Best Underwater Metal Detectors in 2023

Underwater search is a very intriguing type of metal detecting, obviously, because far from every treasure hunter is able to explore the depths of bodies of water. One needs not only some specialized equipment for that, but also certain advanced skills. So, if you are a newbie dreaming about treasures on the bosom of the sea, you’d better work on your experience in the first place. Even if you are not going to do deep diving detecting, searching underwater requires extra mastery – and of course a relevant detector! 

Top 5 Best Underwater Metal Detectors

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Metal Detector

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1

Minelab Excalibur II

Minelab Excalibur II

2

Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II

Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II

3

Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi

Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi

4

Minelab Equinox 800

5

Nokta Makro Simplex

Metal detectors underwater face additional difficulties, such as muddy and mineralized water, invisible trash, additional noise and movement, etc. Therefore, you need only the best underwater metal detectors to make your search productive. If you are not sure about the features or specifications you need, check out the list of devices we have provided for your convenience. We have chosen the top products based on topicality, multitasking, features, budget, and durability. Moreover, you can read some underwater metal detectors reviews for more information. 

How to Choose a Metal Detector for Underwater? 

When we are talking about subaquatic metal detectors, let’s make sure we are on the same page. There are waterproof machines protected from rain, fog, wet grass, but they cannot be submerged, so please keep that in mind. Next, there are devices that can be submerged for 1 foot, because only the search coil is isolated. Control box should never be submerged. Next, there are machines that can be submerged to the depth of 3 or 10 feet (these are different models and different specifications). These machines are the most widespread on the market, and usually enjoy the biggest demand. And eventually, there are professional level devices for impressive depth and duration of subaquatic performance per session. All these are different detectors, and they have different features that need to be considered. 

Key Features of Underwater Detectors 

There are only several key features that every detectorist has to consider before they purchase a subaquatic metal detector for themselves. The first feature is high quality discrimination, which is crucial because subaquatic search conditions are definitely more complicated. The second feature is multifrequency, or single operating frequency higher than 13-15 kHz. Lower frequencies are not efficient underwater. The third feature is ground balance, which is crucial for stable performance. And last but not least is the ability to work in highly mineralized salt water. If you pay attention to each of these features, you will be able to choose the most suitable device for yourself. 

Set Your Budget Limits

There are no cheap underwater metal detectors. If you want to spot valuable objects, you need a high quality, reliable machine, and it can’t be cheap. But it can still be affordable! So, set your budget, and opt for equipment that fits it. 

Wrap Up 

Underwater metal detecting will open a whole new world of valuable finds for you. So, have no doubt and take your treasure hunting to the next level!

FAQ

Do metal detectors work underwater the same way they work on land?

The principle of work is the same for all hobby detectors, but they can use different technologies and different frequencies.

Can I use an underwater detector on land?

If this is an all purpose machine, then yes, you can. But specialized subaquatic-only devices cannot be used on land.

Can I find gold and silver underwater?

Yes, but seeking for gold underwater is double the complication. So, you have to be ready to face exhausting conditions.

Why stable performance in salt water is crucial?

Salt water is highly mineralized, creating lots of noise for the detector. Salt water discrimination allows the machine to ignore this noise, and catch only magnetic field from valuable objects.

Do I need different detectors for salty and clean water bodies?

No, you don’t. Most detectors work equally well in different bodies of water.