The beach is a beautiful place to spend time, and in this article, we’ll explore the alternative to a swim or sunbathing during your day at the beach. We’re discussing metal detection and the search for sun-soaked treasure.
Table could not be displayed.Searching is not for the faint of heart. Bystanders and holidaymakers will have plenty of questions for you as you comb the beaches with your metal detector.
To avoid curious crowds and execute a successful search, consider visiting the beach when the weather is less attractive to beachgoers.
There will be fewer people, and you can take the time to detect metals. We’ve outlined for you the best detectors and important features for your best beach search.
Top Best Metal Detector for the Beach
1. Garrett ATX Deepseeker
- Maximum Detection on all targets at the same time. No need to switch modes to…
- LED Indicators: show signal strength and current settings. Waterproof Speaker:…
- Frequency Scan: auto function for minimizing RFI interference. Volume Control:…
- Advanced Ground Balance: has wide range to ground balance from heavily…
- Motion and Non-Motion Modes: provides optimum performance based on your hunting…
This metal detector looks like a mine detector. It is an excellent option when looking for an efficient gadget that works in all weather conditions.
The ATX Deepseeker is accurate and so easy to work with, allowing you to explore different areas.
With this model, you can carefully scan the desired area. If a valuable has been lost, you’re sure to find it. Search for trinkets, treasures and valuable antiques. Its search functions hold up in every environment—wet weather, severe debris, even sandy soil.
The Garrett ATX Deepseeker carefully scans your area of choice and detects anything metallic, ensuring you recover valuables lost on the beach. You may be lucky to find your fortune lying deep in the waters or sands along your favorite beach.
No matter the weather, don’t cancel your exploration adventure; just find the right tool and get ready to discover.
The ATX Deepseeker has a coil that enables it to filter minerals effectively. It shows you where the metal is before your excavation begins. You get to know how deep the metal, gold nuggets, old coins, artifact, or jewelry is located.
Features:
- Simultaneous detections of various targets without adjustment
- Modern system detunes different types of soils, including highly mineralized ground and saltwater
- Coil comes with DD design, elevating chances of finding small, metallic items while maintaining scanner speed
- Dual modes—Static or In Motion.
- Fully collapsible with an adjustable bar which fixes in various positions.
- Four settings for soil balance to test for ferrous metals
- LED indicators with clear display signal strong enough for quick metal detection
- Waterproof speakers ensure integrity of device in wet environment
- Loud volume settings to determine even smallest indicator sounds
2. Fisher 1280X-8
- Turn on & go operation – submersible up to 250 feet – full range target…
- Adjustable sensitivity control – audio and visual target response
- 8” and 10” coil options – up to 75+ hours of battery life
- Operating Frequency: 2.4 kHz
- Recommended for: beach hunting, shallow water, lake /surf, diving
This metal detector is unique as it works very well in salty waters and can easily go deep in search of ferrous materials. It can withstand the harshness of deep salty waters.
The Fisher 1280x is created for underwater metal detection allowing you to dive as deep as you wish. If you want to reach the most hidden metallic treasures, this device is for you.
The versatile Fisher 1280X can also be used in the surface search along the beach. Regardless of how deep you want to go into the sea, this scanner comes in handy and doesn’t corrode due to exposure to saltwater.
Features:
- Applies high salinity to the soil
- Flexible and manually adjustable for the balance of the ground.
- Variable threshold signal
- Auto threshold
- Noise-resistant channels
3. Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab CTX 3030 is one of the latest in the Minelab line. It was released in 2012, and it takes metal detection to an expert level. The device uses advanced concepts with an easy-to-carry design.
It looks like a straight barbell but at the top is battery pack. The bar has a smooth finish made of carbon fiber with a standard height. The CTX 3030 has an elevated offset unit, which is a separate branch and has a colored display of 3.5 inches.
On the rear side, it has a speaker, USB connector, and the additional trigger to help pinpoint metals. The battery pack counters the weight of the detectors and increases the ability to detect metals. The headphone comes in handy for weak signals.
Properties of Minelab CTX 3030:
- Water-resistant—perfect for beach use
- Versatile functionality for use on dry land
- Functional up to three meters under water
- Wireless audio allows freedom to search for metals in the water
- Loudspeaker option in WM10 wireless mode
- Feco discrimination ability ensures equipment detects targets with the right iron content, saving time by eliminating useless ferrous objects from the list of items detected
- “Target Trace and Target Separation” enables accurate identification and detection of multiple targets simultaneously
- Latest GPS navigation features including Waypoints, GeoHunts, GeoTrails and FindPoints enabling remote navigation
- PC cartography allows computer download of treasure locations and detector settings using the XChange 2 app
- Scanner allows uploadable data to re-examine favored areas with the help of Google Maps
- Full-color LCD displays precise detail regarding object with optimal resolution
- Speedy identification process
- Designed to reject or detect targets easily.
4. CZ-21
The CZ-21 is used as deep as 250 feet underwater. It is among the best metal detectors to use in deep seas, withstanding the harshness of salty waters. This multi-functional device can also be used in freshwaters to find metals and has the rare and coveted audio tone target ID, perfect for beachcombing.
Features:
- Single-touch pinpoint
- Dual-frequency
- Manual ground balance
- Autotune for all metals
- Three-tone audio ID
- Effective target audio alert
- Adjustable volume, discrimination, and sensitivity
5. White’s Beachhunter 300
If you want to comb beaches effectively, the White’s BeachHunter 300 is the best optionas it differentiates between metallic trash and real treasures found in the water or on sandy beaches.
Sporting a removable electronic control system, the BeachHunter 300 has LED-colored code to help you determine the value of the detected metal. You should understand the sensitivity in metal detection. A waterproof construct makes it perfect for underwater dives up to 7.5 meters. The Spider coil is 12-inch, which makes it excellent for metal detection in deep waters.
The BeachHunter 300’s epoxy coating ensures the device is buoyant but submersible, ensuring the coil will not sink or get pushed to float on the water. Piezo headphones facilitate easy detection and are waterproof, perfect for avoiding water damage. A dual-frequency system optimizes search in water and on sands.
You can set your BeachHunter 300 to detect all metals or dynamic discrimination, and its three controls adjust your device’s threshold background, soil balance, and sensitivity.
Features:
- Multi-function controls—soil balance, sensitivity, and background
- Removable control unit
- Dual frequencies
- Effective in salty and freshwaters
- Water resistant
- LED identification
Choosing the Best Metal Detector
Metal detectors are available in a wide range of models and styles. You will find professional and low-cost ones. They come with different features and the ability to explore different water depths. If you need a metal detector not only for the beach but for other surfaces then you should check out our post on the best metal detector on the market.
Understand your product to make the best choice for fruitful deep water and sand exploration.
Coil size determines how efficiently and accurately you can identify metallic targets. Understanding the coil quality is equally important. An eclipse coil should be less than 6 by 10 inches. If the coil is round, it should be 8 inches or less.
Coil type is about personal preference. While most people prefer mono coils the DD coil is just as effective.
Frequency determines the depth of your dig. While cheap metal detectors are available for those on a tight budget, the more expensive metal detector will provide a higher frequency. Operating at a frequency of 13 kHz to 15 kHz or even higher will warrant a deeper, quality search with sharp target definition. You’ll be better equipped to detect small objects and those with electrical conductivity such as gold.
What’s more, high frequency provides better metals separations. Your metal detector is protected against electrical interference, and therefore you can use it in all areas, including beaches close to cities.
Submersable, water resistant, and waterproof constructs are important to specific hunts. The metal detector you choose to buy should be determined by your search type. From shallow searches, to coastal land searches where your machine is not in contact with water, you’ll want to do your research and understand how you’ll be using your machine.
Metal Detectors for Non-Water Detection
If you want to search for metals without getting into the water, you do not have to buy a professional waterproof detector. Away from the waters, the tightness of a device is not important. Explore areas with surf, especially the most freshly washed sand along the coastal zone.
For salty waters such as a sea beach, you have to find a gadget that can work efficiently regardless of the condition.
Metal detection is important because water moves different targets, including coins, earrings, and rings. The surf area is the best to explore because it has not been studied and so you are likely to find treasure. Never skip the surf areas.
Metal Detectors for Water Use
If you want to get into the sea, it means digging a little deeper and dealing with water. One of your hands will be holding the detector, and you’ll balance a shovel on the other.
This is suitable for scuba divers with all the gear and gadgets to keep them safe under the water. Since there is the risk to drop your detector, get one with a sealed enclosure.
This also allows you to excavate with both hands when you need to without losing your gadget.
When Water Reaches Your Waist
For waist-deep water, you should get a metal detector for scuba divers. The device must have a tightly sealed enclosure and have the ability to withstand immersion.
You must have the right scuba/dive gear to avoid freezing. Wear a mask that will allow you to see what you are doing. What’s more, your detector must have earphones so you can hear the signal sound.
Beach Searching
To search the beach, you must be prepared for contact with the water. You need the scuba when searching for metals on the beach as it will sift through the sand and leave you with the findings. You choose the length of your scuba’s handle based on the type of search you’re performing.
Available handle lengths include long, medium, and short. Remember to lean on the scuba foot when digging out a target; it helps you avoid bending over. You’ll need a pinpointer for effective beach hunting as it helps you identify the target quickly on the rocky bottom
Ponds often have rocky bottoms and, not necessarily a beach, people swim here, and you can find exciting and vintage metallic items. Metal detection on the beach requires:
- Detector with a tight enclosure.
- Scoop
- Shovel
- Pinpoint
With the proper tools, you’ll avoid losing your treasure to the surrounding waters.
Geographic Protocols for Metal Search on the Shores
There are some countries that have stipulated rules and procedures for investigating metal deposits at the beach. Know your regulations and secure the proper paperwork and permission when required.
Here is a list of such regulations from various countries.
- Australia This is a mineral-rich country hence excavation of these metals is allowed at the seashore. Over the years, nothing significant has been found on the Australian beaches as compared to other continents.
- Austria The government is protective of the beach areas. One has to get approval from the designated office that protects historical sites.
- Belarus Six years ago, the Belarus government enacted a law to protect specific beach areas, most regions of historic significance, and privately owned lands by the shore. Since 2013, metal search at the beach area has been highly restricted.
- Belgium Hunting for historic metal deposits is not allowed for private lands but open in the wider beach area.
- England England offers permits to anyone who wishes to find metal at the beach area, but one has to seek a private permit from the landowners. In some areas, one has to pay a fee. Any discovery must be declared to the public. Any attempt to confiscate such findings is illegal. There is also a way of determining the worth of these findings. Not every item is viewed as a treasure in spite of its origin. Roman lead plates, for instance, are not upheld as historical finds.
- Germany One has to obtain a permit before setting out to search for treasure in the water or along the beach. The search is conducted using a beach metal detector.
- Greece The Ministry in charge of culture offers permits to the holders of metal detectors. Additionally, hunters must seek approval of the local town office near the beach. However, one is not allowed to search for artifacts. It is illegal and one can be imprisoned for breaking this law.
- Italy The beach area is totally controlled by the government, hence no one is allowed to treasure hunt in such lands.
- Canada There is no historic piece that one can actually find in the beach area. However, the landowners may allow search using metal detectors because tunneling or burrowing is against the law.
- Portugal Initially, no one was allowed to detect metal in Portugal. Currently, it is allowed in parts of Portimao and Lagoa where clubs seek permission to dig. You can get special permission for beach searches. It is usually given by local administrations, and it’s for locals only.
- Russia Searching for historical findings is against the law, but if one wants to explore the beach, it is allowed.
- USA The only restrictions are for digging or tunneling any treasures. But any search using an iron detector is legal. If one has an interest in private lands, then the consent of the property owner must be given. Otherwise, any metal search in privately owned properties without legal permission is considered a crime in the US.
- Ukraine You cannot detect metals in any historical monuments. It is strictly forbidden and against the law.
- Switzerland Metal search is allowed to a larger extent using a metal detector, but one has to seek guidelines from the respective local office. The rules differ from one region to another. In every county, canton, and semi-canton, there are rules. They differ and some areas forbid metal detection while others allow.
- Sweden One cannot search for metal in all the beach areas, whether public or private. It is against the law.
Check out more products like these and accerssories you can add to your beach treasure hunt journey: