HoverAir Aqua: The Drone That Swims, Films, and Steals the Show

Alright, drone fans, grab your swim trunks and sunscreen because the HoverAir Aqua is about to make a splash! This isn’t just another drone buzzing around the sky—it’s a waterproof, floating, self-flying camera that can take off and land on water like it’s born to swim.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED! (07/07/25)

Launched by Zero Zero Robotics, the Aqua is perfect for our drone lovers who want to capture their kayaking, surfing, or poolside antics without needing a tech degree or a life preserver for their gear. Whether you’re filming a wild jet ski ride or just showing off at the lake, this drone’s ready to roll (or float) with you. Let’s break down why the Aqua’s the coolest thing to hit the water since the invention of the pool floaty.

What’s So Awesome About the HoverAir Aqua?

The HoverAir Aqua is built for folks who love water as much as they love drones. Weighing under 249 grams, it’s light enough to skip FAA registration in the US, so you can toss it in your beach bag and go. Its IP-67 waterproof rating means it can handle a full dunk in fresh or saltwater, and its buoyant design lets it float like a rubber duck. Best of all, it takes off and lands directly on water, so you don’t have to worry about your drone sinking faster than your buddy’s fishing bait.

The camera’s a real star, shooting 4K video at 100 frames per second with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. That means smooth, vivid footage that makes your wakeboarding stunts look like a Hollywood flick. With 10-bit HLG and H-LOG, you get rich colors and editing flexibility to make those sunset beach shots pop. The Aqua’s got over 15 automated flight modes—like Follow, Orbit, and even a snorkeling mode for underwater vibes—that track you hands-free, so you can focus on not wiping out. It’s like having a personal camera crew that doesn’t complain about getting wet.

This drone’s tough, too. It boasts Level 7 wind resistance (up to 38 mph) and a top speed of 34 mph (55 km/h), so it can keep up with your jet ski or handle a breezy beach day without getting blown away. The built-in AMOLED screen shows you real-time footage, even in bright sunlight, so you’re not squinting at your phone like it’s a puzzle. And the Lighthouse controller? It’s a nifty little gadget that lets you toss the Aqua into the water and start filming with one tap—no app, no fuss, just pure simplicity.

How It Compares to Other Drones

HoverAir’s X1 series already won over our crowd with its pocket-sized, self-flying selfie drones, but the Aqua’s like the X1’s beach-loving cousin who shows up with a cooler full of tricks. The original X1 is great for land-based shots but would drown in a puddle. The X1 Pro and ProMax bring 4K and 8K video, but they can’t touch the Aqua’s water-ready design. Compared to DJI’s Mini 4 Pro, the Aqua’s 4K at 100 fps is competitive, and its ability to float and operate in water gives it a huge edge for aquatic adventures. Plus, with DJI facing US import issues due to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the Aqua’s ready to steal the spotlight. Its quirky orange, tubular look—some call it “flying thongs”—adds a fun vibe that DJI’s sleek drones can’t match.

The Not-So-Fine Print

HoverAir’s keeping us guessing on the launch date and price, but it’s set to hit Indiegogo soon, so keep an eye out. The X1 starts at $349, but the Aqua’s fancy waterproofing, AMOLED screen, and Lighthouse controller might push it toward the X1 ProMax’s $699-$1,000 range, especially in places like Australia. Battery life is around 11 minutes, which is enough for quick shots but might leave you wanting more on a full day of surfing. It’s got rear collision sensors for safer tracking, but it’s not dodging obstacles like DJI’s high-end models, so watch out for pesky seagulls. And while it tracks humans like a pro, it won’t follow your dog’s epic doggy paddle—sorry, pup fans.

DroneXL’s Take

As a drone pilot who’s spent too many beach trips praying my gear doesn’t take a swim, the HoverAir Aqua feels like a dream come true. I’ve hovered over lakes, heart in my throat, hoping my drone doesn’t end up as fish food. The Aqua’s ability to float and take off from water is a total game-changer for filming my kayak runs or my kids’ pool dives. The 4K at 100 fps and hands-free modes let me focus on paddling, not piloting, and that AMOLED screen is a lifesaver for checking shots without dragging out my phone. The Lighthouse controller’s so easy, even my old school buddies could use it without a manual—no offense, guys

That said, I’m bracing for a price tag that might hit my wallet like a rogue wave. If it’s anywhere near $1,000, I’ll need to sell some old gear to justify it. And I’m bummed it won’t track my dog when he’s chasing waves—c’mon, HoverAir, give Fido some love! Still, this drone’s a bold shot across DJI’s bow, and I’m stoked to see it shake up the market. As a drone lover, I can’t wait to take the Aqua for a dip and capture some killer water shots.

Who’s ready to join me and make waves with this thing? Share your thoughts in the comments!

HoverAir Aqua Non-official Specifications

• Weight: Under 249g, no FAA registration needed
• Camera: 4K at 100 fps, 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 10-bit HLG/H-LOG
• Waterproofing: IP-67 rating, floats, takes off/lands on water
• Flight Modes: 15+ automated modes, including Follow, Orbit, Snorkeling
• Wind Resistance: Level 7 (up to 38 mph)
• Top Speed: 55 km/h (34 mph)
• Battery Life: ~11 minutes
• Storage: 32GB internal, supports up to 1TB external SD card

UPDATE: Hold your horses, drone fans—these HoverAir Aqua specs are our best-educated guesses based on digging through the web and studying HoverAir’s other drones, like the X1 series. The 11-minute battery life and 32GB internal storage (with 1TB SD card support) come from patterns in HoverAir’s designs, but they’re not set in stone. Zero Zero Robotics hasn’t dropped the official details yet, so take these with a grain of salt until HoverAir spills the beans!

Photographs courtesy of Hover