The world of dive computers has evolved fast. What was once a bulky, single-purpose device is now, in many cases, a watch you can wear every day. Today’s divers can choose from a wide range of dive computer smartwatch options, from mainstream smartwatches that support recreational diving to professional-grade dive computers with smartwatch-style features.
So which option is right for you?
In this guide, we break down the best dive computer smartwatch options available today, including Apple Watch Ultra, Garmin Descent, Suunto Ocean, and traditional dive computers such as Suunto D5 and Shearwater Teric. We’ll look at what each does well, where the limits are, and who each option suits best.
The Rise of Dive Computer Smartwatch Options
Modern divers want simplicity. Fewer devices. Less charging. Cleaner dive logs. Manufacturers have responded by merging dive technology with everyday wearables.
There are now two clear categories:
- Smartwatches that can dive
- Dive computers with smartwatch features
Understanding which category a device falls into is key to choosing the right one.
Apple Watch Ultra (Ultra, Ultra 2 & Ultra 3): A Smartwatch That Can Dive
Apple changed the conversation with the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra. For the first time, a mainstream smartwatch could realistically function as a recreational dive computer.
Since then, Apple has refined the platform through Ultra 2 and Ultra 3, improving performance, brightness, and battery efficiency while keeping the same overall dive philosophy.
The Apple Watch Ultra approach
All Apple Watch Ultra models are smartwatches first. Dive computer functionality is delivered through certified third-party apps rather than built-in software.
This makes the Ultra extremely appealing to recreational divers who want one watch for everyday life and diving.
What all Apple Watch Ultras offer divers
- EN13319-certified dive-capable hardware
- Water resistance to 100 m
- Bright, high-resolution displays with excellent underwater visibility
- Recreational scuba and freediving via approved apps
- Full Apple smartwatch ecosystem for daily use
From a diving perspective, Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 behave very similarly. The newer models mainly improve:
- Display brightness
- Processing speed
- Battery efficiency
Dive functionality itself remains recreational-focused across all models.
Apple Watch Ultra Dive Apps: Oceanic+ vs Mares Smart Dive
The Apple Watch Ultra does not include dive computer software by default. Instead, divers choose an app. Two matter most.
Oceanic+: The Most Established Apple Watch Dive App
Oceanic+ was the first full dive computer app built specifically for Apple Watch Ultra and remains the most widely used.
Strengths
- Full recreational dive computer functionality
- Tracks depth, time, NDLs, ascent rate, and safety stops
- Air and Nitrox support
- Dedicated freediving and snorkelling modes
- Clean, colour-coded interface
- Very beginner-friendly
Limitations
- Recreational diving only
- No air integration
- No trimix or multi-gas switching
- Requires a subscription for scuba and freediving modes
Oceanic+ works very well as a primary recreational dive computer or as a high-quality backup for experienced divers.
Mares Smart Dive: Dive-Brand Logic With MySSI Logbook Sync
Mares Smart Dive takes a more traditional dive-computer approach.
Why it stands out
- No subscription required
- Designed by a major dive-equipment manufacturer
- Clean, dive-first interface
- Recreational Air and Nitrox support
- Direct synchronization with the MySSI app logbook
Seamless MySSI integration
Dives recorded with Mares Smart Dive sync directly into the MySSI digital logbook, meaning:
- Automatic logging in official SSI records
- Dives count toward SSI recognition levels
- No exporting or manual uploads
For SSI divers, students, and professionals, this is a major advantage.
Limitations
- Recreational diving only
- No air integration
- No trimix or advanced decompression features
Garmin Descent: Among the Most Capable Dive Computer Smartwatch Options
Garmin has long been a leader in multisport watches, and the Garmin Descent series brings that expertise into diving.
Garmin Descent G1
The G1 is one of the best value dive computer smartwatch options available.
- Long battery life
- Multiple dive modes including Nitrox, Trimix, and freediving
- GPS tracking for surface activities
- Affordable entry point
Ideal for recreational divers who train regularly and want room to progress.
Garmin Descent Mk3i
The Mk3i is Garmin’s flagship.
- Air integration
- Multi-gas, trimix, and CCR support
- Advanced GPS mapping and multisport tracking
- Premium build quality
This is a no-compromise option for divers who want everything in one device.
Suunto Ocean: A Dive-First Sports Watch
Suunto Ocean sits between a traditional dive computer and a modern sports watch.
- Designed as a dive computer first, sports watch second
- GPS activity tracking and training tools
- Clean interface and strong app support
Suunto Ocean suits divers who want modern surface features without moving fully into a smartwatch ecosystem.
Traditional Dive Computers With Smartwatch-Style Design
Some divers prefer devices that remain dive computers at heart.
Suunto D5
- Simple, intuitive dive computer
- Optional air integration
- Bluetooth syncing and phone notifications
- Comfortable for daily wear
Shearwater Teric
- Professional-grade dive computer
- Trimix and CCR support
- Highly customisable display
- Dive-first reliability
The Teric is trusted by technical and professional divers worldwide.
Which Dive Computer Smartwatch Option Should You Choose?
Choosing between dive computer smartwatch options depends on how you dive and how you live.
Choose Apple Watch Ultra if
- You dive recreationally
- You want one watch for daily life and diving
- You value simplicity and ecosystem integration
Choose Garmin Descent if
- You want advanced dive capability
- You train and adventure beyond diving
- Battery life matters
Choose Suunto Ocean or D5 if
- You want a dive-first experience
- You prefer traditional dive-computer logic
- You value clarity and reliability
Choose Shearwater Teric if
- Diving is your primary focus
- You plan to progress into technical or professional diving
- You want maximum control underwater
Final Thoughts on Dive Computer Smartwatch Options
Modern dive computer smartwatch options give divers more freedom than ever before. Whether you want a lifestyle smartwatch that can dive or a professional dive computer you can wear every day, there is now a solution to match your diving path.
The key is choosing a device that supports where you are now, and where you want to go next as a diver.