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Yes, the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is waterproof without the need for a separate waterproof housing or case.
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is Waterproof Without a Case
This is something that comes up often, because older GoPros needed a separate clear plastic housing to add waterproof protection. And there have been occasional specialized models more recently, like the HERO10 Black Bare Bones, that aren’t waterproof.
So if you’ve used an older GoPro and skipped some of the more recent models, it’s a pretty major design change (and mostly for the better).
Since the HERO5 (or, more accurately, the Session), GoPro cameras have switched to having the camera body itself being waterproof. So for many situations in and around water, you no longer need to have a separate waterproof housing, as you did for the HERO4 models and earlier. The GoPro HERO11 continues that approach.
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is waterproof right out of the box. By itself, it’s rated for full submersion underwater to a depth of 33 feet / 10 meters.
If you need to take the camera deeper than that, or just want extra protection, the best bet is to add a protective housing.
The catch is that, for now, there’s no official GoPro protective housing for the HERO11 Black Mini. But there’s a very good chance that will change as third-party aftermarket manufacturers make some available.
Things Worth Knowing
Waterproof protection is only as good as the weakest seal. So it’s always a good idea to ensure that the camera’s side door is properly locked in place and that its rubber seals are intact and don’t have any grit or sand that could create a gap for water to get in. And make sure that the lens cover is locked in place. That’s really only an issue if you’ve removed or replaced the lens—I’ve never seen the lens coming loose by itself so long as it’s properly attached.
For the camera to be waterproof, the side door needs to be fully attached and closed. Anything that requires access to the USB-C port–such as an external battery, an external monitor, or an external microphone–means opening the side door to access the USB-C port and therefore leaving it exposed.
I have some more detailed recommendations on using GoPros around water here.
GoPro cameras don’t float. There are several ways to tackle this problem–I cover some of the best options in a separate post: How to Make a GoPro Float.
Wifi doesn’t work underwater. Those are not shortcomings of the HERO11 Mini–it’s a limitation of how Wifi signals work.
Waterproof Depth Ratings for GoPro Cameras
Newer GoPro models have a waterproof body. Older models required an external waterproof housing. Here are the depth ratings for the cameras themselves.
| GoPro Model | Waterproof Depth Rating (without external housing) |
|---|---|
| HERO12 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO11 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO11 Black Mini | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO10 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO10 Black Bones Edition | Not waterproof or water-resistant. |
| HERO9 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO8 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| MAX | 16 feet / 5 meters |
| HERO7 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO7 Silver | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO7 White | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| Fusion | 16 feet / 5 meters |
| HERO6 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO (2018) | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO5 Black | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO5 Session | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO4 Session / HERO Session | 33 feet / 10 meters |
| HERO+ LCD | 131 feet / 40 meters |
| HERO+ | 131 feet / 40 meters |
| HERO (2014) | 131 feet / 40 meters |
| HERO4 Black | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HERO4 Silver | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HERO3+ Black | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HERO3 Black | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HERO3 Silver | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HERO3 White | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HD HERO 2 | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| HD HERO Original | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
| SD HERO | Not waterproof. Requires external waterproof housing. |
FAQs
Is the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini waterproof?
Yes, the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is waterproof without the need for a separate waterproof case or housing. By itself, the camera is rated for 33 feet / 10 meters. So you can comfortably take it swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or paddle boarding.
Does the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini need a waterproof case?
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is waterproof without needing a waterproof case or housing. By itself, the camera is rated for 33 feet / 10 meters.
How deep underwater can the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini go?
The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is rated for full submersion to a depth of 33 feet / 10 meters without an external waterproof housing. That’s so long as the side door is properly sealed and in place.
I’ve taken the camera snorkelling and diving a couple of times, and whilst the GoPro 11 mini is waterproof, as soon as you get below a couple of meters diving, the water pressure essentially stops the buttons working so you can start or stop filming. I wouldn’t recommend this for recreational diving, at least not until GoPro or someone releases a proper case.