The Ultimate Scuba Diving Packing List
Because forgetting your toothbrush is annoying. Forgetting your mask is tragic.
A dive trip is not your average beach holiday. So packing smart makes the difference between smooth sailing and borrowing everyone else’s gear like a sea-soaked menace.
Here’s your complete, no-nonsense ultimate scuba diving packing list.
Quick answer: Pack your dive gear essentials first (mask, fins and booties, wetsuit or rash guard, dive computer, regulator, BCD, surface marker buoy and reef-safe sunscreen), then add light clothing and swimwear, toiletries and health items (including seasickness tablets and a small first aid kit), tech and extras (camera, power bank, dry bag and travel adapter) and your documents (passport, certification card and dive insurance details). Choose a soft duffel over a hard suitcase for liveaboards, lay everything out before packing and then remove a third of it.
Dive Gear Essentials
If you have your own equipment, bring it. You know how it fits and you trust it.
Must-haves:
- Mask – if it’s new, don’t forget to burn it before, so it does not get foggy on your first dive
- Fins and booties – budget version: bring socks to wear underneath rental fins, so you avoid blisters
- Wetsuit or rash guard
- Dive computer
- Regulator
- BCD
- Surface marker buoy
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hair band or buff to keep the hair out of your face
Nice to have:
- Spare mask strap
- Torch
- Defog
- Towel Hoodie for after the dive
- Dive gloves if allowed
- Reef-safe hair products – dive hair, don’t care? We do care, so bring some products to save your hair from the saltwater. Read more about Hair Tips for diving here.
Clothing
You will live in swimwear and salty hair.
- 2 to 3 swimsuits – more can’t hurt
- 3 to 5 light t-shirts or tank tops or dresses
- 1 hoodie or sweater for windy evenings
- 1 pair of long pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Flip flops
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
Pro tip: Soft duffel bags are better than hard suitcases on most liveaboards. Storage space is limited and your giant roller suitcase will not make you popular.
Toiletries & Health
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair ties
- Moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Personal medication
- Seasickness tablets or patches
- Small first aid kit
Even if you “never get seasick,” the ocean enjoys proving people wrong.
Tech & Extras
- Phone and charger
- Camera or GoPro
- extra o-rings and batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Power bank
- Travel adapter
- Dry bag
- Reusable water bottle
Documents & Money
- Passport
- Dive insurance details – if you don’t have one yet, you can get short and longterm dive insurance from Dive Assure (read why every diver needs dive coverage)
- Certification card
- Travel insurance (We do recommend Dive Assure Insurance)
- Cash for tips
Many liveaboards operate in remote places like Komodo National Park or Similan Islands where ATMs are not exactly around the corner.
What NOT to Bring
- Too many clothes
- Hair straightener
- Heavy jewelry
- Massive suitcase
- Stress
You are going to dive, eat incredible food and watch sunsets. That’s it. That’s the schedule.
What scuba gear should I pack for a dive trip?
Bring your dive gear essentials if you own them: mask, fins and booties, wetsuit or rash guard, dive computer, regulator, BCD, surface marker buoy and reef-safe sunscreen. Useful extras include a spare mask strap, torch, defog and dive gloves where allowed.
What documents do I need to pack for a diving holiday?
Pack your passport, certification card, dive insurance details, travel insurance and cash for tips. Many liveaboards operate in remote places like Komodo National Park or the Similan Islands where ATMs are not nearby, so carry enough cash.
Should I bring a hard suitcase or a soft bag for a liveaboard?
Soft duffel bags are better than hard suitcases on most liveaboards. Storage space is limited, so a giant roller suitcase will not be welcome and a packable soft bag is easier to stow.
How can I avoid overpacking for a dive trip?
Lay everything out before packing, then remove one third of it. Skip too many clothes, a hair straightener, heavy jewelry and a massive suitcase, and leave space in your bag for memories and slightly damp laundry.
Final Tip
Lay everything out before packing. Then remove one third. You won’t need it.
Pack light, dive often and leave space in your bag for memories and possibly slightly damp laundry.
Not sure what to pack for your specific trip or liveaboard? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you sort your kit list.
