Garmin Descent™ Mk3i, Dive Computer and Multisport GPS

Product Overview

The Garmin Descent™ Mk3i is a watch-style dive computer and multisport GPS smartwatch engineered for serious divers who demand precision, reliability, and advanced connectivity underwater. Designed with a 43 mm stainless steel bezel and sized for smaller wrists, it blends rugged dive functionality with everyday smartwatch convenience. Whether you’re exploring recreational dive sites or pushing into technical diving scenarios, the Mk3i supports your adventures with professional-grade tools and intelligent insights. Its bright 1.2” AMOLED display and scratch-resistant sapphire lens ensure clarity and durability in harsh underwater environments. This device is purpose-built for divers who want to enhance safety, streamline dive planning, and stay connected on land and below the surface.

Key Features

• SubWave™ Sonar Technology: Enables diver-to-diver communication through preset messages up to 30 meters apart, available with software version 15.70 or later. When paired with the Descent™ T2 transceiver (sold separately), it allows monitoring of tank pressures and depth for up to eight networked divers within a 10-meter range, ideal for group dive coordination and safety.
• Multiple Dive Modes: Supports recreational scuba, technical diving, and freediving with tailored settings for each activity, giving divers the flexibility to adapt the device to their specific dive profile and experience level.
• Dive Readiness Tool: Developed by Garmin, this feature analyzes lifestyle factors such as sleep quality, physical activity, stress levels, and jet lag to estimate your body’s preparedness for diving. The insights help you make informed decisions about when and how to dive, promoting safer practices (data is an estimation based on tracked metrics).
• DiveView™ Maps: Access detailed bathymetric depth contours and over 4,000 preloaded dive sites to locate ideal dive spots, plan routes, and orient yourself underwater or during surface navigation.
• Multi-Band GPS & ABC Sensors: Delivers accurate surface positioning using multi-band GPS technology and includes an integrated 3-axis underwater compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer (ABC sensors) for comprehensive navigation and environmental awareness. Note: GPS does not function underwater.
• 200-Meter Dive-Rated Case: Built to withstand extreme depths, the case features metal leakproof inductive buttons that resist corrosion and ensure reliable operation during deep dives.
• Automatic Dive Log Syncing: Seamlessly transfers dive data to the Garmin Dive app on your compatible smartphone, enabling you to review logs, track equipment usage, upload photos, add notes, and share experiences.
• Built-in Sports Apps: Supports a wide range of fitness activities with training features that deliver actionable feedback to improve strength, endurance, and overall performance across various sports.
• 24/7 Health Monitoring: Tracks wrist-based heart rate, advanced sleep stages, respiration rate, and Pulse Ox levels (where available) to provide continuous wellness insights. Note: This is not a medical device, and data is intended as an estimation.
• Smart Connectivity: Stay connected on land with smart notifications, music storage, and Garmin Pay™ contactless payments. Requires a compatible smartphone for full functionality.

Technical Specifications

• Display: 1.2” AMOLED, scratch-resistant sapphire lens
• Case Material: Stainless steel bezel, 200-meter dive-rated
• Button Type: Metal leakproof inductive buttons
• Dive Modes: Recreational scuba, technical diving, freediving
• SubWave Sonar Range: Up to 30 meters for messaging; up to 10 meters for tank and depth monitoring (with Descent T2 transceiver, sold separately)
• Supported Divers (Networked): Up to 8 divers
• Preloaded Dive Sites: Over 4,000
• GPS: Multi-band GPS (surface use only)
• Sensors: ABC sensors (3-axis compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer), wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (availability varies by region)
• Compatibility: Requires compatible smartphone for app syncing, notifications, Garmin Pay, and music
• Software Requirement: SubWave messaging requires software v.15.70 or later

Benefits & Use Cases

The Descent™ Mk3i is ideal for divers who want a single device that performs reliably both underwater and during daily wear. It’s particularly valuable for technical and group divers who benefit from real-time tank monitoring and diver communication via SubWave sonar. Recreational divers will appreciate the DiveView maps and dive readiness tool for safer, more informed dive planning. The inclusion of multi-band GPS and ABC sensors ensures accurate navigation from surface transit to underwater exploration. On land, the smartwatch features support an active lifestyle with fitness tracking, health monitoring, and convenient connectivity options like Garmin Pay and music storage. Its compact 43 mm design makes it suitable for smaller wrists without sacrificing functionality.

Important Notes

The Descent™ Mk3i requires a compatible smartphone to access smart notifications, Garmin Pay, music storage, and app-based features. SubWave diver-to-diver messaging and tank monitoring require software version 15.70 or later and the Descent T2 transceiver, which is sold separately. Pulse Ox functionality is not available in all countries. GPS tracking does not operate underwater. All health and dive readiness data are estimations and not intended for medical diagnosis. Always follow safe diving practices and consult professionals when planning technical dives.