If you love spending time outdoors, running in the rain, swimming in the pool, or hiking through unpredictable weather, you might wonder, “Are Garmin watches waterproof?” The short answer is Yes, many Garmin watches are waterproof. However, it’s important to know what that really means, so you can confidently wear your watch without worrying about damage.
In this blog, we’ll explain what “waterproof” means when it comes to Garmin watches, how they are tested for water resistance, and which activities they are suitable for. Let’s dive in!
Are Garmin Watches Waterproof?
First, it is very important to clarify what exactly is meant by “waterproof.” No wearable technology exists that is waterproof under every condition. Garmin designs their watches to be water-resistant, providing excellent protection against a variety of activities.
Most Garmin watches boast a rating for 5 ATM (50 meters) or 10 ATM (100 meters) of water resistance, meaning they can support pressures equivalent to that depth. But that doesn’t mean they’re suited for all the activities you might do underwater.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the ratings mean:
- 5 ATM – Swim: These watches can resist everyday exposure to water, rain, splashes, showers, swimming, and even snorkelling.
- 10 ATM: Suitable for high-impact water sports such as jet skiing and prolonged swimming.
- Garmin Dive Standards: Garmin dive watches, like the Descent series, meet the standards of EN13319, making them acceptable for scuba diving and enabling depth tracking.
If you have an older model Garmin, refer to your device’s owner’s manual for its specific water-resistant limit.
How Garmin Watches Are Tested
Garmin watches are tested specifically whether they can hold in water; each of them is treated according to pressure in labs – actually simulating the effect by ‘dipping’ watches submerged in water. ATM shows the amount of pressure every gadget could stand.
For example, a watch rated to 5 ATM is tested to work perfectly at depths of up to 50 meters. However, keep in mind that this occurs under controlled conditions. Real life is a little different because fast movements of water, such as diving into a pool, can create more pressure than still water.
Can You Swim With a Garmin Watch?
If you love to swim, Garmin watches can become your great companion. In general, most of its models starting from the 5 ATM rating and above can support swimming. Besides durability, many of these watches include swim-specific features that track your performance in detail.
Swim Mode in Pools
Specialized Garmin watches, such as the Vivoactive 4, Forerunner 255, and Venu 3, include a dedicated pool swim mode. These features track laps, stroke type, and swimming efficiency, giving you insights to improve your technique.
Open Water Swim Mode
Open-water swim modes are provided in the likes of Fenix 7, Epix Gen 2, and Instinct 2. These make use of GPS tracking to record distance and speed, including routes in lakes or oceans. Such features become very important for triathletes and those who love open water.
Best Garmin Watches for Swimming
Casual Swimmers: For Venu Series; Lily; Vivoactive Series.
For Performance Tracking: Fenix 7, Forerunner 965, and Enduro 2.
What About Scuba Diving?
If scuba diving is your passion, Garmin’s Descent series is designed specifically for you. These watches are certified to meet EN13319, the standard for dive equipment. They can handle the high pressures of deep dives and include features like:
- Depth tracking
- Dive planning
- Surface interval timing
Do Garmin watches handle saltwater well?
Those in love with the ocean will feel blessed to understand that all current Garmin watches are well set to stand against salty ocean water.
However, that should not keep you far away from giving your gadget an extra rinse of clean freshwater afterward, which reduces its ability to cause damage; salt accumulation might further have more damaging effects over time.
What About Rain and Sweat?
Garmin watches are made for active people, so they can easily handle rain and sweat. Whether you get caught in a downpour on your morning jog or you’re sweating it out in the gym, your Garmin watch won’t skip a beat.
Popular Waterproof Garmin Watches
Here are some of the best Garmin watches with great water resistance.
1. Garmin Fenix Series
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
- Features: Sturdy build, ideal for swimming as well as snorkelling and outdoor activities.
2. Garmin Instinct Solar
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Features: Built for harsh conditions; perfect for water sports and hiking.
3. Garmin Forerunner 955
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Features: Track swimming, running, and other sports.
4. Garmin Swim 2
- Water Resistance:5 ATM
- Features: Designed just for swimmers, with advanced swimming features.
If you love the beach or ocean, you’ll be glad to know that most Garmin watches can handle saltwater.
However, it’s a good idea to rinse the watch with fresh water after using it in the sea. This helps prevent salt build-up, which could damage the watch over time.
Garmin Smartwatch Models For Pool Swimming
| Approach Series: | Approach S70 |
| Bounce | |
| D2 Air Series: | D2 Air, D2 Air X10 |
| Forerunner Series: | Forerunner 55, Forerunner 245, Forerunner 645 |
| Garmin Swim | |
| Legacy Series: | Legacy Hero, Legacy Saga |
| Lily | |
| Venu Series | |
| Vivoactive Series: | Vivoactive, Vivoactive HR, Vivoactive 3, Vivoactive 4, Vivoactive 5 |
| Vivomove Series: | Vivomove 3, Vivomove Luxe, Vivomove Style, Vivomove Sport, Vivomove Trend |
| Vivosmart Series: | Vivosmart 4, Vivosmart 5 |
Garmin Smartwatch Models Pool & Open Water Swimming
| D2 Series: | D2 Bravo, D2 Charlie, D2 Delta, D2 Mach 1 |
| Descent Series: | Descent G1, Descent Mk1, Descent Mk2 |
| Epix Series: | Epix, Epix (Gen 2), Epix Pro (Gen 2) |
| Enduro Series: | Enduro, Enduro 2 |
| Fenix Series: | Fenix 2, Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, Fenix Chronos, Fenix 5, Fenix 5 Plus, Fenix 6, Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro |
| Forerunner Series: | Forerunner 255, 265, 735XT, 745, 910XT, 920XT, 935, 945/945 LTE, 955/955 Solar, 965 |
| Garmin Swim 2 | |
| Instinct Series: | Instinct, Instinct 2, Instinct Crossover |
| MARQ Collection: | MARQ (Gen 1 and Gen 2) |
| Quatix Series: | Quatix 3, Quatix 6 |
| Tactix Series: | Tactix 7, Tactix Bravo, Tactix Delta |
It’s important to note that not all Garmin watch accessories are waterproof. For instance, leather bands should be avoided when swimming. Additionally, Garmin advises thoroughly drying your device after it comes into contact with water, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to skin irritation.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Smartwatch
1. Understand Your Needs
Before purchasing a waterproof smartwatch, consider how you’ll use it. Different activities demand varying levels of water resistance:
| Activity | Recommended Rating |
| Everyday use (sweat, rain) | IPX1–IPX3 / 1 ATM–3 ATM |
| Swimming | IP68 / 5 ATM |
| Snorkelling | IP68 / 10 ATM |
| Scuba diving | IP68 / 20 ATM |
2. Check Additional Features
Choose a smartwatch with features tailored to your needs.
- For swimmers, the features include swim lap tracking, stroke detection, and waterproof heart rate monitoring.
- For divers, depth sensors, dive logs, and timing bezels.
- For outdoor activities: GPS built-in, altimeters, and weather updates.
3. Battery Life
A longer battery life ensures non-stop use during extended activities that go for days. For it to be used even during travel or for outdoor usage, a smartwatch should offer at least a 5–7 day battery life.
4. Comfort and Design
A design with a strong silicone strap and user-friendly interface will be important for comfort in wearing all day. It should also have a brightly lit display for underwater and above water visibility.
How to Protect Your Garmin Watch
Here are some general tips that will keep your Garmin watch always in great shape:
- Rinse After Saltwater Use: If you have been in the ocean, always rinse your watch with fresh water.
- Avoid High-Speed Water: Avoid wearing your watch in water skiing and other such activities because the high-pressure water can damage it.
- Check Buttons Underwater: Some Garmin watches allow the use of buttons underwater, but not all. Always double-check your model’s manual to avoid damage.
- Dry well: Wipe the watch with a soft cloth after being exposed to water to avoid accumulation of moisture.
Key Takeaways
Garmin watches are made to take on water in most eventualities, from casual splashes to deep dives. Knowing the rating for water resistance that your particular model can withstand makes you confident to use it in water-based activities without any worry.
To summarize:
5 ATM: Attars a great place for both swimming and snorkelling.
10 ATM: For high-speed water sports, deeper adventure underwater.
Standards of Diving: Ideal for Scuba diving and professional underwater activity.
With the right Garmin to fit your needs and proper, basic care, one’s Garmin life is rather long. From swimming laps to coral reefs, running in the rain, Garmin has developed watches that can keep up with even the most active lifestyles.
So, while Garmin watches aren’t fully “waterproof,” they are more than ready for your adventures-both on land, in the water, and everywhere in between. Dive on in with confidence and make the most of your Garmin watch! make the most of your Garmin watch!
