Scuba diving has long been a pursuit defined by precision, patience, and a deep respect for the unknown. As technology has evolved, so too have the tools divers rely on to push their limits, stay safe, and explore new depths. Garmin, a company known for its expertise in GPS, fitness tracking, and outdoor adventure tech, has steadily been carving a space in the dive computer market. With the launch of the Descent G2, the latest addition to the Descent series, Garmin is making a bold statement: a dive computer isn’t just a tool—it’s an everyday companion.
The Garmin Descent G2: First Look
At first glance, the Descent G2 looks more like a high-end smartwatch than a traditional dive computer. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display, protected by a sapphire lens, is sleek and vibrant, a stark contrast to the segmented LCD screens still found in many dive computers. But beneath the modern exterior lies a fully capable dive computer, packed with features for recreational, technical, and freediving enthusiasts alike. With support for multiple dive modes, a built-in GPS, and an eco-friendly construction using recycled ocean plastics, Garmin has created something that bridges the gap between functional dive tech and everyday wearability.
The Shift Toward Versatility in Dive Computers
Historically, dive computers have existed in their own category—single-purpose devices that live in a gear bag, strapped to a wrist only when heading underwater. But Garmin is shifting that expectation, designing dive computers that blend into daily life.
The Descent G2 isn’t just a dive computer—it’s a fully functional smartwatch. Beyond its dive-specific features, it includes Garmin’s suite of health tracking, workout apps, and connected tools, making it something you can wear 24/7. It’s a natural extension of Garmin’s push into multisport functionality, and it reflects a broader shift in the market: dive technology is no longer just about diving.
For divers who are also runners, cyclists, or adventure travelers, the ability to switch from tracking a workout to logging a deep dive with the same device is a game-changer. And that’s exactly what the Descent G2 is designed to do.
Garmin Descent G2: Designed All Levels of Divers
The Descent G2 is built to grow with the diver. A newly introduced dive readiness score evaluates factors like sleep quality, recent exercise, stress, and even jet lag to help divers determine whether they’re in the optimal condition to dive safely. This is a fascinating evolution—one that acknowledges that safe diving starts long before entering the water.
From a functionality standpoint, the Descent G2 offers everything divers expect from a premium computer. It supports a wide range of dive modes, including:
Single and multi-gas diving (Nitrox, Trimix)
Closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) mode
Freediving and apnea modes
Gauge mode for bottom timers
A built-in 3-axis compass helps with underwater navigation, while Big Numbers Mode ensures key data like depth, time, and no-decompression limit (NDL) are easy to read at a glance. And for freedivers, Garmin introduces a dynamic apnea mode, logging crucial data like ascent/descent speed, breath-hold duration, and neutral buoyancy time—factors that are essential for performance training.
After the dive, the Garmin Dive™ app syncs logbook data automatically, allowing divers to track their stats, record notes, and share experiences with a global diving community. Surface GPS capabilities also mark entry and exit points, a feature that adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
Eco-Friendly Innovation Meets Rugged Design
One of the most notable aspects of the Descent G2 is its commitment to sustainability. The housing, bezel, and buttons are made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastics, an effort by Garmin to address environmental concerns in an industry that depends on healthy oceans. While some brands have started incorporating eco-friendly materials into their designs, this is one of the first premium dive computers to make sustainability a central feature rather than an afterthought.
That said, durability hasn’t been sacrificed. The sapphire lens and 100-meter dive-rated case make it capable of withstanding deep dives, while leakproof buttons ensure reliability in high-pressure environments. Garmin’s reputation for building rugged adventure gear is evident in every aspect of the watch’s construction.
A Dive Computer for Everyday Life
What truly sets the Descent G2 apart is how seamlessly it transitions between diving and daily life. When not underwater, it functions as a full-featured smartwatch, offering 24/7 heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, stress monitoring, and fitness metrics. There’s even VO2 max tracking, recovery time recommendations, and adaptive workout plans, making it a valuable tool for serious athletes.
For travelers and adventure seekers, built-in GPS helps track hikes, open-water swims, and multi-sport activities. Garmin Pay™ offers contactless payments, and the watch delivers notifications for texts, emails, and app alerts—making it genuinely useful beyond the dive site.
Battery life is another strong point: up to 27 hours in dive mode, or 10 days in smartwatch mode. That means divers can spend an entire week traveling without worrying about constant recharging.
Is This the Future of Dive Computers?
Garmin has done something unique with the Descent G2: they’ve created a device that is both a dive computer and a lifestyle product. Instead of being a niche tool that gets used only on dive trips, this is a device designed to be worn every day, by people who want to live an active, adventure-driven lifestyle—whether that means running, hiking, swimming, or diving.
For divers who don’t want to switch between multiple watches and computers, the Descent G2 represents a streamlined, all-in-one solution. It isn’t meant to replace ultra-technical dive computers designed for deep technical diving, but for most recreational and even advanced divers, it delivers everything they need in a form factor they’ll actually want to wear. As dive computers continue to evolve, the Descent G2 may well signal a shift in what divers expect from their technology—both in and out of the water.
WS360 is committed to delivering in-depth coverage of the latest innovations in watersports. From new gear launches to industry trends, our reporting brings you the insights that matter. Stay with us for continued coverage on diving, gear developments, and beyond.
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