How Can I Use A Waterproof Drone?

Extreme weather conditions

Unfavorable weather is one of the most common reasons. Any regular drone may become lost or get damaged during flight, whereas waterproof drones are built to withstand wind and rain.

This way, waterproof drones are not only useful for enthusiasts, but also for professional and industrial use.

Search & Rescue

Professional grade waterproof drones have also become an asset for lifeguards. The payload release mechanism built into some drones allow sending life vests quicker and farther than traditional means.

Sports

The payload release mechanism built into some drones has also been adopted by fishermen to send out their hooks to the spots where they discovered fish via the camera. But the possibilities for waterproof drones don’t stop there. They are a new means to capture exciting footage from kayaking, surfing, and sailing.

Waterproof Drones vs. Water Splash-Resistant Drones

Although many drones are nowadays advertised as “waterproof” it is worth to read the small print: There are waterproof drones and then there are “waterproof” drones. Some drones are designed to withstand a dive into the water unscathed. Others can merely take rain or accidental falls into puddles of water. If the manufacturer is trustworthy, he will state explicitly to what degree the drone is splash-resistant or waterproof.

Overview
NameWater ResistanceFlight TimeCheck Price
Goolsky JJRC H31Rain & Falls8 minutesAvailable at Amazon
GPToys Aviax H2O QuadcopterRain & Falls8-10 MinutesAvailable at Amazon
GPToys F51Rain & Underwater Camera Use8 minutesAvailable at Amazon
GPToys NextX H2O QuadcopterRain & Falls5-7 minutesAvailable at Amazon
Parrot Hydrofoil Mini DroneWater Gliding9 minutesAvailable at Amazon
SwellPro Splash Drone 3 AutoWater landing, short dives16 minutesAvailable at Amazon
Autel Robotics X-StarSplash-proof25 minutesAvailable at Amazon
Goolsky IDEAFLY Poseidon-480More than 10h soaked in water25 minutesAvailable at Amazon
SaraH2OLands on water, Films under water25 minutesCheck Price
HexH2o Pro v2Lands on water, Films under water30 minutesCheck Price
No matching records found.

Toy Grade Drones

1
Best Waterproof Drone

Goolsky JJRC H31

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: Goolsky JJRC H31

This waterproof drone is ready for flying out of the box. It can take accidental landings on water, but it shouldn’t stay there for long. The included stills camera is perfect to give you a taste of what more sophisticated drones are capable of. Moreover,  the remote control includes headless mode, buttons for 360-degree flips, and, more importantly, one key return, so your drone won’t get lost. At its low price, this waterproof drone is a steal!

Water Resistance: Rain.

Dimensions: 250 x 250 x 55mm

Weight: 64.1g

Battery: 3.7V 400mAh

Flight Time: 8 minutes

Camera: Stills Camera

Range: 70-80m

Flight Controller: Included

Goolsky JJRC H31 Waterproof Drone

This RTF waterproof drone is features a still camera, headless mode, and one-key return.

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2
Best Waterproof Drone

GPToys Aviax H2O Quadcopter

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: GPToys Aviax H2O Quadcopter

While the drone does not come with a camera, but your can retrofit one. According to the manufacturer, the drone is waterproof up to a depth of 70cm. Like most other drones, it cannot take off from the water on its own. In terms of maneuvering, this quadcopter is capable of flying in headless mode, also it will do 360 degree flips upon the push of a button.

Water Resistance: Rain & Falls

Dimensions: 325 x 325 x 80mm

Weight: 130g

Battery: 3,7V 650mAh LiPo

Flight Time: 8-10 Minutes

Charge Time: 60 Minutes

Range: 80m

Flight Controller: Included

GPToys Aviax H2O Quadcopter Waterproof Drone

This quadcopter is can fly in headless mode and perform 360 degree flips with the push of a button.

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3
Best Waterproof Drone

GPToys F51

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: GPToys F51

This handy waterproof drone does include a camera. Its respectable resolution of 2MP is sufficient for hobbyist pictures and videos. This drone is not merely protected against rain and accidental contact with water. What is more, the manufacturer claims that the camera can be safely used underwater. Due to the small size, it is recommended not to fly in strong winds. It supports the standard features like 360-degree flips and one key return. In terms of its feature-set, the F51 is one of the best waterproof drones in its price segment.

Water Resistance: Rain & underwater camera use

Dimensions: 166 x 166 x 57mm

Battery: 3.7V 400mAh

Flight Time: 8 minutes

Charge Time: 45 minutes

Camera: 2MP

Range: 50-80 meters

Flight Controller: Included

GPToys F51 Waterproof Drone

Equipped with a waterproof camera, the F51 can take pictures and videos under water.

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4
Best Waterproof Drone

GPToys NextX H2O Quadcopter

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: GPToys NextX H2O Quadcopter

The NextX H2O is a medium size drone that can withstand not only rain but also short dives in water. The low price makes it an excellent choice for drone beginners. The RC features an LCD screen that displays the remaining battery power of the drone as well as staples like 360-degree flip button. In case you can make do without a camera, you get a sturdy quadcopter that is built for crash resistance and long lasting drone delight.

Water Resistance: Rain

Dimensions: 233 x 233 x 145 mm

Weight: 376 g

Battery: 3.7V 100mAh Li-Polymer battery

Flight Time: 5-7 minutes

Charge Time: 40 minutes

Range: 25-40 m

GPToys NextX H2O Quadcopter Waterproof Drone

This drone can withstand dives of up to 20 centimeters, and the built-in LEDs are perfect for flying in the dark.

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5
Best Waterproof Drone

Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone

If you’re looking for a good deal, the Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone may just be it, as it gives you two drone types for the price of one. In its aquatic mode, the drone glides on streamlined foils and an aquadynamic hull through the water. The hull features a built-in antenna that extends the drone’s range.

To switch to flight mode simply remove the mini-drone from the hull and start flying. You control the drone via an app from your smartphone or tablet. Moreover, the app comes with a range of in-flight tricks, acrobatic flips, and stunts. What is more, this waterproof drone includes a low-res camera (480 ✕ 640px) and is available in the colors black and white.

Water Resistance: Water Gliding

Dimensions: 340 x 320 x 140 mm

Weight: 244 g

Battery: 550mAh battery

Max. Speed: 18km/h (Air), 10km/h (Water)

Flight Time: 9 minutes

Charge Time: 25 minutes

Camera: 480 x 640px

Flight Controller: Smartphone/Tablet App

Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone

Built with streamlined foils and a hydrodynamic hull, the Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone moves with amazing agility in the air and on water.

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Professional Grade Drones

6
Best Waterproof Drone

SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto

SwellPro has put a highly versatile waterproof drone on the market. The built-in gimbal is waterproof enabling underwater film recording with the included 4K camera while the drone hovers over the water surface. However, for short periods of time, it can be immersed up to 600mm into the water. To make the Splash Drone 3 a suitable companion for fishing or rescue operations purchase the 1 kg payload release module.

Using the SwellPro smartphone app (available for Android and iOS) enables some very convenient features. For instance, the waterproof drone can be linked to a phone via Bluetooth prompting it to follow and record you. In addition, it is possible to draw a sequence of waypoints onto a map that the drone will then fly to.

Water Resistance: Water landing, short dives

Weight: 2380 grams

Max. Payload: 1 kg

Battery: 14.8V 5200mAh

Max. Speed: 58km/h

Flight Time: 16 minutes

Camera: 4K HD

Gimbal: 2 Axis

Range: 1km

Flight Controller: Includes 5” FPV screen

Extras: Payload Release Module

SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto

The SwellPro Splash is equipped with a 4K waterproof camera on a gimbal and can be controlled by your smartphone.

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7
Best Waterproof Drone

Autel Robotics X-Star

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: Autel Robotics X-Star

With its built-in 4K camera and a 3-axis gimbal, Autel’s drone is clearly geared towards professional filmmakers who need high-quality steady footage. The splash-proof frame is sure to deliver even under unfavorable conditions. The stunning flight time of 25 minutes gives professionals plenty of wiggle room for repeated takes and experimentation.

To operate the camera and gimbal a smartphone must be attached to the remote controller. In addition, the GPS guided controls ensure a high degree of precision and precaution against fly away and other erratic behavior. This waterproof drone is available in orange and white.

Water Resistance: Splash-proof

Dimensions: 495 ✕ 495 ✕ 216 mm

Weight: 1452 g

Battery: 4.8V 4900mAh

Max. Speed: 58km/h

Flight Time: 25 minutes

Charge Time: 60 minutes

Camera: 4K HD

Gimbal: 3 Axis

Range: 2km

Flight Controller: Attach smartphone to control camera and gimbal

Autel Robotics X-Star Drone

The X-Star Premium is a sophisticated yet easy-to-fly quadcopter designed for excellent aerial imagery.

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8
Best Waterproof Drone

Goolsky IDEAFLY Poseidon-480

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: Goolsky IDEAFLY Poseidon-480

If you need a waterproof drone that is also a high performer, the Goolsky IDEAFLY Poseidon-480 may just be what you want. Its propellers made off sturdy carbon fiber making them ideal for challenging applications. What is more, this drone conforms to the IP67 waterproof level. Meaning: this drone can stay soaked in water for more than 10 hours!

Although not included, the drone is compatible with many cameras and gimbals on the market. Add to that the impressive 25 minutes flight time and you get an aerial photography workhorse. Alternatively, the Poseidon-480 can be used as a fishing drone. Finally, its remote controller comes with all you need, including a lavish 7” screen.

Water Resistance: More than 10 hours in water

Dimensions: 400 x 400x 290 mm

Weight: 2740g

Max. Payload: 1200g

Battery: 4500mAh 22.2V

Flight Time: 25 minutes

Charge Time: 40 minutes

Camera: (optional)

Gimbal: (optional)

Range: 900m

Flight Controller: Includes 7” screen

Goolsky IDEAFLY Poseidon-480 Drone

The Poseidon-480 employs carbon fiber propellers and can remain submerged for up to 10 hours.

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Industrial Grade Drones

9
Best Waterproof Drone

SaraH2O

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: SaraH2O

The SaraH2O is a waterproof drone that was developed for Search and Rescue, as well as inspection duties at sea in mind.

What justifies the hefty price tag? The drone’s hull is sealed making it suitable for applications under unfavorable conditions in rain and snow. More importantly, its propulsion system has a motor failure redundancy which gives you up to 25 minutes of flight time for your operations. In addition, the SaraH2O’s release system can carry and deliver up to 1kg of payload.

It is compatible with GoPro cameras. Both the gimbal and camera are protected from water and other elements, as they are built into the drone’s waterproof viewing dome. On the one hand, this enables filming under water, on the other, you get stabilized footage in high-quality. Moreover, QuadH2O’s online shop offers a number of customizing options for the SaraH2O.

Water Resistance: lands on water, films under water

Dimensions: 740 x 240 x 650 mm

Weight: 4.8kg

Max. Payload: 1000g

Battery: 6S 7000mAh

Max. Speed: 56 km/h (35mph)

Max. Flight Time: 25 minutes

Camera: Not included, GoPro 3 or 4 Black Edition supported

Gimbal: Zenmuse 3-Axis

Range: Up to 1km

Flight Controller: Included

Extras: Allen key tool set

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10
Best Waterproof Drone

HexH2o Pro v2

Image of Best Waterproof Drone: HexH2o Pro v2

The manufacturer of the HexH2o Pro v2 claims that is the most advanced waterproof drone on the market. And indeed the spec sheet is very impressive: The drone is capable of delivering a stunning 2kg payload via the included payload release. As the more humble models in the series, this drone can film under water. Most impressively, you can send it 3,5 km away and still enjoy a high-definition video feed.

Among the safety features are motor redundancy and smart return to home, sending the drone back to you before the battery runs out. The HexH2O Pro was designed to integrate with the DJI GO app, therefore is capable of many powerful features such as displaying the battery status, redundancy status, signal strength, No Fly Zones and more. Moreover, the integrated gimbal takes data from the flight controller into account to deliver steady footage. In case you don’t have all the dough, the HexH2O Pro is also available as a kit.

Water Resistance: Lands on water, films under water

Dimensions: 740 x 240 x 650 mm

Weight: 5.4kg (fully loaded)

Max. Payload: 2000g

Battery: 6S 8000mAh

Max. Speed: 56 km/h

Flight Time: 30 minutes

Camera/Gimbal: DJI X3

Range: Up to 3.5 km

Flight Controller: DJI Naza N3

Extras: Allen key tool set

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Did we miss any waterproof drones that you can recommend? Please feel free to post in the comments section.

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License: The text of "10 Best Waterproof Drones You Can Fly" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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