If there’s one travel essential that I’ve tried and tested for the last decade of traveling solo, it’s the Seaquatix.

In 2016, former Fil-Aus beauty queen and corporate lawyer Aprille Lim was holidaying in the Philippines when she wanted to share with friends and family photos of her snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, while ensuring the safety of her phone, hotel room card, money, and other valuables.

Waterproof ziplock phone cases were peddled by beach vendors, but they were made from cheap materials that tore quickly. “I got one for ₱100 in Boracay and thought it was such a good idea at the time,” Aprille told KateWasHere. “But after one day, it was already broken and water leaked into my phone.” This sparked the idea of Seaquatix. “I wanted to create a premium, waterproof case that is stylish yet sturdy,” she said.

Back in Sydney, Aprille started designing a waterproof pouch that isn’t just a phone case, but an underwater wallet for travel valuables.

Instead of a ziplock mechanism, Aprille wanted something more foolproof. “We tested several different types of locking mechanisms during our prototype phase and settled on this system,” she said, describing the clever lock-switch system that’s easy to use.

Seaquatix is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a patented lock system that makes the case airtight. It’s elastic, resists oil, grease, solvents, chemicals, and abrasion. Made in Australia, each Seaquatix waterproof bag is IPX8 certified, which offers the highest levels of protection against dust, sand, and liquid ingress. The case is scientifically tested to be waterproof for up to 20 meters for two hours.

Through the years, Seaquatix has collaborated with models and content creators with similar needs—a sturdy, waterproof case not just for their phone, but small valuables like their hotel keycard and some cash. They don’t want the anxiety of leaving these items on the boat or unattended on the beach while they go swimming or snorkeling. They’re travelers who want to keep it simple—no need for too many complicated gadgets, just an all-in-one smart phone that does everything, and a stylish, waterproof case to protect it.

I, too, used to buy the cheap ziplock “waterproof” phone cases. I was always nervous about bringing them to my snorkeling adventures. I was constantly paranoid and would check every minute to see if the water started leaking into the case and my phone. True enough, the plastic tore within a day or week.

I was one of the first users of the Seaquatix in 2016. My blue Tommy Seaquatix traveled the world with me and lasted for seven years until I carelessly packed it the wrong way and the top part cracked.

I now use the black Loretto Seaquatix, which fits not just my iPhone Mini, but other items like cash, credit cards, calling cards, and my hotel keycard. As I’ve tried and tested, Seaquatix is the best waterproof phone case for traveling.

Seaquatix has traveled around the Philippines and the world with me—surfing the waves of Siargao, snorkeling the waters of Moalboal, sliding down the water slides of Kuala Lumpur, swimming in the beaches of Guam, and backpacking around the cities of Europe.

On days I don’t feel like bringing too many gadgets and accessories to the destination, I bring just my iPhone and Seaquatix, and that’s enough to capture great content while keeping my valuables within reach.

Seaquatix waterproof phone cases range from ₱2,700-2,100 each (AUD 55-70). Use my discount code KATEWASHERE to get 30% off. To order, visit seaquatix.com and follow them on Instagram @seaquatix for travel inspiration.

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A post shared by Kate Alvarez (Kate Was Here) (@replikate)