Can the Cressi Donatello be used for freediving?

You must verify that your planned maximum depth is within the device’s physical limits before your first dive. If you plan to perform no-limits diving—a type of freediving where the diver continues until they reach a predetermined depth or experience fatigue—you must confirm the specific maximum depth limit of this unit in your local documentation before starting.

Cressi Donatello gauge mode allows for accurate freediving depth tracking

The Cressi Donatello features a single-button interface and supports saltwater calibration to maintain accuracy in marine environments. Because this is a scuba dive computer—a wrist-mounted device that tracks underwater depth and time—it handles freediving by stripping away the decompression algorithms (mathematical models that calculate how long a diver can stay at depth based on gas absorption) that would otherwise interrupt a freediving profile. We selected the Cressi Donatello for this comparison because it is one of the few multi-mode units that offers a dedicated gauge mode for non-scuba use. While the device supports air and Nitrox modes, those features are covered in a separate review and do not impact its use as a freediving tool.

You can see our quick verdict on the Cressi Donatello to see if it fits your needs.

What to Check Before Buying the Cressi Donatello

Freediving requirements differ from scuba diving because the lack of a continuous gas supply means the device must not force a surface interval. Check these points before purchasing:

For those wondering about gas mixes, see if the Cressi Donatello supports air and nitrox modes.

• Verify the maximum depth limit of the device against your personal depth profile to ensure the hardware can record your deepest point.
• Confirm the device does not have a forced surface requirement that would interrupt a freediving profile.
• Ensure the single-button interface is comfortable for your specific grip or mounting preference.
• Check that the IR connectivity and Windows/Mac compatibility meet your requirements for post-dive data syncing.

Comparing the Cressi Donatello to Other Freediving Computers

The Cressi Donatello sits in a unique position as a hybrid device. A buyer who only intends to freedive might prefer a dedicated freediving computer, which often features a simpler display and a more streamlined interface designed specifically for single-breath dives. However, if you want a single piece of hardware that can switch between recreational scuba diving and freediving, this model provides that versatility. Buyers who prioritize a multi-mode device for different types of underwater activities will find the Cressi Donatello more practical than a single-purpose tool. If you only ever plan to freedive and never use compressed air, you may find simpler, more specialized alternatives that offer more streamlined navigation for that specific task.

Beginners should explore the best entry-level freediving computer options available right now.

If you need a versatile device that transitions between scuba and freediving, choose the Cressi Donatello. It is an ideal choice for the multi-sport diver who wants to avoid carrying two separate computers for different types of underwater exploration.

Reviewed by the Scuba Forge editorial team. Scuba Forge writes these guides from the 200 most-reviewed scuba diving computer listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.