What to Pack for a Scuba Trip

You’ve spent months planning your scuba trip, laying out all the details of your itinerary, booking your resort and diving excursions. But now, your trip is right around the corner and you suddenly have to prepare for the hard part – packing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about what you actually need to bring on your scuba trip, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our ultimate packing list below!

 

Documents 

 

It may seem obvious, but there are a few important documents that you will need for your scuba trip. Outside of your passport and/or identification card, there are a few scuba-specific documents that you’ll want to make sure to bring with you.

 

Scuba Certification Card

 

You may not be allowed to dive without this, so make sure you have your scuba certification card packed and ready to go! Depending on who you were certified through, you may have access to your certification cards online. If that’s the case then make sure you know how to access them ahead of time.

 

Logbook

 

You’ll need your logbook to document any dives that you take while on vacation. At some dive locations, you may also need to show your logbook to prove your level of expertise. Some dive sites, especially the more difficult ones, require divers to log a certain number of dives before jumping in the water.

 

Dive Insurance 

 

Dive insurance is always a good idea! You never know when an accident may occur, so it’s best to be prepared just in case. Make sure to have the emergency number for your insurance company on hand, should the need arise.

 

Scuba Gear

 

Scuba gear can take up a lot of space in your luggage, and it can also be quite heavy, which is something you’ll want to be mindful of, especially if you are flying and confined to certain weight limits. You’re going to need to assess what’s most important to you and realistically determine what you have room for. If you know that you won’t be taking much in terms of personal items, then you’ll have room for more scuba gear. On the flip side of that, if you have a lot of clothes and other personal items to bring, you may just want to consider renting gear when you arrive at your destination.

 

Snorkel & Mask

 

If you have room in your suitcase we recommend bringing your own snorkel and mask. There’s nothing worse than diving with a mask that doesn’t fit correctly. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it may also lead to water leaks and foggy vision. These items are lightweight and can easily be maneuvered around to fit in your suitcase, so if you can bring them along, it’s worth doing so. 

 

Fins & Boots

 

Diving boots are relatively easy to pack into your suitcase, so if you’re used to wearing them, we recommend bringing your own. Fins, on the other hand, take up quite a bit of space and can be difficult to pack. If you have a pair of fins you absolutely love, then by all means squeeze them into your suitcase, if you can. But if you don’t have enough room and simply can’t fit them into your luggage, you should have no problem finding a pair to rent when you get to your destination.

 

Buoyancy Control Device & Regulators 

 

If you have your own BCD and regulator definitely consider bringing them along! Regulators are one of the most important pieces of diving equipment, so having one that you know will work for you can make all the difference when diving. The same goes for BCDs, it’s important to have one that fits you correctly and feels comfortable – which isn’t always a guarantee when renting!

 

Wetsuit, Hood & Gloves 

 

This one really depends on your own preferences and where you’re headed. In warmer climates, some people don’t even bother wearing wet suits at all, others layer up with a wetsuit, hood, and gloves. If you have a wetsuit and know that you tend to get cold on dives, then it may be worth bringing yours along. If you’re headed somewhere warm and aren’t that concerned about it, then you can forgo the wetsuit for now and rent one later on, if the need arises.

 

Dive Computer 

 

Bring it! It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry, so you shouldn’t have any problem squeezing it into your suitcase.

 

Gear Bags 

 

While not necessary, it’s definitely helpful to bring a gear bag along. It’ll make life a little easier when transiting to and from the dive boat. It’s also a good idea to bring along a waterproof bag. This will ensure that any valuables you bring on board remain safe and dry.




Dive Weights

 

Don’t bring them – they’re too heavy and it’s easy to rent or borrow them from most dive centers.

 

Miscellaneous Items 

 

Sunscreen, mask defog, whistle, dive knife, dive lights, and extra batteries are all smaller, optional items that you could bring if you feel that they would be helpful. 

 

Electronics

 

If you’re interested in underwater photography, then be sure to save room in your luggage for your camera, batteries, and any attachments that you may have. Whether you’re using a full-on camera set-up or just a small Go-Pro, you’re sure to treasure the photos you take when you get back home. 

 

**As a side note, it’s always a good idea to bring an extra memory card or two. More memory cards mean more photos! This will also prevent you from taking on the dreaded task of going through all your photos one by one and deleting them to make more room for new ones!

 

Clothing & Personal Items

 

Don’t forget to pack some clothes as well! You won’t be spending all your time in the water, so make sure you bring along enough clothing for all of your land activities. You’ll also want to include any personal items or toiletries that you rely upon on a day-to-day basis.

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Packing for a dive trip can be overwhelming. There’s always that fear that you are going to forget something important, especially when you have such a long packing list to work with. Don’t stress about it too much though, just do the best that you can. The reality is that you’ll be able to buy or rent most things you need once you get to your destination.








References:

 

Scuba Diver Life: https://scubadiverlife.com/ultimate-dive-trip-prep-packing-list/

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