The Mares Instinct Octopus is an octopus regulator – your backup breathing source. Bright and easy to spot in an emergency, it’s engineered to perform reliably when it matters most. Every diver should have one, and this is a solid choice for diving at Mabul’s world-class visibility.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Product | Instinct Octopus |
| Stage | Octopus |
| Type | Piston |
| Material | Chrome / Brass |
| Connection | DIN / Yoke |
| Best For | Recreational diving |
Key Features
- Bright yellow housing: Instantly visible in an emergency – no searching around.
- Balanced design: Breathes as smoothly as your primary – when it matters most, it performs.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add drag or clutter to your rig.
- Standard freeflow: Works reliably even if the diver is panicking.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Mares Instinct Octopus is built to perform across Malaysia’s best underwater destinations. Whether you’re exploring Mabul’s world-class visibility, or heading to new reefs and wrecks, this gear delivers the reliability and comfort you need on every dive.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse and purge after every dive – same as your primary.
- Keep it secured and visible on your rig – don’t let it drag.
- Service it on the same schedule as your primary regulator.
- Replace the mouthpiece when it wears.
Final Verdict
You hope you never need it. But when you do, you need it to work perfectly. The Mares Instinct Octopus is a reliable backup that earns its place on every rig.




Eddie Wong –
I recently purchased this Octopus and have to say that I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance. The Octopus Instinct has made my diving experience so much more enjoyable. The quality is top-notch and the ease of use is fantastic.
Emily Teo –
How does the Mares Instinct Octopus handle different water temperatures?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your question, Emily. The Mares Instinct Octopus is designed to handle different water temperatures effectively. The material used in the octopus is resistant to cold water and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C / 50°F. Additionally, the octopus is made with a silicone material that is flexible and can adapt to different water pressure conditions. We have not received any reports of the octopus failing in different water temperatures. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Melia Chew –
What are the most common complaints users have with this Octopus?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hi Melia, thank you for reaching out and inquiring about potential issues with the Mares Instinct Octopus. Based on our customer feedback, some users have reported occasional issues with the side exhaust deflecting exhaled breath at high depths or water pressure, leading to minor freeflows. However, this seems to be a relatively rare occurrence, and many customers have praised the octopus’s overall performance and bubble-reducing capabilities. We recommend making sure the octopus is properly adjusted and maintained to minimize the risk of freeflows. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kevin Low –
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the Mares Instinct Octopus?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for reaching out to us, Kevin. We recommend inspecting the Mares Instinct Octopus after each dive and storing it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also essential to maintain its functionality. We recommend referring to the user manual for a more detailed maintenance schedule.
Chloe Tan –
I’m a little concerned about the durability of this product. For its price, I expect it to withstand stronger currents.
Daniel Ng –
I’ve been using this Octopus for a few weeks now and I must say that it’s definitely improved my diving experience. I particularly appreciate the exhaust deflection system.
Christine Wong –
I used this octopus in strong current and it performed incredibly well. The design is seamless and the free flow is minimal. The only issue I had is the price, but overall it’s worth the investment.
Richard Chan –
How does the maintenance of this product compare to other similar products?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for taking the time to review the Mares Instinct Octopus, Richard. We’re glad to hear you’re interested in the maintenance aspect of this product. The Mares Instinct Octopus is designed to be easy to use and maintain, with features like the quick and easy connection system. As for comparison to other similar products, our research suggests that the Instinct Octopus has a reputation for reliability and durability, making it relatively low maintenance when used and stored properly. However, we recommend referring to our maintenance guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions for the most accurate information. We’d be happy to provide more specific information or answer any follow-up questions you may have.
Jason Koh –
I find the design of this product to be innovative and well-thought-out. Can other manufacturers take note of these features?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your great review, Jason. We’re thrilled that you appreciate the design of the Mares Instinct Octopus! We absolutely agree, and our team has worked hard to create a product that meets the needs of divers. We’re glad to hear that you think it’s innovative and well-thought-out. Encouraging other manufacturers to take note of its features is great feedback, and we’ll definitely pass this on. We strive to continually improve and innovate, so thank you for helping us to refine our designs.
Leslie Lim –
What are the compatible regulators for this Octopus?
Junhao Lo –
Hello Leslie, thank you for reaching out to us about compatibility with the Mares Instinct Octopus. This octopus is compatible with Mares regulators. We recommend checking the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for more information on compatible regulators. However, please note that it’s always best to consult with a professional for specific advice on regulator compatibility. You may also consider reaching out to our customer support team or a local dive shop for further guidance.
Sarah Lee –
Is the Mares Instinct Octopus compatible with other popular scuba diving brands?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your review, Sarah Lee. The Mares Instinct Octopus is a widely used and compatible scuba diving octopus. It is designed to work with most popular scuba diving brands, including those from Mares itself, which suggests a seamless integration. However, we recommend checking the specific compatibility of the octopus with your dive gear and manufacturer’s prerequisites to ensure a smooth diving experience. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our customer support team or contact Mares directly.
Sophia Goh –
I’m a bit put off by the frequent occurrence of freeflows. How do you prevent it?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hello Sophia, thank you for sharing your experience with the Mares Instinct Octopus. We understand your concern about freeflows. To minimize the likelihood of freeflows, we recommend ensuring the proper alignment of the second-stage regulator with the wetsuit or dive skin. Additionally, make sure to attach the octopus securely to your BCD to prevent air leaks. If you experience persistent issues, please feel free to contact our customer support for further assistance. We’re always here to help.
Rachel Lim –
I was looking for an octopus with minimal bubble interference, and the Mares Instinct Octopus did not disappoint. The design is sleek and the performance is top-notch. However, the price is slightly higher than I’d like.
Elaine Tan –
The Mares Instinct Octopus is perfect for divers who prioritize ease of use and minimal bubble interference. I loved how the side exhaust deflects breath, giving me crystal-clear vision under water. I’d definitely recommend this to my fellow divers.