July 30, 2025

The experience of taking your scuba diving equipment and exploring the depths of the sea is unmatched. While many divers enjoy the sense of freedom and weightlessness they get when in the water, what’s even better is the chance to explore the most impressive marine life in their underwater ecosystems.

Whether you are a recreational diver at Catalina Island, Calif., exploring the expansive kelp forest, or a deep-sea diver at Raja Ampat, Indonesia, looking to spot manta rays and sharks, there is really no shortage of adventure.

But you’ll need some high-quality dive technology along the way. And luckily, Garmin’s SubWave™  sonar technology lets you focus on your journey beneath the current while also keeping in touch with your team at the same time.

What is SubWave sonar technology?

Simply put, SubWave technology uses sonar to connect Garmin dive devices once a diver begins their descent — that way, you’re always connected to those around you. With the help of our SubWave network system, you’ll be able to transmit data from your Garmin Descent™ Mk3i or Garmin Descent™ X50i dive computer to the Garmin Descent™ S1 Buoy, when paired to a Descent™ T2 transceiver¹ — which then transfers your data to the Garmin Dive™ app for the crew topside.

There’s no doubt that Garmin dive computers coupled with SubWave sonar technology will completely change the way you dive. If you’re skeptical, here are just a few benefits that will leave you feeling confident if you’re a diver and at ease if you’re a dive instructor or charter operator.

1. Staying connected

Stop relying on bubbles, banging your ladder or hand gestures to get your team’s attention. Instead, select one of the preset messages on your Garmin dive computer to tell your fellow dive buddies or surface crew members the latest status. If you’re letting your dive master know you’re performing a safety stop or you’re a surface crew member needing to end the dive, you’ll be able to keep in touch.

2. Tracking

Whether you are on the boat or in the water, you’ll want diver-to-diver and diver-to-surface support. With the help of the buoy and our air-integrated dive computers, you’ll have access to numerous diver data points. If you’re a diver and want to track the range or tank pressure, you’ll be able to do so if they are within 10 meters and connected to the SubWave network. To message your diving buddies, connect to the SubWave network and be within 30m. For extended range messaging, you can connect to the Descent S1 Buoy and message when you’re within 100 meters of each other¹.

If you’re a topside crew member, you’ll be able to track diver tank pressure and range as well as their approximate locations when connected to the buoy. If your divers are connected to the buoy, you’ll be able to message them from up to 100 meters away as well. To keep everyone’s minds at ease, the topside crew will receive automatic alerts if a diver’s tank pressure gets low.

3. Navigational aid

When you’re diving, you want the freedom to move as you please without the worry of getting disoriented. Now, your dive computer will be able to guide you in the direction of the buoy and help you find the anchor line. When your dive computer is connected to the buoy, you’ll be able to see your distance and direction from the buoy on your computer and will be guided by an arrow when you need to return to base. Then, when you’re back on the boat, you can take a look at a heatmap provided on the Garmin Dive app to see where you explored.

The next time you head out to the water, grab your wet suit, gear and the latest Garmin dive products so you can make the most of every adventure.

_{¹Some compatible dive computers can receive, but not send, messages. Conditions such as surface, waves, chop, objects and diver position can obstruct the signal and reduce range; for more details, visit Garmin.com/subwave}