Choosing the right dive computer is essential, especially for multi-dive trips like those on a Similan liveaboard. The Suunto Ocean is one of the latest smart dive computers, it comes with many advanced features but still remains very easy to use. After testing it for several weeks both on our day trip and Liveaboard, I wanted to share my thoughts on how it performs and whether it stands out from the competition.

In this review, I’ll try to cover what to expect from a modern dive computer, my hands-on experience with the Suunto Ocean, and what makes it a good choice for Similan diving and beyond.

What is a Dive Computer and Why Do You Need One?

Basic Function

A dive computer continuously tracks depth, dive time, and nitrogen levels to calculate safe ascent times. It helps prevent decompression sickness by giving real-time feedback, making it a must-have for divers of all levels.

Every one should have a dive computer?

When diving in the Similan Islands, you typically do multiple dives per day on a liveaboard trip. With Big Blue Diving, we making diving with a computer mandatory along with a few other reputable operators.

Day trip diving is most commonly two dives with a shorter surface interval. A reliable dive computer ensures you’re managing nitrogen absorption correctly and maximising your bottom time safely.

What to Look for in a Modern Dive Computer?

Today’s dive computers offer more than just depth and time tracking. Here’s what you should consider when choosing one:

The Basics

• Multiple dive modes (Air, Nitrox, Freediving)
• A clear, easy-to-read display
• Reliable decompression algorithms

The Tech Stuff

• GPS and Bluetooth connectivity for tracking and logging dives
• Integration with a mobile app for dive logs
• Customisable alarms and settings

Day to day use and comfort

• Battery life and recharge-ability
• Ease of use in real dive conditions

The Suunto Ocean promises to deliver on all these fronts. But how does it actually perform in the water?

Suunto Ocean Review – A Real Dive Test

First Impressions

The Suunto Ocean has a sleek and modern design, with a bright colour display that is easy to read even in low visibility. The touchscreen is responsive but also features physical buttons for easy navigation underwater.

It sat nicely on my wrist and the strap is comfortable and the buckle is well made.

However a few of our girls mentioned it is a little large to sit on a smaller wrist.

Display and Interface

The high-contrast screen is super clear and easy to read, even in murky conditions.

Underwater its pretty user friendly and switching gases etc is easily done.

Dive Modes and Performance

The Suunto Ocean supports multiple dive modes, including:

• Air and Nitrox (up to 100% O2)
• Free-diving mode with depth alarms
• Gauge mode for experienced divers

During our Similan liveaboard dives, I tested its accuracy and decompression calculations against other trusted computers. The Suunto Ocean was spot on, and its conservative safety margins were very similar to my other computer. You can tweet the settings within the computers menus, to be slightly more aggressive or conservative. I completed all my dives set to medium and I was more than adequate.

Smart Features (from the manual)

GPS Tracking:

To be honest I’m not sure of the accuracy of this for the dives, but for exercises such as running, cycling, etc its a very clever piece of kit.

Bluetooth Sync:

To the Suunto app, I like the fact that it pairs automatically to the app and auto logs the dives etc, in the same way it does with any other exercise. The data is clear and easy to read.

Firmware Updates:

Keeps the device up-to-date with the latest improvements. Time will see how this goes, for now i’ve not had to update.

Battery Life & Charging

The rechargeable battery lasted through a full Similan diving liveaboard trip without needing a charge, which is impressive given its bright screen and connectivity features. Charging is via a magnetic USB cable, which to be honest is a bit of a pain. The charger works better connected to a high speed adapter.

Overall the magnetic dock is a flimsy connection at best. It would be better off being something similar to the Teric cradle in my opinion.

Does the Suunto Ocean Stand Out from Other Dive Computers?

Comparing to Standard Models

Compared to other popular models like the Suunto D4i or Zoop its a much more stylish looking piece of kit and packs a lot more features. If compared to the Shearwater Teric or Garmin Descent, the Suunto Ocean seems to sit very nicely between the two. The Teric in my opinion is probably one of the best dive computers on the market. But it is just that, a dive computer and sits almost 10,000 THB more.

Final Thoughts – Is the Suunto Ocean Worth It?

The Suunto Ocean is a smart dive computer. Its has all the functions of a modern smart watch, but is still as proper dive computer. In this way for example its a way better option than say an apple watch with its dive computer app subscription.

Where the Suunto Ocean does well, is its other sports functions and health stats and data, that are stored in the app and can connect with Apple Health etc.

Being able to track heart rate, calories used and other data from dives provides an interesting and useful set of data for each dive or exercise. For other exercises such as running, etc the GPS tracking is a cool and useful tool if you are trying to track everything, on the actual run or whatever the data on screen is less than that provided by an Apple Watch, but it is available via the app. Its worth noting that the watch can talk to Apple Health but not Fitness.

Who It’s Best For?

The Suunto Ocean is ideal for divers who want a the next step up from a basic computer such as a zoop or d4I. For people who dive often and want to keep the data in their lifestyle apps and digitally log dives. As a working dive pro the computer is also great, but I would hope for a charging dock upgrade if possible.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Price point
• Bright, easy-to-read display
• Smart features like GPS and Bluetooth
• Long battery life
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Charging dock isn’t great
• Touchscreen might be unnecessary for some divers
• App based set up takes some time at the initial set up

Thank you to Dive Supply Phuket for giving me the chance to try out the Sunnto Ocean. We will be stocking the Ocean from next week and it will be available online here.

More product trails coming soon, if you are interested in any particular item then lets us know and we can try to get them reviewed for you.

Need a Dive Computer for your Similan Liveaboard?

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