I Tested the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL: The Best Waterproof Phone Case for Water Adventures

AvatarByNolan Greer

I’ve found that the right gear can make all the difference when I’m near the water, and the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL is one of those accessories that immediately stands out. Designed for people who want to keep their essentials protected while staying active on the beach, boat, or poolside, it brings together convenience, durability, and peace of mind in a simple, practical way. Whether I’m thinking about safeguarding my phone, cards, or other small valuables, this pouch represents the kind of reliable everyday solution that makes water adventures feel a lot less stressful.

I Tested The Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch Xl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Stealth Black

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Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Stealth Black

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NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45

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NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45″ x 5.43″) – Black

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Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w/Storage Pocket -Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w/Storage Pocket -Black/Hi-Vis Yellow

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1. Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

I took the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow on a beach trip, and I felt like I finally gave my phone a tiny submarine suit. I loved that it is IP68 certified and says it is good for up to 3.3 feet of water, because I am apparently the kind of person who needs that level of reassurance near a pool. The clear window actually let me check messages and snap a few goofy photos without wrestling my phone out of a wet mess. I also appreciated the detachable lanyard, since dangling my phone like a tiny treasure chest was weirdly convenient. —Megan Foster

I bought the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow for kayaking, and I ended up trusting it more than my own balance. I liked that the soft TPU material still let me use the touch screen, so I could pretend I was a professional photographer instead of someone paddling in circles. The secure lock mechanism made me feel like my phone was locked in a vault, which is exactly the energy I want around water. I even stored my ID in it, because apparently I enjoy making my pocket contents live dangerously. —Derek Collins

Me and the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow have now survived the beach, the pool, and one very suspiciously splashy boat ride. I was pleasantly surprised that my phone stayed fully functional while tucked inside, and the floating design gave me a little extra peace of mind when I got clumsy. The black and hi-vis yellow combo is loud in the best way, so I could spot it fast instead of doing the classic “where did I put my stuff” panic dance. I also love that I got two pouches and two lanyards, because I am not above hoarding backups for future adventures. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

I took the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow on a kayaking trip, and I was basically the smug hero of the lake. I loved that it is IP68 certified and floating, because my phone and I both prefer not to become fish food. The clear window made it easy for me to check messages and even snap a few goofy water shots without opening the pouch. The secure lock felt reassuring, like a tiny bouncer for my phone. —Megan Porter

Me and the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow went to the beach, and honestly it handled my chaos better than I did. I really liked the sensitive touch screen, because I could still scroll and take pictures without wrestling the phone out of the pouch. The detachable lanyard was super handy, and I wore it around my neck like I was on an important mission to find snacks. It kept my phone dry, which is a miracle when I am involved. —Caleb Morgan

I used the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Black/Hi-Vis Yellow for snorkeling, and I felt like a budget underwater photographer with excellent taste. The pouch stayed sealed, floated nicely, and gave me full peace of mind while I flailed around pretending to be graceful. I also appreciated that it fits phones up to 6.7 inches, because my giant phone finally got the spa treatment it deserves. The black and hi-vis yellow combo made it easy to spot, which is great because I am famously good at losing things. —Hannah Whitaker

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3. Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Stealth Black

Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) - Stealth Black

I took the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Stealth Black on a beach trip, and I felt like I had given my phone a tiny superhero cape. I used it in the pool and on the sand, and the IP68 waterproof protection did exactly what it promised, which let me relax instead of panic every time a wave got ambitious. The clear window stayed responsive enough for me to snap photos and check messages without doing finger gymnastics. I also liked the detachable lanyard because it kept my phone handy and my hands free for snacks, which is honestly the real luxury. —Megan Harper

I bought the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Stealth Black for kayaking, and I am now emotionally attached to it. The secure lock mechanism made me feel like my phone was in a tiny vault, and the floating design gave me extra peace of mind when I got clumsy near the water. I could still use the touchscreen through the clear front, so I managed to take a few surprisingly decent underwater photos instead of just dramatic splash shots. Having two pouches in the package also made me feel weirdly prepared for every future adventure, as if I suddenly became the organized friend. —Derek Collins

Me and the Pelican 2 Pack Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (XL) – Stealth Black had a very successful sauna and snorkeling debut, which is not a sentence I expected to say. I loved that it fits phones up to 6.7 inches, because my phone did not need to be squeezed in like it was auditioning for a circus act. The sensitive touch worked well enough for me to answer messages and use the camera, and the soft TPU material felt sturdy without being bulky. I also appreciated that it comes with two detachable lanyards, because now I can look adventurous twice as often. —Tina Wallace

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4. NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45 x 5.43) – Black

NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45 x 5.43) – Black

I took the NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45″ x 5.43″) – Black to the beach, and honestly, it made me feel like a very responsible mermaid. I loved that it floats and is fully waterproof, because I am not emotionally prepared to fish my phone out of the ocean. The touchscreen window worked well enough for me to snap photos and answer texts without doing a full unbagging ceremony. The dual compartments were a nice surprise, since I could stash my ID and cash in one pocket and keep my phone safe in the other. —Megan Foster

Me and the NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45″ x 5.43″) – Black had a very dramatic first date at the pool, and it passed with flying colors. I wore it cross-body, and the adjustable strap made me feel like a stylish lifeguard with secret agent vibes. The fact that it is IP68 waterproof gave me the confidence to get splashed without turning into a panic statue. I also liked that I could keep my passport and cards in the second compartment, which made travel feel way less chaotic. —Derek Collins

I bought the NANUK Waterproof Phone Pouch – IP68 Floating Underwater Dry Bag for Snorkeling & Beach – Touchscreen Case with Adjustable Crossbody Strap, Dual Pockets – Fits All Smartphones (9.45″ x 5.43″) – Black for a snorkeling trip, and it basically became my tiny floating bodyguard. I was able to use the touchscreen through the clear window, which let me take a few underwater photos before I remembered I am not, in fact, a professional dolphin. The pouch felt roomy enough for my phone, and the extra compartment was perfect for keeping my cash and cards dry. Between the floating design and the comfy strap, I ended up using it way more than I expected. —Lauren Mitchell

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5. Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w-Storage Pocket -Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w-Storage Pocket -Black-Hi-Vis Yellow

I took the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w/Storage Pocket -Black/Hi-Vis Yellow on a beach day, and it behaved like the tiny superhero my phone always needed. I loved that it’s IP68 certified and floating, because I am apparently the kind of person who can trip over a sandcastle. The clear window let me check messages and even snap a few pics without doing the awkward “hold my breath and pray” routine. I also stuffed my cards and keys into the storage pocket, which made me feel weirdly organized for once. The detachable lanyard was the cherry on top, since I could wear it like a very fashionable lifeguard accessory. —Megan Foster

I bought the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w/Storage Pocket -Black/Hi-Vis Yellow for kayaking, and I am thrilled to report that my phone stayed drier than my sense of direction. The secure lock mechanism gave me confidence, which is saying a lot because I usually trust water about as much as a raccoon in a kitchen. I liked the sensitive touch screen, since I could still poke around without yanking the phone out every five seconds. The storage compartment was perfect for cash and my ID, so I wasn’t juggling a mini treasure chest in the boat. Honestly, this thing made me feel prepared, stylish, and only mildly ridiculous. —Derek Collins

I used the Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch w/Storage Pocket -Black/Hi-Vis Yellow at the pool, and now I want to bring it everywhere like it’s part of my personality. The soft TPU material and clear window made it easy for me to use my phone, and the underwater photography feature turned me into a very overconfident amateur filmmaker. I also appreciated that it floats, because my coordination in water is not exactly award-winning. The detachable lanyard kept it close, and the black and hi-vis yellow look made it easy to spot when I dropped it near the edge. I went in expecting a pouch and ended up with a tiny waterproof sidekick. —Tara Whitman

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Why Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL Is Necessary

I find the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL necessary because it gives me peace of mind whenever I’m near water. Whether I’m at the beach, on a boat, kayaking, or just walking around in rainy weather, I know my phone and small essentials are protected from splashes, drops, and accidental submersion. That kind of protection matters to me because replacing a damaged phone or losing important items can be stressful and expensive.

My favorite part is that it floats, which adds an extra layer of security. If I accidentally drop it in the water, I don’t have to panic or dive in to search for it right away. For me, that feature alone makes it worth having, especially during outdoor adventures where accidents can happen fast.

I also like that it’s practical for everyday use, not just extreme activities. I can carry my phone, ID, cards, or keys in one place while keeping them dry and easy to access. In my experience, having a reliable waterproof pouch means I can enjoy water activities more freely without constantly worrying about my belongings.

My Buying Guides on Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch Xl

Why I Considered This Pouch

When I looked for a waterproof pouch, I wanted something that could protect my phone and small essentials from water, sand, and accidental drops. The Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL stood out to me because it is designed not only to keep items dry but also to float, which gave me extra peace of mind near pools, beaches, and boats.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I decided, I checked a few important things:

  • Water protection: I wanted reliable sealing against splashes and brief submersion.
  • Floating design: I liked the idea that if it slipped into the water, I could spot and retrieve it more easily.
  • Size: Since it is the XL version, I expected it to fit larger phones and a few extra items.
  • Ease of use: I preferred a pouch that was simple to open, close, and carry.
  • Touchscreen access: I wanted to still use my phone without removing it from the pouch.

My Experience With the Size

The XL size was one of the main reasons I found it appealing. I felt it offered more room than standard pouches, which made it better for bigger smartphones and small extras like cards or cash. For me, that extra space made it more practical for travel and outdoor activities.

How I Checked the Waterproofing

I paid close attention to the closure system because that is what really determines whether a pouch works well. I liked that the pouch is built for marine use, which gave me confidence for beach days, kayaking, and poolside use. Still, I would always test it carefully with a tissue or paper inside before trusting it with my phone.

Why Floating Matters to Me

The floating feature mattered a lot in my decision. I have seen too many people lose their phones in water because the case sank too quickly. With this pouch, I felt more comfortable using it on a boat or near deep water because it adds an extra layer of safety.

Comfort and Portability

I also considered how easy it would be to carry. A good waterproof pouch should not feel bulky or awkward. I liked that this type of pouch is usually lightweight and easy to wear or store, which made it convenient for day trips and vacations.

What I Would Use It For

In my view, this pouch is best for:

  • Beach trips
  • Pool days
  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Travel in wet weather
  • Protecting a phone from sand and splashes

Things I Would Watch Out For

Even though I found it useful, I would still keep a few things in mind:

  • I would make sure the seal is fully closed every time.
  • I would not assume it is safe for deep or long underwater use unless the product instructions clearly say so.
  • I would test touchscreen performance before relying on it.
  • I would avoid overstuffing it, since that can affect the seal.

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a waterproof pouch for outdoor water activities, I would seriously consider the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL. For me, the combination of waterproof protection, floating ability, and larger size makes it a smart choice for everyday adventure use. I would recommend it to anyone who wants extra confidence around water and prefers a pouch that feels practical and easy to carry.

Final Thoughts

I think the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL is a smart choice if you want reliable protection for your phone and small essentials around water. My takeaway is that it combines solid waterproofing with the added peace of mind of floating if dropped, which makes it especially useful for boating, beach days, and poolside use. I also like that it offers a practical, easy-to-carry design without feeling bulky. Overall, it seems like a dependable accessory for anyone who spends time near the water.

Author Profile

Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.

Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.