Garmin unveils eco-friendly Descent X30 dive computer

At the heart of the device is a 2.4-inch color display—one of the largest in its class—built to remain legible even in low-visibility conditions. The X30 uses rugged metal buttons that can be operated easily with gloves, and the housing and bezel are made entirely from recycled ocean-bound plastics, underscoring Garmin’s push toward eco-friendly materials. The unit is dive-rated to 10 ATM, and its rechargeable battery offers up to 30 hours of dive time.

The standout new feature is NDL Aware, a system that dynamically shows how depth changes affect a diver’s no-decompression limit in real time. This gives divers a clearer picture of how long they can safely explore, rather than relying only on static limits. The computer also supports multiple gas mixes, including trimix, making it suitable for those looking to venture beyond entry-level recreational diving.

Navigation and safety features are also central to the X30. A built-in 3-axis digital compass and dynamic depth charthelp divers track both their current position and ascent plan, complete with safety or decompression stops. Audible and vibration alerts provide situational awareness underwater, while surface GPS allows divers to mark entry points, target dive sites, and review logs in the Garmin Dive app after surfacing. For added security, the X30 can pair with an inReach satellite communicator (in a dive case) to trigger SOS alerts once back above water.

The inclusion of flip-screen mode means divers can orient the buttons depending on how their other gear is configured—a small but thoughtful feature for usability. Together with the large-format display, these touches show Garmin is aiming for clarity and ease of use as much as advanced metrics.

The Descent X30 is available now at a retail price of $749.99. For divers who want both a rugged, feature-rich computer and a product with a smaller environmental footprint, it looks like a strong contender.