10 Best Garmin Dive Watches 2026 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 is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. One of its standout features is its impressive water resistance, rated for depths of up to 40 meters, making it suitable for various diving activities like scuba and apnea. This is complemented by robust durability, featuring a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a titanium bezel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display enhances readability, even in bright sunlight, which is beneficial for outdoor navigation and diving tasks.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 47 hours in GPS mode. This longevity is helpful for extended trips or activities without frequent recharging. The advanced fitness tracking capabilities, including real-time stamina tracking and personalized training plans, cater well to serious athletes looking for comprehensive performance metrics.

On the connectivity front, the fēnix® 8 allows for phone calls and text responses directly from the wrist when paired with a smartphone, adding convenience. Its off-grid voice command feature is useful in remote areas where smartphone connectivity may be lacking. Comfort and fit are essential for long wear, especially during activities, but the watch size (47 mm) may feel bulky for some users with smaller wrists. Lastly, while the price reflects its premium quality, it may be higher than what casual users are willing to spend.

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.