As divers and ocean lovers, we’re always looking for kit that offers big performance in a compact package — something that’s travel-friendly, reliable, and built to last. SeaLife’s newest release, the SportDiver S smartphone housing, ticks all those boxes and then some.
Whether you’re descending into the blue on scuba or gliding across a shallow reef while snorkelling, the SportDiver S opens up a whole new world of underwater photography possibilities. It’s lightweight, incredibly easy to use, and designed with both divers and snorkellers in mind.
What is the SeaLife SportDiver S?
The SportDiver S is SeaLife’s latest underwater smartphone housing, allowing you to take high-quality photos and video down to 30 metres (100 feet). If you’ve ever wanted to capture your underwater adventures using just your phone, this housing makes it safe, simple, and surprisingly powerful.
The SportDiver S fits all iPhones from the iPhone X and newer (including all Pro Max models), and most Android smartphones. SeaLife’s free SportDiver app works with both iOS and Android, so you can start shooting straight away — no complicated settings or faffing about.
Why It’s Perfect for Snorkelling Too
Let’s be honest — not every underwater explorer is kitted up with a tank and regs. For snorkellers, the SportDiver S is a dream come true. Here’s why:
Super Lightweight: Weighing only 641 grams, the SportDiver S won’t bog down your luggage or feel bulky in the water. That’s a big win for travel snorkellers or anyone floating at the surface for long periods.
Easy to Handle at the Surface: With a compact footprint and wrist lanyard included, it’s comfortable to hold and secure while snorkelling — no worries about juggling gear or risking a drop.
Ample Depth Rating: Rated to 30 metres, it’s more than enough for even advanced freedivers and well beyond the depths reached by snorkellers.
Instant Results: Use your phone’s powerful camera system, including wide-angle or portrait modes, to capture reef life in vibrant detail. With the touchscreen interface accessible through the housing, snapping a shot or switching to video is quick and intuitive.
Minimal Setup: Just pop in your phone, secure the latch, and you’re ready to go. The anti-fog system helps prevent misting, even in tropical climates, so you don’t miss the perfect shot of that passing turtle or school of fish.
Built for Reliability, Designed for Adventure
The SportDiver S doesn’t compromise on build quality. It’s crafted from tough polycarbonate with stainless steel, aluminium, and optical-grade glass elements. The internals feature spring-loaded rubber grips to hold your phone securely, adding shock protection in case of accidental knocks.
And to keep your phone safe, it’s equipped with dual leak alarms — a visual LED moisture indicator and a vacuum pressure sensor. These alerts are easy to spot and give you peace of mind before you even enter the water.
Need a red filter for diving in blue water? That’s available separately (unlike the Ultra, which includes one), so you can tailor the setup to your specific snorkelling or diving environment.
SportDiver S vs. SportDiver Ultra – What’s the Difference?
Here’s how the SportDiver S compares to its bigger sibling, the SportDiver Ultra:
| Feature | SportDiver S (SL408) | SportDiver Ultra (SL405) |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 213.1 x 125.7 x 54.8 mm | 231 x 124 x 61 mm |
| Internal Dimensions | 165 x 80 x 9.7 mm | 183 x 80 x 12 mm |
| Weight | 680 g | 808 g |
| Max Depth | 30 m (100 ft) | 40 m (130 ft) |
| Leak Detection | LED Only | Audible + LED |
| Colour Correcting Filter | Optional (Not Included) | Included Red Filter |
| Accessory Mounts | 3 | 7 |
| Trays Supported | Flex-Connect Single, Dual, Ultra | Flex-Connect Single, Micro, Ultra |
| Carry Case | Lightweight Travel Pouch | Custom-Fit EVA Semi-Hard Case |
| Strap | Adjustable Wrist Lanyard | Deluxe Neoprene Strap with BC Clip |
| Smartphone Compatibility | All iPhones, Most Androids | All iPhones, Most Androids |
| Lens Accessory Support | Yes | Yes |
For snorkellers, the SportDiver S is hands-down the better choice — it’s lighter, more compact, and easier to travel with, all without losing critical features. If you don’t need the extra accessory mounts or 40-metre depth rating of the Ultra, this is the housing to go for.
From scuba dives to snorkelling over coral gardens, the SeaLife SportDiver S is a brilliant companion for capturing the underwater world with your smartphone. It brings together thoughtful engineering, everyday practicality, and the kind of ruggedness we all need in our kit.
It’s a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike — whether you’re photographing seahorses at a local shore dive or filming reef sharks on a tropical holiday, this housing helps turn your phone into a serious underwater camera.
Now available at Mike’s Dive Store. If you’re unsure about compatibility, setup, or accessories, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re divers too, and we’re happy to help you get the most from your underwater photography.
