Diver’s Packing List for a Sustainable Scuba Vacation
Wondering what to pack for a sustainable scuba trip? Discover everything you need to bring (and what you can leave behind) in this essential diver’s packing list.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or embarking on your first dive trip, having the right gear is important essential for a stress-free adventure.
In our travels, we’ve discovered that most dive destinations are in remote settings and it’s not as simple as going out to purchase something at a local store if you accidentally forgot it.
Most dive resorts and liveaboards send out detailed packing lists, with everything they think you need for that specific location. These are a great starting point!
But as sustainability advocates, we’d highly recommend that you consider each item you pack (or buy) and how it might impact our ocean environments.
In this diver’s packing list, we’re encouraging you to rethink what you need, minimise your footprint and plan a sustainable scuba vacation
Want to be a responsible scuba diver? Discover 7 easy ways to be an ocean advocate.
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Weather conditions
When planning any dive trip, it’s important to research the weather and water conditions at your destination. As you probably know from experience, these can significantly affect what you pack…and what you wear underwater.
If you’re heading to a cold climate, you’ll need to pack accordingly to ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout the trip.
A wind-proof jacket or beanie can provide valuable insulation on the surface (and on boat rides to and from dive sites). Meanwhile, thicker exposure protection like a drysuit may be essential to prevent heat loss while submerged.
On the other hand, if you’re visiting a tropical dive destination, you’ll want to pack a much thinner wetsuit. Some divers just opt for a rash vest or skins.
Additionally, you’ll likely need sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and something to keep the insects at bay. If it’s the peak of the monsoon season, then a reliable rain jacket is a must!
Understanding the most likely weather conditions for your scuba destination is the first step in creating a practical packing list.
Planning a sustainable scuba vacation? Check out these 7 eco-friendly dive destinations around the globe.
Know your purpose
When packing for any dive trip, the equipment needs can quickly escalate from a simple set of dive gear to an entire suitcase (or two) dedicated to photography and videography equipment.
For some scuba enthusiasts, overseas dive vacations and liveboard trips are a chance to capture the beauty of our underwater world through the lens. For others, it’s all about enjoying marine life encounters with as few cumbersome accessories as possible.
Understanding what you want to get out of the dive trip and your purpose can help you better plan your packing list and ensure it meets your individual needs.
Maybe it’s something as simple as remembering to bring your dive log book (we’re always forgetting ours!) Or maybe you like to travel with a notebook so you can jot down your observations, feelings and reactions to the experiences you’re having.
Rent vs own
If you already own scuba gear, chances are you plan on taking it on your dive trip.
Not only does it save you the cost of renting gear, but most divers prefer to use their own equipment as it fits them perfectly, meets their needs and is equipment they are familiar using. There’s also peace of mind in knowing the last time it was serviced and by whom.
If you’re yet to invest, most scuba liveaboards and dive resorts have a full line of high-quality rental gear available so you don’t have to buy your own. But maybe it’s something you’re thinking about investing in.
Depending on how much diving you intend to do, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of purchasing a full set vs renting one at your dive destination.
Hauling dive gear halfway across the world often incurs excess baggage fees, which is something to keep in mind. But rental gear can be expensive and costs quickly add up, particularly if you’re staying for a week or more.
When making your decision, consider how my dive trips like this you are going to do in the future and whether you’ll get enough use out of your own gear to justify the cost.
Aside from the financial considerations, there are also environmental factors to keep in mind.
One of the best things we can all do to reduce our environmental footprint is consume less. And the rental economy is something we can tap into to achieve this.
If you are going to purchase a new set of scuba gear, look for the most sustainable options on the market. We recommend investing in high-quality gear that will last you for many years, rather than the cheapest that’s available.
Factor into the purchase costs any ongoing maintenance that will be required. Remember, this expense is usually absorbed into scuba dive equipment rental prices.
Land-based activities
Before you were a passionate diver, you were most likely an avid traveller, eager to discover new destinations and have enriching cultural experiences.
Going on a liveaboard or scuba trip doesn’t mean you have to lose that sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Whether you’re staying at a land-based dive resort or on a liveaboard, chances are there will be other activities (besides diving) on offer. These might include village visits, hiking excursions or kayaking trips, all of which may require additional items to be added to your diver’s packing list.
Carefully read through the liveaboard itinerary to see what land-based excursions are on offer. Alternatively, check to see what additional activities are available at the resort.
Be sure to set aside room in your luggage for comfortable walking shoes and any other essentials you might need for sightseeing, cultural experiences or land-based adventure activities.
Eco-friendly scuba dive packing list
Travel essentials
• Dive certification cards
• DAN membership card
• Passport
• Travel insurance documents (we recommend SafetyWing)
• Reusable water bottle and/or water bottle filter
• Travel pillow for the plane
• Eye mask and ear plugs (in case you’re sharing a room)
• Laptop
• Phone
• Books/e-reader
Dive gear
The dive gear you take will depend on your individual setup. But always check any essentials required by the liveaboard or resort. For example, some won’t let you dive without a SMB (surface marker buoy).
If you only own some of the items on this list, consider renting the rest at your destination. Or, if there are baggage weight restrictions imposed by the airline you’re travelling with, rent bulkier items like a BCD or regulator and bring the rest.
• BC/BCD
• Regulator
• Wetsuit/rash vest
• Booties/fins
• Mask and snorkel
• Dive computer
• Gloves and hood
• Gear bag
Photography/videography equipment
Obviously, taking photography and videography equipment is optional and some underwater photographers have much more elaborate setups than others.
If you want to dip your toes into the underwater photography world, many dive resorts and liveaboards offer rental equipment for guests to use, as well as underwater photography courses. This is a great way to get a feel for different setups and learn the ropes with underwater photography pros.
• Camera
• Lenses
• Waterproof housing
• Camera arms
• Camera tray
• Spare O-rings
• Underwater filters
• Camera batteries and chargers
• Camera lights or strobes
• Memory cards and reader
• Hard drive/USB for backups
“Save-a-dive” kit
While most liveaboards and dive resorts will have the basics, it’s a good idea to pack a “save-a-dive” kit including anything that’s specific to your situation.
• Spare mouthpiece
• Spare mask strap
• Spare batteries
• Defogger spray
• Fin buckles and straps
• O-ring kit
• Regulator mouthpiece
• Zip ties/cable ties
• Dive tables
Clothing
The clothing you’ll need for your dive trip will depend largely on the weather conditions at the destination.
Wherever possible, opt for sustainable, natural fabrics that will decompose at the end of their lifetime. We’d also highly encourage you to avoid purchasing at stores that promote fast fashion. Soooo much of it ends up in landfill, is made from synthetic fibres and takes years to breakdown.
Remember, a dive vacation is not about looking fashionable and most dive resorts/liveaboards are very casual. Chances are, you’ll have everything you need within your current wardrobe or it can be sourced affordably at second-hand stores.
• Flip flops
• Broad-rimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Singlets/t-shirts
• Shorts/pants
• Warm layers
• Beanies/gloves (cold environments)
• Underwear
• Good walking shoes and socks
• Bathers/swimwear
• Sleepwear
Health and wellbeing
You know better than anyone else your own health situation and any medications you’re likely to need. Remember that many liveaboard trips and dive resorts are in remote locations and accessing a pharmacy during your trip may be impossible.
• Prescription medications
• Paracetamol/ibuprofen
•High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen + zinc
• Sea-sickness medication (if you’re on a liveaboard)
• Eco-friendly insect repellent
• Chemical-free toiletries (bar shampoos/conditioners are great eco-friendly options)
• Hand sanitiser
• Personal care items for women
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels and resorts via Booking or Agoda
Book tours and experiences via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainable surf camps, eco-dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore.
