Best Dive Computers for Travel (2026) | Public Safety Diver’s Top Picks
Written by our lead diver at Scuba Space, a PADI Master Scuba Diver and Law Enforcement Public Safety Diver with 12+ years of professional underwater operations experience.
Airports are chaotic enough without worrying if your dive computer will get crushed in checked luggage, run out of battery mid-vacation, or force you to carry extra chargers just to stay safe underwater.
The best travel dive computers are slim, tough, and either rechargeable via USB or equipped with long-lasting batteries. You can toss them in your carry-on and forget about them until you hit the water.
We’ve hand-picked the best dive computers for travel that balance essential safety features with real-world travel convenience, no extra bulk required.
So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
Take a look at our buyer’s guide if you don’t know where to start:
*Scuba Space is a participant of affiliate programs and earns from qualified purchases*
Quick Comparison
Before we get into the depths, here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links if you see something you like!
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Mares Puck 4
4.4
- Features the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with adjustable gradient factors, allowing you to personalize your dive experience for enhanced safety and precision during decompression dives
- Adapt to various dive scenarios with multigas support for up to three gases (air, nitrox, and bottom timer)
- Equipped with a crystal-clear segment display made from advanced chip-on-glass technology, delivers easy-to-read dive information, ensuring you stay informed at any depth
The Mares Puck 4 is an entry-level dive computer that uses the advanced Buhlmann ZH-L16C algorithm. It’s easy to use and feature rich. There are versatile modes, from air to nitrox and bottom timer, as well as user-friendly controls and a crystal-clear display.
The segmented display is created with chip-on-glass technology and is capable of 800 segments. You’ll be able to stay informed with just a quick glance at the dive watch. Within the display, you’ll see everything from depth and dive time to no deco time and ascent rate.
Mares kept it simple with this dive computer. It uses a single button for hassle-free operation. It’s adaptable straps can be customized and even replaced with a bungee for added comfort flexibility. Unlike the other options on this list, they also opted for a user-replaceable CR 2450 battery with a lifespan up to 100 dives.
The Puck 4 has integrated Bluetooth, so you can transfer data directly to your smart device using the Mares app. Its internal memory can store up to 100 dives. You can also keep the watch up-to-date with the latest firmware delivered through the app.
Editor’s Note: The original Mares Puck served me well through the 10 years of my dive career. It was a great budget computer that did all the basic stuff that I needed. The new pucks just improve upon what the original had. I know Mares is trying to keep it simple, but a single button navigates way slower than multiple buttons.
Color options include:
- Black / Orange
- Black / Olive
- Black / Blue
- Black / Black
- Black / Aqua
- Black / Yellow
Shearwater Peregrine
4.7
- Battery life per charge is up to about 30 hours on medium brightness level. USB-C wireless charging station is included.
- Customize your display with information important to you.
- Languages include: English, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.
The Shearwater Peregrine features a 2.2″ LCD with vivid, enhanced color and saturation, and a 320 x 240 QVGA screen resolution. There are two 316 stainless steel buttons located on each side that help you easily navigate its state-aware menu structure. They sit just above where the 26 mm silicone band connects.
Its display is fully customizable so you can show the information that’s most important to you. Its got support for multiple languages and even comes with a screen protector.
The dive watch has full decompression support and uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C+GF algorithm. Shearwater notes that the dive computer will never lockout for dive plan deviations.
The Peregrine doesn’t have a user-replaceable battery, which is common with higher-end dive computers. Instead, it uses a Li-ion battery that can be charged on its included wireless stand. The battery is factory-replaceable.
The watch has a dive log capacity of 200 hours or 96 dive entries. You transfer the dive data to the Shearwater Cloud app through Bluetooth.
Color options include:
- Black / Cyan
- Adventures Edition Light
- Adventures Edition Dark
Apple Watch Ultra 2
4.3
- Advanced features divers. Rugged titanium case, now available in satin black. Superbright Always-On Retina display. Incredibly accurate precision dual-frequency GPS.
- Take an ECG. Use the Blood Oxygen app. Get notifications for irregular heart rhythm. See overnight health metrics.
- Sapphire front crystal. Large Digital Crown and customizable Action button. Tested to MIL-STD 810H. Water resistance 100m.
I know what you’re thinking. “Why is a smartwatch on this list?” Well, the answer is simple. We’re talking about dive computers specifically for travel and what’s more convenient than a smartwatch that you can wear every day and use for diving?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built out of Grade 5 titanium and uses an Always-on Retina LTPO2 OLED display. It uses a rechargeable Li-ion that can last up to 36 hours with normal use and is fast-charge capable.
To turn this thing into a dive watch, you’ll have to get the Oceanic+ app. This app will give your watch full dive capabilities.
The app uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm for dive planning and decompression management. It does everything a dive watch would do including: safety stop, no deco time, ascent/descent rate, dive planner, and more.
Unfortunately, a lot of the scuba diving features are gated behind a subscription. Oceanic offers these four plans:
| Basic | Snorkeling | Freediving | Scuba Diving |
| Free | $1.99 / mo | $4.99 / mo | $9.99 / mo |
Editor’s Notes: I know a lot of people would never consider this a true dive watch, but I’ve seen it in action. There is a member on my team that regularly uses this watch for search missions. Does it have all the super fancy features? No. Does it work? Yes. For travel, this is one less thing you have to worry about.
Color options include:
- Natural
- Black
Shearwater Tern
4.7
- High-Resolution Display: Crystal clear, easy-to-read screen, perfect for any diving condition.
- Multi-Dive Modes: Versatile for recreational, technical, and free diving.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Effortlessly sync dives with your smartphone or tablet.
- User-Rechargeable Battery: Convenient and eco-friendly, with long-lasting power.
- Robust Durability: Engineered with a rugged construction to withstand the challenges of diverse diving environments.
The Shearwater Tern is the company’s most compact dive computer. It packs tons of advanced features into a stylish design that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
The dive watch uses an AMOLED display that has deep blacks and vivid colors. The display is protected by toughened glass. Just like the smartwatches you’re familiar with, the display UX can be fully customized. Everything from values, titles, units, menu text, and watch face can be customized with 15 color options.
This is a fully-functional dive watch that can double as an everyday watch.
Like most other Shearwater computers, this one uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm. The watch can last up to 20 hours on medium brightness and has an internal Li-ion battery that can be recharged with the included wireless charging station.
The Tern is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology and can store up to 500 hours of dives in its dive log. The dives can be uploaded to the Shearwater Cloud app.
The watch uses the Remora Quick Release System for swapping out the straps. You can swap out different colors using the Remora Band Color Strap Kit. You can even set up the watch for dry suits using the Remora Webbing Color Strap Kit.
The watch case only comes in one color.
Garmin Descent Mk3i
4.7
- Stunning 1.4” AMOLED display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, 51 mm titanium bezel and optional titanium bracelet
- 200-meter dive-rated case includes metal leak-proof inductive buttons and multiple dive modes for recreational to technical scuba diving and freediving
- Enhanced SubWave sonar technology lets you exchange preset diver-to-diver messages as well as monitor tank pressures and depth for up to eight divers when paired with the Descent T2 transceiver (sold separately)
The Garmin Descent Mk3i is an advanced dive computer and smartwatch that comes iwth all of Garmin’s innovations. This means it includes all the multisport and smart features for your active life outside of the water too.
The watch uses an AMOLED display that’s protected by sapphire crystal. The bezel uses DLC-coated titanium and the case is made from fiber-reinforced polymer and titanium. This thing can take all you throw at it.
As an advanced dive computer, the Mk3i can handle all your diving needs. It uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algo with gradient factors and is compatible with air integration when paired with the Garmin Descent T2 transmitter.
The coolest feature on this thing has to be its SubWave technology. This tech is a sonar-based communication method that lets you send preset diver-to-diver messages up to 30 m. Its also the same tech used to monitor your air wirelessly.
Another really cool feature is its built-in LED flashlight. The flashlight has variable intensities and strobe modes. You can use this in a pinch in or out of the water.
The Mk3i doesn’t just have dive features. It’s also a full-on Garmin fitness watch. You’ll also get access to all their health, fitness, and smartwatch features.
Available in both 43 mm and 51 mm case sizes.
Color options include:
- Bronze
- Carbon Gray
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Five of the best dive computers for travel, each with its own perks.
Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class, a seasoned diver, or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.
- Mares Puck 4: The basic option that does what you need.
- Shearwater Peregrine: The popular option that’s a favorite on the forums.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: The everyday watch that works as a dive computer.
- Shearwater Tern: The dive computer that works as an everyday watch.
- Garmin Mk3i: 100% dive computer, 100% fitness watch, 100% smartwatch.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!
Oh and don’t forget about the rest of your gear. Here are also some of our recommendations to pair with these computers:
Why Are These Dive Computers Good For Travel?
Intuitive Interface: When you’re traveling and potentially renting a different dive shop’s gear, having a computer that you’re very familiar with is crucial for safety and enjoyment. These models are known for their user-friendly, simple interfaces.
Convenient Charging/Battery: Dive computers with rechargeable batteries or user-changeable batteries are ideal for travel. You don’t have to worry about a dead battery on a remote liveaboard, and you can simply plug in or swap a battery yourself.
Durability: Travel involves a lot of handling and potential bumps. These computers are built to be robust and withstand the rigors of being packed in a bag and used in various environments.
Dual Functionality: Many of these models, particularly the watch-style computers, can be worn as a daily timepiece. This means you don’t have to pack a separate watch, which is a small but valuable space-saver.
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