Best Dive Flags

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
FlagsImp
Test Winner: FlagsImp
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A dive flag is essential if you plan on doing any recreational or work-related diving activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling. Most areas required you to have one and for good reason. It greatly aids in the diver’s safety. But these can also certainly be used for home decor to put your hobby on display. They can be hung on a wall in a room and are great conversation starters. These are available in a surprising number of options, so we’ll look at the top ten and examine their features and best qualities to help you pick the right one for you.

Standout Picks

FlagsImp Dive Flag
This FlagsImp is great for a couple of reasons. One is that it is a very large size for easy visibility from a long-distance away. Another great feature is the quality construction from polyester and canvas.
Amazon Link
$7.99
Scuba Max DF-03 Dive Flag
A great feature of the Scuba Max is its float which allows it to stay in the water above the diver. It’s still on the lower end of the price spectrum and is a nice small size with the ability to be compressed for storage or travel.
Amazon Link
$22.50
Seasense Nylon Diver Dive Flag
We’re excited about the fact that this product from Seasense is made to the United States Coast Guard regulation size. We also love that it comes with a removable fiberglass stiffener to help the flag stay rigid and visible.
Amazon Link
$16.93
SeaGator Premium Dive Flag
The SeaGator made it on the list because of its durable construction from strong nylon, because of its regulation size, and because of the design of the pole which allows for flag rigidity on windless days. This is a great quality product for the money.
Amazon Link
$17.44
JCS Foam Dive Flag
With its included pole and foam float, the JCS is a great option for anyone who wants the flexibility of being able to use the flag on either the water or a boat at any time. The JCS is made well and can withstand tough conditions and rough seas. It is a bit pricier than other products, but the extra features add to its value.
Amazon Link
Scuba Choice Dive Flag
While the Scuba Choice is similar to the Scuba Max at the second place on this list, it’s different in that the inflatable buoy is round and flat and shaped more like a life preserver.
Amazon Link
$46.99
Trident Dive Flag
One of our favorite things about the Trident is the durable poly-coated nylon material that it’s made of. This is a good all-around basic product that’s easy on the budget.
Amazon Link
$15.99
Sopras Sub FreeDiver Dive Flag
What we love about the Sopras Sub is its rugged durability due to the thick cover surrounding the buoy. More expensive than other models, this product is also extremely well made.
Amazon Link
SEAC Sea Mate Inflatable Gangway Dive Flag
The largest and most durable product on our list is this one. The Sea Mate from SEAC is an incredibly versatile item that is ideal for almost any watersport. It serves as a diver flag, a meeting point, a rest stop, and a place to store extra gear.
Amazon Link
$160.55
SalviMar Torpedo Dive Flag
Our next addition from Salvimar comes with a buoy, an Alpha flag, and a CMAS flag. It is easily deflated and inflated, making it a great portable product. There has been some concern about the durability of the D rings, but overall, it is a good option.
Amazon Link
$39.00

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Use

Extra features or the addition of accessories determines the possible usage of the product.

Some of the dive flags on this list are very basic and come with no accessories and so would have to be attached to something like a pole or a buoy. Others come with lots of accessories and features like different styles of buoys, rope, a pole, a wire stiffener, and many of the products allow for choices between different styles and features. We thought it was important to showcase a number of different products that had features ranging from the very basic, to everything you could possibly need.

Another thing we looked at was whether the product was versatile and if it could be used in a number of different situations. Some of the products can be used on the water or on a boat, others can only be used on a boat. Many of the choices on this list are ideal for a wide range of water sports from scuba diving, to snorkeling, to freediving. We wanted to make sure and feature a whole range of options so you could decide what is best for your particular needs.

Durability

With a product that is so essential to your safety, durability is a must.

For a dive flag to withstand rough outdoor conditions with all kinds of weather, possible saltwater, and strong UV rays, it’s going to have to be tough—extremely tough. One of the main things we looked for when researching these products was the durability. We paid attention to not only what material the product was made of, but also how it was put together. We looked at whether the product coloring was dyed or sewn in, and if sewn, how strong the stitching was. We showed preference to products with double stitching and ones that were made out of rugged materials meant to withstand water and sun. The way the flag was attached to the buoy or float was also an important factor in choosing the products for the list. The final thing we paid attention to was the material and construction of any added features or accessories. We wanted to know the material of any buoys or floats and any handles or rings attached to them.

Size

With this kind of product, size affects the possible use.

There are many possible things you might want to use these for, from water sports to possibly even home decor. Depending on your intentions, you might want a dive flag that is small and easily portable, or giant and visible from a great distance. Some of the products we chose have size options, and some of them are U.S. Coast Guard regulation size which might be important depending on the area in which you want to use it.

Style

Style choices for this kind of product are mainly practical.

We realize that when choosing one of these, any style choices are going to be mainly for practical reasons. The size, shape, and coloring of the product dictate what you can use it for and if it follows official regulations.

Value

We know how important it is to find a high-quality product that is worth its price.

When considering the value, we compared all their features and the quality of their materials with the price relative to other products on the market. We chose products from a huge range of prices, from very low, to quite high, always making sure that they were worth every penny.

Top 10 Picks

1. FlagsImp

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$7.99
FlagsImp Dive Flag
Amazon Link

This FlagsImp is great for a couple of reasons. One is that it is a very large size for easy visibility from a long-distance away. Another great feature is the quality construction from polyester and canvas.

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Use

This product is easy to attach to a pole or buoy. There are two metal grommets that give you flexibility in deciding where and how to attach and use it. It would certainly serve its purpose for a diver or dive team on a boat, but it would also be extremely striking if used for home decor on a wall.

Durability

The FlagsImp is made of high-quality polyester which is quite durable and very easy to clean. The product is durable enough for outdoor use in all kinds of weather. The hem is made of canvas which provides added durability and ensures no fraying will take place.

Size

This flag is a nice big size with a dimension of 3 feet tall by 5 foot wide. It is big enough to be seen from a long distance away.

Style

This is a basic design that is simple and practical. The white stripe is printed on so the product lays completely flat and is all one piece. The product comes with no extra accessories but that allows you to choose your own accessories.

Value

One of the great things about this product is that it is extremely low cost. It is one of the lowest-priced products on the market, yet is durable and serves its purpose. The product’s durability is due to the polyester and canvas construction. This one is of very good value.

Overall

We like how the FlagsImp is a simple, no fuss, standard product. The construction is durable and the price is low.

Amazon Link
$7.99

2. Scuba Max DF-03

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.50
Scuba Max DF-03 Dive Flag
Amazon Link

A great feature of the Scuba Max is its float which allows it to stay in the water above the diver. It’s still on the lower end of the price spectrum and is a nice small size with the ability to be compressed for storage or travel.

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Use

One of the great things about this product is that you don’t have to attach it to anything. It comes with its own buoy. You can attach a line from it to the diver so that it is always above the diver. This fact makes it an ideal product for use in snorkeling or free diving, as well as scuba diving. The Scuba Max is of lightweight construction and compact which makes it ideal for travel carry. The bottom of the float can be filled with water to provide a kind of anchor weight stability, but you can choose to put other materials such as sand in the bottom to serve that same purpose.

Durability

This product is made out of strong vinyl. A protective plastic layer is around the outside bottom of the float which protects it from being punctured by rocks. The flag includes a stiff plastic rod to keep it upright.

Size

The Scuba Max is smaller than many products on this list, but that makes it ideal for travel. The flag itself measures 12 inches by 15 inches.

Style

This product features a handy inflatable float so that the flag can be placed directly on the water above the diver. The flag and float are smaller in size than some models and can be completely collapsed for easy transport.

Value

Even with its added features and capabilities, the Scuba Max is still quite affordable. It is in the low to the mid-price range and is just a bit more pricey than some models that include only a flag.

Overall

We love that this product comes with an inflatable float so that it can be placed directly on the water. It’s great to be able to have it mark the spot almost exactly above the diver. The ability to easily travel with this product and the relatively low price is why we gave it the number two spot on this list.

Amazon Link
$22.50

3. Seasense Nylon Diver

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.93
Seasense Nylon Diver Dive Flag
Seasense Nylon Diver Dive Flag
Amazon Link

We’re excited about the fact that this product from Seasense is made to the United States Coast Guard regulation size. We also love that it comes with a removable fiberglass stiffener to help the flag stay rigid and visible.

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Use

This is another simple yet good quality product that allows for several uses. It can be easily attached to a boat or to a buoy or a flotation device. The two built-in grommets are what you can use to secure the product to a pole. The fiberglass stiffener comes in three pieces and is removable. The stiffener is great for giving the flag rigidity when there is no breeze blowing.

Durability

The Seasense is made of nylon and has a sewn construction. The three removable stiffeners are made of fiberglass and are held in a sleeve that is sealed shut with velcro. The two grommets are made of metal and are securely attached.

Size

One of our favorite things about the Seasense is that it comes in the regulation size dictated by the United States Coast Guard. The size of this product is 20 inches tall by 24 inches long. The fiberglass stiffeners can be removed so the flag can collapse down to a portable size .

Style

The Seasense is a regulation, no-nonsense style, but the stitching along the outside and along the diagonal stripe add a nice touch. The coloring is nice and bright with a vivid red and a strikingly bright white stripe.

Value

The price of the Seasense is definitely on the low end of what you can find for these types of products. It is a quality, basic design at the regulation size. The fact that there are no extra accessories cuts down on the price, but also gives you the ability to decide how to use the product.

Overall

The great majority of users love this product. The construction quality is excellent. It comes in a perfect, regulation size, and is one of the most affordable on the list. The Seasense is a great product that does what it’s made to do.

Amazon Link
$16.93

4. SeaGator Premium

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.44
SeaGator Premium Dive Flag
SeaGator Premium Dive Flag
SeaGator Premium Dive Flag
SeaGator Premium Dive Flag
Amazon Link

The SeaGator made it on the list because of its durable construction from strong nylon, because of its regulation size, and because of the design of the pole which allows for flag rigidity on windless days. This is a great quality product for the money.

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Use

The SeaGator comes in the regulation size which is required in many areas. It is easy and quick to assemble and use. Two grommets allow for easy attachment by rope. The collapsable stiffening pole goes diagonally through the middle in the opposite direction of the stripe. The pole is similar to a tent pole and can be taken apart into three sections so that the flag can be folded for storage or travel. The rod is held in a pocket sealed by velcro.

Durability

The nylon material is very strong and high quality. The two grommets are made of brass, and the two corners where the grommets are attached are reinforced with doubled up sewn nylon. The outside edges of the SeaGator are sewn with a double stitch for added strength and durability.

Size

Just like the previous product on the list, the SeaGator is also the United States Coast Guard regulation size at 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide. This size is not only Coast Guard regulation, but is also required by many states.

Style

The slick nylon material gives the SeaGator a shiny, reflective look. The rigidity is reinforced diagonally, and at the opposite angle to the white stripe. Brass grommets and double stitching show the SeaGator’s attention to quality and detail. The colors are bright and highly visible.

Value

At the lower end of the price range, this flag is definitely a good buy and worth every penny. It is strong and well made, long-lasting, and thoughtfully constructed. What’s more, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee in case you are unsatisfied for any reason, or if the product malfunctions or has a defect.

Overall

The SeaGator lives up to its tough-sounding name. The nylon material with reinforced corners and double-stitched edges gives it a strong construction. The price is reasonable, and its size is regulation. This one is a great buy.

Amazon Link
$17.44

5. JCS Foam

Where to buy
Amazon Link
JCS Foam Dive Flag
JCS Foam Dive Flag
Amazon Link

With its included pole and foam float, the JCS is a great option for anyone who wants the flexibility of being able to use the flag on either the water or a boat at any time. The JCS is made well and can withstand tough conditions and rough seas. It is a bit pricier than other products, but the extra features add to its value.

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Use

The JCS comes with a four-foot pole and a foam float to attach the flag to. The product can be disassembled for convenient portability and is lightweight at 1.5 pounds. Since it comes with a pole and a float, it can be flown from a boat, or floated in the water. The bottom of the pole has a place to attach a dive line so the flag can stay with the diver.

Durability

The flag is made out of nylon, and the float is made out of strong foam. The base is weighted with lead for stability, and the flag is reinforced with a steel wire stiffener.

Size

The dimensions of the flag are 14 inches tall by 18 inches long. The pole is collapsible, but when put together, it stands at four feet tall.

Style

The JCS has three attached grommets. Two are for attaching the flag to the pole, and the third holds one end of the wire stiffener. The foam float is white-bordered on top and bottom with orange. Underneath the foam float is an eyelet for attaching a dive line.

Value

This particular product is a bit more expensive than other models, but it does come with extra features so it is still worth the price. The fact that it comes with a pole attached to a foam float is definitely worth a bit more money.

Overall

The JCS is a great product for the price. It comes with everything you need to use it on the water or on a boat. What we like about this particular model is that it includes not only the flag but also a pole and float.

Amazon Link

6. Scuba Choice

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$46.99
Scuba Choice Dive Flag
Amazon Link

While the Scuba Choice is similar to the Scuba Max at the second place on this list, it’s different in that the inflatable buoy is round and flat and shaped more like a life preserver.

Read more

Use

The Scuba Choice is great to have floating in the water above the diver. It is quick and easy to set up, just inflate the buoy. The great thing about the buoy is that it displays the words “Diver Below” in big red letters so there is absolutely no confusion and even people unfamiliar with the meaning of the red and white flag will know why the buoy is there. The buoy has a ring so you can attach a towline from it to the diver.

Durability

The bottom of the buoy has a weight clip strap for keeping the product stable when floating in the water or being towed. The entire product weighs about 2.1 pounds which is more than some models and indicates that the product is sturdy and well made. Some users, however, did have problems with the seams in the buoy coming apart and causing it to leak, but others have reported that the material of the buoy is thick and tough.

Size

The flag itself is 16 inches tall by 20 inches long. The base of the buoy measures at 22 inches.

Style

The design of the flag attachment to the buoy seems to be well thought out. A plastic rod goes up from one side of the buoy, through the top of the flag, and then down the other side of the buoy. The words on the side of the buoy are a great addition to the product.

Value

While a bit pricier than many models, the Scuba Choice nevertheless is a good value. It comes with extra features such as the inflatable buoy so a little extra cost is to be expected.

Overall

The words printed on the side of the buoy are a great safety feature, and the flag is securely attached to the buoy.

Amazon Link
$46.99

7. Trident

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$15.99
Trident Dive Flag
Amazon Link

One of our favorite things about the Trident is the durable poly-coated nylon material that it’s made of. This is a good all-around basic product that’s easy on the budget.

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Use

Users found the Trident to be well made and basic but practical. When buying, you have the option of choosing whether it comes with a stiffener.

Durability

The Trident is one of the most durable on the market. It is made of woven nylon that is poly coated. The grommets are reinforced for added strength, and the wire stiffener is made of steel.

Size

This product measures in at 14 inches by 16 inches.

Style

The style of the Trident is simple and durable. It’s a tough, basic product that is versatile. It has stitching along the side and comes with or without a metal stiffener.

Value

The Trident is a reasonable, very low price but is exceptionally well made and so is definitely a good value product.

Overall

Simple and basic, the Trident certainly gets the job done. It might not come with any added bells and whistles, but it’s extremely durable and practical. It does what it was designed to do.

Amazon Link
$15.99

8. Sopras Sub FreeDiver

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Sopras Sub FreeDiver Dive Flag
Sopras Sub FreeDiver Dive Flag
Sopras Sub FreeDiver Dive Flag
Sopras Sub FreeDiver Dive Flag
Amazon Link

What we love about the Sopras Sub is its rugged durability due to the thick cover surrounding the buoy. More expensive than other models, this product is also extremely well made.

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Use

Besides its intended use, the design of the Sopras Sub allows you to use it for storage while out on the water. It is shaped like a doughnut with a large opening in the middle and an enclosed bottom which makes it ideal for storing things.

Durability

The thick canvas-like cover that goes over the inner float adds great protection to guard against punctures. The Sopras Sub is ruggedly built and can hold a lot of weight. The nylon material is measured at 200 denier.

Size

The diameter of the buoy is 26 inches.

Style

The Sopras Sub comes with a thick red cover that goes over the yellow buoy. Its round shape gives it stability and allows it to be used for storage while in the water. The flag attaches to a pole on the buoy.

Value

Because of its high quality and added features, the Sopras Sub is pricey. It’s one of the most expensive you can find, but also one of the most durable.

Overall

Although it comes with a high price tag, this product is still a great option and comes with a rugged cover to protect the buoy and provide storage.

Amazon Link

9. SEAC Sea Mate Inflatable Gangway

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$160.55
SEAC Sea Mate Inflatable Gangway Dive Flag
SEAC Sea Mate Inflatable Gangway
Amazon Link

The largest and most durable product on our list is this one. The Sea Mate from SEAC is an incredibly versatile item that is ideal for almost any watersport. It serves as a diver flag, a meeting point, a rest stop, and a place to store extra gear.

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Use

This product has many uses. Most users prefer this item for spearfishing, but it is a great companion to scuba, snorkeling, and freediving trips. It holds the flag up high and visibly and also has seven D-rings on the bottom for anchoring, towing, or attaching extra equipment. The “boat” of this product provides a great place to rest or to keep waters.

Durability

The main body of this product is made from 420 D polyester. It features three separate air chambers and has two handles to make transporting it easy. One downside is that the D rings are made from plastic and do not seem to be as durable as the rest of the product.

Size

Fully inflated, this boat measures 33.5” by 23.6”. It weighs just 3.8-pounds and packs down very small. A very important thing to note here is that the included flag is not regulation size for Florida. However, it can be easily replaced.

Style

This item houses the white and red flag on the very front of the float. The float itself has a black bottom and an orange surface.

Value

This is one of the more expensive items on our list. However, it is also one of the most versatile. It is much more than just a flag. It is also a place to store tanks, gear, waters, or just to rest when you need a break. The pump is also included with purchase.

Overall

For true water lovers, this is a great and versatile product. Depending on the regulations in your state, you may want to look into a replacement flag.

Amazon Link
$160.55

10. SalviMar Torpedo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$39.00
SalviMar Torpedo Dive Flag
Amazon Link

Our next addition from Salvimar comes with a buoy, an Alpha flag, and a CMAS flag. It is easily deflated and inflated, making it a great portable product. There has been some concern about the durability of the D rings, but overall, it is a good option.

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Use

This buoy can be used to warn boaters that you are in the water, no matter what activity you are taking part in. There are multiple D rings, allowing the buoy to be tethered or allowing you to attach gear.

Durability

There is a strong internal air bladder that is covered in nylon exterior with black straps. On the black straps is where you find the D rings. Unfortunately, like many others, these rings are made from plastic. We would have been much more impressed to see metal rings.

Size

The torpedo (buoy) is thirty-two inches long and six inches in diameter. It is large enough to give a great warning, but not unnecessarily large. It also collapses down to a very portable size. The included flags measure seven feet by eight feet.

Style

This bright orange torpedo has black accents. It has great contrast against the ocean and is easily spotted. It comes with two flags, the CMAS and Alpha flags. This is great, except for the fact that the Alpha flag is not regulation size for Florida waters.

Value

The bright buoy and two flags make this is a great item. The price may seem expensive at first glance, but you are sure to get many uses out of this product.

Overall

This torpedo and flag set from SalviMar is easy to inflate and deflate and very portable. We are impressed that it comes with both flags and the torpedo itself seems to be quite durable. If only we could say the same for the D rings.

Amazon Link
$39.00