10 Best Garmin Dive Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch that stands out with its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, offering excellent readability even underwater or in low light. Its build quality is top-notch, featuring a durable titanium bezel and leakproof metal buttons, which contribute to its 40-meter dive rating — making it suitable for both scuba and apnea diving. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and up to 84 hours with GPS active, which means you can rely on it for extended adventures without frequent charging. The watch includes multiple dive modes and sensors that improve navigation and tracking underwater. Comfort-wise, although it weighs a modest 102 grams and has a pebble gray band designed for wear during intense activities, some users might find the 51mm size a bit large for smaller wrists.

In terms of smart features, it offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, voice call capabilities, and off-grid voice commands that work without a phone connection. Health and wellness monitoring is thorough with heart rate, sleep, respiration, and even an ECG app, though this data should be seen as an estimate rather than a medical grade. It excels for multisport and outdoor use, including diving, though the relatively large size and premium price might be considerations for casual users or those seeking a more compact dive watch.

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch built with premium materials like a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it robust and durable for outdoor activities. It offers a 40-meter water resistance rating suitable for scuba and apnea diving, though it’s not a dedicated dive computer with advanced dive-specific features. The 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen is bright and clear, which helps with readability underwater and in bright conditions. Battery life is decent for a smartwatch with an AMOLED display and LTE satellite connectivity, but heavy use of communication features or GPS may reduce it faster.

Unique to this model is the built-in inReach satellite technology that enables two-way messaging, SOS emergency alerts, and LTE calls without a phone—ideal for off-grid adventures where safety is a priority. It also includes comprehensive health monitoring and multisport tracking, making it versatile beyond diving. However, the watch’s bulkier 51mm size and 90-gram weight might feel less comfortable for some users during long dives or daily wear. Additionally, many smart features require active subscriptions and can be limited by regional regulations.

While it performs very well as an all-around outdoor and fitness smartwatch with dive support, serious divers looking for specialized dive modes and detailed underwater metrics might find it less tailored to their needs. For users seeking a rugged, connected smartwatch with good dive capability and extensive outdoor features, the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro presents a strong choice.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch that fits well for users who want a high-end dive watch combined with extensive outdoor and fitness features. Its 40-meter water resistance and dive modes support both scuba and apnea diving, making it suitable for recreational divers. The stainless steel bezel and leakproof metal buttons add to its durable build, designed to handle tough conditions underwater and on land. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, which enhances readability even in challenging lighting.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours with GPS active, meaning you can rely on it for long diving trips without frequent recharging. It also offers advanced health monitoring and training tools, useful for athletes. Smart features like call handling, voice commands, and multi-band GPS add convenience but require pairing with a smartphone for full use.

At 51 mm, the watch is on the larger side and might feel bulky on smaller wrists, which could affect comfort during extended wear. Some high-end dive watches specialize more narrowly in diving features and may include more advanced underwater-specific tools. If you want a dive-rated watch that doubles as a premium outdoor and fitness companion with a bright display and long battery life, the Garmin fēnix 8 remains a strong choice.