If you’re a passionate metal detector enthusiast, you may be curious about using your metal detector underwater. After all, rivers, seas, and lakes are fantastic locations for metal detecting due to the limited competition from other hobbyists.
Moreover, these water bodies offer a great opportunity to discover valuable items like jewelry and coins, as they attract many visitors. However, one question frequently arises:
Is a metal detector actually waterproof?
Yes, but usually only partially. Most of the time, only the coil of the metal detector is waterproof. The coil refers to the round or elliptical shape at the end of the metal detector. As a result, the control box, which contains all the electronics, is often not waterproof.
Therefore, it is important to keep the control box above the water most of the time to avoid a short circuit. In this blog, I will provide you with all the information you need to know about metal detecting in the water.
By the end of this blog, you will be well-prepared for your underwater metal detecting adventure. Enjoy reading and happy hunting!
First things first; why should I go metal detecting underwater?
Metal detecting underwater may sound unusual if you’ve never heard of it before, but it’s actually a great idea. Allow me to explain.
Underwater metal detecting allows you to discover lost items belonging to swimmers, fishermen, boaters, and water enthusiasts. Often, these items remain undiscovered because they are buried in the sand, making a metal detector essential for finding them.
You’ll come across a wide range of items, such as mobile phones, GoPros, jewelry, wallets, watches, toys, money, pocket knives, fishing lures, keys, and pendants. It’s no wonder that underwater metal detecting is gaining popularity.
Moreover, you may even stumble upon historical artifacts like old coins, thimbles, and remnants from the Middle Ages. Water has always been a central part of human life, with people residing near water sources for bathing, laundry, and drinking purposes.
Is a metal detector completely waterproof or not?
If you are persuaded to go metal detecting underwater, you might want to use your own metal detector. The question that quickly comes to mind is whether a metal detector is completely waterproof of not.
Unfortunately, not every metal detector is fully waterproof. Most of the time, only the coil is waterproof, while the control box is not.
The coil of a metal detector is the bottom part, typically shaped as a round or ellipse. As only the coil is waterproof, it is crucial to be cautious and ensure that other components, such as the control box located in the middle of the shaft, remain dry.
The correct posture for underwater metal detecting is to submerge the coil in the water while keeping the control box above the water level, as shown in the illustration below.
So what do I have to do with my (not-fully waterproof) metal detector when it rains?
As mentioned earlier, most control boxes are not waterproof, as they house all the electronics of the metal detector. Therefore, it is crucial to protect them at all costs.
If your metal detector only has a waterproof coil, it is advisable to use a control box cover, also known as a rain cover, when it rains. This cover will safeguard the electronics inside the control box from water damage.
Fortunately, these rain covers are relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective investment compared to replacing the entire control box. You can easily find good-quality rain covers on platforms like Amazon.
Nokta Makro Simplex + coverIs it safe to use a metal detector underwater?
There are some people who wonder if it is even safe to go metal detecting underwater. Let’s clear things up for you.
Yes, it is safe to go metal detecting underwater as long as you use a suitable waterproof metal detector. However, if your metal detector is not waterproof, it can be dangerous because water can come into contact with the electronics, potentially causing a short circuit.
Therefore, always check the product specifications before heading into the water. You can usually find these specifications in the product manual or on the manufacturer’s website. They often provide important information like the following table.
| Name | ”Metal Detector” |
| Color | Black and Yellow |
| Batteries Required | Yes, 2x 9V |
| Item Weight | 2.10 lbs |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Waterproof | Only the coil |
| Item Dimensions | 39 x 10 x 9 inches |
| Adjustable Length | Yes |
How do I know if the metal detector detects a target underwater?
You may be wondering how to determine if your metal detector detects a target underwater, especially since you can’t hear the sounds without headphones.
Most waterproof metal detectors are equipped with a vibration function, where the handle vibrates upon detecting a target. Additionally, these metal detectors often have an LED lamp that illuminates when a target is detected. These features allow you to receive feedback and know when the metal detector has identified an object, even without relying on auditory cues.
By utilizing the vibration function and observing the LED lamp, you can effectively detect targets underwater and continue your metal detecting adventure with confidence.
Another way, maybe a little bit less convenient, to know whether your metal detector has detected a target or not is to use headphones. Many people wonder whether there are waterproof headphones for metal detecting.
Are metal detector headphones waterproof?
Many metal detector enthusiasts prefer using headphones to interpret the sounds produced by the machine, as it allows for a more focused and immersive detecting experience. However, it’s important to consider whether the headphones themselves are waterproof.
While most metal detector headphones are not waterproof, there are indeed options available that offer waterproof features. It’s essential to carefully review the product specifications and choose headphones that are explicitly designed for use in water. This way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises or damage to the headphones.
In my opinion, one of the best waterproof metal detecting headphones is the Minelab Equinox Headphones.
These headphones are submersible in both salt and fresh water, making them suitable for underwater metal detecting adventures. Additionally, they are over-ear headphones with adjustable fit, providing comfort and flexibility during use.
If you’re unsure whether you need headphones for metal detection or want to explore more about this topic, I invite you to check out my blog where I delve into this subject in detail.
What are good metal detectors for underwater metal detecting?
Good metal detectors for detecting underwater need to be fully waterproof. Furthermore, they need to have a vibration function and a luminous display. Some good metal detectors that have all these functions are the Nokta Makro Simplex + and the Quest Q30.
It is very important that the metal detectors have a vibration function. This is important because you can’t properly hear the sounds underwater. Furthermore, the machine needs to have a luminous display.
With a luminous display, you can see on the display that the machine has detected an object or not. It basically starts to produce light when a metal object has been detected.
Nokta Makro Simplex
- Vibration function
- Clear display
- Waterproof up to 10 ft (3 meters)
- Very cheap
The Quest Q30
- Vibration function
- Clear display
- Waterproof up to 10 meters (3 meters)
- Efficient in salt water
How do I find the target underwater? Do I need a shovel?
Finding targets underwater can indeed be a challenge, as you can’t simply dig in the soil and examine the excavated sand. However, there are effective methods you can employ to locate targets underwater.
One useful tool is a sandscoop, which resembles a rod with a strainer-like attachment at the end. With a sandscoop, you can dig in the underwater soil, allowing the water to filter out the sand while retaining the target within the scoop. This method helps separate the target from the surrounding material.
Another technique you can utilize is fanning. This involves using your hands or a small handheld strainer to fan the water and sediment away from the target area. As you fan the water, the lighter materials will be carried away, while heavier objects such as targets will remain in place, making them easier to spot.
1. Use a sandscoop
The best digging tool for underwater metal detecting is a sandscoop. First, you use the sandscoop to dig into the soil, collecting sand from the bottom.
Next, you shake the sandscoop in the water, allowing the water to dissolve the sand while leaving the target intact in the scoop.
A sandscoop is an affordable, fast, and convenient tool for underwater metal detecting enthusiasts. There are two types available: one with a long rod and one with just a handle.
Pro High Sandscoop
- Long shaft (knee high)
- Coins and rings won’t slip through
- Good grip
Sand Scoop (Handle)
- Carbon Handle
- Stainless Steel
- Lightweight
- 2 mounting options
2. Remove the sand by waving with your hand
The next thing that you can do to find the target underwater is to move the sand by waving your hand underwater. You simply wave and when you do this, the water will move horizontally.
This will eventually move the sand away from the bottom surface. Sometimes, this technique is enough to reveal the target that you were looking for. If the target is located relatively deep, this technique won’t make sense unfortunately.
3. Use a strainer
Another useful tool for finding targets underwater is a strainer. Similar to a sandscoop, a strainer helps separate the sand from the target. However, it’s important to note that strainers are generally not as durable as sandscoops, so extra care is required to avoid damaging the shaft while digging in the sand.
On the positive side, strainers are more affordable compared to sandscoops. If you’re planning to go underwater detecting only occasionally or as a one-time activity, opting for a strainer might be a more cost-effective choice.
Super Wire Strainer With Handle
- Cheap option to find a target underwater during metal detecting
- Easy to clean and store
- Strong shaft
- Suitable for you when you only want to use it once for metal detecting underwater
Things that you should keep in mind when detecting underwater
There are some things that you really have to keep in mind when you want to go metal detecting underwater in order to stay safe. Therefore, I will give you some good tips.
1. Wear proper boots
When metal detecting underwater in the sea or a lake, it’s common to encounter a bottom surface that is filled with potentially sharp objects such as rocks, shells, gravel, or coral.
To protect your toes from injury, it is crucial to wear appropriate boots. Additionally, the uneven nature of the sea floor can pose a risk of ankle sprains if proper footwear is not worn.
Moreover, it’s important to be aware that there may be marine creatures like snakes, sharks, and stingrays present at the bottom. Wearing suitable boots will help minimize the chance of coming into contact with these potentially dangerous animals.
Water Booties for swimming, surfing, snorkling
- Ergonomic design
- Keep your feet warm and safe
- Ideal for various sports
- Anti-slip sole
- Available in many sizes
2. Check the bottom surface before you start detecting
As mentioned earlier, the bottom of a sea or lake often contains inequalities. This will increase the chance of rolling your ankle. Therefore, you should always check the bottom surface before you start with metal detecting.
This will give you a little indication of the spots with many inequalities. At these spots, you should be really careful. The most of the time, these inequalities occur due to coral, rocks or holes created by the waves.
3. Watch out for cold streams
In some lakes or seas, there are areas with cold streams where the water temperature can drop significantly. When you unexpectedly come into contact with this cold water, your muscles may contract, leading to a loss of control over your body.
In severe cases, this can even impair your ability to swim, increasing the risk of drowning. It is crucial to be mindful of these cold streams and their potential dangers.
To ensure your safety, it’s advisable to stay close to others while underwater detecting, as this allows you to call for help if needed. Additionally, being in the proximity of a friend provides an opportunity for mutual assistance and support.
4. Watch out for rip currents
Another very dangerous phenomenon are rip currents. These rip currents, also called rip tides, occur at the coast of the beach.
These rip currents are flows/streams that flow away from the coast-line in the direction of the deep sea. This means that these rip currents have the exact opposite direction compared to the waves that come to shore.
When you are metal detecting at the coast and you get in contact with a rip current, you can be dragged into the sea. This could lead to very dangerous situations. My advice is therefore to always go detecting with a friend.
This friend can help you when a dangerous situation occurs. The other way around, you can also help him.
5. Watch out for dangerous water animals
In the sea, there could be some dangerous animals near to the coastline. The most common dangerous animals are jellyfish. These jellyfish can inject venom with their tentacles. When you get stung by a jellyfish, you will get instant pain and inflamed marks on your skin.
Besides the jellyfish, there could also be stingrays near the coast. These stingrays have venomous stingers on their tail. A stingray can sting you with this venomous tail. Therefore, you have to watch out for these animals when metal detecting in the water.
Furthermore, there could be animals like sharks, snakes, crocodiles, octopuses and parasites that can cause irritation on your skin.
6. Watch out during thunderstorms
You have to be really careful when the weather seems to suddenly change. Especially when you see dark clouds and hear thunder in the distance.
Water is a really good conductor. This means that it could be really dangerous when the lighting strikes the water. You could even be in danger when the lightning strikes the water 100 yards (meters) away.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a fully waterproof metal detector we mean that both the coil and the control box are waterproof. Luckily enough there are some good metal detectors that are fully waterproof. The Nokta Makro Simplex + and the Quest Q30 for example are both a good metal detector that can be used underwater.
Actually there is not a huge price difference between fully waterproof and partially waterproof metal detectors. However, metal detectors that are fully waterproof are slightly more expensive than metal detectors that only have a waterproof coil. The average price of a fully waterproof metal detectors is between the $400 and $600.
Yes, the most VLF (hobby) metal detectors will be affected by salt water. Salt water ensures, just like ground mineralization, that the metal detector will produce phantom signals. To avoid this, you should use the ground balance function or you should use a pulse induction (PI) metal detector.