Don’t let a little rain stop you from having fun outdoors with your drone.
If you haven’t thought about investing in a waterproof drone yet then by the end of this article you probably will.
There aren’t many waterproof drones on the market currently and we’re hoping that the list grows over time.
However, the few on the market can fly in light rain, snow and sleet.
Waterproof drones are a great option if you live in a place with unpredictable weather conditions.
These units can be used to capture the best shots during wet weather and underwater without the user having to worry about the electronic components being damaged.
This is because the frames of these drones are sealed tight to prevent water from getting in and causing any damage.
Let’s jump right in and check out the best waterproof drones on the market.
Drone
Features
Price
Best waterproof drone reviews
- Control Range: 3.1 miles
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 5 pounds
Are drones waterproof?
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 is here to answer that question.
This unit is a 5th generation waterproof drone designed using the best waterproofing technology in the industry.
It is made from industrial grade ABS and every unit is factory sealed and air pressure tested for a 100% waterproof guarantee.
The IP68 rated drone comes with a floating platform and stays afloat when dropped in water.
Not only is the drone itself waterproof but the remote controller is as well.
The remote controller has an IP66 rating and like the drone, it also floats.
Aside from these, the waterproof motors and internal components are all covered with a corrosion-resistant coating.
This adds another layer of protection to the already fully waterproof design.
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 comes with a 4K camera that allows you to capture photos and videos in high resolution.
The camera is mounted on a 3 axis gimbal to reduce distortion shaking and distortion even when capturing underwater footage.
One of the best things about this drone is the different payload functions.
This allows you to use the unit for shooting a movie or dropping fish bait in the water.
However, you need to make sure that the payload does not exceed 4 pounds.
As far as automated flight functions you have a Dynamic Return Home feature, Smart Follow, Circle Mode, Wind Resistance, Cruise Mode and others.
If you’re looking for a fully waterproof drone, it doesn’t get better than the SwellPro SplashDrone 4.
- 1x Swellpro SplashDrone 4 Aircraft - 1x Remote Controller - 2x Propellers (Pair) - 1x Intelligent...
- IP67 seawater proof body
- IP66 Waterproof remote controller
- 5km image transmission
- Automatic power flip
- Control Range: 800 meters
- Flight Time: 17 minutes
- Weight: 1.9 pounds(unloaded)
We have yet another Swellpro drone on our list and that is because they have quite a few awesome waterproof drones on the market.
Think of Swellpro as the DJI of waterproof drones.
The Swellpro Spry is rated IP67 which means that the drone can stay afloat or be submerged onto a meter of water for 30 minutes.
It is labeled as the world’s only water sports drone and rightfully so since it can swim through water and record at the same time.
This makes it an awesome choice when surfing, kayaking, swimming or recording any other water-based sports.
The bright orange shell and aerodynamic quadcopter design complete with curves reduce drag when you fly.
The remote controller has an IP66 rating and a control range of 800 meters.
In the optics department, the Swellpro Spry comes with a 1/2.3 inch Sony sensor that can capture 4K resolution videos.
It can also capture stunning 12-megapixel photos and allows you to customize the camera settings to get your preferred levels of exposure, HDR, contrast and more.
Along with that comes a 3-axis stabilization feature with two for the mechanical components and an electronic stabilizer as the third axis.
Altogether, they allow for smoother captured footage even when performing high-speed maneuvers.
The drone performs very well and is responsive during flights.
The brushless motors allow it to reach speeds of up to 65kph making it as nimble as a drone can get.
The Swellpro Spry is a fun water sports drone that you need to get your hands on if you’re a water sports enthusiast.
- Aircraft - Remote Controller - Controller Battery - Balance Charger - Drone Battery - Propellers -...
- Compact and portable
- Completely waterproof
- Real 4K camera
- Easy to fly and highly agile
- Control Range: 800 meters
- Flight Time: 17 minutes
- Weight: 1.9 pounds(unloaded)
Due to great success with the Swellpro Spry, one year after we were presented with the Swellpro Spry+.
The Spry+ is said to be as good as the Spry and comes with similar specs.
However, it is said to be better than the Spry in various ways.
This unit can perform well both in the air and in the water.
The drone is designed to be fully waterproof and all tit’s components including the external motors and joint screws are coated with a corrosion-resistant coating.
Purchasing this unit is like getting 2 drones in one since it can be used for aerial filming or FPV racing.
The camera is housed in a water-resistant glass dome to minimize distortion while a specially-made shade can get rid of excessive glare.
It captures high-speed action with stunning 4K clarity.
For stills, you can capture 12MP photos with amazing details, thanks to the mechanical gimbal and electronic stabilization.
Best of all, the camera allows for real-time video transmission.
You’ll need to use the waterproof remote controller’s built-in LCD screen to view the live feed eliminating the need to use your smartphone’s screen.
The screen also displays other important stats like battery time, distance, height and others.
The control range of this UAV is around 800 meters and the flight time is 15 to 17 minutes.
Performance-wise, you won’t be disappointed with this drone.
The Swellpro Spry+ comes with a bunch of automatic flight features like Return-to-Me, Orbit Modes, One Key Launch and others.
- Fully Waterproof & Buoyant
- Take off & Land in the Water
- Corrosion-Resistant Motor Coating
- Up to 4K Video & 12MP Images
- Control Range: 3.7 miles
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 1.9 pounds(unloaded)
The first-of-its-kind waterproof AI drone, PowerEgg X Wizard can be used as a drone, a handheld gimbal camera or an AI camera to track subjects.
The unit comes with 2 kits; the Explorer kit and the Wizard kit.
The Explorer kit comes with the drone, detachable propeller arms, handheld camera strap, 1 battery, a controller, 1 polystyrene carry case and 2 spare propellers.
The Wizard kit comes with all of the above and waterproof housing, floats for a water landing, 1 additional battery, two extra pairs of propellers, 1 propeller arm case and a mini tripod.
In this review, we are pairing the drone with the Wizard kit for its waterproofing components.
The design of the PowerEgg X Wizard is quite unlike any other and is shaped like an egg with a detachable bottom panel that protects the camera and gimbal.
The waterproof housing and floats for water landings included in the Wizard bundle give you the perfect unit to fly in rainy and wet conditions.
Together, they give you a chance to land the drone on water, snow, mud or in areas covered with long grass.
Apart from these, this water drone can capture awesome videos and photos.
You find a 1/2.8 inch CMOS sensor that is capable of capturing 12 MP stills and 4K videos.
It is also equipped with an automatic obstacle avoidance system that includes both upward and downward binocular sensors.
These help to ensure you have a hassle-free flight whether you’re capturing the landscape or steady footage of outdoor sports.
The PowerEgg X Wizard performs well in the sky and features tons of intelligent camera and flight modes.
- 【Stunning 4K60FPS footage】: Capture high-definition aerial footage with crystal-clear detail and...
- 【Dual-mode functionality】: Enjoy the versatility of two modes in one device, with a handheld...
- 【Intelligent features for creative shooting】: Use slow-motion and time-lapse effects to add...
- 【Advanced obstacle avoidance and landing protection】: With visual sensors that detect obstacles...
- 【Long-range transmission and flight control】: Control the drone and transmit real-time video up...
- Control Range: not specified
- Flight Time: 10 minutes
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
Not all waterproof drones have to be expensive as you’ll see with this next unit.
The Braha Aqua drone is a waterproof unit that costs less than $100.
However, it is mostly a toy drone and won’t be able to perform as well as some of the high-end and pricier units on this list.
It was only designed to handle light rain and is 100% water-resistant.
A lot of confusion can come between these two terms; waterproof and water-resistant.
The difference here is that this unit should not also be submerged in water because it was not designed to survive submersion.
Despite the low price-point, you do get a lot of good features.
You can fly the Braha Aqua drone both outdoors and indoors and the unit flies well due to the 6-axis gyro stabilization system.
The flight time is around 10 minutes which is a pleasant surprise for a waterproof unit in this price range.
If you’re looking for a cheap unit to practice flying in rainy conditions, the Braha Aqua drone fits the bill perfectly.
- Indoor/Outdoor Flight Capability and Waterproof
- 6 Axis Gyro Stabilization System
- Built-in rechargeable battery- charges with USB cable included. Charges in 45-60 minutes
- Flight Time: 10 Minutes
Uses for waterproof drones
Here are a few examples where and when waterproof drones can be used,
Fishing
A waterproof drone can allow you to fish from the shore or even a boat.
Can you imagine the possibilities?
Using waterproof drones with cameras on the front can be used for dropping bait.
It can also allow you to scan the beach or coastline for the best fishing locations.
The chances of finding a hidden spot in a familiar fishing location that you haven’t seen before are high.
Using a waterproof drone with a camera also gives you a bird’s eye view of the fishing location.
It can help you identify schools of baitfish or other fish as you fly above the water.
The drone makes it easier to see into the water from above and minimizes glare from the ocean especially if the camera is waterproof as well.
The camera on the drone can also help you identify the perfect spot for dropping the bait.
As you can see there are many instances where waterproof or floating drones can help you when fishing.
Surfing
Waterproof drones can also be used when surfing or performing any other water-based sports.
When surfing, you can use your waterproof drone to check surfing conditions.
The drone allows you to fly confidently over the waves so you can see the best sets of waves that are coming into the beach.
It also allows you to record yourself and others while surfing with a few automatic flight features like Follow Me Mode. waterproof drones that follow you
Waterproof drones that follow you ensure you always have a copy of the high-speed action of rising the waves that you can use to review your performance.
Additionally, if you surf in amazing locations, your waterproof drone captures breathtaking footage of you and the amazing scenery.
Rescue
Your waterproof drone can also be used for rescue missions.
However, you may need to purchase various add-ons to do so.
There are several ways where a waterproof drone can help during rescue missions.
They can be used to fly over disaster zones to help rescuers assess dangerous situations and plan an effective rescue mission.
You can also use them to search for missing or injured persons in a storm, flood or any type of disaster area.
In some cases and depending on the drone, you may even be able to deliver life-saving equipment or medication to victims whilst remaining at a safe distance.
The benefits of waterproof drones in rescue missions are numerous.
These drones access hard-to-reach areas and can fly in less than ideal weather conditions.
They also cut costs significantly in this instance when compared to using a manned aircraft.
Frequently flier over water or in rain
If you are a drone photographer who frequently flies over water or in rainy conditions, you need a waterproof drone.
Constantly flying over water or rain puts you at higher risk for your drone to develop issues due to water damage.
You’re also at higher risk for water to mess with your photo and video quality.
Waterproof drones now come with high-definition camera technology.
This means the cameras on the units are waterproof as well.
You’ll be able to capture smooth distortion-free videos and photos even underwater.
The special coatings keep the lens clear so you can always be confident that you’re getting the best shots or footage possible no matter what.
How to choose a waterproof drone?
Choosing the best waterproof drone can be difficult since it can be a huge investment.
You want to be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Aside from its waterproofing abilities, there are a few other things to keep in mind when purchasing a waterproof drone.
Flight time and control range
A waterproof drone comes prepared for almost anything you throw at it.
It would be a waste to limit its potential by purchasing a unit with poor flight time and control range
Try to go for a ready-to-fly unit with the longest flight time and control range to enjoy the perks of your investment.
These units will allow you to stay in the air longer and to fly out to longer distances.
Navigation and flight assistance
One of the main reasons why you are thinking of purchasing a waterproof drone is because you plan to fly in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
This is why it is absolutely necessary that you try to get as much flight assistance as possible.
Look for units that come with additional sensors, obstacle avoidance systems and precise GPS and GLONASS modules.
Waterproof camera
If you are going to be capturing footage while flying in poor weather conditions or when the drone is submerged, you will need it to have a waterproof camera.
If not, the quality of your videos or pictures can be severely affected.
You should also take into consideration the gimbal stabilization system the drone uses that keeps the camera in place and prevents shaking.
The gimbal system and waterproof camera will ensure that you’re never left with poor picture quality.
Features
The waterproof drone features and can include both camera features or automatic flight features.
Look for units that carry both types of features that can make capturing footage and flying your drone easier.
Conclusion
There you have a list of some of the best waterproof drones on the market.
These exciting drones with waterproofing technology and high-definition camera technology open up a new world of possibilities.
You can fly them in adverse weather conditions and even use them underwater.
It really doesn’t get any better than that.
For other drones check out our best travel drone and best drone for the money.
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