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!