Best Metal Detector For The Beach 2024

Metal detecting on the beach

List with best metal detectors for the beach in 2024

Model nameModel imageShop
MineLab Excalibur II MineLab Excalibur II
Garrett AT ProGarrett AT Pro
Minelab CTX 3030 Minelab CTX 3030 metal detector
Garrett Sea Hunter MKII Garrett Sea Hunter MKII

Guide To beach metal detecting

A beach is divided into two regions – the area that is continuously dry and the area that is frequently soaked by the waves.

In most instances, you will probably be able to comb the dry portion of the beach with a regular metal detector.

However, as you may encounter a great deal of trash, it is probably best to have a detector that is a little more discerning than most.

The tricky part is the wet part of the beach.

Here, the soil has been saturated with salt, water, and is probably composed of black sand as well.

This means that you are going to need a metal detector that is waterproof and can withstand the salinity of the water.

Black sand is sand that is heavily mixed with other minerals and iron. Due to the high conductivity of iron, this can make it a problem for regular metal detectors.

Prior to considering buying a metal detector, you will first need to decide which type of metal detecting you plan on doing.

If you are not sure or would like to have the best of both worlds, you are going to need a detector that works well in all conditions.

As a budding treasure hunter, it is a good idea to read the reviews that other people have written regarding metal detectors you might be considering.

This can easily be done on online retail sites such as Amazon.

Here, you will be able to compare between other people’s experiences and what you are looking for in a beach metal detector.

Now that you are aware what beach metal detector shopping encompasses, it is time to see what some of the best options on the market are.

Best metal detectors for the beach reviewed

Below, you will find a list of metal detectors that have proven to be quite useful when metal detecting in these specific conditions.

MineLab Excalibur II Metal Detector

The MineLab Excalibur II is a metal detector that is often recommended by professional metal detectors. This is certainly not one of the cheaper options available but it is incredibly good. This is because it is often considered to be a diver’s metal detector due to its ability to withstand underwater conditions. Therefore, it is a good investment for those who plan on doing most of their searching either in shallow water or on wet sand. While this type of conditions are where this metal detector really excel, you can also use it on dry sand with a great deal of success.

Features:

  • BBS Frequency – between 1.5 kHz and 25.5 kHz
  • Ground cancelling to eliminate false signals caused by salt water
  • Works in underwater depths up to 66 metres
  • Battery that lasts up to 12 hours
  • Slimline coil that measures 10 inches
  • Automatic ground compensation
  • Equipped with 8 ohms headphones

The Minelab Excalibur II will be most appreciated by those who have a serious interest in metal detecting, particularly at the beach. With this metal detector, you will be able to easily discriminate between items of worth and trash. It also overcomes the issue of receiving false signals due to the conditions posed by salt water and can be used at considerable depths under water.

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

The Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector is definitely a bargain considering the quality of the detector as well as the features that it offers. As far as metal detectors go, Garrett is one of those brands that is synonymous with producing some of the best models on the market.

The Garrett AT Pro is one such detector. Also, as the cost is quite reasonable, even entry-level metal detecting enthusiasts can feel comfortable using it.

This metal detector does work better in shallower waters, so you may not want to stray too far from the beach with it. Nonetheless, it does have the distinct advantage of being compatible with both freshwaters as well as saltwater.

Features:

  • Standard and professional search modes
  • Waterproof up to 10 feet
  • Digital Target ID range from 1 to 99
  • High Resolution iron discrimination
  • 15 kHz frequency
  • All terrain features

What really stands out about the Garrett AT Pro is that it is such a versatile metal detector. If you do not want to focus solely on metal detecting on the beach, the AT Pro is capable of working in a variety of conditions. Therefore, you really are getting a great value for money, especially if you love to explore with your metal detector.

Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector

If you are looking for an all-in-one metal detector, then the Minelab CTX 3030 is a detector that you may want to consider. First, this is a professional model and it will work well in any circumstance, including in underwater conditions.

The Double-D smart coil is waterproof up to three metres so you can now improve your odds of making some exciting finds. It will also help if you find yourself in an area that has a large amount of trash or objects that could interfere with your search.

You will be able to pinpoint the targets that you want with greater ease while ignoring the unnecessary objects. This Minelab detector also comes equipped with a whole host of tech-savvy features.

Features:

  • Waterproof up to 3 metres
  • Excellent FeCo discrimination
  • PC Mapping available with Google Maps
  • Easy to handle
  • GPS enabled
  • Full colour screen

If you are a serious treasure hunter or are very dedicated to metal detecting, then this is the tool for you. You will be amazed at the precision that this detector is capable of. Even better, it also works perfectly whether you are on the shore or in the water. You can essentially use this metal detector anywhere that you want. With additions such as GPS and FeCo discrimination, you really will be getting your money’s worth.

Garrett Sea Hunter MKII Metal Detector

As mentioned, when it comes to metal detectors, Garrett is really ahead of the curve in terms of design and technology. The Sea Hunter Mark II is definitely an example of craftsmanship. It is also an aptly named machine.

This metal detector is capable of overcoming the disturbances that are typically brought on by sea water or the other minerals found on the beach. With the Sea Hunter, you will be able to distinguish between aluminium, lead, and brass. You can also program it to ignore other materials that you are not interested in. You can use this metal detector in a variety of environments including land, mud, and up to 200 feet in the water.

Features:

  • Four separate configurations
  • Waterproof up to 200 feet
  • Works in saltwater – salt elimination mode
  • Audio Tone ID
  • Equipped with waterproof headphones
  • Discrimination full range

If you are looking for an affordable metal detector that will perform quite admirably, then the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II is a good choice.

If you have a specific idea of what you want to find, it will be much simpler to accomplish it with this metal detector.

You will certainly not be disappointed by the accuracy that you experience as well as how easy it is to use. To top it all off, this metal detector is also quite durable.

Terratek Discriminating Metal Detector

I haven’t seen this model for quite a long time on the market. I am not sure why it’s no longer sold.

The Terratek Discriminating Metal Detector is yet another metal detector that used to be good for amateur treasure hunters. The waterproof coil that the detector comes equipped with enables it to be used in water that is not too deep. Also, you can easily choose just which type of items you want to look for. If you want, you can fix the settings so that you will only be able to pick up precious metals such as silver and gold. This way, you are less likely to get your hopes up over non-valuable items. Depending on the terrain that you are searching in, this metal detector should be capable of detecting items buried about 15 cm underground.

Features:

  • 16.5 cm waterproof coil
  • Adjustable stem
  • Adjustable sensitivity for ferrous and non-ferrous objects
  • Pre-set ground balance
  • Detachable shovel

The Terratek metal detector used to be one of the easier ways to look for precious items at the beach. Also, if you intend on only metal detecting occasionally, the Terratek metal detector is not very costly. At the very least, it is the perfect metal detector to help you get started with this particular hobby.

Other metal detectors that can be used on the beach (not 100% fully waterproof) include;

If you are in the United Kingdom are hoping to do some metal detecting on the beach, these are definitely some of the better detectors for sale.

You will be able to find at least one option on this list that will suit your needs, regardless of your requirements or your experience level.

When choosing metal detectors, particularly, those that need to have specialized features, it is important to choose from brands that you can trust.

This will give you a better chance of being successful on your detecting trips.

Happy hunting for hidden treasures!

Steve

I’m one of the founders of this blog. A 32 yr old from Lincolnshire & proud father of 3 beautiful children. My first metal detector was a garret ace 150 but I am currently using the Garrett ace 400i. My best find was a roman coin. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below

Jay - December 17, 2016

Please can you recommend a metal detector for beach work dry but possibly wet? I haven’t done this before so a new hobby and not sure what to buy. May detect on land at a later date.
Is dry beach and land use the same detector? If on a wettish beach, would I need a different detector if the sea had just gone out, leaving wet beach.
thanks. Would like to buy one for a present.

Reply
    Steve Race - December 23, 2016

    Hello Jay,

    Sorry for the late reply. I have been with some house renovation projects.

    If you are looking for a full blown beach metal detector, any of the ones above will do the job well!

    Is dry beach and land use the same detector? Yes you can.

    If on a wettish beach, would I need a different detector if the sea had just gone out, leaving wet beach. Yes and No.

    Some metal detectors are not designed with good sensitivities and you will get mixed signals.

    If you are starting out, the Euro Ace is an excellent price to start with and it can be used on the dry beach.

    You can read up on it here; http://www.thedetectorist.co.uk/garrett-euroace-350-review/

    Reply
Ken Martin - December 22, 2016

Hi Steve, I am thinking of taking up metal detecting just as a hobby for when we go away in our motorhome over the summer period. As we stay mainly at beach sites and also some country sites, the Terratek looks about right for what i want it for, do you agree or should i look at the other’s on the list? Look forward to your advice. Cheers KM

Reply
    Steve Race - December 23, 2016

    Hi Ken,

    The Terratek is a good choice! The only problem is finding a retailer that stocks it as it is always out of stock. If you can find it, buy it.

    The CTX 3030 is my personal favourite from the list above.

    Cheers

    Reply
Garry - September 19, 2018

AT Pro…too heavy and now too old, well outdated.

Reply
    Steve - September 26, 2018

    What are your suggestions, Garry? We want to provide an accurate top for our picks, feel free to suggest any metal detectors that are suited for the beach.

    Reply
    Tom Scott - June 6, 2021

    The AT Pro is a complete waste of time on wet sand

    Reply
      Mark - March 26, 2022

      Is mine lab vanquish any good on wet sand

      Reply
        Steve - June 15, 2022

        Yes!

        Reply
Patricia van Heerden - October 28, 2018

Hi Steve, I would love to buy my son a metal detector for Christmas but am not savvy with anything technological. It’s a foreign language for me lol. He would want to use it in shallow sea water so the actual box thing doesn’t have to be waterproof, in rivers and on land. Can you please tell me what you think will do the job. He is a beginner but great with technology, well better than me. I think that I saw something quite reasonable which would do the job but for the life of me can’t find it again. Oh, he’s 38 years old and I’m not rich so a good price would be even more welcome. Also a site where I can find a second hand one would be brilliant. I’m scared of buying a fake on Ebay, far too old for this. Many, many thanks

Reply
    Steve - November 1, 2018

    Hi Patricia,
    I highly suggest going with any of the Garret models because they are good for an entry and mid-level. This will be a very nice gift!

    Reply
william Davies - July 28, 2019

Hi Steve,

What about the minelab xterra 705 would yiou recommened this for dry and wet beaches?

Reply
Richard - August 1, 2019

The only detectors good on the beach are pulse detectors , I’ve tried xp dues, Garrett ATpro Garrett ACEdetectors all of them do not like the wet part of the beach. The best out there for the money and works really well is the Cscope 4pi. But these so called forums telling you which is best for the beach don’t mention this detector. for the money this is an excellent detector for the beach.

Reply
    Steve - August 9, 2019

    Thank you Richard for such a great comment. I’ll be frank, Cscope 4pi it’s a rare metal detector that not too many know.

    Reply
Gary Stunell - September 5, 2019

Best beach machine I found is the Scope 4Psi, I have the Garrett AT Pro international as well, but setting it up and missing some coins is a pain, don’t get me wrong its a good machine, if you want to stay fit and also help clean up the beaches and don’t mind digging the sand then the Scope 4Psi is the one.
The next one up, but far too expensive is the Garrett ATX.

Reply
Art - September 10, 2019

Hi Steve
I am newly returned to detecting after a 20 year lay-off. I am mostly anticipating beach detecting and will almost certainly be buying the Minelab Equinox 800 but, just to be sure, I am waiting to see what new product launches come out of Detectival 2019 in a few days.

Reply
    Steve - September 12, 2019

    Equinox 800 is worth buying even if a newer and fancier detector comes out, because you know you will be buying a great detector.

    Reply
Neil - November 10, 2020

A few mistakes have been made in the descriptions.The seahunter has not got full range discrimination and you can not distinguish between aluminium lead and brass……it also does not have tone id.It does not have a salt elimination “mode”…it is a pi machine and automatically ignores problems associated with saltwater.As for a machine that is good for finding something specific……it is a pi machine that gives the same tone for every target and only has limited descrimination capabilities so for this type of scenario it is useless.This detector is primarily for somebody who does not mind digging everything because that is what you will be doing.This approach is hard work but also means you won’t miss much.
Also,the c scope 4pi is not rare at all and a cheap way of getting into serious beach detecting as long as the operator doesn’t mind digging everything.This detector should always be included on a list such as this as it is one of the best beach detectors out there.

Reply
    Steve - November 11, 2020

    Thank you Neil for taking the time and adding this great description!

    Reply
peter foulkes - January 31, 2021

hi Steve, new to all this been looking at the garrett 300i but after reading your reviews would the 400i be a better all-round detector . want to use on fields and beach.

Reply
    Steve - February 2, 2021

    You are right, Peter, the 400i is going to be a better all-around detector (also, newer in terms of release date)

    Reply
Brian - October 10, 2021

Hi Steve
I am looking for a detector suitable for a beginner to use on Blackpool beach from the dry sand out as far as the black sand where the tide has gone out. So only an inch or two of sea. I really want something that will ignore iron and junk and just notify me of coins, silver, gold and jewellery. Ease of use is a major factor for me as i am not technically minded and most of the detectors i looked at seem very complicated. My budget is around £300 – £400 but i could go a bit higher if needed.

Thanks

Reply
    Steve - March 4, 2022

    Hi Brian, sorry for the late reply, I think one detector that could be straightforward will be the Garrett Ace 400.

    Reply
Saul Hudson - June 4, 2022

Why are you recommending the Garrett Ace 400 for the beach? It is not and never has been a beach detector. Single-frequency machines will struggle on the wet sand and the 400 is particularly problematic. The only machines you should be recommending to people for the beach are the Minelab Vanquish. The Minelab Equinox 600 or 800. The Garrett Ace Apex and the Nokta Makro Legend. All of them are simultaneous multi-frequency machines that handle high mineralisation really well.

Reply
    Steve - June 15, 2022

    Thanks Saul for your input,
    While I don’t know the newer models from Equinox, I’m well aware that the 400 isn’t the best but it’s not that bad either from my experience.
    I’ll do a test run with the equinox 600 and 800 and see how good they are, I hope I’ll not be disappointed. Personally, I like the ctx 3030 but I’m well aware that this is expensive and not for everyone.

    Reply
Mike Esposito - October 6, 2023

Just curious about your opinion on the Nokta Legend Next Gen detector. Seems to be a great mid-level choice at a terrific entry price point. I’d be using it primarily at the beach…dry and wet sand and possibly kneed deep salt water.

Thank you!

Mike

Reply
    Steve - February 8, 2024

    I didn’t have a chance to test that bad boy yet, but I keep hearing about it.

    Reply
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