Underwater jetpack backpack lets you explore ocean depths
The CudaJet: A Hands-Free Underwater Adventure Experience
Have you ever dreamt of gliding underwater with the grace and freedom of a dolphin? If so, the CudaJet might just be the gadget for you. Unlike traditional underwater propulsion systems that strap onto your arms or legs, the CudaJet is worn like a backpack, giving you a hands-free way to cruise beneath the surface. This innovative approach feels natural and comfortable, especially for longer swims.
The story of the CudaJet began almost seven years ago when British designer Archie O’Brien developed a prototype called the Cuda during his final year at Loughborough College of Art and Design. Archie’s vision was to create something lighter and faster than anything else on the market, and in 2023, the first commercial CudaJet was born. Now, the CudaJet has undergone a redesign with a longer battery life, lighter build, and updated features, making it even more appealing to underwater adventure seekers.
How does the CudaJet work and what’s new for 2025? The main unit is a dual-jet-drive pack that attaches to a padded neoprene harness worn on your torso. You control everything with a hardwired, trigger-style remote that allows you to adjust your speed and monitor the battery level. One of the most significant improvements for 2025 is the battery life. While the original model provided approximately 40 minutes of underwater fun for every 75-minute charge, the latest version extends that time to a full 90 minutes per charge. This means you can explore even more on a single outing.
The CudaJet can take you down to a maximum depth of 131 feet and delivers about 88 pounds of thrust, allowing for a top speed of roughly 10 feet per second or 6.7 mph. The 2025 redesign also reduced the weight of the jetpack from approximately 33 pounds to just over 30 pounds, including the harness. The harness comes in four sizes for a customized fit, and safety features include a factory-set safety depth and an automatic motor cut-off if you exceed the set limit.
The CudaJet is targeted at the luxury market, catering to superyacht owners and underwater adventure enthusiasts looking for a unique experience. Each jetpack is made to order, handcrafted, and painted in the U.K. The 2025 package starts at around $31,000 and includes a two-year warranty, luxury hard case, and fast charger. For those seeking something even more exclusive, there is a Founder’s Edition with lifetime product access, in-water training with the founder, and a lifetime warranty, limited to only 20 units.
The ordering process for the CudaJet involves custom-fitting the harness to your size and selecting your preferred finish, resulting in a personalized and unique jetpack tailored just for you. Due to the custom nature of the product, there may be a wait time before delivery, depending on demand and customization options.
In conclusion, the CudaJet has evolved from a student project into a real way to explore underwater environments with speed and agility. With its longer battery life, lighter design, and enhanced safety features, the CudaJet offers a thrilling underwater adventure experience for those looking to make a splash. If you love being in the water and want to try something truly different, the CudaJet could be your next big thrill.
