Are you planning to go on a scuba diving holiday? The first thing you plan for is to buy the right diving gear for your venture into the underwater world. Buying the best gear needs a lot of time and money as you plan ahead for your diving needs.
However, it isn’t just about buying it, protecting this investment while you travel to your destination can be a hassle as well. Worry not! With the following tips, you will be able to ensure that your diving gear remains safe and in optimal condition.

Buy A Special Dive Gear Travel Bag
Many beginner divers make the mistake of just placing their dive gear into their luggage bags without a second thought. This can cause harm to your expensive diving equipment and even damage it, interfering with your diving holiday.
You have probably spent a great deal in marking out the right dive destination to enjoy your trip. You do not want it to be messed up because you dumped your dear gear into the luggage!
Dive gear manufacturers also manufacture dive gear bags that are designed to protect your dive gear with plenty of extra padding in the right places.
Consider Buying A Gear Bag With Wheels
Although a large dive gear bag can accommodate all of your dive gear, it might get a bit too heavy to lug around while you travel. Experts in the industry suggest getting a bag that has wheels.
It makes transportation easy and does not burden your shoulders with all that extra weight as well.
Keep the Most Important Gear in Your Carry On Luggage
The first thing you need to get ready while going for a scuba diving holiday is a sturdy piece of carry-on luggage. You can safely store your expensive dive equipment like the camera, regulator sets, computer, etc in this carry-on and keep an eye on it while you travel.
Most of the top dive gear manufacturers also offer sturdy regulator bags in small sizes. This ensures that it fits into your carry-on easily and also protects your life-supporting equipment at the same time.
You Can Carry It All On
If you are worried that your diving gear might get damaged if checked-in, it is a good idea to consider placing the entire gear in your carry-on luggage. You can find special gear bags that come in carry-on sizes that can also accommodate all of your diving gear.
If you want to run through your options, you can check out https://seasideplanet.com/best-scuba-travel-bag/, where you find some interesting choices listed. Experts suggest investing in a good quality dive gear travel bag to keep your diving fear safe and sound.
This makes it easier to keep an eye on your precious equipment and also make sure that our gear arrives in one piece at the destination with no damage.
Travel Specific Gear
If you are planning on going for plenty of dive holidays, it is worth considering investing in travel-specific diving gear. They are usually travel-specific, compact, lightweight and also can be accommodated in your carry-on luggage easily.
You can even find thin packable wetsuits that do not take up too much space in your luggage.
Packing It Right
Trying to fit all of your gear into your travel bag with no specific plan in place can lead to disaster. Following the steps mentioned below will make placing it easier while protecting it from damage at the same time;
- Place the BCD (buoyancy control device) on the bottom of the gear bag. It should be flattened out and placed in the center of the bag.
- Place the fins on either side of the BCD so that it has extra protection during the commute.
- Place the dive mask inside a plastic container. It is a good idea to pack an extra mask, as they are expensive to replace while on vacation.
- Remember to pack the dive knife in the checked luggage. The dive knife is not allowed in your carry-on luggage.
- Place your wetsuit on top of the BCD after folding it in half. Try to minimize the number of folds you make since it will compromise the neoprene.
- Do not pack your tanks and weight. You will be able to get them from a dive store at your destination.
- Do not forget to pack the remaining accessories including dive lights, gloves, save-a-dive kit and so on.
The above-given tips can help you can have a hassle-free journey to your destination and enjoy your diving experience with the right gear intact.
Your Must-Haves and Optional Diving Gear for Travel
In case you do not have the luxury of taking too much luggage, you might need to cut down on the gear you plan to take along with you on the trip. The kind of traveling and diving you plan on doing will help you decide which pieces to leave behind and which ones to carry along.
You can also opt to rent out a few diving gear in your destination based on your needs and comfort. Check out the must-haves, optional gear and those that can be left behind;
Must-Haves
Snorkel and Mask: Experts advise carrying your snorkel and mask. They are considerably lightweight and can be used to snorkel off any beach.
BCD: Since your BCD and regulators are essentially lifesavers, you will need to bring them along as well. Most divers are more comfortable with using their own BCD.
Optional
Fins: While you can easily rent fins, your diving experience can turn into a nightmare if you do not get fins in the right size. If you are comfortable with using open heel fins, you can easily rent them without worrying too much about the size and the fit.
Wet Suit: Before packing your wetsuit, collect information about the water temperature at the diving location you plan to go to. This will help you decide whether to pack a wetsuit or a shorty. In case you are more susceptible to cold water, you can always rent one at the destination.
If you are not sure what else to include or remove from your diving gear, you can always contact the dive operator at the location to check the equipment they have for rental.
What can be Left Behind
Scuba Tanks: Since scuba tanks and weight are considerably heavier, it is a good idea to leave those at home when you go for a diving holiday. In fact, it might even get complicated trying to take along on a flight, especially with so many rules and regulations in place.
Tools: You also do not need to carry any tools in your travel gear. You can probably find what you need at the diving center or you can just pack a small set with some spare parts like O-rings, etc.
At the end of the day, make your decision wisely and pack your diving gear securely so that it arrives safe and sound at your destination. Just carry what is essential so that you do not end up moving heavy baggage around. Plan ahead and enjoy your diving holiday!
I have yet to go scuba diving. I would not know what to pack so this article is very helpful for a first timer. Hoping to dive soon and will keep this article for reference.
Thanks for these great tips. I lived and worked on a dive boat in the Bahamas and it was fantastic to never have to think about packing my gear.
Oh! This would be nice to experience at least once in your life. Thanks for the tips on what to pack when you go scuba diving. It’s good to make sure you have everything you need especially if it’s your first time doing this.
I would love to go scuba diving. It is something that I imagine is an amazing experience.
I have always wanted to go scuba diving. I really hope to go someday. It looks like so much fun. I think it would be amazing to experience it.
My brother tried scuba diving before and he had a blast. I want to try it too, one of these days. Thanks for the tips!
It is best to be prepared for anything. I have yet to go scuba diving out in the ocean but as a kid, I took some lessons in a pool and it was fun. I may have to do the real thing someday.
This post is beyond amazing! I wish I knew how to swim/dive (maybe a goal for this year?) These tips/packing list would come helpful for those planning to scuba dive this season.
These are pretty good tips to consider. I don’t really want to over pack on a trip nor forget the most that you need. These are pretty helpful.
Been wanting to try our scuba diving but its kinda pricey here. I would definitely taking note of this so that I’ll be ready in the future.
I’ve always wanted to go scuba diving. If I were to go someday, I would use your packing list.
This is a great post! My nephews go on scuba trips together, I am going to forward this to them, and to my brother, sometimes they invite him!
Great tips on packing for a scuba trip. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to do this!
this sounds like such an incredible time- ive never gone scuba diving but it seems like such a great memory to make
I have not thought too much about scuba gear before but this would be so helpful to a diver. The pictures from under water are so spectacular I can see why people dive.
My daughter and husband would be all about this. I’m weird and can’t have my head in the water, but they love it. Maybe they’ll go on a father/daughter trip one day.