The Complete Guide to Dive Logging in 2025

The diving world has come a long way from the days of waterproof paper and pencils. While traditional dive logs still have their charm (and their uses), the digital revolution has transformed how we track our underwater adventures. But with so many options available, choosing the right solution isn't as straightforward as it might seem. Let's dive deep into what matters and what doesn't when it comes to logging your dives.

Why Keep a Dive Log?

Dive logging serves multiple purposes beyond certification requirements. A comprehensive log helps you track your progression, maintain safety records, and improve your diving. Each logged dive builds a valuable dataset of your experiences - from equipment configurations that worked well to specific conditions at dive sites you'd like to revisit.

Digital vs Traditional Logging

The transition from paper to digital logging continues to be a topic of discussion in the diving community. Paper logs offer simplicity and reliability, plus the tangible satisfaction of collecting stamps and signatures. Digital solutions, however, provide automated calculations, data analysis, and secure backup options.

The choice ultimately depends on your diving style and needs. Some instructors and divers effectively use hybrid approaches, maintaining basic paper records while leveraging digital tools for detailed analysis.

Current Solutions

Let's examine the most notable dive logging options available in 2025:

PADI App

Price: Free

Let's be honest - the PADI app's popularity stems primarily from necessity rather than features. Most PADI instructors require students to log their training dives through this app to meet certification requirements, which explains its widespread use in the diving community.

The app provides basic logging functionality and integrates with PADI's certification system, but that's about where its capabilities end. You can't import dive logs from computers or other apps, and the feature set is notably basic compared to other solutions. While it serves its purpose for certification documentation, active divers will quickly find themselves wanting more.

Its limitations become even more apparent with regular use. The lack of offline functionality is particularly problematic for liveaboard trips or remote diving locations. If you're planning to dive regularly, you'll probably want to look at better solutions once you've completed your certification requirements.

Subsurface

Price: Free (Open Source)

Subsurface has been a community favorite for years, and in 2025 it remains a powerful option, particularly for technical divers. One standout advantage is its true cross-platform support - it's one of the few dive logging solutions that runs natively on Windows, Mac, and Linux (it was initiated by Linus Torvals, Linux creator). This platform flexibility, combined with its extensive dive computer support and detailed data analysis capabilities, makes it an impressive package maintained by an active open-source community.

However, the interface hasn't seen significant modernization. While the desktop version excels with comprehensive features and reliable performance across all operating systems, the mobile experience has notable limitations. You can't import UDDF or FIT files directly through the mobile app - these operations require the desktop version. Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to sync devices.

Despite these quirks, Subsurface remains one of the most capable logging solutions available. The desktop application shines with its extensive import options, detailed analysis tools, and robust data management. Being open-source, free, and available on virtually any desktop platform, it continues to serve as a reliable choice for divers who prioritize functionality and platform flexibility over interface polish.

MacDive

Price: $12.99 (one-time purchase)

MacDive exemplifies Apple's ecosystem integration, offering a refined experience for iOS and macOS users. What sets it apart is its exceptional reliability with dive computer synchronization - it simply works without the usual connection headaches. The one-time purchase model provides excellent value, giving you access to a wide range of supported dive computers and import capabilities.

The app excels in practical features. You can track GPS positions while on the boat, log marine life encounters, manage your diving gear, and store certification details. Its file format support is comprehensive, handling everything from FIT files to UDDF and Subsurface XML, making it a versatile choice for divers switching from other platforms.

However, the platform lock-in is a significant consideration - switching to Android or accessing logs on non-Apple devices isn't possible. One frequently requested feature that remains notably absent is a shared database of dive sites. Given the app's offline-first approach, this limitation is likely to persist, as implementing shared online features would require significant architectural changes. While you can maintain your own dive site database, the lack of a community-driven site catalog means each user needs to build their location library from scratch.

DiverPlus

Price: Free basic version, $4.99/month for Pro or $29.99 for lifetime access

DiverPlus represents the modern approach to dive logging, bringing a much-needed refresh to a space dominated by interfaces that feel stuck in the early 2000s. The platform's contemporary UI design stands out immediately - it's clear, intuitive, and feels at home among modern apps, unlike many traditional diving applications.

What makes DiverPlus particularly compelling is its hybrid approach to connectivity. While many apps force you to choose between being purely offline or entirely cloud-dependent, DiverPlus handles both seamlessly. You can maintain a connection with the diving community, share experiences, and access cloud features when online, while still having full access to your logs and essential features offline - perfect for those remote diving locations or liveaboard trips.

The feature set matches and expands upon what you'd expect from premium logging solutions. Like MacDive, it offers dive computer synchronization, comprehensive format support (including UDDF, FIT files, and various dive computer formats), GPS tracking, marine life logging, and gear management. The visualization tools present complex data like air consumption patterns and depth profiles in an accessible format.

The basic version covers essential logging needs with the same polished interface. The Pro version adds advanced analysis tools that help identify patterns in your diving behavior, and with the lifetime access option, you can avoid subscription fatigue while retaining all the premium features.

Currently, DiverPlus is available only on iOS devices, with Android support planned for the future. Despite this platform limitation, the cross-platform web access ensures your dive data is available whether you're planning dives on your computer or checking surface intervals on your iPhone.

Garmin Dive

Price: Free with Garmin dive computers

Garmin Dive stands out in 2025 for its comprehensive data presentation and streamlined user experience. The app excels at presenting detailed dive information without overwhelming users, and the recent addition of gear logging and certification management makes it a more complete solution.

The major limitation is its closed ecosystem - the app works exclusively with Garmin dive computers. While you can manually log dives, you can't import data from other manufacturers' devices or third-party apps. This restriction aside, Garmin Dive offers one of the most polished experiences for tracking and analyzing your diving activity.

Making an Informed Choice

When selecting a dive logging solution, consider both your current needs and future diving aspirations. While PADI's app might be necessary during your certification process due to training requirements, its basic feature set and lack of import capabilities mean you'll likely want to explore other options once certified.

For those seeking a modern, well-designed solution, DiverPlus stands out with its contemporary UI - a refreshing change from the dated interfaces common in dive logging apps. Its hybrid approach allows you to log dives offline while maintaining community features when online, and the lifetime access option ($29.99) offers good value without subscription fatigue. The free version is perfect for getting started, while the Pro version adds advanced analysis tools for those wanting deeper insights into their diving patterns.

Subsurface remains one of the few truly cross-platform solutions, supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its open-source nature and robust data management make it particularly appealing for technical divers or those who prioritize platform flexibility and data control, despite some interface limitations.

MacDive offers a polished experience for iOS users, with comprehensive dive computer support and reliable syncing capabilities. While currently iOS-only, its feature set makes it a strong contender for Apple users who dive frequently.

Garmin Dive works well within its ecosystem, offering seamless integration with Garmin dive computers and comprehensive data presentation. However, the ecosystem lock-in is a significant consideration.

For most recreational divers, we recommend:

• New Divers: Start with PADI's app for certification requirements, then transition to a more capable solution
• Regular Recreational Divers: Consider DiverPlus for its modern interface and flexible online/offline capabilities
• Technical Divers: Look to Subsurface or MacDive, depending on your platform preferences
• Garmin Users: Stick with Garmin Dive if you're already invested in the ecosystem

Regardless of which solution you choose, maintaining regular backups and having a reliable data export option should be key considerations in your decision.

Conclusion

Your choice of dive logging solution should align with your diving habits and technical preferences. Whether you opt for the streamlined experience of Garmin Dive, the comprehensive capabilities of DiverPlus Pro, or the robust reliability of Subsurface, consistent logging is what matters most.

A note about data security: We often hear concerns, particularly from experienced divers, about digital logs being "less secure" than physical logbooks. The reality is that all forms of data storage carry risks. Paper logbooks can be lost, damaged by water, or destroyed in accidents. Digital data can face technical issues or service discontinuation. The key isn't choosing between "safe" and "unsafe" options - it's about responsible data management.

The advantage of modern diving apps is that they typically offer multiple backup options. Look for solutions that:

• Allow data export in standard formats (UDDF, CSV)
• Provide offline backup capabilities
• Sync across multiple devices
• Let you generate PDF copies of your logs

Remember to actually use these features - the best backup system in the world won't help if you never take advantage of it. Consider maintaining both digital and physical copies of your most important dive records. After all, your diving history isn't just data - it's a record of your underwater journey that's worth protecting.