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Why I Still Dive With the Shearwater Perdix

  • Writer: Aldo Scuba
    Aldo Scuba
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read

(After 8 Years, Hundreds of Dives, and All Kinds of Conditions)


Dive computer display shows 0 ft depth, 32:30 surface time, "SAFETY STOP" in blue, "NDL 0," with 129° SE direction. Black frame.

There are a lot of scuba diving computers out there. New models, new screens, new promises every year.

But every once in a while, you find a piece of gear that just sticks with you. For me, that computer is the Shearwater Perdix.

This isn’t a sponsored post. This isn’t hype. This is just one diver sharing real experience after five years of diving all over the world, in Cancun, cenotes, Cozumel, cold water, warm water, recreational dives, technical environments, and everything in between.

Actually… this computer was a Christmas present 8 years ago,from my good friends B. & M. and I honestly didn’t know it would become one of the most reliable pieces of gear I’ve ever owned.




Black cables intertwined on a textured surface with a honeycomb pattern. Engraved text reads "Canada" and numbers are visible.

1. A Dive Computer Designed by Divers, for Divers


The first thing you notice with the Shearwater Perdix is that it doesn’t try to be flashy.

It’s clean. It’s simple. It’s serious.

And that’s because Shearwater designs computers for divers who actually dive—not just for marketing photos or vacation-only use.

Whether I’m guiding dives in Cancun, teaching in the cenotes, or doing drift dives in Cozumel, the Perdix gives me exactly what I need:


  • Clear information

  • No distractions

  • No guessing


Everything is where it should be. Depth, time, no-deco limits, gas info—it’s all right there, easy to read even in low visibility or dark overhead environments.




Dive computer displaying 0 ft, surface 32.29 ft, max 52 ft, 68°F, 19:46. Safety stop text visible. Tattooed arm and patterned background.

2. Visibility That Is Honestly Hard to Beat


If you dive cenotes, you know how important screen visibility is.

Low light. Dark walls. White haloclines. Tight passages.

The Shearwater Perdix screen is amazing.


  • Bright when you need it

  • Clear in daylight

  • Easy to read at a glance

  • Large numbers (your eyes will thank you after long dive days)


In places like Dos Ojos, El Pit, Angelita, or Dreamgate, I never struggle to read my computer. Even with a primary light off, the screen is just… there. Reliable. Calm.



3. Perfect for Scuba Diving in Cancun, Cenotes, and Cozumel


I spend a lot of time scuba diving in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, and the Perdix adapts perfectly to different environments:


For ocean diving in Cancun & Cozumel:


  • Easy gas switching

  • Rock-solid no-decompression tracking

  • Drift dive friendly

  • Handles repetitive dives like a champ


For cenote diving:


  • Excellent depth precision

  • Stable algorithm

  • Reliable in long, square-profile dives

  • No weird surprises after multiple days


It doesn’t matter if it’s a shallow reef or a deep cavern—the Perdix stays consistent, and consistency is everything in diving.



4. Extreme Conditions? No Problem.


Over the last five years, I’ve used this computer:


  • In strong currents, muddy waters

  • In cold water

  • In warm Caribbean water

  • On long dive days

  • On international trips

  • In overhead environments


And I can honestly say:👉 It has never failed me underwater. Ever.

No freezing. No random shutdowns. No unreadable screens.

That kind of reliability builds trust, and trust underwater is priceless.




Close-up of a black battery compartment on a device, with visible slot for screwing. Background features a white textured fabric. Text: "AA Battery".

5. Battery Changes That Actually Make Sense


This is one of my favorite features—and one I explain to students all the time.

The Shearwater Perdix uses regular batteries.

No proprietary chargers.No special cables.No waiting for shipping.

You can use:


  • AA Lithium

  • AA Alkaline

  • AA Rechargeable (with proper settings)


Changing the battery takes less than a minute, and you can do it anywhere in the world. Dive shop, hotel room, boat, airport—no stress.

For divers who travel, especially instructors and guides, this is a huge advantage.



6. Simple, Logical Menus (Even Underwater)


Some dive computers feel like smartphones underwater.Too many menus. Too many clicks.

The Perdix keeps it simple.


  • Two buttons

  • Logical navigation

  • Easy setup

  • Easy gas changes

  • Easy review after the dive


Once you learn it, it becomes second nature—and that’s exactly how dive gear should feel.



7. The One Issue I Had (And Why It Made Me Trust Shearwater Even More)


After years of heavy use, I did have one issue with a button.

Nothing dramatic. No flooding. No dive accident.

But here’s where Shearwater truly stands out.

Their customer service was hands-down the best I’ve ever experienced in the dive industry.


  • Fast response

  • Clear communication

  • Respectful

  • Professional

  • Solution-focused


They didn’t argue. They didn’t make excuses.They just fixed it properly.

That moment told me everything I needed to know about the brand.



8. Software, Updates, and Fresh Information


Even after owning it for 8 years, the Perdix doesn’t feel outdated.

Shearwater continues to:


  • Improve firmware

  • Support older models

  • Keep things compatible

  • Focus on performance, not gimmicks

You don’t feel forced to upgrade every year—and honestly, that’s refreshing.



9. Why I Recommend the Shearwater Perdix to My Students


As an instructor and guide, I get asked a lot:

“What dive computer should I buy?”

My answer is almost always the same.

I recommend the Shearwater Perdix because:


  • It grows with you

  • Works for recreational and technical diving

  • Is reliable in Cancun, cenotes, Cozumel, and worldwide

  • Is easy to use but extremely powerful

  • Is backed by real customer support

I don’t recommend gear lightly—especially life-support gear.




A person with tattoos points at their shearwater watch on a boat, smiling as wind blows their hair. Ocean backdrop with a red canopy overhead.

10. Final Thoughts: A Computer That Earned Its Place on My Wrist


8 years ago, this computer was a Christmas present.

Today, it’s:


  • Been around the world with me

  • Survived extreme conditions

  • Supported hundreds of dives

  • Helped me teach new divers (and Tech diving)

  • Never let me down underwater


The Shearwater Perdix isn’t about hype.

It’s about trust.

And if you’re serious about scuba diving—whether in Cancun, the Cenotes of the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, or anywhere else in the world—this is a computer that truly delivers.

Humble. Solid. Built by divers, for divers.

And that’s why I still dive with it. 🤿💙


If you want to know more about it ,you can google shearwater or go directly here https://shearwater.com/


Or if you want to know more about scuba diving in Cancun ,Cozumel ,Cenotes click here https://www.scubatotal.com/


Thanks for reading


P.S. I almost forgot to mention transmitters. I used an older Oceanic transmitter connected to my Shearwater for a few years. It worked well at first, but eventually I started having some issues and it’s no longer working. I’m planning to upgrade to the new Shearwater transmitter once I save up a bit, and I’ll share my experience after using it. Knowing Shearwater, I’m confident it will be excellent.

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