9 Best Underwater Metal Detectors (November 2026)
The best underwater metal detectors include the SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector for shallow-water target recovery, the GADFISH Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting for sifting wet sand, and the MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof for beach-to-shallow-water use.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we compared underwater metal detectors
- The best underwater metal detectors by use
- What depth rating should an underwater detector have?
- Which detectors suit wet sand and shallow water?
- How do you recover an underwater target?
- Should you choose a Minelab, Nokta or another brand?
- Which underwater metal detector should you choose?
The best underwater metal detectors depend on how deep you plan to search. For diving, the Nokta PulseDive is rated to 200 ft; for beaches and shallow water, the Minelab X-Terra PRO and Vanquish 360 are rated to 16 ft.
A detector with a waterproof coil is not necessarily safe to submerge as a whole. Check the depth rating for the exact model and keep any control box that is not waterproof above water.
For broader choices that include water-friendly land detectors, see our guide to the best metal detector that works in water. If you need a compact tool for recovery, compare best small underwater metal detector options.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for shallow-water target recoverySAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for beach-to-shallow-water useMINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGarrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector
Best for pinpointing in deeper water - 5
Check itSAKOBS Metal Detector for Adults
Best for wet sand and riverbanks - 6
Check itGreenRex Metal Detector for Adults Professional
Best for rainy-day and shoreline searches - 7
Check itNokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector
Best for scuba diving - 8
Check itMINELAB Vanquish 360 Fully-Automatic Lightweight Waterproof Metal
Best for simple beach-mode switching - 9
Check itNokta Simplex Lite Metal Detector with 9.5”
Best for beach and all-metal searches
How we compared underwater metal detectors
The most useful comparison is the stated depth limit, followed by which detector parts can get wet and how you plan to recover targets. We checked those details alongside search modes, form and handling features.
A full-size detector sweeps a wider area than a handheld pinpointer. A pinpointer helps narrow the location after a larger detector has found a target, while a scoop helps you sift sand during recovery.
The products here do not all serve the same job. The Nokta PulseDive is rated for deeper submersion, while the Minelab models cover beach and shallow-water use, and the SAKOBS and Garrett pinpointers are for target recovery.
| Product | Best for | Waterproof rating | Detection distance | Alerts | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector | shallow-water target recovery | IP68 | Up to 3.1 in under suitable conditions | Audio and vibration | 9.7 |
| GADFISH Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting | sifting wet sand | 9.6 | |||
| MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof | beach-to-shallow-water use | IP68 | 9.6 | ||
| Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector | pinpointing in deeper water | 9.5 | |||
| SAKOBS Metal Detector for Adults | wet sand and riverbanks | 9.5 | |||
| GreenRex Metal Detector for Adults Professional | rainy-day and shoreline searches | 9.2 | |||
| Nokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector | scuba diving | IP68 | 9.1 | ||
| MINELAB Vanquish 360 Fully-Automatic Lightweight Waterproof Metal | simple beach-mode switching | 8.8 | |||
| Nokta Simplex Lite Metal Detector with 9.5” | beach and all-metal searches | IP65 | 8.2 |
The best underwater metal detectors by use
The right underwater detector is the one whose water rating fits your planned depth and whose format suits the search. Read each pick's depth limit and waterproof-part details before choosing.
SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector: Best for shallow-water target recovery
- IP68 waterproof design
- 360-degree side scan
- Audio and vibration alerts
- Up to 3.1 in detection distance under suitable conditions
A handheld pinpointer for narrowing a target location after a detector finds the search area. Its IP68 design is intended for wet sand, streams, river edges and shallow water.
Pros
- 360-degree side scan
- Audio and vibration alerts
- One-button operation
Cons
- Handheld pinpointer, not a primary search detector
- No submersion depth stated
The SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector is a compact helper for narrowing a target location after a larger detector signals. Its 360-degree side scan and audio or vibration alerts can help you work through wet sand, mud, streams and shallow water.
SAKOBS describes the pinpointer as IP68 waterproof and gives a detection distance of up to 3.1 in under suitable conditions. That distance is not a submersion depth, and no specific maximum depth is stated here.
Use this as a recovery tool, not as your main detector for scanning a broad underwater area. The one-touch operation and compact size make it easier to carry alongside a full-size detector.
GADFISH Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting: Best for sifting wet sand
- 201 stainless steel
- Detachable long handle
- 8.5 mm hexagon holes
- Fresh-water rinse recommended after saltwater use
This scoop helps retrieve targets from sand after a detector signals. Its detachable long handle can help you work while standing, and fresh-water rinsing is recommended after saltwater use.
Pros
- Scoop and long pole included
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Made for beach and underwater searches
Cons
- A recovery tool, not a detector
- Saltwater use calls for a fresh-water rinse
The GADFISH Sand Scoop for Metal Detecting helps with the part that follows a signal: lifting and sifting sand to find the target. It has a scoop with 8.5 mm hexagon holes and a detachable pole, so you can work at different handle lengths.
Its 201 stainless steel construction is intended for beach and underwater searches. After saltwater use, rinse it with fresh water as recommended.
A scoop is useful recovery gear, but it does not detect metal. Pair it with a detector whose water rating fits your search area, and keep your target-finding tool close while sifting.
MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof: Best for beach-to-shallow-water use
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Park, Field and Beach modes
- Three pairs of pre-programmed search modes
- 2.9 lb
A full-size detector with a stated 16 ft submersion limit and Beach search modes. Its three-piece shafts pack down to 25 in for transport.
Pros
- Stated depth limit suits shallow-water searches
- Beach mode included
- Backlit display and keypad
Cons
- Not rated for deep diving beyond 16 ft
- Check the manual for use and care limits
The MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof is a full-size option for beaches and shallow-water searches up to 16 ft. It has IP68 protection, Park, Field and Beach modes, and a three-piece shaft that packs down to 25 in.
For more options, compare waterproof Minelab metal detectors.
Its 2.9 lb weight and large LCD make it a practical choice if you want a detector for both land and water. The maker also lists handgrip vibration, a control pod flashlight and a backlit keypad.
Treat 16 ft as the model's stated limit. Before submerging it, check the manual for setup and care steps, and use the Beach modes where they fit your search conditions.
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector: Best for pinpointing in deeper water
- Submersible to 20 ft
- Three sensitivity levels
- Fast retune
- Bright orange casing
A handheld pinpointer for narrowing a target after a larger detector finds it. Its 20 ft submersion rating and orange casing suit underwater recovery work within that depth.
Pros
- 20 ft submersion rating
- Fast retune feature
- Built-in ruler and lanyard loop
Cons
- Pinpointer, not a full-size search detector
- Limited to its stated 20 ft depth
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector suits pinpointing targets underwater within its 20 ft limit. Three sensitivity levels let you adjust response, and a fast retune feature can narrow the detection field.
Its bright orange casing is designed to be easier to see underwater. The one-button control handles power, retune, sensitivity and stealth mode, while a molded ruler helps judge target depth.
Like other pinpointers, it helps locate a target after a larger detector has found the area. The depth rating applies to the pinpointer itself, not to a separate detector.
SAKOBS Metal Detector for Adults: Best for wet sand and riverbanks
- IP68 waterproof DD coil
- 11 in coil
- Four search modes
- Control box not stated as waterproof
The waterproof coil is intended for wet sand, shallow water and riverbanks. The control box is not described as waterproof, so keep it out of the water.
Pros
- Foldable design adjusts from 26 to 47 in
- Backlit LCD with target ID
- Waterproof search coil
Cons
- No control-box submersion rating
- Not a diving detector
The SAKOBS Metal Detector for Adults is intended for wet sand, shallow water and riverbank searches, with an 11 in IP68 waterproof DD coil. Its control box is not described as waterproof, so keep that part out of the water.
The foldable shaft adjusts from 26 to 47 in, and the detector includes All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer modes. Its stated detection depth is up to 12.8 in under suitable conditions, which describes target detection rather than water depth.
Choose this for shoreline searching where the coil may enter shallow water and the control box can stay dry. It is not a diving detector.
GreenRex Metal Detector for Adults Professional: Best for rainy-day and shoreline searches
- IP68 waterproof 10 in coil
- Five detection modes
- Five sensitivity levels
- Control box is not waterproof
Its IP68 coil is intended for shallow water, beaches and rainy conditions. The control box is not waterproof, so this is a shoreline detector rather than an underwater unit for submersion.
Pros
- Five detection modes
- Adjustable length
- Backlit LCD and optional LED lighting
Cons
- Control box must stay dry
- No submersion depth stated
The GreenRex Metal Detector for Adults Professional fits rainy days and shallow shoreline searches. Its IP68 waterproof 10 in coil can be used in shallow water, but the control box is not waterproof.
Five modes include All Metal, Disc, Memory, Jewelry and Pinpoint. Five sensitivity levels and an adjustable shaft can help you set up for different ground conditions, while the backlit LCD supports low-light use.
Keep the control panel above water and check the detector's instructions before using it near surf. The stated features do not give a submersion depth for the complete detector.
Nokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector: Best for scuba diving
- Waterproof to 200 ft
- Converts between scuba detector and pinpointer
- Audio, LED and vibration alerts
- Replaceable coils
The PulseDive is the deepest-rated detector in this group, with a stated limit of 200 ft. It converts between a scuba detector and a pinpointer, making it suited to underwater target searches.
Pros
- Highest stated depth limit here
- Two interchangeable coil setups
- LED flashlight
Cons
- Handheld format differs from a full-length detector
- Follow the maker's depth and care instructions
The Nokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector is the clear fit for scuba searches, with a stated waterproof limit of 200 ft. It can switch between a scuba detector and a pinpointer, and the package includes replaceable scuba and pointer coils.
Audio, LED and vibration alerts help you monitor signals underwater. The built-in LED flashlight can also help with visibility during low-light searches.
Its depth rating makes it different from the shallow-water models in this roundup. Follow the maker's instructions for the intended configuration and stay within the 200 ft limit.
MINELAB Vanquish 360 Fully-Automatic Lightweight Waterproof Metal: Best for simple beach-mode switching
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Park, Beach and All Metal modes
- 2.6 lb
- Up to 10 hours of continuous run time
A lightweight full-size detector with a stated 16 ft submersion rating and a Beach mode. Its listed run time is up to 10 hours per charge.
Pros
- Beach mode included
- Lightweight at 2.6 lb
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Not rated for deep diving beyond 16 ft
- No separate underwater control details stated
The MINELAB Vanquish 360 Fully-Automatic Lightweight Waterproof Metal is for beach and shallow-water detecting up to 16 ft. It weighs 2.6 lb and includes Park, Beach and All Metal modes, so it can also cover land searches.
Minelab gives the detector an IP68 rating and says it is fully submersible to 16 ft. Its rechargeable battery is rated for up to 10 hours of continuous run time.
Choose it if a lightweight detector and straightforward mode selection matter. For deeper diving, compare the PulseDive's stated depth rating instead.
Nokta Simplex Lite Metal Detector with 9.5”: Best for beach and all-metal searches
- 9.5 in waterproof DD coil
- Vibration for underwater detecting
- Beach and All Metal modes
- IP65 rating
The stated features include a waterproof coil, vibration and Beach mode. The information does not give a submersion depth for this model, so confirm its water-use limits before submerging the detector.
Pros
- Beach mode and All Metal mode
- Vibration for underwater detecting
- Lightweight at 2.6 lb
Cons
- No submersion depth stated
- IP65 rating is less specific than a depth rating
The Nokta Simplex Lite Metal Detector with 9.5” includes a waterproof DD search coil, vibration for underwater detecting, and Beach and All Metal modes. Those features point to water-related use, but the available details do not state a submersion depth for this model.
Its IP65 rating is not a depth figure. Confirm the maker's instructions for which parts can enter water and how deep before using it as an underwater detector.
The 2.6 lb weight may appeal if you want a light detector for beach searches. If you need a clear depth rating for submersion, choose one of the picks that states a maximum depth.
What depth rating should an underwater detector have?
Choose a detector with a stated depth rating that covers your deepest planned search. The PulseDive is rated to 200 ft, while the X-Terra PRO, Vanquish 360 and Garrett Pro-Pointer AT have stated limits of 16 ft, 16 ft and 20 ft.
Those limits apply to specific devices, not every item used alongside them. A waterproof coil, a pinpointer and a control box may have different water limits, so check each part before entering the water.
If a detector has no stated submersion depth, do not assume its IP rating gives you one. For a general explanation of what can work underwater, read [Can a Metal Detector Detect Underwater?
A Helpful Guide](/can-a-metal-detector-detect-underwater/).
Which detectors suit wet sand and shallow water?
For wet sand and shallow water, choose a detector with clearly described water use and a coil or full detector rating that fits the job. The X-Terra PRO and Vanquish 360 are both stated to be fully submersible to 16 ft.
The SAKOBS and GreenRex models describe waterproof coils for shallow water, but their control boxes are not stated to be waterproof. Keep the control box dry and use these as shoreline detectors.
Search conditions also affect how you move and recover targets. Our guide to metal detecting in water covers practical water-search steps, while what you can find with a metal detector can help set expectations for likely targets.
How do you recover an underwater target?
Use a full-size detector to locate a signal, then a pinpointer to narrow the target area and a scoop to sift sand. Keep each recovery tool within its own water-use limits.
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is rated to 20 ft, and the SAKOBS pinpointer is described as IP68 waterproof for shallow-water settings without a stated depth. The GADFISH scoop can sift sand, with a fresh-water rinse recommended after saltwater use.
Match the tool to the target and bottom material. A pinpointer helps narrow the search area, while a scoop physically removes and sifts sand.
Should you choose a Minelab, Nokta or another brand?
Choose by the water limit and search format that fit your plans, then compare features within that group. Minelab's X-Terra PRO and Vanquish 360 are full-size detectors rated to 16 ft, while Nokta's PulseDive is built for underwater use up to 200 ft.
For brand-specific options, see our guides to the best Minelab metal detector and best Nokta underwater metal detector. If you're buying for a younger detectorist, our guide to the best metal detector for kids ages 8-12 covers models for that age range.
Which underwater metal detector should you choose?
Pick the Nokta PulseDive if you need a stated depth rating for diving, the X-Terra PRO or Vanquish 360 for full-size beach and shallow-water detecting, and a pinpointer or scoop to help recover targets. Check that every part you submerge is rated for your planned depth.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for shallow-water target recovery
SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for beach-to-shallow-water use
MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can any metal detector be used underwater?
No. Check which parts are waterproof and the stated depth limit before taking a detector into water.
Some models only have a waterproof coil, while a pinpointer or full detector may have a separate depth rating.
Keep any unrated control box dry.
How deep can an underwater metal detector go?
Depth limits vary by model. The picks here range from detectors described for shallow water to the Nokta PulseDive, which is rated up to 200 ft.
Stay within the stated limit and follow the maker's care instructions.
A waterproof rating alone does not tell you a safe depth.
Can I use a regular metal detector in saltwater?
Only if its water-use instructions allow it. Saltwater and wet beach sand can affect how a detector behaves, and a waterproof coil does not mean the control box can be submerged.
Choose equipment with clear water limits and rinse saltwater gear as its maker directs.
Do I need a pinpointer for underwater detecting?
A pinpointer can help narrow a target after a larger detector signals, which may make recovery easier in sand or a target hole. It does not replace a full-size search detector.
Check its separate depth rating and use it only within that limit.
