I get asked all the time which dive computer I recommend for diving around Lanzarote and the rest of the Canary Islands — and it’s a fair question. Atlantic conditions here can be changeable: strong surge at the reefs, chilly thermoclines, bright surface glare, and long days of multiple dives. Over the last decade I’ve taken Suunto, Garmin and Mares computers on hundreds of guided dives, freedives and shore entries. Here’s how I think about choosing the right unit for our waters and what each brand does best.
What really matters in Atlantic diving
Before comparing models, I want to be clear about the priorities I consider for Atlantic-style diving around Lanzarote:
Keep these in mind as I walk through how Suunto, Garmin and Mares approach those needs.
Suunto — simplicity, strong algorithms, and great visibility
My experience with Suunto units (D5/D6 and newer models) is that they feel built by divers for divers. The screen readability is excellent — high contrast, clean layout — which matters when you’re surface-swimming into bright late afternoon sun. Suunto’s algorithms tend to be conservative and predictable, which I prefer for repeated dives over a week. That means fewer surprises from the computer and a comfortable safety margin when current means you finish a dive a little longer or deeper than planned.
What I like:
What to watch for:
Garmin — feature-rich, excellent connectivity
Garmin’s Descent line (for example Descent Mk2i) brings a different philosophy: it’s a dive computer that is also a full smartwatch. If you like activity tracking, navigation, and strong surface features alongside diving, Garmin is compelling. The Mk2i adds reliable air integration (up to several transmitters), an accurate GPS on surface, and top-tier mapping — useful when planning boat pickups or navigating long coastal swims.
What I like:
What to watch for:
Mares — practical, cost-effective, direct user controls
Mares offers solid, no-nonsense computers like the Puck Pro and more advanced models. They tend to be very practical: large, readable displays, straightforward buttons, and competitively priced. For dive centres and rentals around the Canaries I often see Mares units because they’re robust and easy for beginners to operate.
What I like:
What to watch for:
Quick model comparison
| Feature | Suunto D5/D6 (and similar) | Garmin Descent Mk2i | Mares Puck Pro / Smart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display readability | Excellent, high contrast | Very good, rich color | Good, large digits |
| Battery | Some rechargeable, some replaceable | Rechargeable (long life in dive mode) | User-replaceable common on entry models |
| Air integration | Available wireless transmitters | Top-tier: multi-transmitter support | Available on higher models, variable |
| Glove-friendly controls | Good | OK (complex menus) | Very good (simple buttons) |
| App & connectivity | Good with Suunto app | Excellent (Garmin Connect + Descent app) | Basic to good |
| Price range | Mid to high | High | Low to mid |
Tips from my dives in Lanzarote
Here are practical tips drawn from guiding and testing gear around the island:
Buying checklist
Choosing a dive computer is personal — your diving style, how much tech you want on your wrist, and whether you guide or teach will shape the best fit. If you’d like, tell me the usual dive plans you do around Lanzarote (shore vs boat, single vs multi-tank days, use of nitrox) and I’ll recommend one or two specific models that match your needs and budget.
