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 tactix® 8 watch is tailored for those who seek a multifunctional diving and tactical smartwatch. Its 40-meter dive rating makes it suitable for scuba and apnea diving, though it may not be ideal for deep-sea diving enthusiasts. The solar-charged display and titanium bezel with sapphire lens promise durability and extended battery life, which is crucial for prolonged outdoor adventures. While the 1.4-inch display may seem small, it maintains readability, even with its extensive functionality.

Tactical features such as night vision compatibility, dual-position GPS, and an advanced ballistics solver cater to military personnel or outdoor adventurers. The watch excels in connectivity, offering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB options, allowing you to sync with smartphones and use apps like AB Quantum to manage profiles efficiently. While its advanced navigation system with dynamic maps is a boon for explorers, the plethora of features could overwhelm someone not needing the tactical extras.

Health monitoring features keep track of heart rate, sleep, and other wellness metrics, though these are not medical-grade. The rugged design, weighing 95 grams, ensures it can withstand tough conditions, but its bulkiness might not suit everyone for daily wear. Comfort is subjective, as some might find the fit snug, whereas others may feel it cumbersome for prolonged use.

In essence, the Garmin tactix® 8 is ideal for users who need a robust tool for diving, tactical activities, and extensive outdoor navigation. However, casual users or those seeking a simpler dive watch may find its features to be more than necessary, potentially complicating their use.

The Garmin fēnix® 8 is a robust dive-rated smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. Its 40-meter dive rating and durable build, including a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel, make it suitable for underwater activities like scuba and apnea diving. The AMOLED display is clear and bright even in challenging conditions, enhancing readability underwater. With a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 28 hours in GPS mode, it supports long adventures without frequent recharges.

Its 66-gram weight may feel hefty to some users, although it adds to its durability. Connectivity features, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, allow seamless pairing with smartphones, enabling convenient features like making calls directly from the watch. While it offers a wealth of multisport functions and navigation aids, such as multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, its advanced health monitoring tools, like heart rate and sleep tracking, are not substitutes for medical advice.

The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for low-light environments, and the dynamic round-trip routing is useful for planning workouts or explorations. Comfort and fit are tailored for men's wrists, which potential users should consider. Despite its advanced features, those not in need of such comprehensive tracking may find it overly complex and expensive for their needs. For dedicated athletes and divers, its combination of sport-specific workouts, dive support, and smart features make it a valuable companion.