Diving Buoy

When packing for open water adventures, most people remember their wetsuits, masks, and fins – but often overlook the most important thing above the surface: staying visible to others. A dive buoy makes you much easier to spot, lets you relax and focus on your swim, and helps you stay on course whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or diving. At Watery, we've selected dive buoys that are practical, easy to use, and suited to everyone – from first-time sea swimmers to seasoned open water enthusiasts. 👉 Explore our dive buoy selection here on this page.

How do you use a dive buoy?

A dive buoy is an inflatable floating marker you tow behind you at the surface, making your position clear to others in and around the water. It takes up hardly any space in your bags, yet makes a world of difference in choppy water, shifting visibility, or areas with boat traffic – especially when you'd rather focus on your swim than constantly looking over your shoulder.

You'll typically benefit most from a dive buoy when you:

• swim or train in open water along the coast
• snorkel by rocks, reefs, or in areas with boats or kayaks
• freedive and need a clear surface marker between dives
• dive in spots where being seen by others is especially important

Why choose a dive buoy?

1. You'll be far more visible to boats, SUPs, kayaks, and anyone moving quickly on the water.
2. Enjoy peace of mind: Knowing you're easy to see frees you up to concentrate on breathing, technique, and pace.
3. Keep better track of your route – especially along coasts or in changeable current and wave conditions.
4. Easier to stick together if swimming with others, or to have a clear "anchor point" on the surface for reference.
5. Take comfortable breaks: Many use the buoy for quick rests at the surface (depending on the model and its buoyancy).
6. Handy storage space on certain models (e.g., keys or energy gels), so you don’t need to carry everything on your body.

Choosing the right dive buoy

A simple, stable buoy is often plenty if you mostly swim or snorkel close to shore. If you venture further out – or simply want enhanced safety and visibility – it’s wise to choose models offering higher visibility, better line systems, and extra durability.

Match your dive buoy to your activity and experience

By experience level

• Beginner: Go for a dive buoy that's easy to inflate, sits stable in the water, and features a straightforward line solution. The key is ease of use, so you'll want to bring it every time.
• Experienced: Pick a model with advanced line management (to minimize tangling), top visibility in waves, and highly durable valves and seams – especially if you're often in changing conditions.

By activity

• Snorkeling: Lightweight, simple design, maximal visibility, and minimal water resistance for easy towing.
• Freediving/Open water: A prominent buoy, comfortable attachment, and a hassle-free line as you switch between diving and the surface.
• Diving: Prioritize durability, stability, and visibility – crucial if sharing the water with boats and others.

How to use a dive buoy

• Secure the buoy properly using the included belt/harness or attachment so it stays stable and doesn’t pull off center.
• Set the line to a comfortable distance, keeping the buoy safely behind you without interfering with your fins.
• Manage your line as you swim: Don’t let it drift loose around your legs—make small adjustments promptly to prevent tangling.
• Adapt to the conditions: In waves or currents, allow extra space so the buoy won’t tug or bump into you.
• Use the buoy for breaks: When you pause at the surface, your buoy makes a clear, relaxing marker (depending on the model).

If you’re unsure which model fits your routine, use your typical activity and distance from shore as a guide – you’ll almost always pick the right one.

Find your dive buoy here

Choosing a dive buoy is more than just picking a piece of gear – it’s choosing greater safety and freedom in the water. You’ll be easier to see, enjoy more confidence, and focus fully on what you love: the experience, your training, or your dive. Whether you’re mainly snorkeling close to shore, training in open water, or diving in busy surface areas, you’ll find dive buoys on this page to match your skill level and needs. Discover our range and select the model that fits your next swim – so you’re ready every time you hit the water.