Systems and methods for wavelength optimization for underwater optical communication can include a plurality of n lasers having different wavelengths λi for i=1 to n, a beam splitter and a corner retro-reflector. The plurality of n lasers can simultaneously illuminate the beam splitter along a coincident axis. The plurality of n lasers can be selectively blocked so that only one laser wavelength λi at a time impinges on the beam splitter. A portion passes through the beam splitter to establish a reference signal, while the remainder is reflected off the corner retro-reflector. A portion of return illumination passes through the beam splitter to establish a return signal. The process can be repeated for each of n lasers for i=1 to n. The λi wavelength where the normalized signal-to-noise differential between the reference signal and return signal is the minimum can be the optimum communication wavelength.