The GoPro Hero 13 is waterproof to 33 feet without a housing

Yes, the GoPro Hero 13 can go underwater. It has a waterproof rating of 33 feet (10 meters), which means you can use it for snorkeling, shallow pool recording, and water sports without any additional protection. This rating applies to the camera body itself—no separate waterproof case is required for depths up to 33 feet.

The waterproof design comes from the camera's sealed construction and rubberized seals around buttons and ports. However, this rating assumes the camera is in good condition. If the seals are cracked, the lens is damaged, or ports are left open, water can enter and damage the internal electronics.

For deeper dives or extended underwater use, GoPro sells optional dive housings that extend the depth rating to 196 feet (60 meters). These rigid cases fully enclose the camera and are the standard choice for scuba diving or technical underwater filming.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hero 13 is waterproof to 33 feet without any case or housing, suitable for snorkeling and shallow water sports.
  • The waterproof rating depends on intact seals and closed ports—inspect the camera before each water use.
  • For depths beyond 33 feet or professional diving, you will need a separate dive housing rated for deeper water.
  • Freshwater is gentler on seals than saltwater; rinse the camera with fresh water after ocean use to prevent corrosion.
  • The camera's battery and memory card are not waterproof—water inside the body will destroy them.

What the 33-foot rating actually means

The 33-foot waterproof rating is a depth rating, not a time limit. The camera can sit at 33 feet indefinitely without water entering, as long as the seals are intact. However, this does not mean you can safely submerge it deeper—pressure increases with depth, and at 40 feet the seals begin to fail.

This rating also assumes the camera is stationary or moving slowly. Rapid movement through water—such as diving or being pulled behind a boat—creates additional pressure on the seals. For active water sports, staying well below 33 feet is safer than pushing the limit.

The rating does not cover damage from impact. If the camera hits a rock or is dropped while underwater, the seals can crack even if the depth is within spec. Inspect the lens and body for visible damage before and after each use.

Checking seals and ports before water use

Before you take the Hero 13 into water, do a quick inspection. Look at the rubber seals around the battery door and the USB-C port cover. They should be clean, flexible, and free of cracks or gaps. If you see white residue or discoloration, that is salt or mineral buildup—clean it gently with a soft cloth.

Make sure the battery door is fully closed and the USB-C port cover is seated properly. A loose port cover is the most common way water enters the camera. If the cover is cracked or the hinge is broken, do not take the camera underwater until it is replaced.

Check the lens for scratches or cracks. A damaged lens does not necessarily let water in, but it can trap moisture inside if water does enter. If the lens is visibly damaged, have it inspected by GoPro support before submerging the camera.

Saltwater versus freshwater use

Saltwater is harder on the Hero 13 than freshwater because salt corrodes metal contacts and accelerates seal degradation. If you use the camera in the ocean, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water as soon as you are out of the water. Pay special attention to the battery door, USB-C port, and any crevices where salt can hide.

Let the camera dry completely before opening any ports or doors. If you open the battery compartment while the camera is still wet, you risk trapping moisture inside. A good practice is to rinse the camera, let it air-dry for at least an hour in a warm, dry place, and then open ports only after you are certain it is dry.

Freshwater—lakes, rivers, pools—is gentler on the seals and electronics. You still need to rinse the camera if it has been in chlorinated pool water, because chlorine can degrade rubber seals over time. Tap water works fine for rinsing.

When you need a dive housing

If you plan to scuba dive, snorkel below 30 feet regularly, or film in conditions where the camera might take hard impacts, a dive housing is the right choice. GoPro's official dive housing is rated to 196 feet and provides rigid protection that the camera body alone cannot match.

Dive housings are also useful if you want to use external microphones or lights underwater. The Hero 13's built-in microphone picks up mostly water noise and motor sounds when submerged; an external mic mounted on the housing can improve audio quality. Similarly, underwater lights mounted to the housing help with color correction in deep or murky water.

Third-party housings are available from manufacturers like Telesin and Neewer, often at lower cost than the official GoPro housing. Check the depth rating and read reviews from other divers before buying—a cheap housing that leaks is more expensive than the official one in the long run.

What happens if water gets inside

If water enters the camera body, the battery and memory card are at when ready risk. Water will short the battery and corrupt the memory card, making footage unrecoverable. The internal circuits can also corrode, which may not show up when ready but will cause failures days or weeks later.

If you suspect water has entered the camera, do not try to power it on. Instead, open the battery door and remove the battery and memory card. Let the camera sit in a warm, dry place for at least 48 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or oven—heat can damage components. After drying, you can try powering it on, but if water has reached the electronics, the camera will likely not function.

If the camera was submerged and you are not sure whether water entered, contact GoPro support with details of what happened. They can advise whether the camera is salvageable or if it needs service.

Protecting the lens underwater

The Hero 13's lens is exposed and can scratch or fog underwater. Fogging happens when warm air inside the camera meets cold water outside, creating condensation on the inside of the lens. This is usually temporary—the image clears as the camera warms up—but it can ruin footage in the moment.

To reduce fogging, let the camera acclimate to water temperature before submerging it fully. If you are going from a warm beach into cold ocean water, hold the camera at the surface for a minute before diving. Some divers place a small piece of anti-fog insert inside the camera housing, though this is not standard with the Hero 13 and requires opening the body.

Scratches are harder to prevent. Avoid touching the lens with your fingers or sandy hands. If you are filming in sandy or silty environments, consider a protective lens cover or a dive housing, which shields the lens from contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Hero 13 in a swimming pool?

Yes. The camera is waterproof to 33 feet, and most pools are 6 to 12 feet deep. Chlorine can degrade seals over time, so rinse the camera with fresh water after each pool session and let it dry before opening any ports.

Will the Hero 13 float if I drop it in water?

No. The Hero 13 is negatively buoyant and will sink. If you are filming near water where the camera might fall in, use a floating hand strap or tether. GoPro sells floating hand grips designed for this purpose.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

Waterproof means the camera can be fully submerged to a specified depth without water entering. Water-resistant means it can handle splashes and brief exposure but is not designed for submersion. The Hero 13 is waterproof, not just water-resistant.

Can I change the battery or memory card while the camera is wet?

No. Always dry the camera completely before opening the battery door or memory card slot. Opening these compartments while wet will trap moisture inside and damage the electronics.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare the Hero 13 for underwater use?

Inspect the seals and port covers for cracks or gaps, make sure the battery door is fully closed, and check that the USB-C port cover is seated properly. If everything looks intact, the camera is ready to go underwater without any additional preparation.