Snorkeling with a GoPro: Setup Checklist

By Henrik Andersson, founder of Nordic Flash. Published November 12, 2026

A turquoise Nordic Flash float holding an action camera at the water's surface

Snorkeling with an action camera comes down to three checks: before you get in, while you're in the water, and after the swim. Close and check every door, confirm the camera's depth rating, and attach a float or wear a camera float 1-pack. Afterward, rinse with fresh water the way the camera maker says.

Key takeaways

Close and check every door and cover before the camera gets wet.
Depth ratings differ by model, so check yours before you get in.
Action cameras sink, so keep yours on a float or a camera float 1-pack.
Rinse with fresh water after salt water, doors closed, and dry fully.

A camera and float next to a short checklist: door, depth rating and float.

By the numbers

GoPro says the HERO13 Black is waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a housing, and to 60 m with its Protective Housing (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
DJI lists the Osmo Action 5 Pro as waterproof to 20 m without its case and 60 m with it (DJI (opens in a new tab)).
Insta360 says the X4 is waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a dive case, and asks owners to soak it in fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes after every use in seawater (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).

Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].

What should you check before you get in?

Start on dry land, where it is easy to fix things.

Doors and covers. GoPro says to make sure the door latch is closed before the camera is exposed to water (GoPro (opens in a new tab)). Insta360 asks you to check that the battery compartment and USB cover are free of dirt and securely closed (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).
Depth rating. Check the rating for your model, and whether it needs a housing for the depth you plan.
Lens guards. Insta360 says the X4's lens guards are not recommended underwater, so remove them first (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).
Screen lock. GoPro suggests locking the touchscreen when you use the camera in water (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
Float and weight. Each Nordic Flash float is made to float up to 7 oz (200 g). Weigh the camera with everything attached; our weight capacity guide shows how.
Cord and clip. Check the float's cord and clip before you get in, and replace the float if either is frayed or damaged.
Battery and card. Charge the battery and clear space on the card before you leave.

A foam float on a wrist loop just under the surface, with the camera clipped to the cord.

How should you carry the camera in the water?

Keep it attached to something that floats. Action cameras are denser than water and sink, which our guide to keeping a GoPro from sinking explains with the makers' own numbers.

Both Nordic Flash options are worn on the wrist with the camera attached:

The camera float 1-pack. The camera float 1-pack is one float on an adjustable strap that keeps the camera on your wrist while you swim.
The camera float 2-pack. The camera float 2-pack has two floats with quick-release cords that clip to the camera, and you can connect both floats to one camera for added security.

GoPro adds that the touchscreen is designed to work wet but may need a wipe, and that you can use the camera buttons underwater (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).

What about a snorkeling-mask mount?

Some snorkelers mount a camera on the mask. This checklist is about keeping the camera sealed, rated for the depth and afloat if it comes off. For a mask mount, use a mount made for that job, and still add a float or a camera float 1-pack, because the camera sinks if it comes loose.

A camera and a foam float being rinsed in fresh water after a swim.

What should you do after the swim?

Follow your camera maker's care steps. For the cameras above:

GoPro: rinse with fresh water, side door closed, and dry after salty or dirty water (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
Insta360 X4: soak in fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes after seawater, rinse gently, dry with a soft cloth, and wait until it is completely dry before using it again. Don't use a hair dryer (Insta360 (opens in a new tab)).

Rinse the float and strap in fresh water too, and let them dry before you pack them.

The checklist

When	Check	Done
Before	Doors and covers clean and closed	☐
Before	Depth rating checked for your model	☐
Before	Lens guards off if the maker says so	☐
Before	Setup weighed against the float's rating 7 oz (200 g)	☐
Before	Float or camera float 1-pack attached and tested in shallow water	☐
Before	Cord and clip checked, no fraying	☐
Before	Battery charged, card cleared	☐
In the water	Screen locked, buttons for control	☐
In the water	Camera stays on the float or strap	☐
After	Fresh-water rinse or soak, doors closed	☐
After	Dry fully before opening any door	☐
After	Float and strap rinsed and dried	☐

Gear for this

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a GoPro snorkeling without a housing?

Yes, within its rating. GoPro says the HERO13 Black is waterproof to 10 m (33 ft) without a housing. Check the rating for your own model.

Do I need a float when snorkeling with an action camera?

It's a good idea. Action cameras sink, so a float or camera float 1-pack keeps the camera at the surface if it slips out of your hand.

How do I clean my camera after snorkeling in the ocean?

Follow the maker's steps. GoPro says to rinse with fresh water with the side door closed and then dry it. Insta360 says to soak the X4 in fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes after seawater.

Should I lock the touchscreen when snorkeling?

GoPro suggests it. GoPro says to lock the touchscreen from the Dashboard when you use the camera in water, and that you can navigate with the buttons underwater.

Can I use a hair dryer to dry my camera?

Not on an Insta360 X4: Insta360 says not to, because it can affect the microphone, speaker and waterproofing. Check your own camera's manual.

Snorkeling with a GoPro: Setup Checklist

Before you get in

In the water

After the swim