The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Sea Scooter + Reviews
The best sea scooter can help you explore the beauty of the sea and create a memorable summer experience but finding the right model can be challenging. If you have little time on your hands, we’ve looked at the top-rated models currently available and we’ve concluded that the one you should get is the Yamaha Seascooter Explorer Underwater. This model has a maximum speed of up to 2.5 mph and it has an autonomy of 1 hour of normal use and it can go as deep as 30 feet. It weighs only 11.5 lbs. so that you can easily carry it with one hand and it has numerous safety features built-in to keep you protected. What’s more, you can also record your underwater adventures thanks to the included GoPro-compatible camera mount. If our first option is unavailable, then you should definitely take a quick look at the Yamaha Seascooters SeaWing Underwater Dive Scooter.
Comparison table
1st Choice
This model can reach speeds of up to 2.5 mph and it has a run time of around 1 hour. It can handle a maximum depth of 30 feet and it weighs only 11.5 lbs. so that you can easily carry it with you when traveling. It is designed to be used by both children and adults.
It is not the fastest model since it can only reach 2.5 mph but for family use, it should be enough.
This versatile model is very affordable and it can be used by the entire family in the pool, lake, or the ocean since it works in both fresh and saltwater. You can also get it in the gorgeous Blazing Orange limited edition color.
2nd Best
With this underwater scooter, you can easily reach speeds of up to 4 mph and it can handle 45 minutes of continuous use. It uses dual thruster motors for reliable performance. The unit is neutrally buoyant which gives the user better control of the scooter.
To keep the price of the unit low this model uses materials that look a bit cheap but that perform well.
It offers a great combination of value and performance and it is a perfect choice for anyone who values speed. It charges very fast and you can easily see how much better you have left thanks to the LED indicator.
Also To Consider
With a top speed of 4.35 mph and a maximum depth of 130 feet, this model is perfect even for the most serious scuba divers. It is also very comfortable to use thanks to the ergonomic handlebar and the triggers offer a very natural thumb placement.
The deeper you go, the more the scooter will strain to keep going. It’s best to stick to shallow water.
The powerful thrust and the impressive top speed that this model can reach makes it one of the most impressive sea scooters on the market. It can also be customized since it is available in three stylish colors.
7 Best Sea Scooters (Updated Reviews) in 2020
To make it easier for you to find the high-quality underwater sea scooter you need, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated models currently available. The list covers a wide range of budgets and specifications so make sure you give it a look if you have the time.
1. Yamaha Seascooter Explorer Underwater
If you’re in the market for an affordable sea scooter then you should definitely keep this option in mind since it offers excellent performance and it can be used by the entire family in both fresh and saltwater. It reaches a top speed of up to 2.5 mph and while it may not sound as much, when you’re in the water it does feel reasonably fast.
It uses a rechargeable battery and one full charge should allow you to use this model for around 1 hour with normal use. The unit is perfect for shallow waters but you can still go a bit deeper since it is rated to handle a maximum depth of 30 feet. It is built for safety and it features an automatic shutoff function and a protective grille around the propellers.
It is a family sea scooter and it weighs 11.5 lbs. so that even kids can carry it comfortably and you can take it with you during your travels so that you can always be ready for an impromptu session of snorkeling, swimming, or light scuba diving.
What’s more, with this model you can also record all your underwater adventures thanks to the built-in camera mount that is compatible with GoPro cameras.
Pros
The battery is rechargeable and with normal use, the scooter has a run time of 1 hour with a single charge.
It has a space-saving design that lets you transport it with you wherever you go and when you’re not using it, it won’t take too much storage space.
To ensure the safety of the user, this model comes with critical safety features, namely a built-in auto-shutoff function, protective grille, and dual trigger functionality.
The entire family can have fun using this model since it can be used by adults and children that are 8 years and older.
This model is available in a limited edition Blazing Orange color that looks great both in and out of the water.
Cons
The plastic construction looks cheap but thankfully it can handle heavy use without issue.
It is not a fast sea scooter by any means and some divers may find it too slow.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($399.99)
2. Yamaha Seascooters SeaWing Underwater Dive Scooter
This Yamaha sea scooter offers an unbeatable combination of quality and value and it can reach a maximum speed of 4 mph so that you can reach depths of up to 130 feet quicker. It features a powerful dual thruster motor with 2-speed interchangeable gear so that you can choose between a high or low speed.
The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery that boasts an industry-leading 12 hour charge time. With a full charge, the product will run for about 45 minutes so that you can enjoy memorable underwater experiences time and time again. You can always check how much battery is left thanks to the easy-to-read LED indicator located on the top of the unit.
The materials used for the body of the scooter are neutrally buoyant and this means that they won’t sink to the bottom or float to the top. Thanks to this quality, this unit is much easier to control and that will also translate into a much safer experience for both amateur and experienced divers.
Another great feature that this model offers is the built-in camera integration that lets you take videos and pictures seamlessly. You can use any sports camera of choice since the mount is compatible with most of the underwater cameras on the market.
Pros
This option does not only pack a punch thanks to its powerful 4 mph motor and the 130 feet depth capacity but it manages to remain highly portable since it weighs only 8.15 lbs.
The 2-speed interchangeable gear lets you switch between high or low variability and it runs on a powerful dual thruster motor that provides reliable performance.
If you accidentally let go of this unit, it won’t sink to the bottom or rise up to the surface since it is made from neutrally buoyant material that will keep the scooter in place.
You can keep track of the remaining battery life easily with the help of the visible LED battery indicator so that you can plan your underwater adventures accordingly.
Cons
Since it is more powerful than other models, it has a maximum runtime of just 45 minutes.
The controls are easy to use but they look a bit cheap, almost like a toy.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($663.12)
3. Yamaha Seascooters Professional Dive Series
For anyone looking for a professional sea scooter, this model is designed for more than just diving around the pool and basic snorkeling since it can help you reach dive sites quicker and it boasts an impressive list of features. The first thing to talk about is the speed and this model can reach 4.35 mph and it is rated as safe to use to a depth of up to 130 feet.
It is powered by a high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery system and you can remove it for external charging and for easy replacement, not that you’ll need it anytime soon since this system provides double the lifespan of conventional batteries.
When used in normal conditions this model can run up to 90 minutes, which is more than enough for even the most serious scuba divers. There’s also a 3-level rotational speed control so that people of all skill levels can use this option at the speed that they find most comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, with this model the handlebar also serves as the user’s main navigation tool and that’s where you’ll find a set of ergonomically positioned triggers that are very easy and comfortable to use since they promote a natural thumb position.
Pros
This model has a maximum speed of 4.35 mph and it can function up to 90 minutes under normal usage.
It features drain holes that are placed strategically to help water flow freely and exit the scooter once it is no longer in the water and this feature also gives this model a neutral buoyancy.
When it hits the surface, all of the water will be expelled immediately so that you don’t waste more time manually draining the scooter.
The dashboard features an LED battery status indicator that provides an accurate and real-time voltage display during use.
The battery is removable for external charging and for easier replacement.
Cons
Once you go beyond 50 feet deep the scooter will visibly begin to strain a little, which means that you shouldn’t use it for too long in deep waters.
This is not a cheap sea scooter and its price is bound to scare away many potential buyers.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
4. Davv D Machinery Scuba Sea Scooter
This is another option that’s great for the entire family since it is affordable and thanks to the top speed of around 3.5 mph and the maximum depth of 80 feet, it is versatile enough to handle a wide variety of activities. The battery it comes equipped with is rechargeable and a full charge will last for 1 hour which will give you plenty of time to enjoy yourself.
Charging the battery is also not an issue since getting it from 0 to 100% takes about 3 hours. Furthermore, this model is designed to give you optimum safety and to this end, it is equipped with protective grilles so that it is impossible for both kids and adults to touch the motor propeller accidentally during use.
There are also two speed settings to choose from and this is a feature that is very useful for kids or for anyone who prefers a slower diving experience that allows them to explore more of the sea life.
Another advantage of this model is its compact design. It weighs only 14 lbs. and this makes it very easy to carry and handle both under and above water. Storing the unit once you’re done using it is also not a problem.
Pros
It has a lightweight construction that makes it portable and easy to handle even for older kids and teenagers since they won’t have any issues diving with this model.
The handles are ergonomic and grippy and if you lose touch of the scooter it won’t sink to the bottom since the unit has a positive buoyancy.
It has two-speed settings so that you can go slower and since it is rated for a maximum depth of 80 feet, you’ll be able to use this model to explore more of the undersea life.
It is an affordable option that is perfect for people who are on a tight budget but still want to use a reliable product.
Cons
The plastic construction looks a bit cheap and it has a chemical smell that is quite unpleasant and strong.
The battery is not included and you’ll need to purchase it separately and there are also concerns of compatibility to keep in mind.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($399)
5. Tengchang 300W Electric Diving Sea Scooter
Spending time at the beach during the summer months can be more fun for the entire family with this option since it is priced fairly so that everyone can afford to get a scooter that does not compromise on quality. It can power through the water at a maximum speed of about 3.7 mph and it can reach a maximum depth of 100 feet.
The runtime of the machine is of approximately 30 minutes but you can quickly rejuvenate it once it runs flat thanks to its quick charger that fills the 5Ah battery faster. The unit comes with the battery included which is a huge bonus for it since similarly priced alternatives tend to come without a battery.
The design of the scooter is completely waterproof and maintenance-free so that you don’t have to waste minutes prepping the unit before and after diving. The battery is the only part that will require checks and maintenance. With that said, the battery is rated to last for up to 500 charges before it will need to be replaced.
The housing of the scooter is also very sturdy and more than capable of handling the abuse these types of models need to endure in the ocean.
Pros
It is a perfect choice for families or for people who are new to the underwater scooter scene and don’t want to spend too much money but still want a model that can satisfy most needs.
It comes with a rechargeable battery that is rated to last up to 500 charges before you’ll need to replace it.
The package includes additional accessories including a foot air pump and a carry bag so that you can easily take this unit with you when traveling.
The exterior of the unit is sturdy and the propeller is secured by protective grilles to keep kids as well as adults protected.
Cons
The main issue with this model is the short runtime since you shouldn’t expect to use it for more than 30 minutes with a single charge.
At 24.25 lbs. this model is a bit on the heavy side and the carry case is mandatory if you want to transport it comfortably.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
6. Changli Under Water Scuba Sea Scooter
This nifty model features a high-performance 300-watt DC electric motor that is speedy enough and easy to maneuver for both amateurs and more experienced divers. It is available at an affordable price so that you can have fun without having to go over budget with your purchase.
The scooter is finger activated and it has a soft start trigger that will instantly start the electric motor. There are 2 speed adjustments for users to choose from and amateurs or small children can use a slower speed until they get used to their first underwater scooter.
The design is waterproof and it has a self-filling ballast hull that helps it achieve neutral buoyancy the moment it goes underwater. What this means is that in the event that you accidentally let go of the scooter while you’re in the water, it won’t sink to the bottom or rise up, and you’ll have plenty of time to grip it again.
When used with a 6Ah, 24vol lead-acid battery such as the one recommended by the manufacturer, this model can achieve an average runtime of approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. Numbers may differ slightly depending on speed settings and the conditions in the water.
Pros
The housing is fully waterproof and it features a maintenance-free design so that you can spend less time worrying about the scooter and focus more on having fun underwater.
The unit has a lightweight construction and adults can easily grasp it with one hand which makes it very easy to take with you on holidays especially since the package includes a special backpack for it.
It comes with an intelligent three-step electric charger that will charge the battery quicker so that you don’t have to wait too long until you can go back in the water.
The scooter can achieve neutral buoyancy so that once in the water, it won’t sink or rise to the surface if you let go of it.
Cons
The battery does not come included which means that you’ll need to purchase it separately, so make sure you budget accordingly.
While the housing is indeed sturdy, the look of the plastic gives the unit the impression of a toy.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($448)
7. AQUAROBOTMAN MagicJet Seascooter
One of the key features of this model is its high running time since the generous battery and the highly-efficient motor allows this unit to function for up to 100 minutes. You also won’t have to sacrifice speed seeing as this model brings power in your palm and it can reach speeds of up to 4 mph.
You can also use it to satisfy all your curiosities about the deep sea since it can easily reach a dive depth of 165 feet. The battery indicator is easy to read even when you are deep underwater so that you can always tell the remaining capacity to keep you safe and plan your undersea adventures accordingly.
The propellers have a protective net that prevents the fingers from going anywhere near them. The sea creatures and their habitats will be protected as well since this model won’t pollute the water or disturb the sea creatures so that you can enjoy a more immersive diving experience.
Furthermore, you can record your underwater adventures from multiple angles since this option features 3 camera mounts that are compatible with most sports cameras on the market. It is also very light and it has a compact design that is easy to carry and store.
Pros
You can bring extra batteries with you and replace the depleted one while you’re still in the water (freshwater only) so that you can explore for longer, especially since one charge can deliver up to 100 minutes of continuous use.
The 2-in-1 model design lets you use two scooters in parallel if you want to achieve a better experience and reach higher speeds.
The product is eco-friendly and it won’t create disturbance in the water so that you can get closer to the sea creatures without spooking them.
This model allows for both one-hand and two-hand operation and it can be used for scuba diving, swimming, or snorkeling.
It has a very slim design compared with most other similar options that are rather bulky.
Cons
It is an expensive model but considering its features and design if you can afford it, it is well worth the money.
It is not suitable for children below 14 years.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($699)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Finding the right sea scooter may seem easy in theory since there are plenty of options to choose from but the seemingly endless amount of alternatives can, in fact, make your job more difficult. Each option has its own features and knowing what is important and what you can ignore is hard if you don’t have time to do your own research.
We want to make things easier for you which is why we’ve analyzed numerous sea scooters reviews, expert opinions, and online resources to identify the key factors that need to be considered if you want to make a purchase that you won’t regret.
Speed and battery life
As with any recreational vehicle, the speed it offers matters to most users. Some prefer going slower so that they can take in more of the beauty beneath the sea, while others prefer speedy options that let them reach their destination faster.
With that said, there is a correlation between speed and battery life since the more power that your sea scooter has, the less time it is going to last. Thus, if you favor speed and you want to get a good runtime, you should choose an option that offers ample battery capacity.
The speed at which the battery recharges is equally important and is dependent on its capacity. A 6Ah battery will reach 100% faster than a 10Ah battery. With that said, you can still find high-performance models that reach high speeds without compromising battery life but they generally tend to be a bit on the expensive side.
You can also purchase additional batteries and keep them charged to extend your underwater adventures, especially if you share the scooter with your family members or friends.
For simple snorkeling close to the shore, battery life can be shorter but for diving far from the shore, most sea scooter reviews recommend a unit that offers a runtime of 90-120 minutes. It is also crucial for the product to have the remaining battery life displayed in real-time so that you can see the time you can spend underwater and plan the rest of your dive accordingly.
Maximum depth
Another crucial aspect that you need to consider is the maximum depth that the unit can reach since for some types of activities you’ll need to go deep and some scooters may not be able to handle the pressure.
With that said, unless you are a professional diver then you’ll probably not need to go deeper than 30 feet since going further than that requires some serious dedication. While there are certainly some models that can’t reach 30 feet, the vast majority of options are able to reach a depth of 30 feet or more.
If depth is important to you, and you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable non-professional options that can dive down to 100 feet and more. The thing to keep in mind is that some manufacturer claims are a bit exaggerated so it is always a good idea to check some customer feedback.
Don’t read just one sea scooter review, try instead to look at both positive and negative reviews and make your own judgment based on what you find.
Buoyancy
Sea scooters should have a neutral buoyancy since if they have a tendency to drop to the bottom or rise to the surface, it can be very difficult for the user to handle the device. Furthermore, a neutral buoyancy ensures that if you accidentally get your hands off the scooter, it will stay in place.
Most models on the market tend to have additional control to help you customize the buoyancy a little but the more premium alternatives provide you with more options so that you can set the buoyancy to your liking.
Another aspect that you should consider is that scooters tend to have a different buoyancy in saltwater compared to freshwater. While most options are designed to work in both types of water, they tend to offer the best experience when used in saltwater.
Thus, if you intend to buy a scooter primarily for freshwater use, you should either invest in a premium option that offers plenty of buoyancy options or go for a product that’s designed specifically for freshwater dives.
Buoyancy controls are also mandatory if you intend to use the scooter deep underwater since otherwise, you’ll have difficulties controlling the device.
Weight
The weight of the scooter is important but not inside the water as much as outside of it since if it is too heavy, then you’ll have problems transferring it in and out of the water. Similarly, if you’re looking for a scooter that your kids can use then weight can be a real issue and in such a situation, the lighter the scooter is, the better.
A lighter product will also be easier to carry for a reasonable distance. You also don’t need to worry that just because a unit is light, it means it lacks important features. In fact, more advanced models tend to be lighter since the manufacturer puts more care into the design of the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How does a sea scooter work?
The way in which a sea scooter works is fairly simple and it uses a battery-powered basic propeller system at the back to provide forward propulsion. The more powerful the motor is, the faster the scooter will move. The propeller is shielded by a protective grille to ensure that it cannot harm the diver, his or her equipment or marine life.
The battery and all of the other electrical components are placed in a waterproof housing and they’ll remain safe to quite a significant depth. Most models use rechargeable batteries that can provide an average of 60-90 minutes of runtime and there are plenty of models that can reach higher numbers, though they tend to be more expensive.
The common design used for this type of product requires you to lie along with it and reach up to its handlebars to power you along and to steer while underwater. The sea scooter will save divers a lot of energy and the flatbed design makes it very easy to get on and off even when you’re in full scuba kit.
Q: Are underwater scooters safe?
Yes, underwater scooters are very safe both for the diver and for the environment since they use batteries that are enclosed in a waterproof housing. The scooters are not propelled by an engine which means that there are no dangerous emissions going into the water that could harm the local underwater fauna and flora.
As for the diver, sea scooters are very safe since they don’t go that fast and there is not much that could go wrong seeing as they only move forward when the throttle is engaged and if you accidentally let go of it, the unit stops automatically.
Lastly, there’s the propeller and while for some this may look like the most dangerous component of the product, all the options on the market have it safely secured behind a metal protective grille. Thus, there is no need to worry since as long as you use it as intended, an underwater scooter is very safe.
Q: What’s a good sea scooter for a beginner?
If you are a beginner then you should search for a model that offers a good combination of quality, performance and affordability. Due to the nature of this type of device, even entry-level models can be quite expensive but considering the amount of fun they can bring, the investment will certainly end up being worthwhile.
Speed won’t matter as much for a beginner since it takes time to learn how to make the most out of a sea scooter and going slowly will help nurture your skills. What’s more, slower models also tend to be more affordable.
As a beginner, there’s no reason to venture very deep. Most users recommend getting a model that can reach depths of up to 15-30 feet. Battery life is also important since you don’t want to cut your underwater trips too short. At the minimum, the scooter should provide a runtime of 40 minutes, but a higher battery capacity is always welcomed.
Q: How fast do sea scooters go?
There are underwater scooters that can go as fast as 5.6 mph but they tend to be very expensive and are generally only used by professional divers. The scooters that most people can afford boast a speed that ranges between 2 to 4 mph. When comparing it to ground speeds these numbers may seem low but they certainly don’t feel this way in the water.
Sea scooters are not designed to go fast since their main purpose is to let the diver save some energy by transporting him or her to and from different destinations. They are also very compact so they can’t pack a lot of power.
Some options also come with different speed controls and you can adjust them depending on your needs. You can go slower if you want to explore the sea without disturbing the creatures near you or you can go faster if all you care about is reaching your destination.
Q: How often do I charge the battery of the scooter?
You should charge the scooter after each use but if you don’t use it for extended periods of time such as in the winter when these devices are often left in storage then you should try and charge the battery at least every 3 months. Leaving the scooter uncharged for longer than 3 months can be detrimental to the battery life.
In the summer, you can charge the battery as often as you want since most of the rechargeable batteries found in sea scooters nowadays are rated to last for 3-400 cycles of charging and discharging. Try not to leave the batteries at 0% for too long since this can affect the battery life.
Under normal use, the average scooter battery will remain functional for a minimum of 2-3 years so there is no reason to replace it sooner than that unless you notice that the runtime of the device has decreased significantly.
