(I may earn a small commission on the products mentioned in this post.)
GoPro’s are synonymous with outdoor adventure and exploration. They offer the ultimate way to document travel in high resolution.
If pictures are worth a thousand words, how many words are videos worth?
If you’re reading this article you’re likely headed to my favorite place: the beach. There’s no better place to take a GoPro than to the beach. It will capture memories on the shore and easily transition to the water.
Don’t worry, there are a few waterproof GoPro models that are perfect for filming your friend’s surf, or a scuba diving session.
To write this article, I consulted a friend of mine who photographs waves using his GoPro. He shared his list of best mounts for diving masks, snorkeling, and scuba.
The list includes 8 options ranging from GoPro compatible masks, mask attachments, hand-held mounts, and arm mounts. I bet one of these GoPro mounts will peak your interest.
Types Of GoPro Mounts For Diving Masks, Snorkeling, and Scuba
- Mask Compatible Mounts
GoPro compatible masks are made with they attachment built on top of the mask. These are convenient but you’ll have to buy the mask – which isn’t convenient if you already have your own mask.
GoPro compatible masks are effective for diving but they won’t be the high-quality masks that you can expect from brands like Aqualung and Atomic. Needless-to-say, they are affordable and will ensure that you capture your dive on video.
I like the mask because it will follow your head movement. If you turn your head to view something in the water, your GoPro will follow!
- Mask Strap Mount
There’s one option on our list that attaches to the strap of a mask. I really like this option because it allows me to use my nice diving mask (I have trouble finding a diving mask that fits properly).
The mount rests securely against the side of the head. If you’re diving in big surf, this attachment might not be as secure as other options on the list, but I like that it can attach to any mask.
- Hand-Held Mounts
I’ve also included two hand-held mounts (dual hand and stick). These options require the use of your hands. However, it means that you can direct the camera more easily than if it were on your head.
The hand-held mounts also have wrist straps to prevent being dropped or lost in the ocean.
- Arm/Hand Mounts
Lastly are the arm and hand mounts. These mounts securely attach to the forearm and hand using straps. These are nice options because you can still have use of your hand.
8 Best GoPro Mounts For Diving Masks, Snorkeling, and Scuba
#1 Octomask for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The Octomask diving mask is the best looking and best-reviewed mask on the list. Octomask is a company based in the U.S.A and they first developed the mask to solve a problem they encountered with using their GoPro.
The concept makes sense. A head strap won’t work when you’re wearing a diving mask but what if the GoPro attachment was built into the mask?
Highlights:
- Fits all GoPro models
- Multiple colors
- 3 types of mask (standard and 2 frameless)
- Hands-free use of your GoPro
- 100% mask-fit guarantee
- Silicone skirt for good seal
- Includes travel bag, aluminum thumbscrew
- Superior quality compared to other masks on the list
The Octomask allows you to easily attach the GoPro on the mask and you won’t even notice it while in the water. One of the reasons I like the GoPro it because the camera will follow your head, capturing everything that you focus on.
The mask is good quality but not what you’d expect from the top diving brands so understand that you personal diving mask will likely be superior quality (check Octomask price and colors on Amazon).
Octomask sells 3 iterations of their mask (standard and 2 frameless masks)
I like the design and appearance of these masks. The price point is higher than other masks on our list, but the Octomask is a far superior product (and the original).
Octomask’s customer service is excellent and the reviews for the product are superb. People are pleasantly surprised with the quality and a number of customers say “it’s best for snorkelers and casual divers”.
#2 Patalachi Diving Mask w/ GoPro Attachment
The Patalachi diving mask is a cheaper version of the Octomask. It comes at a much lower price and with that comes lower quality as well.
The mask uses a wide lens and shock-proof tempered glass. It has an adjustable dual strap to give the mask a tight seal around your head. The mask uses silicone to mold to your face.
Highlights:
- Wide lens, tempered glass, anti-fog
- Adjustable straps
- Silicone fits snugly against the face
- GoPro mount on top of the mask
- Inexpensive
The GoPro attachment is in the same place as the Octomask. Patalachi markets the mask for working underwater, surfing, swimming, and diving (check Patalachi price on Amazon).
I think this mask is best for casual snorkelers (1 or 2 times per year) who want to capture their underwater memories on vacation. If you’re price-conscious and willing to sacrifice some quality for price then this is the mask for you.
#3 Telesin Diving Mask w/ GoPro Mount
Telesin offers the larges color selection of masks with 6 options ranging from black to green, red, and blue. They are also a budget-friendly product and one of the cheapest items on this list.
Similar to our other 2 options, the Telesin mask is made with tempered glass and treated for anti-fog resistance. The outer mold uses silicone to form a nice seal against the face.
The adjustable single strap divides into 2 straps to a comfortable fit against the head (check Telesin price and colors on Amazon).
Highlights:
- 6 color styles
- Very inexpensive
- GoPro attachment on top of mask
- Simple mask – not the best option for serious divers
- Good for casual snorkeling and swimming
- Fits all Hero cameras and Sessions
- Includes carrying case and screw (for attachment)
Most customers are pleased with their purchase, however, a number of people mentioned that fogging was a problem. People buying this mask have the price in mind expect the fit and performance to be adequate.
This is another good option if the #1 mask is too expensive. If I had to pick, I’d still go with the Octomask.
#4 Dive Mount – Mask Strap For GoPro
This mount is unique and one of my favorites on the list. Why should I need to buy a new mask to dive with my GoPro?
This mount attaches to the strap of your mask and it can be used with any mask. I mentioned earlier that I have a mask that I travel with because it fits my face perfectly.
Highlights:
- Fits with any mask
- Removable
- Side of head
- Hands-free
- Ergonomic neoprene pad rests against head
- Less bubbles because it’s not over your face
The Dive Mount mask strap secures to the strap so it won’t be as strong of a connection as the mask mounts. If you’re diving in big waves or strong currents there is a chance the mount could come off the strap – like any product it’s important to be careful (check Dive Mount price on Amazon).
Because the mount is on the side of the head it will capture less bubbles in your photos and video (masks over the face tend to have a lot of bubbles).
This is my mount preference for snorkeling and scuba, however, I probably wouldn’t choose this option in rough waters.
#5 Movo – Underwater Diving Rig – GoPro Mount
The Movo underwater rig is perfect for your GoPro but it also works great for other waterproof cameras as well (works for a range of cameras). This rig uses a solid aluminum alloy construction and is resistant to corrosion.
In addition to the main mount, there are mounts for LED lights, microphones, and monitors. Like the added touch of the wrist strap so there’s no risk of dropping the rig.
Highlights:
- Lightweight but strong aluminum
- GoPro and additional mounts (lighting and microphones)
- Requires 1 or 2 hands
- Wrist strap to secure the safety of your GoPro
- More control of the camera and more options
- Fairly priced and solid reviews
What I don’t like about this GoPro mount is that it requires your hands. It’s a much different mount than the masks because those are hands-free (check Movo hand-held mount on Amazon).
This rig offers a more superior way to video underwater. It will give you more control of the picture and has more mounts to improve the video with lighting.
If you’re getting serious about capturing underwater video and photos, then this is a great option to try. Most reviews are excellent but others believe the rig is too small and it would be better if it was wider with a longer strap.
#6 Besteam – Floating Handle Grip For GoPro
The Besteam floating handle GoPro mount is a no-frills option that allows you to hold and control the camera with one hand.
The fact that it floats is reassuring, but it also includes a wrist strap that will keep it from separating from you in the water. It offers a single mount and doesn’t have the extra option like the Movo rig.
The mount has a few different attachments so it will work with other waterproof cameras too.
Highlights:
- Floats
- Weighs 4.8 ounces
- Hand-held (1 hand)
- Compact design and non-slip handle
- Wrist strap for added security
- Fits GoPro and other waterproof cameras
Reviews mention they like the thick, sturdy handle and the fact that it floats. They also like the added touch of storage inside the handle (you can fit small items like cash inside) (check Besteam hand-held mount on Amazon).
Improvements could be made with the thickness of the wrist strap, but all-in-all this is a good hand-held option for underwater pictures and video.
#7 Makit 360 Degree Rotating Sports Camera
The Makit is yet another option for mounting your GoPro will diving, snorkeling, or scuba diving. This mount is a strap that attaches to your forearm or wrist and because it’s attached to your arm your hands are free (no need to worry about dropping it).
Using a strong Velcro attachment, the mount has the ability to rotate 360 degrees.
Highlights:
- Secure Velcro strap
- Attaches around forearm or wrist
- Hands-free
- 360 camera rotation (with lock button)
- Designed specifically for GoPro cameras
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- 8 ounces
I really like this GoPro mount, however, I would be extra careful when swimming or using the arm that holds your GoPro.
I think there’d be a greater likelihood of bumping the camera or breaking the mount if your arm hits against a solid object (check Matik price on Amazon).
As long as you’re extra careful about using the arm it’s a good mount.
#8 VVHOOY – 360 Degree Rotation Wrist Strap Mount
The VVHOOY is a similar design to the Makit but this camera straps onto the hand. The strap has a hole for the thumb and also uses a thick Velcro strap.
Highlights:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- 360-degree rotation
- Compatible with GoPro Hero and Session
- Not great reviews
While the design is solid, the reviews aren’t great. A number of reviews share that it broke after their hand bumped against something in the water (if the mount breaks you will lose your camera) (check VVHOOY hand mount on Amazon).
This is also the most inexpensive item on our list. If you plan on using the GoPro mount often, I advise going with a stronger mount that will last a long time. If you’re purchasing a mount for a trip and only plan to use it for a few days, then this should do the job.
My Pick For Best Underwater GoPro Mount
I like the GoPro mount that attaches to the strap of the mask. I like its versatility and the fact you can use your own mask with the mount.
I also like the hand-held options, however, I’m not sure it would be good for weak swimmers because you have to hold onto the mount.
Each of these products has a good argument why it might be preferred. It comes down to how you’ll use it and your expectations.
Conclusion
You’re headed to the beach to do some swimming. Whether you’re going on an epic dive at a tropical beach or filming your buddies surf the California waves, you need a GoPro mount for the water that you can dive with.
As I mentioned in this article, there are a few options you can choose from. Most people will opt for the GoPro compatible mask, however, if your face has a tough time with masks you might want another option.
I like the simplicity of the mask strap mount because you can use your favorite diving mask.
There are also hand-held options that will give you more control over the picture. These require your hands so they won’t be free to paddle. They also have straps to securely tie onto your arm (don’t worry about dropping it).
Lastly, we covered hand and arm strap mounts. These are great options too because they free up your hands to paddle or grab items in the water. Be careful when paddling because if your arm bumps into something the mount could break!
Depending on your needs, I think you’ll find that one of these options is perfect for documenting your beach adventure.
Let us know which option works best for you. GoPro’s are perfect for the water – just make sure you have it’s secured to your equipment or body so you don’t lose it.
