Don’t Get Lost with 5 of the Best GPS Devices for Divers

Not being able to find your way in the deep sea could be a big problem. That’s why GPS devices are beneficial gear for your dive travel adventures to help keep track of your exact position on the globe.

Throughout the years, GPS devices have evolved into an all-in-one device optimized for the maximum diving experience. With its complex algorithms and patented calculations, these devices can help make sure that you’re safe underwater.

The following GPS devices pack a punch with their systems, and offer full functionality so that your money doesn’t go to waste.

Garmin Descent Mk1

Garmin Descent Mk1 is one of the most expensive dive computers on the market. It may seem to be priced surprisingly high but Garmin has a good reason for this price point.

This device can be worn every day because of its sleek and stylish design. You can choose between a stainless steel bezel with a silicone wrist band or a deluxe titanium bezel with a brushed titanium bracelet. 

Both of these models offer advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite locations. This provides accurate pinpointing of your location around the globe even if you’re subsurface.

Other key features include:

• Current and maximum depth
• 1.2” bright color display for clarity even underwater
• Water temperature gauge
• Depth monitoring and notification if you’re going too deep or too shallow
• 3-axis compass and gyroscope
• Wrist-based heart rate monitor
• Rechargeable battery with a battery life of 19 days in watch mode, 10 days if you’re using it as a smartwatch, 40 hours in dive mode, and 20 hours when you use this device in GPS mode.
• No-deco time and decompression stop information
• 6 different gas mixes are supported, including trimix and nitrox

What makes Garmin Descent Mk1 stand out from its competitors is its ability to provide real-time data that you need for a confident dive. This device offers everything that you need for your dive, and more.

If you have dive buddies, you can even share this data using a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Connect app and upload images on the cloud. You can use GroupTrack to monitor the status of these buddies.

Atmos Mission One

Key features:

• Built-in GPS to mark entry and exit dives
• Digital compass
• Dive site guide that can be shared with your peers
• 1.2” color display
• Digital dive log, up to 100 dive sessions
• 10 sets of time alarms and depth alarms for a safer dive
• Five dive modes (Nitrox, Air, Freedive, Gauge, Off)

The Atmos Mission One is a highly versatile dive computer that supports diver safety. Having a sleek exterior design, you can wear this computer in and out of the water.

You can access dive logs and store them on your smartphone. The ATMOS app can be downloaded via the Apple Store or Google Play Store. 

However, some Android reviews say that the Android app is not as crisp and clean as the iOS app. This is because the app is in its early development stage. Let’s just hope that they improve their application based on these reviews.

The price point for this device is very affordable, considering all the features that this dive computer offers.

Garmin Striker 4 Marine GPS with Transducer

Key features:

• 3.5” color display in 420 x 380 px resolution
• CHIRP (Condensed High-Intensity Radar Pulse) sonar technology with 50/77/200 kHz transducer
• Mark active diving spots and fish locations for future references
• Depth up to 1,600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater

This compact GPS is paired with CHIRP technology to help you navigate underwater. It gives a clear visual of underwater structures and activities, including fish arcs and coral reefs. You can get all these functions from Garmin Striker 4 at an affordable price. 

Garmin eTrex 20x

Key features:

• 2.2” 65K color display in 240 x 320 px resolution
• 3.7 GB internal memory and microSD card slot for storage of a variety of maps
• GLONASS support and HotFix satellite prediction for an accurate location, even in deep canyons and thick covers

Garmin eTrex 20x is a handheld GPS device that is praised for its affordability while still retaining the functionality and durability of the product. 

This GPS device can withstand water splashes and submersion, dust, dirt, and humidity. Because it is compact, you can hold it in your hand with ease.

Expanded memory for additional maps adds to the capabilities of Garmin eTrex 20x. You can download BlueChart®️ to help you navigate the waters. 

Garmin Inreach Explorer+

Key features:

• Accelerometer, barometric altimeter, and digital compass
• Two-way communication is enabled through 100% Global Iridium®️ satellite network
• 24/7 SOS service to connect with rescue monitoring centers

Although the preloaded maps on this hand-held GPS device are U.S-based, you can use the free Earthmate app that comes with it. You can download maps from your smartphone to this device through this application if you’re outside the United States.

Its global two-way messaging system is supported by the Global Iridium®️ satellite network which lets you deliver a message almost anywhere in the world.

You can now contact and update your loved ones about your whereabouts and your current status. This can also be useful in emergencies. 

You can call emergency hotlines anywhere, any time, through the 24/7 SOS service. 

Your safety is your priority

When going on a dive, it’s important to understand the topography of your dive site. This knowledge will also allow you to have a safe and fun dive experience. Thus, these GPS devices and computers will be a great addition to your next dive.

Also, don’t forget about the importance of underwater navigation. Make sure to fine-tune your navigation skills by taking the Underwater Navigator Specialty course. You can start online today or enroll at your local PADI Dive Center or Resort.

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Guest Blogger

Dan Martin
Dan shares his newfound knowledge with other Android enthusiasts on joyofandroid.com. Dan also enjoys photography and cooking steak.