What to Pack on Your Dive Trip

You’re going on a dive vacation, yay! Buuuuuut you have to pack all that awesome new gear you just bought, and the idea is daunting. I’m not gonna lie, scuba gear is some of the hardest crap you’ll ever have to show in a suitcase.

There’s no secret hack that will make packing scuba gear easy, unfortunately. But, there are some small changes that can at least make it easier! Here’s everything I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to!

Choose Your Luggage

The size and shape of the bag you’re putting your scuba gear into absolutely makes a difference in how, and how easily your gear will fit. The luggage you use will depend entirely on if you are checking your bag or trying to carry on.

If you’re checking your luggage, I recommend that you opt for a dive gear bag. These bags are specifically designed for traveling with scuba gear. I recommend this one, or this one. I love how easy it is to arrange your gear in both of these bags, and anything with wheels is an automatic win in my book.

Bring the Essentials, Forget the Bullshit

If you have the space and you’re not worried about weight, you’ll want to bring your full kit of gear. If you pack in one of the large scuba travel bags, everything should fit and then some.

Your mask, regulator, and dive computer are the absolute must-bring items in my mind. I know some divers would prefer to have their BCD even if it means sacrificing your regulator. If it comes down to one or the other, go with what feels right to you!

I would prioritize bringing your own fins if you’re going somewhere with a strong current, you use fins that are significantly positively or negatively buoyant, or if your feet are an uncommon size.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling to calm waters and don’t need anything special, leaving your fins behind is a great way to save space and weight. Rental fins are generally going to be just fine.

There are several accessories you might not be able to get at the dive shop and should plan on bringing. A few are:

• Flashlights (torches) and its battery charger

• Wetsuit and rashguard - I love these O'neill wetsuits

• DSMB with a reel

• Spare battery for your dive computer

• Weight belt if you prefer it over integrated (YOU DO NOT NEED TO PACK YOUR OWN WEIGHTS, THE DIVE SHOP WILL HAVE THEM!)

• Mask defogger if you don’t like soap or spit

• Save-a-dive kit

• Double-ended bolt snaps for clipping things on your BCD

If you are bringing a camera, consider bringing:

• Backup batteries for your camera and charging port

• External hard drive or place to offload and store camera footage

• Extra SD card for your camera

• Don’t forget your GoPro only goes to 10m/33ft without a case, so bring your underwater case

Clothes and Toiletries

The clothes that you pack for your dive trip will depend on the climate of your destination. Be mindful that if the weather is warm but the water is cold, you will likely need a poncho or windbreaker for warming up on the boat between dives.

When I host the Soul Divers Vacation Getaways in Colombia and other tropical destinations, I recommend:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (I recommend Stream2Sea, use code SOULDIVERS to get 10% off)

• Hat (this Salt Life ballcap is on sale right now), UV protective polarized sunglasses (I'm a fan of these), rashguard (this one is very well rated), and buff/gator for sun protection

• Quick-dry towel (I provide a Sandprint travel towel to everyone on my dive trips)

I've curated beach-ready outfits and dive trip apparel to keep you fresh and FRESH on your vacay. Tap to view this fit!

• Warm-weather clothes like loose-fitting shorts or cotton/linen pants (jeans will be hot and uncomfortable)

• Tank tops or loose, comfortable Tee Shirts

• Casual sandals or comfortable sneakers (Crocs are awesome for beach vacations)

• 1-2 dressier but climate-appropriate outfits for nightlife activities (remember that beach destinations are often sandy, dusty, and hot. Fancy dresses, heels, or dress jackets may be uncomfortable and out of place)

• Enough underwear and bras to make it through the trip, even on sweaty days (assume you won’t have access to a washing machine)

• 2+ swimsuits

• Something warm if you get cold on airplanes or in the airport

Toiletries should include:

• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (I recommend this solid shampoo and conditioner so you don’t have to worry about liquids)

• Toothbrush and enough toothpaste to last the trip (I love this plastic-free travel kit with toothpaste tablets and a bamboo toothbrush)

• Contact solution and spare contacts (this is a big one, contact solution can be surprisingly rare in small island destinations)

• Basic over-the-counter medicines like Pepto, allergy medicine, and pain reliever

• Enough of your prescription medications to last the entire trip

• Tampons, pads, or (better yet) menstrual cup

The most important thing to remember is that many things may not be available at your destination. Toiletries may be expensive or brands you don’t know or like. Prescription medicine may be impossible to refill, especially on island destinations. If you NEED it, make sure you bring it!

What NOT to Bring

It’s not necessary to pack your own weights (unless you have tiny 1lb trim weights you love) because they’re heavy and every dive shop has them readily available.

I also recommend that you leave fancy jewelry, unnecessary technology, or other flashy items at home.

What's your must bring item on a dive trip? Let me know!