Diving trips are a great adventure and an unforgettable experience. However, without these few little things, your dive trip may not be as comfortable as it could be. Here are a few things that make dive trips incredibly easy, and we often forget about them. Add to your list of must-haves in your dive bag today.
When you pack for a diving trip, you’re sure to think about your dive computer, mask and all that diving equipment. You also have clothes and a camera on your list of things to take, but do you remember the little things? Today we will give you a hint of what you should think about when packing for a diving trip.
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What to take on a diving trip?
So the most important “thing” is a positive attitude and a desire for adventure. Every descent underwater is a great feeling and, in fact, visibility, water temperature or place on Earth do not matter that much. However, there are a few little things you should take with you on a dive.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are one of those little things that many people forget. And believe me, the sun can be listless, and not necessarily only in tropical countries. UV protection is a really important issue that you should not underestimate. And sunglasses are a necessary “must have”.
The glasses you choose should have a high UV filter to provide protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. It is also important that the glasses have polarized lenses, which is what will make your vision safer and more comfortable, especially on water, which reflects light.
Really decent glasses with UV filter and polarized lenses can be bought for about $100-150. So order 2-3 pairs for yourself, so that even when you lose them you will have a supply. And for more demanding users, you can also consider a protective layer and photochromatic lenses.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a very important part of protection, and not just in warm countries. Remember that the sun can be very strong, even if you think it is not. Especially on water, which reflects the sun’s rays, you are more likely to get burned. Choose a good and waterproof sunscreen with a high UV filter.
Apply it before leaving the base and after each dive. Keep a few things in mind, however. First, do not put your sunscreen before the dive itself and in an area that will be covered by your dive mask. This will cause terrible fogging of you scuba mask underwater.
In addition, I strongly urge you to choose organic creams that are environmentally friendly. It may seem insignificant to you, but think how many kilograms of this cream are left by divers in a year at popular dive sites. This certainly does not have a positive impact on our environment.
Baseball cap and winter hat
Remember that protection from the sun is very important. Therefore, do not forget to wear headgear. A baseball cap works best. It will not be blown away by the wind, is comfortable and protects our face, head and eyesight from the scorching sun. It is an essential item for every diver.
If we dive in winter then, of course, we replace the baseball cap with a winter cap. It will allow us to warm our body before diving, as well as warm our body after diving. The winter cap is really a very good partner, even in a warm sea during a windy diving trip.
A high capacity power-bank
Discharged battery on your phone? Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to charge a phone on a boat. But also on an airplane, or at the airport, or even on a bus or other means of transportation, I wouldn’t count on being able to charge a phone quickly. But after all, we always want to have a working and ready to go phone with us, but often there is no possibility or time to charge it.
This is where a power-bank comes to the rescue, that is, such a high-capacity external battery that will allow you to charge your phone or other device. When considering the purchase of a power-bank, choose models with a larger capacity, at least 10000mah, so you can charge your phone several times.
Some large and more expensive models can also charge a laptop or tablet. In addition, it’s worth getting a small portable phone charger and power-bank, which you’ll manage to use in the hotel lobby. It does not weigh much and often comes in handy.
Comfortable flip-flops or flip-flops
Diving is a water sport, so footwear will also be subject to getting wet. On the dive boat we go without shoes, and we are often taken to the port by a comfortable bus. It’s a shame to take sports shoes with you. For hot weather it is better to choose flip-flops or flip-flops
This is also a useful gadget when using the generally available showers and toilets at dive bases. Flip-flops and flip-flops are irreplaceable here!
Thermal clothing
Proper thermal clothing is a very important item that is often forgotten, especially in warm countries. When we go to Isla del Cano, everyone in the team always has a jacket and a hat, even if the air is hot. Often at first our clients look at us strangely when we put on jackets in this heat.
Although we always warn everyone that it’s a good idea to bring some sort of outer garment. But hey!!! It’s Costa Rica and the tropical heat, so why do I need a jacket. Their countenance changes after a few moments, when the rush of cutting air and warm but still wet waves cool the body.
Whether you dive in warm or cold waters, always bring a rain jacket and hat. You’ll thank me later.
Thermocup
Depending on where you’re diving, how big your boat is and what your options are, it’s worth thinking about something as underrated as a thermal mug. Not only will it allow you to keep your drinks at the right temperature, but you won’t be condemned to glasses at hotel bars that may not be fully washed. And you probably wouldn’t want to spend a scuba diving trip on the toilet….
Choose a cup with a capacity of 0.5-0.7l. You can take it on the boat, as well as enjoy cold drinks while lounging on the beach.
Waterproof bag
A very useful item both for storing dry stuff, but also for transporting our wet diving gear. Buy a bag that is as light as possible and easy to roll.
On the boat you’ll stow your towel, swimsuit, creams and other essentials in it. And at the end of the trip you’ll pack (if you have a large bag) your wet dive gear to dry at the hotel before flying home.
This also has the advantage that it will protect your electronics and documents from getting wet, which, however, we recommend not taking on a boat trip.
Tools and spares
It’s a good idea to bring along basic diving tools and spare parts. It is always a good idea to have o-rings, grease or a spare hose. Some dive regulators use specific dive hoses and a universal one will not fit.
There have been many times when an oring has died before a dive. When we have a spare, the repair takes a few moments and we do not have to give up diving.
It is a good idea, also, to have all the wrenches needed to re-service the regulator (basic) or tighten the plate, or perhaps other diving components. I always carry a Lethermann multitool with me
If you dive in a dry suit then don’t forget spare neck and cuff seals (if they are easily replaceable) and dry gloves.
Let’s summarize, what to take with you on a diving trip?
As you can see, I’ve listed some really small things that don’t take up a lot of space in your luggage, but can really help and make diving easier. Also keep in mind that JetLag can get you during the trip, so you’ll need a while to recover.
Remember that sunburn can be really unpleasant, so sun protection is number one. Similarly, hypothermia is not pleasant, even in the tropics. Just think about what you are taking with you on your diving trip and what you are missing on your last trip. And don’t forget to bring along your dive logbook to record all that you experience underwater! And most importantly – have fun!
