HOVERAir AQUA waterproof floating drone finally goes on general sale

Zero Zero Robotics' waterproof self-flying camera is now available in 50+ countries, priced from $1299. US buyers remain locked out, however, pending FCC compliance.

HOVERAir AQUA, the first fully waterproof self-flying camera built for water-based activities, is finally available globally following its Indiegogo debut in August 2025. Priced from $1299, it is being sold through selected retailers and online stores worldwide, though has unfortunately fallen foul of the FCC's foreign drone ban and is unavailable in the US. "For orders in the U.S., we are actively exploring pathways to FCC compliance," says a company statement.

Delayed appearance

The HOVERAir AQUA is the second product line from Zero Zero Robotics, which makes the HOVERAir X1. It was originally expected to ship in 2025, but seems to have suffered several delays on the way to mass production. The first units only started shipping to backers in March, with 20% of orders fulfilled by late April, and the last units to all eligible regions heading out last week. The inability to fulfill US orders seems to have enabled the company to free up inventory to go on general sale slightly quicker than that release cadence would suggest.

Coming in under the crucial 250 g weight limit for easy licensing, AQUA is designed to capture aerial footage hands-free while users are on the water. It is IP67-rated and positively buoyant, meaning it can take off directly from and land on the water's surface. A hydrophobic lens, anti-fog technology, and corrosion-resistant construction are all included, with the latter designed to handle saltwater exposure.

Video capabilities

The HOVERAir AQUA weighs under 250 g and features a positively buoyant orange frame designed for water takeoff and landing

The AQUA records 4K (3840 × 2160) at up to 100 fps in landscape, or 1080p at the same frame rates. Vertical shooting is supported at 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p. Video modes include Normal, HDR, H-Log (10-bit), slow motion, and vertical shooting, with a maximum bitrate of 160 Mbps. Stabilization comes from SmoothCapture 3.0, a system that combines a 1-axis gimbal, electronic image stabilization, and horizon leveling. The 1/1.28" CMOS sensor shoots stills at 12 MP with HDR support. The lens has an f/2.55 aperture, 95° field of view, and an 18 mm full-frame equivalent, with a hydrophobic, self-heating anti-fog coating and 2× digital zoom.

The drone handles winds up to Level 7 on the Beaufort scale and can reach speeds of 55 km/h (34 mph). 15+ intelligent flight modes are included, among them dedicated Paddle, Kayak, and Foil Modes for specific watersports activities. Flight time is 23 minutes.

The AQUA's positive buoyancy allows it to float and relaunch from the water's surface after landing

Control is via the Lighthouse armband-mounted controller. This features simple controls that allow for a fully hands-free experience while on the water controlling takeoff, landing, and shooting. Like the drone itself it is equipped with what Zero Zero has dubbed Real-Time Kinematic positioning which corrects GPS drift and should mean that both units know exactly where they are in relation to each other.

Those looking for a more hands-on flight experience can use the add-on Beacon and JoySticks hardware developed for the rest of the HOVERAir range. AQUA then switches into manual mode for full control over flight path and camera movement, delivering a lightweight drone-like aerial experience without worrying about landing on water. The control hardware is not waterproof, however, and is best used from land to capture water activities with AQUA itself flying over the water.

Pricing and availability

Three configurations are available. The Standard Combo ($1299 / €1299 / £1129) includes the AQUA, one battery, the Lighthouse with armband, a repair kit, a waterproof battery bag, and a USB-C cable. The Basic Combo ($1399 / €1399 / £1219) adds a second waterproof bag, an extra battery, and a charging hub. The Fly More Combo ($1499 / €1499 / £1299), available online only, includes three waterproof bags, two extra batteries, and a charging hub.

The HOVERAir AQUA Fly More Combo includes the drone, Lighthouse armband controller, and a full accessory set for extended water use