HOVERAir Aqua Touted as World’s First Waterborne Flying Camera Drone

HOVERAir, the company behind the clever self-flying drones, unveils Aqua, a device that thrives in water. Touted as the world’s first waterborne flying camera, it promises to capture your aquatic adventures with ease whether you’re surfing, kayaking or just lounging by the pool.

Weighing in at under 249 grams, the Aqua slips under the FAA’s recreational use threshold in the US, making it as hassle-free as a beach towel. Its lightweight build doesn’t compromise on durability. With an IP-67 waterproof rating, the drone can be fully submerged in fresh or saltwater and not flinch. HoverAir has packed it with over 15 waterproofing features including hydrophobic materials, anti-corrosive composites and vacuum-sealed components. A self-heating design means it works in cold conditions and its buoyant, orange-tubed frame lets it float like a lifeguard’s buoy.

Capturing footage in water-heavy environments requires more than just a tough shell. The Aqua has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the same as the high-end X1 Pro Max. It records 4K video at up to 100fps, smooth and vivid footage that will make your paddleboard session look like a summer blockbuster. A custom 7-layer lens designed for aquatic conditions cuts through splash and glare to deliver sharp visuals. Support for 10-bit HLG and H-LOG color profiles gives creators room to tweak their footage in post and those sunset beach shots will pop with rich, balanced colors. Unlike the X1 Pro Max which shoots 8K at 30fps, the Aqua sticks to 4K but for most users this is the sweet spot for clarity and file size.

Control is where the Aqua truly excels, leaning into HoverAir’s expertise in hands-free operation. Forget fumbling with a phone app or a clunky remote while you’re balancing on a surfboard. The Lighthouse accessory, a small waterproof controller, lets you launch it with a single tap. Throw it in the water, press a button and it takes off, locks onto you with advanced tracking algorithms. With over 15 automated flight modes including Follow, Orbit and a snorkeling mode, the Aqua adapts to your activity, circles you like a personal cinematographer or hovers for that perfect group shot. The AMOLED display gives you a real time preview, even in bright sunlight, so you can frame shots without squinting at your phone.

Speed and stability keeps the Aqua in the water sports chaos, so it can go 34mph and keep up with a jet ski or a fast moving kayak. It has level 7 wind resistance and can withstand 33 knots of wind so it’s stable on breezy beaches or turbulent lakes. Battery life is 11 minutes – typical for a small drone – but enough for quick dynamic shots, though you might want a spare battery for longer sessions. It can take off and land on water so you don’t need a dry launchpad, a game changer for anyone filming far from shore. Whether you’re capturing a wakeboarding trick or a peaceful paddle across a lake, the Aqua stays with you, no matter what.

Availability is the big question. HoverAir plans to launch the Aqua on Indiegogo but there’s no official release date or price yet. Given the $299 starting point of the X1 and the $699-$1,000 range of the X1 Pro Max, we’d expect the Aqua to fall in the middle, given its waterproofing and display.
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