Newsletter

Join The Club!

Whether or not a metal detector will work in or underwater is a frequent question we get here at the shop.  Here is the answer.

Most metal detectors have waterproof search coils.  But not all of them are fully waterproof.  The search coil is the round or eliptical thing at the very end (bottom) of the metal detector.  It is the part of the machine that is closest to the ground when metal detecting.

 will a metal detector work in the water

Metal detectors will work underwater and freshwater has very little effect on how they function (saltwater is another story).  Additionally you can use a metal detector in the rain with no adverse effect on their functionality.  However, not all metal detectors are fully submersible and some of them cannot be used in the rain without a protective rain cover.  The good news is most models have environmental rain covers that can protect them from the rain that can be purchased for a small investment.  The covers do not however protect them from being submersed.

For more information on hunting freshwater versus saltwater see my article, "Best Metal Detectors For The Beach"

Rain Covers Can Be A Good Investment For Diehard Metal Detectorist

Garrett ACE Environmental Cover-Up

Some metal detectors are fully submersible and do not require a protective cover when detecting in the rain.  There are several metal detectors on the market at reasonable prices that can be used underwater and still serve as great detectors for jewelry, coin, and relic hunting on dry land.  These metal detectors are designed for shallow surf hunting and provide both visual and audio cues you need to determine if targets are worth retrieving.  They can typically be submersed at depths up to 10 feet.

The Minelab Equinox 800 Is aGood Waterproof Metal Detector for up to 3 Meters in Depth

waterproof minelab equinox 800 metal detector

 

Then there are dive metal detectors that are made to be used up to 200 feet in depth.  These detectors are true dive detectors.  They are typically pulse induction metal detectors and only provide audio output since at those depths it is difficult to view a display screen.  These detectors can also be used on land but lack the visual display screen to help discriminate against unwanted targets.  These pulse induction metal detectors handle the heavily mineralized saltwater you will encounter with ocean water.

The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II is an Excellent Dive Metal Detector

Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II Metal Detector with Free Gear Beach Hunter Package

 Another type of submersible metal detector that has gain popularity over the years are smaller "wand' type metal detectors.  These lightweight and compact metal detectors are easy to travel with and extremely easy to handle underwater.  They typically have small coils and do not penetrate the surface as much but are an excellent choice for hunting in the surf and in rivers.

The Vibra Tector 740 is Small Compact Dive Detector

Treasure Products Vibra Tector 740 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector - Surf Hunter Package with Snorkel and Dive Mask

Here Are My Coices For The Top 10 Best Submersible Metal Detectors 

  1. Minelab Equinox 600 & Equinox 800 (3 Meters)
  2. Garrett AT Pro (10 Feet)
  3. Nokta Makro Simplex Plus (3 Meters)
  4. Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi (5 Meters)
  5. Minelab CTX 3030 (3 Meters)
  6. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II (200 Feet)
  7. Minelab Excalibur II (65 Meters)
  8. Vibra Tec 740 (30 Meters)
  9. Nokta Makro Pulse Dive (60 Meters) 
  10. Nokta Makro Mini & Midi Hoard for Kids (1 meter)

I hope this clarifies the question for most people out there.  Good luck and happy hunting!

Stay tuned to our blog for upcoming articles and episodes by following us on your favorite social media outlet to stay informed of releases:

YouTube:  HighPlainsProspectors

Facebook:  @highplainspropsectors

Instagram:  #highplainsprospectors

Twitter:  @HProspectors

Pinterest:  @highplainspro0247

You Might Be Interested In

Equinox 900 Bundles

Choose from multiple different moneys saving bundles and get the gear you need.

Sand Scoops & Beach Gear

Check out our sand and beach scoops. Several different styles available.

Coin & Relic Cleaning Supplies

Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
Floor/Demo Model - Used Garrett GTI 2500 Metal detector - Eagle Eye Package
29% off
Floor/Demo Model -  Used Garrett GTI 2500 Metal detector - Eagle Eye Package

Floor/Demo Model - Used Garrett GTI 2500 Metal detector - Eagle Eye Package

Sale price
$999
Regular price
$1,399.95
6" LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case
21% off
6" LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case

6" LCD Digital Caliper with Extra Battery and Case

Sale price
$19.95
Regular price
$24.95
Minelab Excalibur II Lightly used store demo and training machine.
Minelab Excalibur II Lightly used store demo and training machine.

Minelab Excalibur II Lightly used store demo and training machine.

Price
$950
Returned/Damaged Box - Nokta Legend, Waterproof Metal Detector with 12" x 9" LG30 Coil
25% off
Returned/Damaged Box - Nokta Legend, Waterproof Metal Detector with 12" x 9" LG30 Coil
2

Returned/Damaged Box - Nokta Legend, Waterproof Metal Detector with 12" x 9" LG30 Coil

Sale price
$525
Regular price
$699
Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector – Shop Demo Unit with Ultimate Treasure Hunting Package
23% off
Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector – Shop Demo Unit with Ultimate Treasure Hunting Package

Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector – Shop Demo Unit with Ultimate Treasure Hunting Package

Sale price
$580
Regular price
$752.88
Returned slightly used Garrett New 50" All-Purpose Carry Metal Detector Bag
16% off
Returned slightly used Garrett New 50" All-Purpose Carry Metal Detector Bag

Returned slightly used Garrett New 50" All-Purpose Carry Metal Detector Bag

Sale price
$25.49
Regular price
$29.99
Used XP MI-4 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector
Sold out
Used XP MI-4 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector

Used XP MI-4 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector

Sale price
$84
Regular price
$140
Used and Demo Metal Detectors For Sale

Shop All

Used and Demo Metal Detectors and Gold Prospecting Equipment