Whether you’re fishing, exploring reefs, inspecting marine structures, or capturing cinematic underwater scenes โ being able to livestream underwater footage in real time is a gamechanger. But action cameras alone canโt stream from beneath the surface. Water blocks wireless signals like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, cutting off your live connection the moment your camera goes underwater.
Thatโs where Seavu comes in. In this guide, weโll show you exactly how to livestream underwater footage from your GoPro or DJI camera using Seavu kits โ either to your phone or tablet, or directly to a TV, monitor, or computer using DisplayPort.
Why Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Donโt Work Underwater
Most action cameras today โ like the GoPro HERO13 and DJI Action 5 Pro โ come equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so you can control your camera or livestream to a mobile device. These connections are greatโฆ while the camera is above water.
But the moment your camera goes beneath the surface, the signal drops out. Thatโs because water absorbs high-frequency radio waves, especially the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Even at shallow depths, wireless signals are blocked within seconds โ meaning you canโt view, control, or record live footage from your phone while the camera is underwater.
Learn more: Why Wi-Fi Doesnโt Work Underwater โ National Ocean Service
How Seavu Lets You Livestream Underwater Footage
Seavu was created to bridge this communication gap.
Our camera systems use a marine-grade tether cable that carries your cameraโs wireless signal to the surface, where itโs picked up by a receiver and wireless transmitter. This lets your phone, tablet, or TV maintain a seamless connection to your camera โ even when it’s metres below the surface.
How it works:
- Your GoPro or DJI camera is placed inside a Seavu waterproof housing.
- The housing connects to a tether cable that extends to the surface.
- At the surface, a receiver picks up the cameraโs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.
- The transmitter sends those signals to your mobile device โ no direct connection needed.
- You view and control the camera using its standard app GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo in real time.
No signal loss. No delay. Just live footage โ straight from beneath the surface.
Livestream to Your Phone or Tablet with Seavu
This is the go-to option for mobile users looking to view and control their camera while underwater. Ideal for:
- Real-time fishing insights
- Exploring or assessing reef conditions
- Framing and adjusting cinematic underwater shots
- Educational demos and field-based research
Recommended Kits:
- Seavu Seeker Starter Kit โ compact, mountable to poles, pots, or rails
- Seavu Explorer Adventure Kit โ stabilised setup for trolling, drifting, or anchoring
Both kits:
- Are compatible with GoPro and DJI cameras
- Support cable lengths up to 52 metres
- Use marine-proof components with no direct physical connection to your phone
- Let you use your cameraโs native app for live preview, settings, and recording
Example: Snapper fishermen use the Seeker Kit to mount a camera to a burley pot and watch fish approach in real time on their phone โ giving them an edge when choosing the right lure and spot.
Livestream Underwater Footage to a TV, Monitor, or Computer
For more advanced applications, such as marine research, charter tours, or film production, you can use Seavu to livestream underwater footage directly to larger screens โ with zero compression and uninterrupted power.
Recommended Kit:
- Seavu Explorer+ Pro Kit โ the worldโs first underwater system to use DisplayPort for direct 4K video output and power delivery.
Key Features:
- Streams in 1080p or 4K resolution
- Powers the camera via USB-C (no need to swap batteries)
- Sends video directly to a TV, chartplotter, computer, or recording device
- Fully compatible with the DJI Action 5 Pro, with support for future DisplayPort-enabled cameras
Example: A reef tour operator mounts the Explorer+ Kit off the back of the boat and streams the underwater scene directly to a large TV onboard โ creating a captivating guest experience without anyone getting wet.
Learn more: DisplayPort technology
What Youโll Need to Livestream Underwater Footage
For Phone/Tablet Streaming:
- GoPro HERO13 or DJI Action 4/5 Pro
- Seavu Seeker or Explorer Kit
- GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo
- A phone or tablet (iOS or Android)
For TV/Monitor/Computer Streaming:
- DJI Action 5 Pro
- Seavu Explorer+ Pro Kit
- HDMI or DisplayPort input on your screen
- Optional: 4K Capture Card or powered USB-C hub
Why DisplayPort Is the Best Option for Streaming Underwater Video
Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort over USB-C allows a single cable to transmit both uncompressed video and power. That means:
- Fewer cables to manage
- No bulky media modules or adapters
- A cleaner, more professional setup โ especially on boats or research vessels
Reference: DisplayPort vs HDMI โ Cable Matters
Pro Tips for Smooth Underwater Livestreaming
- Set your camera to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for better range and stability
- Use a phone or tablet with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E for optimal performance
- Position the receiver/transmitter high above water for best signal reception
- Use anti-glare screen protectors
- Keep cables tidy with the Seavu Cable Reel
Final Thoughts
With Seavu, anyone can livestream underwater footage with ease โ from recreational anglers to professional filmmakers. Whether you’re using a GoPro HERO13 or DJI Action 5 Pro, Seavu makes it possible to stream high-quality underwater video to your phone, tablet, TV, or computer in real time.
Ready to livestream your next underwater adventure?
Explore the full range of kits at www.seavu.com