Essential Packing List: What Every Diver Should Bring on a Dive Trip
Packing for a dive trip can seem like a daunting task, especially with today’s luggage restrictions in place. Every diver wants to get the most out of their luggage space, allowing them to take their dive gear while saving on hefty luggage fees. This is why creating the essential diver packing list is so important. Include the essentials that you cannot be without, and then fill up the gaps with those items that are not necessary but you would like to have with you. As a diving instructor, I always advised divers to purchase these items of dive gear first, before investing in a full set of dive gear and that is what I would recommend to pack first and take it from there. I would never go on a dive trip without my own mask/snorkel, fins and own regulator, as well as a rashvest or skin suit which can easily be worn under a rental suit if needed.
Let’s take a look at the “must pack” items as well as those that you can do without:
Essential Dive Gear
Before anything else, make sure the core pieces of your dive gear are packed and ready. These are the non-negotiable essentials that keep you safe, comfortable, and able to enjoy every moment underwater. If you’re renting gear at your destination, you may not need to bring everything — but for items that directly affect fit and comfort (like masks and computers), bringing your own can make a big difference.
Mask and Snorkel
My top must-have item is my own mask and snorkel. It’s simply nicer knowing it has only ever been on my face, and that I’m the only one who has done the “hawk-thua” in it. I’m responsible for keeping it clean, which already makes a big difference.
More importantly, there is nothing worse than diving with a rental mask that doesn’t fit properly. A poor-fitting mask can leak, put pressure on your face or head, or let in too much or too little light. In the end, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s distracting. Having a mask that truly suits your face can completely change your dive experience.
Most dive centers have just one brand of rental mask, so if it doesn’t fit, you are kind of stuck and bound to suffer for the rest of your trip (or you have to buy one abroad which will usually cost you more than in your home country) a diving mask is easy to fit in your suitcase, ideally keep it in a mask box, or ensure it is well padded and nothing hard/sharp is going to come in contact with it, which might scratch the glass or affect the silicone skirt.
Dive Regulator
There is nothing more comfortable than an own regulator set, you can choose the regulator size and air flow that works for you as well as ensure the mouthpiece fits nicely, also it creates peace of mind knowing that you are taking care of it and have had it serviced recently. Careful when packing your regulator, I always ensure mine is in the middle of the case and protected by a regulator bag as well as lots of soft clothing/towels etc. You can also take it in your carry-on hand luggage, but be ready to take it out through the security check, I have already experienced being treated as if i had a gun on me due to a regulator first stage in my backpack.
Fins
This is just my opinion, I love my Avanti Quattro + full foot fins and no one could make me dive without them. Every time I am forced to use rental fins I feel odd, and don’t have such a comfortable finning rhythm, get leg cramps and generally get frustrated during the dive, especially when there is strong current. Everyone has a different fin they like and it will depend a lot on your body type and muscles as to what fin works best for you, whether negative, neutral or positive buoyant, split fins, or whole, short or long blades.. It goes on and on and the only way to find the right one for you is to try them out.
For ease of travel I would suggest only going for long blade fins if you really love them and enjoy freediving too, they are not the easiest fins to pack. Did you know there are now foldable travel fins?
Dive Computer
In this day and age most dive centers will provide a dive computer as a rental item, but there are still some that don’t and often they come at an additional rental cost and are not included in a full set of gear. Additionally, a rental computer is not your own, which means if you have a day off diving, “your” computer could be used for another diver and you have to ensure to copy down the information from it into your log book before ending your vacation. Investing in your own dive computer is a great idea as you can learn how to use it prior to your diving trip and it doesn’t add much to the amount you have to pack, if you get a wristwatch style you can even wear it through the airport, or put it in your hand luggage for safe keeping. The dive log on your diving computer stays with you until you have to change the battery or it runs out of space.
Wetsuit
Depending on where you will be diving, you will likely need a wetsuit or even dry suit. If you are going to a destination where a dry suit is needed you will most likely need to book an additional dive luggage as with all your bulky winter gear, dive gear and a dry suit, one suitcase just isn’t going to cut it. If you are planning to dive in more tropical waters where a skin suit, 3mm or 5mm is more than enough. You may get this in your normal suitcase together with the rest of your gear and clothes. In some warm waters, you may get away with a full body skin suit/rash vest and padded vest with hood or a similar combination, but keep in mind, that letting your body get too cold underwater is not only uncomfortable and can spoil a good dive, but can also lead to hypothermia and can accelerate your chance of getting decompression sickness.
Eco-Tip: Non-neoprene wetsuits not only are better for the environment but also tend to be less bulky and more flexible, allowing them to pack easier and take up less space.
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
Do you still have space? Then I would suggest taking along your BC, a well-fitting BC can really add to the comfort of your dive. Many divers have different preferences of BC style and usually a rental will only come in the typical jacket-style. If you prefer a hybrid or wing style you are best off bringing your own. Many diving gear manufacturers have a nifty, lightweight travel bc great for avid travellers wanting to save on weight, although these types of BCs don’t tend to be as durable or comfortable.
If I don’t have the space, I would sacrifice taking my BC as I am quite happy to use a rental BC, but not everyone would feel the same.
Diving Accessories
After the essential dive gear is packed, it’s time to consider which accessories are a must to turn a good dive into a great one. They’re not always strictly required, but the right handful can boost safety, comfort, and convenience — from keeping your mask clear to giving you light in dim conditions or a quick fix when something breaks. Think of this section as your smart add‑ons list: light, easy to pack, and often lifesavers when you least expect it.
Surface Marker Buoy and reel (SMB)
A must have item to be a safe diver. With your own surface marker buoy, you and your buddy can safely surface at any time during the dive, knowing that you have warned boat traffic above you that there are divers below that are surfacing. It isn’t ideal to just rely on the market buoy of your instructor or dive guide, especially as they may end up surfacing without you, or in a larger group you may end up being too far away from the buoy. An SMB with a reel doesn’t take up much space and is an essential item for a safe dive trip.
Dive Light
I am a huge fan of diving with a torch, no matter the time of day, I love using it to look in crevices, under rocks or overhangs and to look into corals to find some of the smaller critters that might be hiding there. If you love night diving a good quality dive torch is a great investment to make, nowadays you can get really nifty ones that fit nicely in your hand and can even be recharged directly from the torch with USB-C cables without needing to remove a battery. Dive centers always have dive lights on hand to rent out, but sometimes they aren’t the best, and due to their age they might not always last a full dive time, I would highly recommend getting your own dive light but renting a back up torch from the dive center.
Packing Tip: When packing a dive torch in your checked luggage, ensure to separate the battery pack from the torch and stow them separately, if a dive torch were to turn on in your luggage it could be a huge safety hazard. Even if you are sure it is safe, save yourself some hassle at the airport. Once I was called to security a few minutes before boarding to open my checked in suitcase and show security that the batteries i had checked in into my luggage were not a battery pack that could overheat and cause a fire.
Dive knife or cutting device
For most recreational diving, a dive knife is a bit over the top and will mostly be used for freeing bits of debris and trash underwater to take it back to the surface and dispose of correctly, other than that, you may need a line cutter or knife to free yourself from an entangled line from a divers reel or fishing line, for this purpose, a small line cutter that you can clip onto your BC is the most useful and takes up the least amount of space. Don’t forget to stow any cutting device in your checked luggage as it won’t be allowed in your hand luggage and you will most likely get it taken off you as you go through the security check.
Safety Equipment
Dive Insurance Information
The first piece of safety equipment I would recommend that all divers have and take with them is their diving insurance policy number and insurance contact information.
Did you know? in a bid to be more eco friendly, we don’t provide insurance cards to our members, you can download and print your policy, or keep it digital by using the DiveAssure App. Just don’t forget to provide this information to your dive center and dive buddy before your first dive.
Emergency signalling devices
Every BC should have a whistle attached to it, yours doesn’t? Then get one, even if you are able to whistle without, at sea when everything is wet and you are stressed it can be hard to whistle, having a metal whistle or pressurised horn can make your life much easier to signal at the surface in case of an emergency.
Something many people forget is to have a signalling mirror in your BC pocket. This will allow you to use the sun to create a signal to land or your dive boat in the event that you get left behind. Don’t have a mirror dangling on your dive gear during your dive as this can attract unwanted attention from larger fish, especially barracuda.
First aid kit
It is handy to have your own first aid kit, especially if you need specialized medicine for a preexisting condition, that being said, all dive centers should have a comprehensive first aid kit on each of their boats and at the dive center, as well as emergency oxygen.
GPS rescue beacon
Something that is still not used as much as it perhaps should be is a GPS rescue beacon that you can hook onto your dive gear or put in your BC pocket and use in the event that you or the group go missing and you can’t find your dive boat. This is especially important when diving in secluded areas from a boat where there may be strong currents. A GPS beacon will help the dive boat or rescue team to locate you swiftly.
Personal Items
Personal items that you will need for a dive trip will vary depending on the destination, the type of person and the weather, but for every dive trip you should pack the following;
Swimwear
I always recommend packing at least two swim shorts, swimming costumes or bikinis, so that one can be hung out to dry in between dives. Keeping something wet can encourage bacteria growth. There is also nothing worse than having to get back into a wet swimming costume for the second dive of the day.
Although you may be more of a bikini or swim shorts person, it is advisable to have a more sport suited swimming costume or tight swimming pants which will be much easier to get in and out of your wetsuit without discomfort of additional cloth when it comes to baggy swim shorts, or risking to lose your bikini when doffing your suit.
Towels
Most liveboards and or diving resorts will provide towels, but if you will be staying in a hostel or rented house you may need to take your own towels. It is also advisable to have a thin, quick dry microfibre towel which can be hung up to dry in between dives, thick bath towels will stay wet throughout and quickly get musty and smelly. An added bonus is that the microfibre towels are very thin and take up little space in your luggage.
Sun protection
Stay safe and wear a hat when out in direct sun, if its a hat that can be squashed you can easily fit this into your luggage somehow, if you prefer to wear a cap or sombrero style, you might want to take it onto the plane with you as hand luggage.
Take only eco-friendly, reef safe, mineral sunscreens with you for areas that are not covered by your suit, or a hat, especially for dives where you may be on the surface for a while before or after the dive. Ensure to apply the correct sun protection 20-30min before going into the sun or sea and reapply as per the instructions of your sun protection. To save the ocean and the reefs unnecessary pollution, cover up where you can using hats and rash guards. See our Blog post on reef safe sunscreens for more information: https://blog.diveassure.com/2024/06/03/plastic-free-and-reef-safe-sunscreens-do-they-exist
Reusable water bottle
A must have for any trip, a reusable water bottle already comes in handy at the airport where you can often fill it for free at a filling station, or in some countries you can use tap water. Once you reach your destination you can fill up your reusable bottle and take this with you on the boat to save unnecessary plastic waste. Some countries rely on plastic water bottles for safe drinking water and it is therefore difficult to avoid it completely, in these countries if it is not possible to find large refillable water dispensers at your hotel or at the dive center I would recommend purchasing large 5 liter water bottles and topping up your reusable bottle with those, that way the single-use plastic waste is much less and you are not bringing plastic out on the boat with you.
Casual attire
Now things may have changed over the last decade, but in general diving is not a who wore what and how event. As a diver, you can get away with a cute pair of board shorts or leggings and a diving T-shirt. For me, Thailand is the best example, where everyone ends up wearing the same 3 t-shirts they got at a bargain price at one of the local Thai markets.
Footwear
What shoes you pack depends largely on your destination: the type of beaches, whether you’ll be boarding boats often, and if you plan to explore above the water.
If your trip is mostly about diving, you’ll hardly need any shoes at all. Booties will typically be enough for getting in and out of the water and walking around dive boats. On land, comfort is key.
A good pair of flip-flops will see you through most beach days, and one pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes is ideal for travel days or excursions where you’ll be walking more. Footwear tends to take up valuable luggage space, so keeping it simple not only saves room but also keeps packing stress-free.
Lightweight Jacket or Sweater
Even when diving in the tropics, it makes sense to have a lightweight jacket or sweater with you for those windy boat days. You will likely need something warmer during your travel by plane or train, so this doesn’t necessarily need to take up luggage space. Especially if you are diving more than once a day, your core temperature can lower and you might appreciate being able to wrap up after the dive.
Documentation & Logistics
When traveling for a dive trip, paperwork and logistics might not be the most exciting part — but having everything organized can save you from major headaches later on. Preparing the right documents ensures smooth check-ins, stress-free diving, and quick access to important information should you need it.
Here’s what to keep handy:
Dive Certification Card
Dive operators will almost always ask to verify your certification level before letting you into the water. At least, any professional dive center should. A physical card is great, but nowadays digital versions are accepted internationally and are great as you can never lose them. Even if you were to not have your certification, with your full name, date of birth and email address any dive center should be able to find you in the database.
Passport & Travel Documents
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, and carry printed or digital copies of your flight tickets, hotel confirmations, visas, and insurance details.
- Itinerary & Emergency Contacts
Have your trip schedule, accommodation address, and emergency contact numbers easily accessible — especially the contact information of your dive center. - Dive Logbook
Whether you use a physical logbook or a digital one, logging recent dives helps prove experience when booking specialty dives or advanced sites that require a minimum number of logged dives.
Pro Tip: Keep all your essential documents together in a waterproof travel wallet or stored securely on your phone so you can access them even without the internet.
Packing Tips
Packing for a dive trip is all about staying organized, protecting your gear, and keeping weight within limits, especially when flying with equipment that can be bulky or fragile. These tips will help you pack smarter and travel with peace of mind:
- Plan Your Layout
Organize your gear in categories (essentials, accessories, clothing, documentation) and lay everything out before packing. This makes it easier to avoid duplicates and ensures nothing important gets forgotten. - Use a Dedicated Gear Bag
A dive-specific roller bag or duffel with compartments helps keep equipment secure and prevents sharp items like fins or regulators from damaging softer gear. - Protect Your Regulator
Regulators are delicate and expensive: pack them in a padded regulator bag and carry them in your hand luggage if possible. - Balance Weight Properly
Heavy items like fins, masks, and wetsuits should go near the wheels or bottom of the bag so the weight is evenly distributed and easier to maneuver. - Wet Gear Contingency Plan
Pack a few dry bags or mesh bags for separating wet or damp gear on the return journey — nothing ruins a trip faster than a mildew surprise! - Consider Airline & Security Rules
Dive knives and tools must be checked, not carried on.
Tanks must be empty and valves removed if traveling with cylinders.
Always double-check airline policies for scuba gear to avoid unwanted fees. - Minimize & Multi-Use
If you can rent large items (like BCDs or weights) at your destination, do it — save luggage space for items that impact comfort or hygiene, such as masks, computers, and exposure protection. - Essentials Stay Accessible
Keep essentials like your dive certification card, DiveAssure insurance info, and medication in your personal item for quick access during travel.
Conclusion
A well-packed dive bag can make all the difference between a smooth, unforgettable adventure and a stressful scramble for missing essentials. By focusing on the most important dive gear, helpful accessories, the right documentation, and smart packing strategies, you set yourself up for a trip that’s both safe and enjoyable from start to finish.
Every diver’s needs will vary slightly based on destination and experience level — but being prepared ensures you can focus on what truly matters: exploring the underwater world with confidence, comfort, and excitement.
Happy diving — and may your next adventure be your best one yet!