What’s the Best GoPro Mount for Scuba Diving?
Reading Time: 7 minutes Learn which GoPro mount is best for your next scuba diving trip.
Shaky footage. Bubbles everywhere. Or just unclear video. We’ve all done it. We simply haven’t zeroed in on the best GoPro setup for scuba diving.
It’s frustrating. Especially if you’ve missed the epic footage of the once-in-a-lifetime moment underwater. So how can you ensure your GoPro is always ready to go just in case that moment arises?
One of the biggest culprits is the mount you use (what your GoPro is attached to). But with so many to choose from, where do you even begin? Head strap? Mask mount? Or a floaty handle? It’s a tough choice. So which one is best?
Below, we’ve ranked the best ways to mount your GoPro while scuba diving based on years of experience. It’s been a tough task and quite the learning curve – all GoPro mounts are certainly not created equal.
Best Mount for Your GoPro While Scuba Diving
We’ve ranked common mounts used underwater from worst to best. This list isn’t exhaustive and is certainly up for debate. Let us know what you think at the end!
6. Head Strap
One of the most common GoPro mounts is the head strap. We own two of them, to be exact. However, rarely do we actually use them while scuba diving.
Although, it’s a good piece of equipment to have for your GoPro kit, for scuba diving, we’d recommend using something else.
PROS:
- Hands-free
- Steady; minimal shakiness
CONS:
- Bubbles rise blocking field of view.
- Conflicts with your scuba mask.
- Accidental recordings are common (you won’t remember if the thing is on or off).
- Point and aim is difficult.
GoPro Head Strap
5. Wrist Mount
I’ve seen people use a wrist mount while scuba diving and with good success. It’s a viable option if you want to go hands-free.
PROS
- Point and aim at your target.
- Hands-free.
CONS
- Your hand may actually come into view depending on settings.
- It’s easy to bang it against something.
- Limited mobility. Field of view is limited.
GoPro Wrist Strap
4. Mask Mount
Some companies make masks with a GoPro mount attached right to it. The masks are usually of high quality – a good substitute for your regular scuba mask.
However, we don’t really use them for scuba diving (although it is possible). But the reason we added them to this list is because these types of masks are awesome for freediving and spearfishing!
PROS
- Hands-free
- Awesome for freediving and spearfishing.
- No extra straps.
CONS
- No point and aim.
- Bubbles block field of view if used during scuba.
GoPro Mount Mask
3. Floaty Handle
For the longest time, I exclusively used a floaty handle for all my underwater GoPro filming. In fact, the floating mechanism even saved the camera from being lost!
For most divers, the floaty handle is sufficient for all your filming needs. I still use it half the time!
PROS
- Floats if you drop it.
- Point and aim.
- Good mobility.
- One hand-free.
CONS
- It floats! (think drifting away in a ripping current)
- Can be shaky if you’re an arm swimmer.
- Not completely hands-free (although it does have a wrist strap if you need to use your hand for something else.)
GoPro Floaty Handle
READ MORE: 7 Tips to Prevent Losing Your GoPro While Scuba Diving
2. Extendable Grip
A gentleman introduced this mount to me a few weeks back and I loved it – his videos were so clean and was able to get closer to marine life than normal.
The extendable grip also makes it a good selfie stick for your underwater adventures!
PROS
- One-hand free.
- It floats if you drop it.
- Extendable allowing you to film closer.
- Point and aim.
- Unobstructed field of view.
- Long lever so film is more steady.
CONS
- Not completely hands-free.
- Not streamlined.
GoPro Floating Extendable Grip
1. Dual Grip Stabilizer
My best videos have come while using the dual grip stabilizer. The video is just so dang steady.
The two handed bar is solid, protecting your GoPro, while also stabilizing your shot. If your sole objective is to get quality video underwater, this is the way to go. What do you need your hands for anyway?!?
PROS
- Steady and stablized.
- Solid design.
- Unobstructed field of view.
- Point and aim.
CONS
- Requires two hands.
- Sinks if you drop it.
Dual Grip Stabilizer for GoPro
Here’s an example of a video shot with my GoPro 9 at the Oakland Ridges in Fort Lauderdale using the dual hand stabilizer.
Other Considerations
We wouldn’t recommend it as you’re likely to have a BCD completely covering it and it’ll be impossible to focus on any one thing.
It’s important while scuba diving to focus on one task. If you’re there to take photos and video with your GoPro – do just that.
Don’t do too much, it only leads to mistakes.
No matter which mounting method you use, you should always fasten your GoPro to yourself in some capacity. You’d hate to lose it – they’re quite expensive, after all.
Quick Accessories for Your GoPro
Carrying Case for GoPro
Waterproof Casing Hero9
Extra Battery and Charger
Underwater LED Light
Best GoPro for Scuba Diving
We’ve recently updated to the latest and greatest GoPro: the Hero9. The video is simply stunning down below – we highly recommend making the leap if you’re in the market.
GoPro Hero9
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Read More Tips for GoPro & Scuba Diving
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best GoPro mounts for scuba diving. Hopefully you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
- 7 Best GoPro Accessories for Scuba Diving
- 7 Tips to Prevent Losing Your GoPro While Scuba Diving
- Complete List of Essential Accessories for Scuba Diving
Which GoPro mount do you use for scuba diving? Did we miss any? Let us know in a comment below!!
