Treasure hunting with metal detectors is fast gaining popularity as an exciting hobby. The very fact that you don’t know what you’ll come across anywhere is all part of the anticipation this hobby generates. Since most metal detectors are meant for land based treasure hunts, however, most treasure hunting enthusiasts stick to land hunts. But now with new waterproof metal detectors available in the market, the path is now open for those who want to choose the road less traveled and explore the treasure filled underwater world.

If you’ve always loved both metal detecting and being in the water, whether that’s a fresh water body or a sea, you can now combine both your loves by going prospecting or hunting underwater with these new waterproof metal detectors.

These are basically portable metal detectors that work the same way that land detectors work but are capable of doing so when submerged in water. There are three basic types of waterproof metal detectors. Let’s take a quick look at each and see what benefits they offer:

1. VLF or Very Low Frequency Metal Detectors: These can distinguish and pinpoint coins, jewelry and relics. They also have the capacity to tell junk apart from valuable items. The disadvantage of these detectors is that they are extra sensitive and can also respond to minerals in the ground. However, there are adjustments that can be made to the controls to minimize such hindrances.
  
2. Pulse Induction Metal Detectors: These detectors are great for salt water conditions and diving. They are very sensitive and can penetrate deep. While they’re not overly sensitive to ground minerals, they’re not capable of distinguishing between junk and precious items. So, you’ll probably have to dig through a good amount of trash to find something valuable.
  
3. FBS and BBS Metal Detectors: The benefit of these waterproof metal detectors is that they can search simultaneously on several frequencies.

Getting yourself the most suitable underwater metal detector requires you to identify what you intend doing the most. It’s based on this that you can choose one that’s most suited. For example if you’re planning on diving with your metal detector then a Pulse Induction metal detector should be ideal and so on. The type of water you’ll be hunting in also makes a big difference. The BBS and Pulse Induction metal detectors are considered best for salt water bodies.

Keep in mind that all waterproof metal detectors are priced higher than their land-based counterparts. This is because every part needs to be waterproofed. The general rule of thumb is to expect a $200 hike in price for a waterproof detector with the same specs as a land-based one. Some additional accessories that are must-haves include a pair of headphones to help you focus on potential treasures, a carrying case to make it easy to transport your kit and sand scoops.

Fisher is a good brand to choose for metal detectors that are waterproof. Check out the Fisher Impulse which is best used underwater. Fisher offers many different models. It’s best you look through them and pick the one that’s suited to your underwater hunting needs.