I am going to talk to you about underwater scooters, which are indeed aquatic propulsion devices that allow you to move faster in the water. I will tell you about the best models and the purchasing criteria to help you choose your seascooter.
Essential to remember
The underwater scooter, also called “sea-bob” or “DPV” (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), allows you to explore the seabed without the effort of finning. Ideal for non-divers doing assisted snorkeling, or for divers who want to cover more distance.
The best models of underwater scooters
If you are here, it means you are looking for advice on choosing your underwater propulsion device.
I will help you make your choice of underwater scooter by giving you the most important criteria.
This aquatic and nautical device is called by several names:
Did you know?
The first underwater scooters were developed during World War II for frogmen. Today, some models like the Yamaha Seascooter reach 4 knots (7 km/h) and last up to 90 minutes on a single charge.
- underwater scooter
- diving propulsion device
- sea seascooter
- or even underwater drone
You can use the device for several special occasions such as snorkeling or scuba diving!
It can also be used during a sea outing.
I will guide you in your selection based on several criteria of existing models such as:
| Model | Speed | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Seascooter | 4 knots | 90 min |
| Sublue WhiteShark | 3 knots | 30 min |
| Sea-Doo Explorer | 3.5 knots | 2h |
| Cayago Seabob F5S | 9 knots | 60 min |
- the power of the model and the fastest device for adults
- the model for children for swimming assistance
- As well as the cheap sea scooter
- The one that has a built-in camera with the aquatic device
- a Yamaha aqua scooter which is the most renowned manufacturer along with See doo.
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Underwater scooter for children
The Windek model from Sublue is a swimming training aid, thus it is equipped with two propulsion motors.
This device is a swimming aid for children. It allows children to gain more confidence and helps them to swim.
It is very easy to use and simple to understand, even a 2-year-old child will easily grasp how it works.
The swimming aid makes it easier to pass the stage without floaters!
Additionally, the aquatic scooter for children has two speeds as well as an included battery.
The marine propeller for children can be used for 3 to 4 hours and is recommended from 3 years old or the age at which they want to learn to swim.
It is really a useful tool for holidays or in a swimming pool.
You can choose it in 3 different colors.
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Cheap, portable, and compact sea scooter
If I had to summarize the features of this cheap underwater scooter from Movesea (Genneino), it is that it is compact (48cm length by 25cm width and 15cm height) and powerful.
The Trident S2 can allow you to go to a depth of 30m.
The sea scooter device has a speed of 4.3Km/hour with a 97wh battery that can last up to 60 minutes.
The downside is that it is only available in orange.
Nevertheless, the sea scooter is portable at 2.7Kg.
It has features like Bluetooth app connectivity and child safety.
My experience
First time on a sea-bob in Martinique, I was able to follow a turtle for a good 10 minutes without tiring it out. Without the scooter, it would have lost me in 30 seconds. It’s the accessory that changes snorkeling for those who are not comfortable with fins.
Additionally, it has a mount for camera attachment.
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Yamaha propeller for snorkeling or sea diving.
The Yamaha 12603 underwater propeller is more powerful than the Movesea version.
This diving scooter model is designed for primarily saltwater use to allow easier penetration in the water.
As a result, it has a longer autonomy but is larger.
It allows you to go up to 30 meters.
Advantages
- No need to be a good swimmer
- Covers more distance with less effort
- Ideal for families with children
- Unique sensations
- More stable underwater photos
Weak points
- Expensive rental (40-80€/hour)
- Limited autonomy (60-90 min)
- Heavy to carry out of the water
- Risk of touching coral
- Prohibited in certain marine parks
Nevertheless, it is quite wide and the materials of the device are well chosen for going out to sea to do water activities.
There is also a GoPro mount for taking photos with a carrying bag.
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Complete electric sea scooter with camera mount
The Whiteshark mix is the model with the best value for money in my opinion.
The electric sea scooter has the advantages of a small size, good features to go down to 40 meters deep.
Moreover, the Whiteshark scooter has a good speed up to 5.5 km/h.
The drawback is that it has more than average autonomy with a possible use of 30 minutes.
The aquatic scooter is recommended to buy another battery.
Nevertheless, there are many accessories that allow you to be well equipped with a manual, a float, or even a safety leash.
The classic trap to avoid
Never exceed the depth recommended by the manufacturer (often 10 meters). The underwater scooter is not diving equipment: if you go too deep without training, you risk decompression sickness from rapid ascent.
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Fastest underwater propulsion device for freediving
A good sea scooter starts with a speed of 5 km/h and can go up to 10 km/h.
The one I suggest: the Seabow from Windek can reach up to 7.2 km/h.
This allows it to go down to 40 meters deep with good autonomy of more than an hour.
The big plus is that it has 3 different speeds (free, sport, and turbo).
Moreover, it is the most complete intelligent underwater scooter model.
To dig deeper into the subject, the guide on snorkelling in Bali provides additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on the island of, and if you are preparing the next part of your trip, the one on South American countries is timely.
My opinion
Each diving propulsion model has its own characteristics.
There is also the Seadoo underwater propulsion model but I have not personally tested it.
How much does an underwater scooter cost?
Between €300 for an entry-level model and more than €12,000 for a professional Cayago Seabob.
Do you need a license to use an underwater scooter?
No, no license for recreational models. A 30-minute training is generally given by the rental company.
Maximum depth?
Depending on the model: 5 to 40 meters for recreational use, up to 60 meters for diving models.
