Garmin Descent G2: Dive Computer and more

Garmin’s latest dive computer, the Descent G2, is designed for adventurers who split their time between diving, land-based activities and everyday life. The watch format integrates advanced dive functionality with the versatility of a premium multisport smartwatch.

Descent G2 – Where it fits in the Garmin Range

Descent G2 is a $700 mid-tier Garmin dive watch built with similar technologies to the Instinct 3 AMOLED. It’s about $200 more expensive than the Instinct 3 AMOLED but half the price of Garmin’s Descent Mk3i/Mk3 dive watches, which are the pinnacle of the range. I’ll cover the differences in a minute.

Descent G2 replaces the older Descent G1 (March 2022).

Garmin Descent G2 – Key Dive Features

Broadly speaking, the Descent G2 offers comprehensive diving capabilities designed to accommodate a wide range of underwater activities. It supports multiple dive modes, including recreational, technical, freediving, and pool apnea, making it suitable for beginners and experienced divers. To enhance surface navigation, the watch features built-in Multi-GNSS tracking, allowing divers to mark their entry and exit points for easier review and precise positioning when resurfacing.

Additionally, the Dive Readiness Insights feature evaluates factors such as sleep, stress, exercise, and previous dive history to determine a diver’s preparedness for their next dive, helping to optimize both performance and safety. For underwater navigation, the Descent G2 includes a 3-axis compass, while customizable dive screens let users tailor their display with essential data suited to their specific dive mode.

Let’s cover those in detail…

Garmin Descent G2 Detailed Diving Features

There are two headlines and lots of features

• Headline dive features: Multiple dive modes; In-dive compass; Big numbers mode
• Headline freedive features: Dynamic apnea mode; Apnea alerts; Variometer; Velocity chart

Here’s the full list

Garmin Descent G2 – Other Noteworthy Features

Key non-dive features include an awesome AMOLED display, detailed sleep-tracking abilities, tap-and-go payments with Garmin PAY, integration with inReach and more. Here are the key ones to watch for, and after this section, I’ll go on to the comparisons.

AMOLED Display

At the heart of Garmin Descent G2 is a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a sapphire lens, ensuring bright, easy-to-read visuals even at depth. This vibrant screen enhances underwater visibility and allows divers to reference critical information quickly during their dive.

Eco-Friendly and Durable Build

Garmin has taken an environmentally conscious approach by constructing the housing, bezel, and buttons from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastics. This design choice reduces waste and maintains the durability required for harsh underwater environments. Additionally, the watch is rated to 10 ATM, ensuring reliable performance at depths of up to 100 meters.

Multisport and Smart Features

Beyond its diving capabilities, the Descent G2 is a high-end sports smartwatch with 100+ sports apps and advanced training features. It includes 24/7 health monitoring, tracking heart rate, sleep patterns, and Pulse Ox levels.

Connectivity and Safety

For added security, the Descent G2 is compatible with the inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator (sold separately) when paired with an inReach dive case, allowing for two-way messaging and emergency SOS alerts above the water.

Battery Life and Smartwatch Functionality

With a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, the Descent G2 ensures you stay connected between dives without constant recharging. Users can access tide data and additional ocean conditions when paired with a smartphone, making it even more useful for water-based activities.

Garmin Descent G2 Comparisons

Should you buy an older G1 or a more expensive MK3i – what would you gain or miss in each scenario? I’ve already said that Descent G2 is fundamentally based on Instinct 3. Would it be OK to get that instead and save $200? Let’s answer those questions.

Garmin Descent G2 vs the older Descent G1

There’s not too much newly added for diving. You get the Pool Apnea and Dive Readiness features that align nicely with the new land-based training readiness feature. The leakproof inductive buttons are a boost for the dive rating and I particularly enjoyed using those on the high-end Fenix 8 last year. That’s about it.

Other marine-related features include info on fish and tides, plus some of Garmin’s boat-related features (anchor alarm, virtual start,  tack assist and a few more).

However, you get a prettier, more modern tech stack. The AMOLED screen is beautifully vibrant and has significantly boosted resolution and colours. The GNSS/GPS chip has dual frequency accuracy. Those come at a cost. A battery cost. There’s a general 10-20% hit on battery life across the board – except with DIVE MODE, where battery life is increased from 25 to 27 hours. So Garmin has tweaked the whole package to nicely align with divers’ needs and address concerns about hits to battery life.

There is no solar option (which would have a low-res MIP screen), although that might come later in the year. Garmin’s launch specs are confusing, some implying onboard music and others not; either way, onboard music will likely be added later in the year if not at launch.

Finally, the new sleep coach and nap detection boost the existing features, matching some of Whoop‘s offerings.

Garmin Descent G2 vs the top-end Descent MK3i

Besides a larger,  improved case and lens, what would double the price buy you? A: not much.

You would get Subwave, and the Air Integration features that use it. MK3i supports eight transmitters and has metrics for gas consumption rate and time remaining. You can also dive to 200m rather than 100m.

Garmin Descent G2 vs Instinct 3 AMOLED

Instinct 3 doesn’t have the inductive buttons or any dive or boating features worth noting. They’ve been disabled for Instinct 3. Put another way, they justify the $200/$250 premium for Descent G2.

Buy Garmin Descent G2 – Price and Availability

The Garmin Descent G2 is available in Black with a Black Band for $699.99. It ships within 1–3 business days.

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Take Out

Garmin Descent G2 is well-pitched. It has unique and important features for divers that are really only available elsewhere within the Garmin range on either Fenix or MK3 watches. Sure, it’s expensive in absolute terms, but it offers some serious dive features for a notable discount on the top-end Garmin dive watches.

Maybe you only have one dive holiday a year? Descent G2 would be a great option, supporting your active lifestyle away from the depths for the rest of the year. It would also nicely include several of Garmin’s other marine and outdoor features.