The Descent™ Mk2i is built for both your worlds: underwater and topside. Monitor tank pressure for up to 5 divers with SubWave™ sonar, track depth, NDL and deco with a Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm, then surface and use advanced GPS mapping, training metrics, surf tracking, Garmin Pay™, built-in music, safety features, sleep score, recovery time, and more. This is a true flagship dive computer and a premium performance smartwatch in one.
The Descent™ Mk2i is a premium watch-style dive computer designed for scuba divers who also want full smartwatch functionality. It combines advanced dive modes and tank-pressure integration with multisport tracking and smart features.
If you’re looking for a true dive tool that also works on land — as a fitness tracker and everyday smartwatch — this Garmin dive watch (and dive computer) gives you both in one.
- What it is: A 52 mm watch-style dive computer with multiple dive modes, full smartwatch features and air-integration via SubWave when paired with the compatible transmitter.
- Best for: Recreational to technical divers who also want a GPS multisport watch on land — tracking scuba, freedive, nitrox, trimix, run, bike and more.
- Not for: Divers who only need a simple gauge computer or those wanting ultra-compact size — the unit is large and premium priced.
- Key compatibility: Pairs with the Descent T1 transmitter (sold separately) for tank-pressure monitoring up to five tanks via SubWave sonar.
- Limitations: Maximum rated depth is 100 m (10 ATM) per EN 13319 — not designed for extreme technical depths beyond that.
Your Dive Computer, Your Training Watch, Your Daily Watch
This watch-style computer is engineered for serious divers and active athletes. Underwater you get air integration (with Descent T1 transmitter), multiple gas support including trimix and CCR, customizable dive screens, GPS surface entry/exit points, and a built-in digital dive log for 200 dives. On land you get full multisport tracking (run, bike, surf, ski, MTB, pool/open-water swim), performance analytics like VO2 max and training load, wrist-based heart rate and Pulse Ox, onboard topo/ski/golf maps, smart notifications, Garmin Pay™, and storage for up to 2,000 songs — all with up to 16 days smartwatch battery life.
The large 1.4" sunlight-readable color display and DLC-coated titanium bezel deliver pro-grade durability and premium style, whether you're on a liveaboard, on a trail, or in a boardroom.
Serious Dive Intelligence, Surface-Level Convenience
Pair the Descent™ Mk2i with the Descent T1 transmitter to monitor tank pressure, remaining gas time, SAC rate, and gas consumption for up to five tanks within range using Garmin's SubWave™ sonar. Track entry and exit points with surface GPS, auto-log up to 200 dives, review your data in the Garmin Dive™ mobile app, and plan your next dive with Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression modeling and adjustable gradient factors.
Back on land, it’s still your everyday watch: Garmin Pay™ contactless payments, wrist-based heart rate (even underwater), Pulse Ox, sleep score, recovery advisor, surf/ski/MTB metrics, golf maps, and even on-watch music storage. One device covers travel day, dive day, and off days.
Garmin Descent™ Mk2i Pro's & Con's
Pros
- Combines full dive-computer functionality with multisport smartwatch features.
- Large, sunlight-readable 1.4″ display and premium build materials.
- Advanced air integration via SubWave allows monitoring multiple tanks when paired with transmitter.
Cons
- Maximum depth rating is 100 m — may not suffice for very deep technical diving.
- Large case size and weight may be cumbersome for smaller wrists.
- Air-integration transmitter (T1) is sold separately — added cost.
Comparison Table: Garmin Mk2i vs Mk3i vs Fenix 8
| Model | Type | Case size(s) | Display | Depth rating | Deco model | Air integration | Dive battery life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Descent Mk2i | Watch-style dive computer | 52 mm | 1.4″ MIP, 280×280 | 100 m (10 ATM) | Bühlmann ZHL-16C | Yes — with Descent T1 (SubWave) | Up to 80 h (no AI) / 32 h (AI) |
| Garmin Descent Mk3i | Watch-style dive computer | 43 mm & 51 mm | AMOLED (sapphire lens) | 200 m (20 ATM) | Bühlmann ZHL-16C | Yes — with Descent T2 (SubWave) | 43 mm: up to 30 h (no AI) / 15 h (AI); 51 mm: up to 66 h (no AI) / 40 h (AI) |
| Garmin fēnix 8 | Premium multisport watch with diving features | 43 mm / 47 mm / 51 mm (varies) | AMOLED or Solar (model-dependent) | Recreational scuba to 40 m; 10 ATM water rating | Bühlmann ZHL-16C | No air integration / No SubWave | Not specified for dive mode |
- Garmin Fenix 8 dive computer — the top Garmin dive computer and smartwatch without air integration
- Garmin Descent Mk3i — the best Garmin dive computer with air integration option
- Garmin Descent G2 — mid-range dive computer with AMOLED screen
- Shearwater Teric — Shearwater top wrist-based dive computer
- Shearwater Peregrine TX Dive Computer — large display with air integration
- Garmin Mk2i Computer - used by Bluewater Staff
Learn More — Guides & Articles
- Best Dive Computer Guide for 2025 — Our top picks for the best dive computers for 2025.
- Garmin Fenix 8 vs Suunto Ocean— how these two tops dive computers compare
- Underwater Photography Guide — lighting & strobe technique fundamentals
- Best Regulator Guide 2024 — ensure you have the perfect regulator for underwater photography
Garmin Descent™ Mk2i Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.4” (35.56 mm) diameter |
| Display Resolution | 280 × 280 pixels |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective MIP color |
| Water Rating | Dive (100 m) |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover |
| Bezel Material | Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated titanium |
| Lens Material | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap Material | Silicone or titanium (QuickFit® 26 mm) |
| Physical Size | 52 × 52 × 17.8 mm |
| Weight | 99.6 g (silicone) / 160.3 g (titanium) |
| Battery Life | |
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 16 days |
| Battery Saver Mode | Up to 50 days |
| GPS Mode | Up to 48 hours |
| GPS + Music | Up to 15 hours |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 96 hours |
| Dive Mode | Up to 80 hours (32 h with Descent T1) |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 35 days |
| Sensors | |
| GNSS Support | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Depth Sensor | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes |
| Compass | 3-axis digital |
| Gyroscope / Accelerometer | Yes / Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Wrist-based (optical) |
| Pulse Ox Sensor | Yes (spot-check & sleep) |
| Thermometer | Yes |
| Dive Features | |
| Max Depth | 100 m |
| Dive Modes | Air, Nitrox, Trimix, CCR, Gauge, Apnea, Apnea Hunt |
| Decompression Model | Bühlmann ZHL-16c (gradient factors) |
| Air Integration | Yes, via SubWave™ (up to 5 transmitters) |
| Gas Mixes | Air, Nitrox, Trimix up to 100% O2 |
| Dive Log | Up to 200 dives (sync via Garmin Dive™ app) |
| Compass | 3-axis with heading memory |
| Custom Gradient Factors | Yes |
| Connectivity & Smart Features | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®, SubWave™ |
| Garmin Pay™ | Yes |
| Music Storage | Up to 2,000 songs |
| Smart Notifications | Yes (with compatible smartphone) |
| Garmin Connect IQ™ | Custom faces, apps, and data fields |
| Safety & Tracking | Incident detection & assistance (surface) |
What's In the Box
Descent Mk2i — Titanium Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band
- Descent Mk2i, titanium carbon gray DLC with black band
- Black extra-long adjustment strap (for use over thick exposure suits/drysuits)
- Charging/data cable
- Documentation
Garmin Descent Mk2i — FAQ
- Does the Garmin Descent Mk2i support air integration and which transmitter works with it?
Yes. The Mk2i pairs with Garmin’s Descent T1 (and T2) via SubWave to show tank pressure, remaining air time and gas consumption. Range underwater is up to ~10 m with T1.
- How many tanks can the Mk2i monitor?
You can pair up to five T1 transmitters with one Mk2i to monitor multiple tanks or see a buddy’s pressure.
- What is the maximum depth rating and sensor accuracy?
The watch is rated to 100 m (10 ATM) and complies with EN 13319. Its depth sensor is specified accurate from 0–100 m.
- Which dive modes are included on the Mk2i?
Six modes: Single-Gas, Multi-Gas, CCR, Gauge, Apnea, and Apnea Hunt.
- How long does the battery last in dive mode and smartwatch mode?
Up to 80 hours in dive mode (without air integration) or up to 32 hours with a paired T1; up to 16 days in smartwatch mode. Actual life varies with settings and use.
- Does GPS work underwater on the Garmin Descent Mk2i?
No. During a dive, other watch features such as GPS are disabled; you can view and map entry/exit points in logs and in the Garmin Dive app.
- Is the Mk2i compatible with the Garmin Dive app on iOS and Android?
Yes. The Garmin Dive app (iOS/Android) uploads and manages dive logs from compatible Descent computers, including Mk2i.
- What’s included and what about warranty/returns?
Typical box contents include the Mk2i watch, extra-long strap, charging/data cable and docs; the T1 transmitter is sold separately unless you choose a bundle. Garmin provides a limited warranty; return windows vary by retailer. Please verify what’s included and the current return policy with Bluewater Photo before purchase.
- How should I rinse and care for the watch and transmitter after saltwater dives?
Rinse the watch and the T1 with fresh water after each dive; avoid solvents or high-pressure jets, and let everything dry fully before charging.
Why Buy from Bluewater
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