Garmin has officially raised the stakes for marine wearables with the launch of the quatix 8 Pro. While previous generations were essentially “Fenix watches with marine skins,” the quatix 8 Pro is a standalone safety and communication tool.
With integrated inReach® satellite technology, LTE calling, and a rugged dive-rated build, this watch is designed to be as vital to your helm as your chartplotter.
Quick Summary
- Product: Garmin quatix 8 Pro (Released Jan 13, 2026)
- Best For: Offshore sailors, yacht owners, and professional mariners.
- Key Upgrade: Standalone inReach Satellite SOS and LTE voice messaging.
- Hardware: 1.4” AMOLED display, titanium bezel, and leak-proof inductive buttons.
- Dive Rating: 40 meters (with technical dive computer support).
- Price: Starts at $1,299.99.
1. Connectivity Without Boundaries: inReach & LTE
The quatix 8 Pro’s headline feature is its dual-path communication. For the first time, you can leave your phone in the cabin—or even at the dock—and remain fully connected.
- Global Satellite Messaging: Using the Iridium satellite network, you can send two-way texts and share your live location up to 50 miles (80 km) offshore.
- Interactive SOS: If disaster strikes, trigger an SOS to the 24/7 Garmin Response center directly from your wrist.
- LTE Voice Calling: When within cellular range, make and receive voice calls through the built-in speaker and mic. It automatically switches to satellite when cellular signal fades.
Note: These features require an active satellite subscription. However, the first-time activation fee is currently waived for quatix 8 Pro users.
2. Head-to-Head: quatix 8 Pro vs. Fenix 8 Pro
Choosing between Garmin’s flagships? The quatix 8 Pro is built specifically for the salt-spray environment.
| Feature | quatix 8 Pro | Fenix 8 Pro (AMOLED) |
| Interface | Boat Mode (Marine-first UI) | Standard Outdoor UI |
| Buttons | Inductive Metal (Sand & Water resistant) | Standard Rugged Buttons |
| Voice Control | Optimized for Chartplotters/Fusion | Optimized for Phone Assistants |
| Marine Apps | Preloaded Tides, Anchor, Sailing | Must download via Connect IQ |
| Dive Rating | 40 Meters (Technical support) | 40 Meters (Basic support) |
3. “Boat Mode”: The Ultimate Marine UI
The new Boat Mode interface automatically prioritizes the data you need when the watch detects you are near your vessel. Once activated, your most critical controls are one touch away:
- Autopilot & Trolling Motors: Engage pattern steering or adjust headings for Force® trolling motors.
- Fusion-Link™ Audio: Control your onboard playlist without leaving the helm.
- Data Streaming: Real-time water depth, engine RPM, and wind speed streamed directly from your Garmin chartplotter.
- Remote Waypoint Marking: Drop a fishing spot on your chartplotter from the bow of the boat using your watch.
4. Built for Land, Sea, and Under the Sea
The quatix 8 Pro doesn’t stop at the water’s surface. It has been upgraded with 40-meter dive certification and professional dive computing using the Bühlmann decompression algorithm.
On land, it remains a top-tier fitness tracker. It features the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ technology (for extreme accuracy without killing the battery), and over 100 sports modes ranging from Wakesurfing to Strength Training.
5. Technical Specifications & Battery Life
- Display: 1.4” AMOLED ( 454 x 454 pixels) — incredibly bright in direct sunlight.
- Build: Grade 5 Titanium Bezel with Sapphire Crystal lens.
- Flashlight: Integrated LED with white and “Red Light” mode (essential for preserving night vision on the bridge).
- Battery: Smartwatch Mode: Up to 15 days (47mm) / 29 days (51mm).
- GPS Mode: Up to 47 hours (47mm) / 84 hours (51mm).
Should You Upgrade to the quatix 8 Pro?
Buy it if: You spend significant time offshore, own a Garmin-equipped vessel, or need a “do-it-all” watch that doubles as a safety beacon.
Skip it if: You are a casual boater who stays within sight of the shore and already owns a Fenix 8—the software overlap may not justify the $1,300 price tag for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a phone for the quatix 8 Pro to work?
No. With an active plan, the watch communicates directly via LTE and Satellite.
is the Voice Control Bundle worth it?
For $59.99 extra, it allows hands-free chartplotter commands (e.g., “Okay Garmin, show radar”). If you often have your hands full while docking, it’s a high-value add.
When is quatix 8 Pro available?
Orders open January 16, 2026 at Garmin.com and authorized marine retailers.
Do I need a separate subscription for the quatix 8 Pro?
Yes, to use the inReach satellite messaging and LTE voice features, an active Garmin subscription plan is required.
Can the quatix 8 Pro control any boat?
It is compatible with Garmin chartplotters (GPSMAP® series), Force® trolling motors, and Fusion® audio systems.
How does it differ from the standard quatix 8?
The “Pro” model is the only one in the lineup to include the integrated inReach satellite hardware and LTE calling capabilities.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the $1,299 Price Tag?
The Garmin quatix 8 Pro is priced at $1,299.99 (with an optional Voice Control Bundle at $1,359.98). It is a premium investment, but for those who spend their lives on the water, the integration of satellite safety and seamless helm control makes it more than just a watch—it’s a backup navigator and a lifeline.
The quatix 8 Pro officially goes on sale January 16, 2026.
