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Exploring coral reefs and swimming alongside vibrant marine life is one of the best parts of diving. But no matter how you explore—scuba diving, snorkeling, or freediving—your time underwater is always limited by air. What if you could stay down longer and go farther with less effort?
That’s exactly what underwater scooters—also known as DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles)—are made for. These battery-powered devices help you glide through the water, conserving energy and air while adding a new level of fun to your dive.
An underwater scooter is a powered device that pulls you through the water with minimal effort. Also called DPVs or sea scooters, they’re used by everyone from kids in the pool to tech divers exploring deep wrecks. They reduce the energy you use swimming, which means you use less air—and that means longer dive times.
Underwater scooters are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of diving environments. While snorkeling, they can help you reach deeper areas and stay at depth longer without exhausting yourself. For scuba divers, scooters are perfect for conserving air and covering more ground on a single tank. On shore dives, they eliminate the long surface swims that often sap your energy before you even reach the dive site. Just hold on and enjoy the ride! Whether you’re exploring a reef, navigating a shipwreck, or venturing into underwater caves, a scooter can help you get there with ease and comfort.
It’s pretty straightforward. You hold onto the scooter, press the throttle, and steer using your body movements. The battery-powered propellers pull you smoothly through the water. Some models are operated with two hands, others with just one, and there are even accessories to make the scooter hands-free for an even more effortless ride.
The origins of the underwater scooter date back to World War II, when the Italian Navy developed the first DPVs to sneak into enemy harbors. These early versions were essentially manned torpedoes used to plant explosives. The British followed with their own models in 1942. The tech became famous in pop culture when James Bond zipped through the ocean using one in the 1965 film Thunderball. Since then, underwater scooters have evolved into powerful, safe tools for recreational and professional use.
With so many different types available, choosing the right underwater scooter depends on how you plan to use it. If you’re simply playing in the pool or snorkeling with your kids, a lightweight and compact scooter is perfect. Recreational divers looking to explore more of the reef without burning through their air supply will benefit from a mid-range scooter. And for advanced technical divers exploring deep wrecks or cave systems, there are high-performance models designed for extended use at greater depths.
Some of our top options at Divers Direct include the Sublue WhiteShark MixPro, a versatile model great for snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving to 131 feet. It features a removable float, so it can be adapted for surface or deeper use. For those who want top-tier performance, the Sublue Navbow+ delivers with three speed settings, a top speed of 2 meters per second, customizable depth alarms, and an OLED display for tracking your dive.
Buoyancy is another important factor to consider. Many scooters are neutrally buoyant, meaning they neither sink nor float and will stay where you leave them in the water. Others are positively buoyant, which makes them perfect for snorkeling because they float to the surface when not in use. Negatively buoyant scooters are designed for deep diving, where sinking slightly helps with descent. Some advanced models even allow you to adjust buoyancy depending on your dive conditions. For example, the WhiteShark MixPro includes a removable float, giving you more flexibility.
As with any dive gear, safety comes first. Before using a scooter, consider taking a DPV course to learn about equipment checks, operation, and diving best practices. Always inspect your scooter before a dive—make sure the housing is sealed, the battery is fully charged, and all controls function properly. During the dive, ascend slowly to avoid decompression sickness. Don’t go deeper than your training allows, especially when snorkeling or freediving. Use the buddy system at all times; in case of malfunction, your buddy can help you back to the surface safely. Be mindful that the motor may disturb marine life, so keep noise and motion controlled.
To keep your scooter running like new, proper maintenance is essential. After each dive, rinse the scooter thoroughly in freshwater, including the propeller area, to remove salt and sand. Let it run for 20–30 seconds submerged in a freshwater bin to flush out the internal components. Use a soft brush to clean off debris, and if needed, take it to a professional service center for deep cleaning, especially if you dive frequently. A well-maintained scooter will last longer and perform better on every adventure.
Picking the right underwater scooter depends on your dive style, goals, and environment. Think about how deep you want to go, how long you want to stay, and whether you’ll use it in saltwater, freshwater, or both. Some scooters are designed specifically for saltwater and may sink in freshwater, so it’s important to match your scooter to your dive location. Consider your experience level, how fast you want to travel, and your budget. From snorkeling at John Pennekamp to exploring the Spiegel Grove wreck or diving the Devil’s Eye cave system, the right scooter will take your underwater experience to the next level.
