Livestream Underwater Footage Using GoPro or DJI Action Cameras

  • Read Time: 5 mins

Practical setup guidance for streaming live underwater footage

Being able to livestream underwater footage in real time is useful for fishing, reef exploration, inspections, and underwater filming. However, action cameras cannot livestream underwater on their own. Once submerged, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals stop working almost immediately.

Water absorbs high-frequency wireless signals, including the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by action cameras. As a result, live preview and camera control are lost as soon as the camera goes underwater. This limitation is explained in more detail in our guide on why Wi-Fi and Bluetooth don’t work underwater.

This article explains how GoPro and DJI action cameras can livestream underwater footage when used with Seavu systems. It focuses on practical setup differences between devices and the types of live-view systems available.

For a broader explanation of live underwater video systems and how they work, see our main guide on how to get a live underwater video feed from your action camera.

Why GoPro and DJI cameras cannot livestream underwater by default

GoPro and DJI action cameras include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for live preview, camera control, and streaming. These features work reliably above water.

Underwater, the connection drops because water blocks wireless radio waves. Even shallow depth prevents a stable signal. Without a tethered or wired system, livestreaming underwater is not possible.

This behaviour affects all current GoPro and DJI models, including the GoPro HERO13 and DJI Action 5 Pro.

For a scientific explanation, see: 
Why Wi-Fi Doesn’t Work Underwater – National Ocean Service

How Seavu enables underwater livestreaming

Seavu systems enable underwater livestreaming by carrying the camera’s signal to the surface using a physical connection. Instead of attempting to send wireless signals through water, the system keeps the wireless connection above the surface.

Seavu supports two livestreaming approaches:

  • Tethered live-view systems using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Wired video systems using DisplayPort

The right approach depends on how and where the camera will be used.

Livestreaming to a phone or tablet using tethered live-view systems

Tethered live-view systems are designed for mobile and field use. They allow GoPro and DJI cameras to stream live underwater footage to a phone or tablet using the camera’s native app.

How it works

  1. The camera is placed inside a waterproof housing.
  2. A receiver at the camera end captures the camera’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.
  3. A marine-grade tether cable carries the signal to the surface.
  4. A surface transmitter relays the signal to a phone or tablet.
  5. Live footage is viewed using GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo.

The tether does not transmit Wi-Fi through water. It carries the signal to the surface, where normal wireless communication resumes.

Compatible Seavu kits

These systems:

  • Work with GoPro and DJI action cameras
  • Support long cable lengths
  • Use the camera’s native app for live view and control
  • Prioritise portability and ease of setup

Livestreaming to a TV, monitor, or computer using DisplayPort

For professional applications such as inspections, research, charter operations, or live production, a wired video output provides greater stability and image quality.

Explorer+ kits support DisplayPort video output over USB-C when used with compatible cameras such as the DJI Action 5 Pro and DJI Action 6.

Why DisplayPort is used

  • Outputs uncompressed video
  • Provides low-latency monitoring
  • Integrates with TVs, monitors, and capture cards
  • Avoids wireless signal loss

GoPro cameras can output video using the Media Mod accessory. However, this uses mini HDMI for video only and requires a separate power connection. GoPro models do not currently support native DisplayPort output.

Explorer+ kit differences

  • Explorer+ Pro Kit
    Supports DisplayPort video and USB-C Power Delivery through a single cable for continuous operation.
  • Explorer+ Adventure Kit
    Supports DisplayPort video output only and relies on the camera’s internal battery.

DisplayPort over USB-C allows video and power to be carried through one connection. This reduces cable clutter and improves reliability in professional environments.

Learn more:
DisplayPort technology |
DisplayPort vs HDMI

What you need to livestream underwater footage

For phone or tablet viewing

For TV, monitor, or computer viewing

  • DJI Action 5 Pro or DJI Action 6
  • Seavu Explorer+ Pro Kit
  • DisplayPort or HDMI input
  • Optional capture card or computer for recording

Final thoughts

Livestreaming underwater footage requires more than an action camera alone. Wireless signals cannot travel through water, so a tethered or wired system is essential.

Tethered live-view systems suit mobile use with phones and tablets. Wired DisplayPort systems suit professional workflows where image quality and continuous operation matter.

Seavu systems support both approaches, allowing GoPro and DJI users to livestream underwater footage in real time using the method that best fits their application.

To explore available options, visit seavu.com.

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Unleash the depths

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can livestream underwater footage using GoPro or DJI action cameras when they are used with a tethered or wired live-view system. The system carries the signal to the surface, allowing real-time viewing on a phone, tablet, or monitor.

GoPro and DJI cameras cannot livestream underwater on their own because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals are absorbed by water. Once submerged, the wireless connection drops almost immediately.

Tethered livestreaming extends the camera’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal to the surface so you can view footage on a phone or tablet. Wired livestreaming outputs video directly from the camera using DisplayPort and is typically used for monitors, TVs, or professional setups.

Yes. Tethered live-view systems allow GoPro and DJI cameras to livestream underwater footage to a phone or tablet using the camera’s native app, such as GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo.

Some GoPro models can output video using the Media Mod accessory via mini HDMI. However, this provides video only and requires a separate power connection. GoPro cameras do not currently support DisplayPort output.

The DJI Action 5 Pro and DJI Action 6 support native DisplayPort output, making them suitable for wired underwater livestreaming to monitors, TVs, or capture cards.

Yes. Most action cameras allow you to record footage internally while viewing the live feed through the camera’s app at the same time.

The maximum depth depends on the tether cable length and system design (Typically 50m max). Tethered live-view systems allow streaming at depth as long as the surface transmitter remains above water.

Yes. Live underwater streaming is commonly used for fishing, exploration, and general observation, as it allows you to see underwater activity in real time and adjust camera position as needed.

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