waters. Even though it works incredibly well in the salt of the ocean, it is also great on the beach or hunting for treasure in regular soil.
One of the best features is that it signals you to a potential find with both light and vibration, so you’re sure not to miss anything.
Pros
- Picks up all metal objects in range
- Great features at an affordable price
- Device floats if you let go while in water
Cons
- Smaller than counterparts on market
- Seal to battery may not be watertight
Best Value
Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut
Specifications
- Weighs 9.8 lbs. and is 49” long
- Brass brush, gloves, Fisher 1280-X detector, waterproof headphones, user manual
- VLF single frequency at 2.4 kHz
- Completely submersible up to 250 ft.
- No depth indicators
- 8 AA batteries for 75 hours of battery life
- Best for land and water use, saltwater, freshwater, gold, jewelry, artifacts, coins
The strongest asset of the Fisher 1280-X is its simplicity and ease of use. With 3 knobs – discrimination, sensitivity, and power/volume – you won’t get bogged down with overly complicated controls as you sweep. The sensitivity knob also functions as a battery test so you won’t get caught with a dead battery.
This device is great for underwater use as it’s submersible and leak-proof up to 250 feet. The quartz crystal circuitry prolongs battery life up to 75 hours, far outstripping competitors.
There are different directions for setting up the Fisher 1280-X for land use, shallow water, or deep diving since it’s an excellent SCUBA diving metal detector. It’s important to protect the knobs from harm because if they become damaged, they could cause leaks.
This underwater metal detector is ideal in saltwater because the discrimnation control helps with chatter from high mineralization or waves. Sensitivity should be set at 8 or 9 to pinpoint treasures.
Pros
- Turn on and go operation
- Simple uncomplicated design
- Well known and trusted manufacturer
Cons
- May be hard to pinpoint objects
- No depth meter
Conclusion
If you’re tempted by treasure hunting for pirate’s booty on the shore and underwater, these 2 detectors can help you unearth the treasure.
For shore hunting, Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package is the ideal choice. With patented dual-field search coil and acute sensitivity, you won’t miss a signal.
If you’re under the waves, the Minelab Excalibur II should be your top choice due to its broadband spectrum technology and smart discrimination features.
Top Choice
Have you ever wondered how metal detector actually work? How it is that they can work on land and in water? Or what some of the terminology used by this community means? Worry not, we have all these questions answered for you and much more in our comprehensive guide. Also, if you are curious about other kinds of metal detecting, we have an amazing article for you detailing all our top choices.