Satellite communicators have quietly become one of the most important safety tools for divers and remote travellers. The original Garmin inReach Mini and the Mini 2 proved that powerful global communication could live in a genuinely pocket-sized device. The Garmin inReach® Mini 3 Plus takes that idea further — not by reinventing what worked, but by removing friction at the moments when safety really matters.
Paired with the inReach dive case, the Mini 3 Plus represents Garmin’s most capable surface-safety solution yet for divers, sailors and anyone operating far from mobile coverage.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- What the inReach® Mini 3 Plus does
- How it differs from previous generations
- Why those changes matter in real-world safety scenarios
- And how the dive case completes the system for water use
A Quick Recap: What Is the inReach System?
The inReach range is built around one core idea: global satellite communication, anywhere on Earth. Unlike phones or marine radios that rely on local infrastructure, inReach devices use the Iridium® satellite network to send and receive messages worldwide.
At its most basic level, inReach® gives you:
- Two-way satellite messaging
- GPS location sharing and tracking
- Interactive SOS to a 24/7 emergency response centre
For divers, this fills a crucial gap. Once you surface in a remote location, you’re no longer protected by depth limits and gas planning — you’re exposed to weather, distance and logistics. That’s where inReach comes into its own.
The Mini 3 Plus is the latest and most refined expression of that system, built by Garmin.
What’s New in the inReach® Mini 3 Plus?
Garmin hasn’t changed the philosophy of the inReach Mini line — it’s still compact, rugged and globally connected. What has changed is how quickly and clearly you can use it under pressure.
1. A Touchscreen That Changes Everything
Previous generations, including the Mini 2, relied entirely on physical buttons. They worked, but messaging could feel slow and fiddly — especially if you needed to type a longer message or respond under stress.
The Mini 3 Plus introduces a 1.9″ colour touchscreen with tap-and-swipe navigation.
Why this matters for safety:
- Faster message composition
- Easier navigation through menus
- Clearer reading of incoming messages
- Less cognitive load in stressful situations
When you’re cold, tired, seasick or dealing with an unfolding problem, ease of use isn’t a luxury — it’s a safety feature.
2. Voice Messaging: A Major Safety Upgrade
One of the biggest functional upgrades over earlier Mini models is voice messaging.
With the Mini 3 Plus you can:
- Record and send up to 30-second voice messages
- Use the built-in microphone and speaker
- Or send voice messages via the Garmin Messenger™ app
Incoming voice messages can be viewed as transcribed text on the device.
Why this matters:
- Speaking is often faster than typing
- It’s easier when hands are cold, wet or gloved
- Tone and urgency can be communicated more clearly
In emergency or borderline situations, being able to say what’s happening — instead of slowly typing it — is a genuine leap forward.
3. Built-In Speaker and Microphone
Earlier Mini models depended almost entirely on pairing with a phone for anything beyond basic interaction. The Mini 3 Plus is more self-sufficient.
It includes:
- A built-in speaker
- A built-in microphone
That means:
- Audible alerts without a phone
- Voice messaging directly from the device
- Less reliance on your smartphone battery
For divers and boat users, reducing dependency on phones (which are often stored away, wet, or flat) directly improves reliability.
4. Improved Message Handling and Smart Text
The Mini 3 Plus supports:
- Longer messages (up to 1,600 characters)
- Predictive text, auto-complete and auto-correct
- Group messaging
Compared to older models, messaging is simply more realistic as a primary communication method, not just a backup.
This turns inReach from a “check-in device” into a genuine communication tool.
5. Seamless Network Switching
When paired with the Garmin Messenger™ app, the Mini 3 Plus can intelligently switch between:
- Wi-Fi
- Mobile networks
- Satellite
This ensures messages are sent using the most efficient available network, conserving satellite usage where possible while still guaranteeing global reach.
From a safety perspective, this reduces delays and failed sends — especially around coastlines where coverage can be inconsistent.
Battery Life: Still Exceptional, Now More Flexible
Garmin has maintained the long battery life that made earlier Mini models popular:
- Up to 14 days with 10-minute tracking
- Up to 30 days with 30-minute tracking
- Up to 1 year powered off
What’s important here isn’t just raw numbers, but confidence. You can leave the device on during multi-day dive trips or expeditions without constantly managing power.
In safety equipment, predictability is everything.
SOS: Same System, Better Interaction
The SOS system itself hasn’t changed — and that’s a good thing. The Mini 3 Plus still connects you to the Garmin Response℠ Centre, a 24/7 emergency coordination service.
What has improved is interaction:
- Faster message composition
- Clearer reading of replies
- Voice messaging as an option
This makes the SOS process more usable in real-world conditions, not just on paper.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Dimensions | 5.5 × 9.80 × 2.67 cm (2.16″ × 3.85″ × 1.05″) |
| Weight | 125.2 g (4.42 oz) |
| Water Rating | IP67 |
| MIL-STD-810 | Yes (thermal, shock, water; bare unit only) |
| Display Type | Transflective colour MIP |
| Display Size | 38.56 × 28.98 mm; 48.26 mm diagonal (1.52″ × 1.14″; 1.9″ diagonal) |
| Display Resolution | 306 × 230 pixels |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable internal lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (10-min tracking, standard activity, full sky view)Up to 4 days (moderate tree cover)Up to 5 days (10-min tracking, high detail, full sky view)Up to 2 days (high detail, moderate tree cover)Up to 30 days (30-min tracking, standard activity, full sky view)Up to 10 days (moderate tree cover)Up to 1 year when powered off |
| Interface | USB-C |
| Basemap | Via Garmin Explore App |
| Automatic Routing | Yes (turn-by-turn on roads via Garmin Explore App) |
| Satellite Imagery | Yes (via Garmin Explore App) |
| Hydrographic Features | Coastlines, lakes, rivers, wetlands, seasonal streams (via Garmin Explore App) |
| Points of Interest | Parks, campgrounds, scenic lookouts, picnic sites (via Garmin Explore App) |
| Parks & Wilderness Areas | National, state and local (via Garmin Explore App) |
| Waypoints | Yes |
| Courses | Yes |
| Activities | Yes |
| GPX Imports | Yes |
| Satellite Systems | GPS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| Compass | Yes |
| High-Sensitivity Receiver | Yes |
| GPS Compass (while moving) | Yes |
| Multi-Band Frequency | Yes |
| Weather Forecasts | Yes (via Garmin Explore App) |
| Garmin Messenger Compatible | Yes |
| Voice Commands | Yes |
| Voice Notes | Yes |
| Garmin Share | Yes |
| Passcode Protection | Yes |
| Smart Text Features | Next word, auto complete, auto correct |
| LiveTrack | Yes |
| Safety Siren | Yes |
| Point-to-Point Navigation | Yes |
| TracBack® | Yes |
| Picture Viewer | Yes |
| Interactive SOS | Yes |
| inReach Weather | Yes |
| Text Messaging (SMS & Email) | Yes |
| inReach Device Messaging | Yes |
| Group Messaging | Yes |
| Photo Messaging | Yes |
| Voice Messaging | Yes |
| Message Length | Up to 1,600 characters |
| Location Sharing | Yes |
| Virtual Keyboard | Yes |
| inReach Remote Compatible | Yes |
| Garmin Explore™ App Compatible | Yes |
| Garmin Explore Website Compatible | Yes |
| Smart Network Switching | Wi-Fi, Mobile & Satellite (Garmin Messenger App) |
| Wireless Connectivity | BLE, ANT+® |
| Security Updates Until | At least 2027-10-22 |
The Dive Case: Turning the Mini 3 Plus Into a Diver’s Tool
The inReach® Mini 3 Plus on its own is rated to IP67. That’s suitable for rain, spray and brief immersion — but not diving.
The inReach dive case changes how and where the device can be used.
What the Dive Case Does
- Rated to 10 ATM / 100 metres
- Protects against pressure and water ingress
- Allows the device to be carried during dives
This means the inReach® Mini 3 Plus can be:
- Clipped securely during a dive
- Accessed immediately on the surface
- Used during surface intervals or drift situations
Important Reality Check: What It Doesn’t Do
No satellite device works underwater. That includes the Mini 3 Plus.
- GPS does not function underwater
- Satellite messaging does not transmit underwater
- SOS can only be sent once back at the surface
The dive case is about protection, not underwater communication. It ensures the device survives the dive so it can do its job the moment you surface.
That distinction matters — and Garmin is clear about it.
Why This Combination Represents a New Level of Safety
Earlier inReach Minis were excellent emergency tools, but they worked best when paired with a phone and used deliberately.
The inReach® Mini 3 Plus shifts the balance:
- Faster interaction
- Less reliance on phones
- More natural communication methods
- Clearer feedback
For divers, this means:
- Less time fiddling with buttons
- Faster updates to surface support
- Better coordination during delays or changes
- More confidence operating independently
Safety improvements aren’t always dramatic — sometimes they’re about removing small obstacles that slow people down. The inReach® Mini 3 Plus does exactly that.
Realistic Use for Divers
This setup fits naturally into many diving scenarios:
- Shore dives in remote locations
- RIB and liveaboard diving
- Expedition and exploration trips
- Small-boat operations without full comms systems
Used alongside standard dive safety equipment, the inReach® Mini 3 Plus and dive case act as surface-level redundancy — the part of the dive plan that starts once you’re out of the water.
Who Should Consider Upgrading From an Older inReach?
If you already own an earlier Mini or Mini 2, the inReach® Mini 3 Plus is worth serious consideration if:
- You want faster, clearer communication
- You dislike button-based typing
- You want voice messaging capability
- You want a device that works more independently from your phone
For new buyers, the inReach® Mini 3 Plus is the most complete and future-proof option in the inReach Mini line.
| Feature | inReach Mini 2 | inReach Mini 3 | inReach® Mini 3 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core satellite communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way text messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive SOS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Colour display | No | Yes | Yes |
| Voice messaging | No | No | Yes |
| Photo messaging | No | No | Yes |
| Built-in speaker | No | No | Yes |
| Built-in microphone | No | No | Yes |
| Emergency siren | No | No | Yes |
| Overall experience | Classic, text-only | Modern screen, text-based | Full multimedia messaging |
Quick Take:
inReach Mini 2
Text-only satellite communicator with buttons and monochrome screen. No touchscreen, no voice, no photos, no speaker or microphone.
inReach Mini 3
Adds colour touchscreen, mapping display, photo message receiving, stronger GNSS, and larger battery. Still text-based only, no voice features.
inReach® Mini 3 Plus
Everything in Mini 3 plus full audio hardware. Supports voice commands, voice notes, voice messaging, photo sending, emergency siren, and advanced messaging modes.
FAQs
Is the Garmin inReach® Mini 3 Plus waterproof for diving?
The inReach® Mini 3 Plus itself is rated to IP67, meaning it can handle rain, spray and brief immersion — but it is not designed for diving on its own. To safely take it underwater, divers need to use the inReach dive case, which is rated to 10 ATM / 100 metres. The case protects the device during the dive so it can be used immediately once you surface.
Can the inReach® Mini 3 Plus send messages underwater?
No. Like all satellite communicators, the inReach Mini 3 Plus cannot transmit or receive messages underwater. GPS signals and satellite communication only work once the device is back at the surface. The purpose of the dive case is protection, not underwater communication.
What’s the main difference between the inReach® Mini 3 Plus and Mini 2?
The biggest differences are usability and communication speed. Compared to the Mini 2, the Mini 3 Plus adds a colour touchscreen, voice messaging, a built-in speaker and microphone, photo messaging, and smarter message handling. These upgrades make it significantly easier to communicate quickly in stressful or time-critical situations.
Is the Garmin inReach® Mini 3 Plus safer than previous models?
Yes — not because the SOS system itself has changed, but because it’s easier and faster to use. Voice messaging, touchscreen navigation and clearer feedback reduce friction when you’re cold, tired or dealing with an unfolding problem. In safety equipment, ease of use directly translates to better outcomes.
Does the inReach® Mini 3 Plus require a subscription?
Yes. All inReach devices require an active satellite subscription to send messages, track locations and use SOS features. Garmin offers several plans depending on usage level, from occasional trips to regular expedition use.
Can I use the inReach® Mini 3 Plus without a smartphone?
Yes. Unlike earlier models, the Mini 3 Plus is far more self-contained. You can read messages, send texts or voice messages, receive alerts and initiate SOS directly from the device. Pairing with a phone via the Garmin Messenger™ app enhances the experience, but it’s no longer essential.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin inReach® Mini 3 Plus doesn’t change what satellite communicators are — it changes how usable they are when it counts.
By adding a touchscreen, voice messaging, built-in audio hardware and smarter connectivity, Garmin has raised the practical safety ceiling of the inReach line. Paired with the dive case, it becomes a compelling surface-safety tool for divers operating beyond easy reach.
It’s about clear communication, faster decisions and fewer points of failure — which is exactly what safety equipment should deliver.
