Cressi Donatello Dive Computer

At a glance

Cressi Donatello Dive Computer is a dive computer from Cressi, rated 4.3 out of 5 and placed 17 of 33 in our dive computers shortlist. Its defining number is depth rating: 120 m (394 ft). It scores hardest on packed weight (76/100) and softest on comfort and fit (66/100). The clearest advantage divers report: extremely large and clear numbers, great for divers who need readability.

What the dive computer actually gives you

Where it wins and where it costs you

Full review: Cressi Donatello Dive Computer

The Cressi Donatello is a user-friendly dive computer designed for recreational divers who want reliable performance without a steep learning curve. Housed in a compact, wrist-mounted form factor, it features a large, easy-to-read display that presents essential dive data such as depth, dive time, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits in a clear, uncluttered layout. Cressi built the Donatello around simplicity, offering an intuitive two-button interface that allows divers of all experience levels to navigate menus and settings quickly, even while wearing thick gloves in colder water conditions. Its algorithm, based on the Cressi RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model), calculates nitrogen absorption and release to help divers manage decompression status safely across single and repetitive dives.

Functionally, the Donatello supports three operating modes: air, nitrox, and gauge, making it versatile enough for divers who use standard air tanks as well as those trained in enriched air diving. The nitrox setting allows oxygen percentages to be adjusted between 21% and 50%, giving divers flexibility to plan dives according to their certification and gas mix. The gauge mode transforms the unit into a simple depth and time gauge for divers who prefer to plan dives manually or who are using it as a backup instrument. Additional features include a customizable backlight for improved visibility in low-light or night diving conditions, audible and visual alarms for ascent rate and no-decompression time warnings, and a log book function that records key data from previous dives, allowing users to review their performance and safety metrics after surfacing.

Built with durability in mind, the Cressi Donatello is water-resistant to significant depths well beyond recreational diving limits, ensuring it can withstand the pressures encountered during typical scuba excursions. The battery is user-replaceable, which is a practical advantage for divers who travel frequently or dive in remote locations without easy access to authorized service centers. Its lightweight design and adjustable strap make it comfortable for extended wear, whether during a single dive or a full day of multiple dives at a dive resort. Overall, the Cressi Donatello stands out in the scuba diving gear niche as an accessible, dependable dive computer that balances essential functionality with straightforward operation, making it a solid choice for beginner to intermediate divers seeking a no-frills, dependable companion underwater.