Ocean Photographer on a Budget? Get the Joby Sea Pal

As a travel photographer who has spent years chasing waves across the globe, finding the right water housing has always been a challenge. I’ve lugged around massive setups like AquaTech’s housings, which offer great protection but take up a ridiculous amount of space and weight in my bag. When I discovered the Joby Sea Pal, I was skeptical—could a lightweight, budget-friendly water housing really meet the demands of professional ocean photography? After months of testing it in various conditions with my iPhone 11 Pro Max, I can confidently say: yes, it can.

Lightweight and Travel-Friendly

One of the biggest perks of the Joby Sea Pal is its portability. Unlike traditional water housings that demand their own dedicated space in your luggage, the Sea Pal is compact enough to fit into a standard camera bag without sacrificing valuable real estate. As someone who spends most of the year on the road, having a setup that doesn’t weigh me down is a game-changer.

Easy to Use, Even for Beginners

AquaTech and other pro-level water housings require a learning curve, from assembling the unit to dealing with the bulky controls. The Joby Sea Pal, on the other hand, is refreshingly simple. It’s designed for quick access, allowing photographers to get in the water without spending ages setting up. The housing comes with rubber bumpers to fit most smartphones.

Protection Without the Bulk

Despite its lighter build, the Sea Pal still delivers solid waterproofing in any conditions. I’ve taken it through everything from mellow reef breaks in Sri Lanka to bigger surf in Morocco, and it has kept my phone dry without fail. While it might not be as rugged as some of the pricier alternatives, it holds up well for travel photographers who need a reliable housing without the excess bulk.

Limitations to Consider

No budget-friendly water housing is perfect. The biggest trade-off with the Sea Pal is its depth rating—it’s not designed for deep-diving photography, only to 10 m/33 ft. If you’re planning to shoot in extreme underwater environments, a more heavy-duty housing would be necessary. While the build quality is solid for the price, it doesn’t have the same bombproof feel as some higher-end models.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel.

• Easy setup and user-friendly controls.

• Fits most smartphones with adjustable rubber bumpers.

• Affordable compared to high-end water housings.

• Solid waterproofing for surf and shallow water photography.

Cons:

• Limited to a 10 m/33 ft depth rating; not suitable for deep diving.

• Build quality, while good, isn’t as durable as premium water housings.

• Lacks interchangeable lens ports, restricting creative flexibility. The only port you can purchase separately is a dome.

Is It Worth It?

For photographers looking to capture ocean or surf shots without spending a fortune (or carrying an extra suitcase just for gear), the Joby Sea Pal is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to pack, simple to use, and gets the job done in most surf and shallow water scenarios. If you’re an ocean photographer on a budget, this might be the perfect addition to your kit.