When it comes to wearable tech, the Apple Watch has long been a staple in my travel gear. So, when the Series 10 debuted with new snorkeling features, I couldn’t wait to test it out. The location? Maui, Hawaii—famed for its clear waters and abundant sea life, including the beloved green sea turtles.
For years, the Apple Watch Ultra was the go-to device for tracking underwater activities, particularly with its Oceanic Plus app, which was initially designed for scuba divers. But this fall, the Series 10 brought an exciting twist: a version of Oceanic Plus optimized for snorkeling. Ready to dive in, I put the Series 10 to the test on my Hawaiian vacation.
Snorkeling with the Apple Watch Series 10: First Impressions
Before I even entered the water, the Apple Watch Series 10 proved its worth. The device features a 50-meter water resistance rating, making it more than capable of handling the challenges of both swimming and snorkeling. The watch activates a water lock when submerged, ensuring no water interferes with its functions, and once out of the water, a quick press of the digital crown expels any trapped moisture.
But what really sets the Series 10 apart for snorkelers is its new depth sensor app. Not only does it provide real-time data on the temperature and depth of the water, but it also pairs seamlessly with Apple’s Tides app, offering insights into sea conditions. For those looking to take their underwater excursions to the next level, there’s the Oceanic Plus app—available for a monthly subscription—that tracks your snorkeling route, distance, and more.
Navigating Snorkeling with the Oceanic Plus App
As a casual snorkeler, my primary focus is enjoying the experience, not necessarily tracking every detail. However, the Oceanic Plus app added a layer of depth to my adventures that enhanced the experience. Before even entering the water, I used the app’s heat map to identify the best spots to snorkel. The built-in tides feature also helped me plan my session by informing me of the best times to go based on the current sea conditions.
Once in the water, I could use either the free Depth app or the Oceanic Plus app to track my underwater activity. The timer, which starts automatically when submerged, proved particularly useful for keeping track of how long I’d been in the water—important, as time often slips away when you’re mesmerized by the sea life around you. The Oceanic Plus app, meanwhile, continuously recorded my route and distance while I swam, providing a useful log of my session for later reference.
Post-Swim Insights: A Digital Logbook for Snorkelers
Returning to shore, I held the digital crown to expel any remaining water from the device and then accessed the app’s logbook to add notes about my experience. I could document the visibility, current, and sea life I encountered, including a handy feature called Ocean ID that helped me identify different fish species. If I’d taken any photos or videos during the session (which I didn’t, as I was using a GoPro), they would’ve been automatically added to my logbook, complete with color correction.
The ability to track and revisit these sessions is a definite advantage for more serious snorkelers. For instance, I could use the GPS map generated by the Oceanic Plus app to pinpoint exactly where I’d seen certain sea creatures, such as the giant sea turtles that Maui is known for. Should I ever return to these spots, the data will allow me to compare conditions and marine life from previous trips.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 Worth It for Casual Snorkelers?
For someone like me, who snorkels occasionally during vacations, the Series 10’s built-in Depth app provides just the right amount of data without overwhelming me. The simplicity of the app, along with the water lock and basic depth tracking, makes it an ideal companion for a laid-back snorkeling experience.
However, for more serious enthusiasts who snorkel regularly, the Oceanic Plus app offers a wealth of detailed information that can deepen your understanding of the underwater world. The subscription—priced at $2/£2 per month—is a relatively affordable investment for anyone looking to track their snorkeling sessions in greater detail. But for most people, the basic features on the Series 10, including depth and temperature tracking, will likely suffice.
Conclusion: A Snorkeling Companion with Room to Grow
The Apple Watch Series 10 marks a significant step forward in wearable tech for water activities. While it may not be an essential accessory for every vacationer, its depth-tracking features and integration with the Oceanic Plus app make it a valuable tool for those who enjoy snorkeling or plan to explore underwater more seriously.
As someone who values both the practicality and fun of wearable tech, I found the Apple Watch Series 10 to be a reliable, functional, and surprisingly insightful companion for my snorkeling adventure. Whether you’re a casual vacation snorkeler or a more committed ocean explorer, the Series 10 offers a compelling reason to bring tech into the deep blue.
Related Topics:
What’s New In Apple Watch Series 9?
Does Apple Watch Series 9 Support 5G?
Does Apple Watch Series 9 Support Sleep Monitoring?