Underwater Metal Detecting Guide
Dive Into Treasure Hunting
Complete guide to underwater and scuba metal detecting. Equipment requirements, dive planning, and techniques for finding submerged treasures.
- 1Equipment Requirements
- 2Snorkeling Detection
- 3Scuba Detecting
- 4Freshwater vs Saltwater
Underwater Detectors: - Must be fully submersible (not just water-resistant) - Depth rating matters (10ft vs 200ft) - Pulse Induction handles salt best
Top Underwater Detectors: 1. Minelab Excalibur II (200ft, legendary for diving) 2. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II (200ft, PI) 3. Minelab Equinox 900 (16ft, multi-frequency) 4. Garrett AT Pro (10ft, versatile)
Pinpointers: - Garrett Pro-Pointer AT (20ft) - Minelab Pro-Find 40 (10ft) - Nokta PulseDive (200ft)
Snorkeling is the entry point to underwater detecting:
Equipment: - Waterproof detector (10ft+ rating) - Mask and snorkel - Fins - Weight belt (helps stay down) - Mesh finds bag - Stainless sand scoop
Best Locations: - Swimming beaches - Boat ramps - Fishing piers - Popular swimming holes
Technique: - Work parallel to shore - Grid overlapping swaths - Mark productive areas
Scuba opens deeper waters but adds complexity:
Detector Considerations: - 200ft+ rating for serious diving - PI technology for salt - Weight and buoyancy effects - Wireless headphones essential
Dive Planning: - Standard dive tables apply - Detector work increases air consumption - Plan shorter bottom times - Buddy diving recommended
Technique: - Secure detector to BCD when not in use - Fan sand gently to reveal targets - Work with current when possible
Freshwater: - VLF detectors work well - Standard discrimination effective - Less corrosion on finds - Often clearer visibility
Saltwater: - PI recommended for depth - Multi-frequency for versatility - Rinse equipment after every use - More valuable finds (gold sinks)
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