For swimmers, divers, and anyone who loves being in the water, a standard fitness tracker just won’t cut it. You need a device built to not only survive a dunking but to thrive in it, providing meaningful data about your performance in the pool or open water. The search for a reliable aquatic companion can feel overwhelming, with terms like “water-resistant” and “waterproof” often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and potentially damaged gadgets. That’s why finding the right gear is so important for your fitness journey and your peace of mind.
This guide is designed to clear the water and help you find a device that matches your specific aquatic ambitions. Whether you’re doing laps in the local pool, training for a triathlon, or exploring the depths while diving, we’ve sifted through the specs to bring you a focused look at the top contenders. Our goal is to help you navigate the key features and considerations, making your choice for the Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers (For Swimming and Diving) – WatchRanker an informed and confident one.
What to Look For in a True Waterproof Tracker
Before we look at specific models, it’s helpful to understand what makes a fitness tracker truly suitable for swimming and diving. The most critical specification is the water rating, which is usually given in ATM (atmospheres) or meters. A device labeled as “water-resistant” to 1 ATM or 3 meters is often only safe for rain and splashes, not for swimming. For pool swimming, you generally want a minimum of 5 ATM (50 meters). For high-speed water sports, snorkeling, or diving, you’ll need a much higher rating, often 10 ATM (100 meters) or more.
Beyond just surviving the water, you want a tracker that can perform in it. Look for dedicated swim-tracking features like lap counting, stroke type recognition (freestyle, breaststroke, etc.), and SWOLF scores (a measure of swimming efficiency). For open water swimming, GPS is essential for mapping your route and measuring distance. If you’re a diver, features like a dive computer, depth gauge, and surface time metrics become non-negotiable. Finally, consider the battery life, especially for long training sessions or multi-day dive trips where charging opportunities may be limited.
Our Picks for the Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers (For Swimming and Diving) – WatchRanker
Based on a combination of water resistance, specialized features, and overall performance, here are some of the top devices for aquatic athletes.
For the Dedicated Lap Swimmer
If your primary focus is clocking laps in the pool, the Garmin Swim 2 is a fantastic choice. It’s built specifically for swimmers, offering advanced metrics that other general-purpose trackers might miss. It automatically records your swim distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF. It can even detect your stroke type and track your rest intervals. With a water rating of 5 ATM, it’s more than capable of handling daily pool sessions. For open water swimmers, it also includes built-in GPS to accurately track your distance and route in lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
For the All-Around Athlete and Triathlete
When your training involves swimming, biking, and running, you need a versatile watch that excels in all three. The COROS Pace 3 is a standout for its incredible battery life and comprehensive multi-sport tracking at a relatively accessible price point. It boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating and features a dedicated pool swimming mode, as well as open water swimming with GPS. Beyond the water, it offers robust metrics for your other activities, making it an excellent value for triathletes and fitness enthusiasts who demand a lot from their gear.
For the Serious Diver and Ocean Explorer
For those who venture beneath the surface, a standard swim tracker is not enough. The Garmin Descent G1 is a purpose-built tool for diving. It’s not just waterproof; it’s a full-featured dive computer. It supports multiple gas types and can be used for recreational, nitrox, and even freediving. With a phenomenal battery life that can last for weeks in smartwatch mode or up to 25 hours in dive mode, it’s built for extended adventures. While it tracks all your land-based activities, its true home is in the deep, offering the safety and data serious divers require.
For the Everyday Swimmer on a Budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable waterproof tracker. The Fitbit Charge 6 offers a great balance of features and affordability. With a water resistance of 5 ATM, it’s perfectly suited for pool swimming. It automatically tracks your laps, duration, and calories burned during your swim. While it may lack the advanced swim metrics of a dedicated device, it provides all the essential data for a casual or fitness-focused swimmer, all while seamlessly integrating with a popular and user-friendly app for overall health tracking.
Caring for Your Waterproof Fitness Tracker
Even with a high water resistance rating, a little care can go a long way in preserving the life of your device. After swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool, it’s a good habit to rinse your tracker with fresh, clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. This helps prevent corrosion and buildup that could compromise the seals over time. Avoid pressing buttons underwater unless the manufacturer explicitly states it’s safe to do so, as this can force water into the device. Finally, regularly check the band and casing for any signs of damage or wear that might affect its water resistance.
Making Your Final Choice
Selecting the right waterproof fitness tracker ultimately comes down to aligning the device’s capabilities with your personal goals. Think about where you’ll be using it the most—is it the controlled environment of a pool, the variable conditions of open water, or the silent world of diving? By considering the water rating, the specific swim and dive features you need, and your budget, you can find a companion that not only tracks your workouts but also enhances your connection to the water. The perfect device is out there, ready to help you make a splash in your fitness journey.