Whether you're a seasoned pro or embarking on your first dive vacation, having the right gear on hand is crucial for ensuring a stress-free experience. But to help preserve the marine life we travel so far to see, it’s essential that we pack with sustainability in mind. It’s easy to go out and buy the newest scuba gear (just to tick off all the items on a dive holiday packing list), without thinking how it might impact our ocean environments.
In this packing list for an eco-friendly dive vacation, we’re encouraging you to rethink what you need for the ultimate scuba escape and help minimise your footprint.
Eco-friendly scuba holiday packing list
Before getting started, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as you plan your packing list for an eco-friendly dive vacation:
Weather conditions
When planning any dive trip, it's crucial to thoroughly research the weather and water conditions at your destination, as these can significantly affect what you pack. If you'll be diving in 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, while thicker exposure protection like a drysuit will be essential to prevent heat loss while submerged.
On the other hand, if you'll be visiting a tropical dive destination, you’ll want to pack a much thinner wetsuit or rash vest, as well as warm weather clothing and plenty of sun protection gear. If it’s the peak of the monsoon season, then a reliable rain jacket is a must!
Doing your due diligence and understanding the typical weather patterns for your travel destination and dates is the first step in putting together an eco-friendly scuba diving packing list that meets your individual needs.
Know your purpose
When it comes to packing for an eco-friendly scuba diving trip, the equipment needs can quickly escalate from a simple set of dive gear to an entire suitcase or two dedicated solely to photography and videography equipment. For many, overseas dive vacations and liveboard trips are a chance to immerse themselves in the underwater world and capture its beauty through the lens. For others, it’s all about experiencing this world firsthand 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 bringing along a notebook and pen so you can jot down your observations, feelings and reactions to each dive and the above-water experiences you’re having along the way.
Sustainable scuba holiday packing list
Rent vs own
If you already own your own scuba diving gear, chances are you plan on taking it on your trip. But if you’re yet to invest, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of purchasing a full set vs renting one at your dive destination. Aside from the financial considerations, there are also environmental factors to keep in mind.
One of the best things we can do to reduce our environmental footprint is consume less and the rental economy is something we can tap into to achieve this in multiple areas of life. When it comes to scuba liveaboards and dive resorts, most have a full line of high-quality rental gear available so you don’t have to buy your own.
Some divers prefer to use their own gear as it fits them perfectly, meets their needs and is equipment they are highly familiar with. There’s also peace of mind in knowing the last time it was serviced and by whom, although most reputable dive operations conduct regular safety and maintenance checks.
But if you’re travelling to a remote location and want to minimise the amount of gear you are transporting or if you’re trying a new type of diving for the first time, renting can be a practical and convenient option. It’s also worth considering if you’re not sure 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.
If you are going to purchase a set of scuba gear, look for the most sustainable options on the market and invest 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, with this otherwise 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 immerse yourself in new environments and have enriching cultural experiences. Going on a liveaboard or dedicated scuba trip doesn’t mean you have to lose that sense of wonder and curiosity about the world, with plenty of options out there for creating a well-rounded travel adventure.
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. This might include village visits, hiking excursions or kayaking trips, all of which may require additional items to be added to your packing list.
Carefully read through the liveaboard itinerary to see what land-based excursions are on offer or 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 dive holiday packing list
Eco-friendly scuba dive packing list
Travel essentials
• Dive certification cards
• DAN membership card
• Passport
• Travel insurance documents (we recommend Visitors Coverage)
• 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 (some won’t let you dive without an SMB). 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
• Whistle
• 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.
• 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
Sustainable dive holiday packing list
“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 will 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 and avoid purchasing at stores that promote fast fashion. 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 that you’re likely to need. Remember that many liveaboards 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)
• Chemical-free toiletries (bar shampoos/conditioners are great eco-friendly options)
• Hand sanitiser
• Personal care items for women
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