3 Best Waterproof Phone Cases for Water Sports in 2025
You’ll want protection you can trust, and I’ve tested the Snake River Gear Special Edition Floating Armor Case, Pelican 2-Pack Marine pouches, and the 5-Pack Multicolor IP68 pouch across real-water kicks—waves, spray, submersion, and touchscreen use through the clear window. They boast up to 100 ft IP68, buoyant ~360 g, and sizes up to 6.9 in or 8.3 in, plus lanyards for quick access. Curious how they perform under rope-swing, drift, or kayak drops?
Snake River Gear Special Edition Adventure Grade Cell Phone Waterproof Floating Armor Case with Touch Window for Pictures and Video Black
- 1 Year Warranty
- Fully Protective: This phone pouch comes with a detachable cell phone lanyard that can be worn around your neck or wrist to easily access your...
- Underwater Photography: Take pictures anywhere, anytime! With the transparent material, you can have direct and proper access to the touch screen...
If you want a waterproof case that keeps your phone safe on the water, the Snake River Gear Special Edition Adventure Grade Floating Armor Case is a good pick.
I tested it in pools and waves. It stood up to 100 feet with IP68 sealing. The touch window lets you take photos and videos without taking out the phone. It fits all iPhone models up to 6.9 inches. You get a detachable tan lanyard, a secure lock, and a floating design that weighs about 2.39 ounces.
Best For: Water lovers who need a tough, fully waterproof case for phones up to 6.9 inches. Great for kayaking, swimming, and ocean/cruise days.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof to 100 feet with IP68 sealing and a secure lock.
- Floating design with about 360 g buoyancy for easy recovery.
- Touch window lets you snap photos/videos without removing the phone.
Cons:
- Condensation can form inside the pouch with temperature or pressure changes.
- The logo on the outside can be visible from some angles.
- It can be bulkier and heavier than standard phone cases, which may affect pockets or movement.
Pelican 2 Pack Marine IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouches (Regular Size) Floating Phone Case with Detachable Lanyard Black/Hi-Vis Yellow
- IP68 Certified Waterproof Protection: A 3.3 feet/1 meter IP68 certified professional floating waterproof phone pouch is perfect for swimming...
- Precise Design and Sensitive Touch: The Pelican Marine Series waterproof case has an innovative design for easy access to side buttons; Made with...
- Fully Protective: This waterproof phone pouch comes with a detachable cell phone lanyard that can be worn around your neck or wrist to easily...
The Pelican 2 Pack Marine IP68 waterproof pouches are great for people who love water sports. They give you easy access to your phone while you stay active. The pouches float, seal with a secure lock, and fit screens up to 6.1 inches.
How it works
Slip in your phone, then use the clear window to take photos, videos, and send messages without taking the phone out. The Marine Series uses soft TPU material and works with your phone’s side buttons. You can touch the screen underwater for shots.
What’s inside
This pack has two pouches. It comes with detachable Hi-Vis Yellow lanyards. You can wear them around your neck or on your wrist. There is a one-year warranty.
Best for
Water lovers who want their phones safe and easy to use in pools, boats, and beaches. It keeps your phone dry and lets you use the screen directly.
Pros
- The pouches float and are IP68 protected. Great for water activities.
- Clear window lets you touch the screen for photos and messages without removing the phone.
- Two pouches plus detachable lanyards and a 1-year warranty add value.
Cons
- Works best with phones up to 6.1 inches. Bigger phones may not fit.
- Soft TPU can show wear with heavy use.
- Lanyards and seals may not be as secure as hard cases when given rough handling.
5-Pack Multicolor Waterproof Phone Pouch IP68 for Apple iPhone, Samsung & More
- Materials: The Waterproof case is made of durable PC and transparent PVC materials. Super thin 0.3mm material makes touch sensitive, not any...
- Screen Touch Friendly: The waterproof case dry bag fits all smart phones up to 8.3" diagonal size.Clear PVC window allowing you to take photos...
- Application: The waterproof pouch case is vacation Essentials for Aquatic Sports.it perfect for swimming,beach trip, underwater snorkeling,...
This is a 5-pack of Multicolor IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouches. They are good for keeping your phone safe during water sports and outdoor outings.
What you get
- A clear, touch-friendly window. You can use the screen and take photos without taking the phone out.
- Clear plastic that stays strong in water. The pouch is IP68 and works up to 30 meters underwater.
- A simple seal. The pouch keeps water out and your phone dry.
- Fits phones up to 8.3 inches. The pouch measures about 8.6 x 4.3 inches.
- Room for cards, cash, and keys.
- A sturdy top lanyard included. Easy to carry hands-free.
- Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Orange, Green.
How it works
- Put your phone in the pouch. Seal it well.
- Submerge or splash around. The window stays clear, so you can take pictures.
- Dry the outside, reseal, and you’re ready to go.
Best for
- Anyone doing water sports or outdoor activities who wants to keep their phone safe.
- People who need a place for cards and cash plus a phone in one pouch.
Pros
- Hands-free protection with a sturdy top lanyard.
- IP68 rating. Safe up to 30 meters underwater. Clear window for photos and videos.
- Fits phones up to 8.3 inches and holds IDs, cards, cash, and keys.
Cons
- May feel bulky with larger devices or rugged cases.
- Touch response underwater can vary by phone.
- Some fingerprint or biometric login may not work inside the pouch.
How to test
- Use a paper towel method to check the seal.
- Submerge the pouch for about 15 minutes.
- Remove, dry, and re-seal before use.
In short
These 5 pouches give reliable, hands-free protection for phones during water adventures. They also hold small items like cards and cash. The colors let you pick your favorite.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Waterproof Phone Cases for Water Sports
You’ll want a case with a true IP68 rating, meaning it stays protective even when you’re out on the waves. You’ll also need screen touch access that stays responsive while the shell is sealed, and it has to fit your phone size snugly without adding bulk. Consider floating capabilities and a handy lanyard option for retrieval and hands-free use, then check real-world testing scenarios like salt spray and deliberate submersion to verify performance.
Waterproof IP68 Rating
IP68 means the enclosure is dust-tight and can go under water beyond 1 meter. The exact depth and how long it lasts vary by the product’s certification. You’ll see numbers like 1 meter or up to 30 meters. Always check the manufacturer’s tested depth for each case.
For water sports, IP68 helps during swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. But how well it works depends on the seals, closures, and overall build quality. The rating does not promise no condensation or heat issues.
Guarantee proper sealing and review leakage notes. Look for clear test details—depth, duration, and test method—from the manufacturer. Do not assume IP68 covers unspecified performance.
I want clear specs. They give real confidence when you are in the water. Rely on tested details, and avoid surprises in rough seas.
Screen Touch Access
When you pick a waterproof case, screen touch access matters as much as protection. A clear front window lets you touch the screen and use the camera without taking out your phone. Underwater touch can be slower or less accurate. This depends on the case material and water conditions.
Window materials are usually clear TPU or PVC. They have thin profiles, about 0.3 mm, to keep sensitivity while still protecting the phone. The case should fit your phone well. If the phone fits loosely, touch access can be unreliable, and the screen may not be fully covered by the window.
Do a simple test first. Try a dry run with the device before submerging it. Check how well you can tap and press buttons. If you are unsure, run quick tests in shallow water first. This helps you avoid surprises underwater.
Fit for Phones Size
How can you tell a waterproof phone case will fit your device?
- Look for exact size limits. Check the maximum sizes the case can hold, like up to 6.9 inches or up to 8.3 inches. This proves compatibility with your phone.
- Compare the inside size to your phone. The case interior is often about 9 by 5.25 inches. Make sure your phone, plus its cover, fits without a tight squeeze.
- Check for big-phone support. Some models say they fit all iPhone models, including Pro Max. This can mean it works with larger devices too.
- For multi-pack or generic options, note the limit. If they list up to 8.3 inches, use that to judge fit.
- Watch for bulky cases and big camera modules. Thickness and camera bumps can stop a case from fitting well.
- Do a simple test. If you have cases with different thicknesses and lens bumps, test the fit before you rely on it for splashes or quick dives.
Keeping these checks simple helps you choose a case that truly fits your phone.
Floating Capabilities
Floating capabilities help a waterproof case keep your phone buoyant during water sports. Some cases have explicit positive buoyancy. A typical float weight is around 360 grams. This helps keep a range of phone sizes afloat. The buoyancy stays reliable even when the case is fully sealed, so your device won’t sink if you dive in. Buoyancy depends on phone size and case volume. Larger phones may need higher buoyancy.
Many floating designs pair buoyancy with handy carrying options. This helps quick retrieval and reduces the chance of loss without making the core protection harder to use. Test ideas include shallow dives, surface drops, and random toss checks to see if results stay consistent.
Lanyard Convenience
A detachable lanyard makes carrying easy. It keeps the case secure and within reach during water sports. You won’t have to hold the case in your hands all the time.
Wear the lanyard around your neck or wrist. It gives you flexible carrying options for your activity and comfort. You can also attach it to fishing vests, dive vests, belts, or other gear. This keeps the case in a good spot for you.
Detachable lanyards help stop drops. They keep the phone close when you paddle or swim. This lowers anxiety when you reach for a hatch or a paddle.
Color and style help you find the case fast in busy places. A bright lanyard is easy to spot.
In tests, I checked quick draws, tumbles, and splashes. The lanyard stayed secure and reliable.
Underwater Photo Quality
Underwater photo quality depends on three simple checks before you buy.
First, look at the front window. A clear touch window lets you frame and shoot without taking out your phone, and it should stay bubble-free at depth.
Second, make sure the screen stays touch-responsive through the case. You should be able to start the camera underwater without fumbling.
Third, think about the case design and depth. The case should not distort or act oddly under pressure. Test it at the depths you plan to shoot.
Also check the material quality. Transparent parts should keep distortion low so shots stay sharp. Trust the case for steady immersion and steady photos.
Ask vendors for sample video. Compare color, contrast, and edge sharpness in real conditions.
Durability and Seals
Durability and seals matter when you take your phone near water. Look for an IP68 rating with clear depth numbers, like 30 meters or 100 feet. This shows the phone stays protected under water. A solid locking mechanism and a tight lip or clips keep the seal tight during movement.
Choose cases made from rugged plastic or TPU. They resist squeezing, bumps, and scrapes when you meet waves or rocks. Pick cases with a clear, strong viewing window and a touch-friendly design. This keeps the seal intact while you use the screen underwater.
Detachable lanyards and float features help you find and grab the case if it slips away. Regular testing matters too. Do drop, twist, and seal checks in fake surf and spray to be sure it works.
FAQs
How Long Do Waterproof Seals Last in Saltwater?
Saltwater corrodes seals over time, so you should expect lifespans of months to few years depending on seal quality and maintenance. Rinse after use, avoid sand, test regularly, and replace seals at signs of wear.
Do Touch Windows Affect Screen Sensitivity Underwater?
Yes, underwater touch sensitivity drops because most capacitive screens rely on conductivity, and water creates a barrier. You’ll notice lag or failure on screens; using a waterproof case and screen protector helps, but results vary.
Do Cases Include Built-In Flotation for Recovery?
Some cases include built-in flotation, but most don’t. If buoyancy matters, choose models advertised as float-friendly or with integrated buoyant inserts; confirm weight, balance, and recovery method before you dive or surf in real conditions.
Can Cameras Autofocus When Submerged in These Cases?
Yes, autofocus can work in some cases, but many waterproof housings seal the lens and disable AF; you’ll often rely on fixed focus or manual focus, and test with your camera model before diving in.
Can These Cases Support Wireless Charging Underwater?
Not typically. These cases usually stop wireless charging underwater because water interferes with magnetic field, seals limit power transfer, and safety prevents submersion while charging. You’ll need to remove your phone and charge above water.
Meet Amelia Raina, the adventurous soul behind TravelersEnthusiasm.com. With a heart set on exploration, she crafts tales that whisk readers from European alleys to Asian landscapes. Raina’s stories are genuine, reflecting her deep connections and reverence for diverse cultures. When not traveling, she’s sketching in cafes or exchanging tales with fellow wanderers.
Last update on 2026-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
