The Essentials
Chances are, you’ve saved up for a dive adventure for quite some time so the excitement level is high. Unfortunately, so is the pile of dive gear and clothes that you’ve stacked up to pack. But, what do you really need? Think about how often you’ve returned home from a trip with a pile of items that never left the hotel room. It happens all the time so let’s talk about what’s essential.
Step 1: Make a packing list, preferably 1 month before the trip. The first packing list is written with dreams of new adventures so the list will be long. However, as you get closer to the trip, you’ll develop a more critical eye on what’s really necessary. For example, do you really need two backup pairs of sunglasses and four bathing suits? What items are essential, what items have multiple purposes and what items are a splurge? Splurges are okay, after all, you’re on vacation, just remember that each piece of luggage costs $$ to ship and most have a maximum weight allowance of 50lbs.
#1 Mask: If you have a prescription mask, what’s your backup plan if it breaks? Do you wear contacts? If your mask is not prescription, are you traveling to a location where a replacement mask or strap may be bought easily? If not, consider bringing a backup.
#2 Fins: Maximize luggage space by stuffing the foot pocket of your fins with a dive light, wetsuit boots, wrist dive computer and/or SMB-safety tube.
#3 Dive Boots: On warm-water vacations, short 3mm boots are easier to don and dry faster than taller cold water boots thus less ‘mid-week funk smells’ but taller boots will work fine. Write your name on the boot sole with a paint pen or on the inside zipper skirting to avoid gear confusion on the dive boat.
#4 Regulator System: Besides the primary regulator, it is mandatory to have an octopus regulator or alternate air source. To avoid stress, dive with your regulator before the trip to assure that it’s in good working condition. If it is not working properly, plan 2-3 weeks for servicing and repairs.
#5 BC Vests: Don’t forget your weight pockets and definitely use a paint pen to mark your name on both the vest and the weight pockets. Trust me, there will be boat confusion on whose weight pouches are whose.
#6 Dive Computer: #1: Is the battery good? #2 Watch a YouTube video on how to read and program your computer. Chances are, you’ll get close to decompression when diving on this trip. If you fail to read, understand and do any mandatory decompres- sion stops properly, the computer will lockout for 24-48 hours, you’ll miss the next day(s) of diving plus run the risk of the bends. It’s a trifecta of trouble so learn your comput- er. #3 Download the manual onto your phone. Do not assume that the group leader or divemasters will understand your computer. Every dive computer reads differently and programs differently. #4 Write your initials on the back of your wrist computers with a paint pen and store the serial number on your phone just in case it’s lost.
#7 Certification Card: #1 Bring the plastic scuba certification card
(s) with you because some resorts require it over an electronic
version. If you’re Nitrox certified, you must bring the card. If
you have multiple levels of certification, i.e. Basic, Advanced,
Master, bring the c-card with the highest level of training. #2:
Take a photocopy of your c-cards and store them on your phone
just in case you leave home without it. #3: If you failed to do 1 and #2, go online to www.naui.org and click ‘Verify Diver’ to show proof of certification. Note: this only works for recently NAUI certified divers. #4 Download the free NAUI app which shows all your certification cards with a simple swipe. Of course, if you’re PADI or SSI certified, they have similar options.
#8 Passport: Don’t leave home without it. A passport is required and it must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of travel. Do you need a Visa? Check out exact travel requirements at www.travel.gov for the answer.
#9 Money: Bring small bills for tips. Convert currency only when absolutely necessary. Many islands accept US dollars. Call your credit card company and tell them you’ll be traveling out of the country so they don’t lock your account.
#10 Lightweight Suitcase: #1 Avoid hard shell suitcase, they may add up to 9 lbs of weight and are difficult to store if you’re on a liveaboard dive vessel. #2 We prefer dive bags with fin storage on the side panels which offers some lateral support to protect the items inside. Use the hard BC vest backplate on the bottom which also offers protection for inside items. Wrap your wetsuit around the regulator for padding. Use your mask box to protect your mask and fill the empty space with Defog, Swimmer’s Ear and/or tank light for night dive. #3 Don’t buy expensive designer suitcase – it’s more likely to attract thieves at the airport and on your travels. #4 If your bag is black, bling it. Put on a bright handle cover or whatever is necessary to differentiate your bag from everyone else’s thus reducing the risk of someone grabbing your luggage at baggage claim by mistake. #5 Besides having luggage tags on the outside of your bag, it’s a good idea to include your contact information on the inside paper, including the hotel that you’re staying at. Preferably, your outside contact information should be your work address not your home address for security reasons.
#11 Clothing: #1 Make a separate clothing list, indicating exactly what you’ll wear each day. Then go back and delete 1/3 to 1/2 of your list, because you’ll live in your swimsuit and T-shirt or cover-up most of the day. Plus, when you only have clothing on for several hours, it’s really okay to wear it again. #2 Remember nylon and quick-drying fabrics work best for humid weather #3 A light sweater or jacket may be necessary for the evening. #4 A water shoe (Keen, Teva, Merrill, etc.) may be the only shoes you’ll need on a dive trip. #5 We love packing cubes; clothes stay organized and are less wrinkled. This especially works well when traveling with both clothes and dive gear in one bag. #6 Keep clothes smelling fresh with fabric conditioner sheets. #7 Pack a plastic garbage bag to separate wet vs. dry items for the flight home. #8 A Tide stain stick takes very little luggage space and may save a shirt to be worn again during the trip. #9 For long trips, wash your clothes in the hotel shampoo, don’t bother packing laundry soap.
Highly Recommended Packing Items
#1: Wetsuit: ‘What should I wear?’ is the most asked question. Especially on this trip when the temperatures are in the mid-70’s so recommend wearing layers or using a 5mm wetsuit. Everyone’s idea of comfortable temperatures differ but you are doing 3 dives each day so even the hardiest diver may get cold. We suggest packing options. #1 A rash guard or dive skin is great if you don’t get cold, yet offers protection against jellyfish and sea lice stings. They are also great for sun protection especially since ‘reef safe’ sunscreens have become a big issue. #2 If you can only afford one option, go for a 5mm wetsuit vs a 3mm. Full suits work better than shorty wetsuits, once again because of sun and jellyfish protection. #3 The next layer option is a neoprene vest or hooded vest. These pack easily and can be worn over a dive skin, rash guard or wetsuit and are perfect when a little extra warmth is needed. They are especially popular on the third and fourth dive of the day. #4 Neoprene hoods, beanies and caps are the final option and quite affordable. Besides offering warmth, they help keep long hair contained and for those of you who are ‘follically challenged’, they protect your scalp from sun- burns. #5 Like all dive gear, write your name on the inside of all these items with a paint pen.
#2 Safety Tube (S.M.B. Surface Marker Buoy) If you’re only going to carry one safety item, make it a safety tube, a long orange buoy that can be blown up at the surface. This will help the boat captain to spot you, especially in wavy conditions. They start at $7.99 and go up in price.... of which seems irrelevant if you’re floating out to sea. Whistles, mirrors, and air horns are also options but not as effective. In extreme currents, which is not likely in The Bahamas, you may also want a Lifeline GPS unit.
#3 Hat for sun protection
#4 Charger for all devices: Use a ziplock bag to store phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones, Fitbit chargers, etc. Bring most of these items on your carry-on bag just in case you need to recharge your phone, pad, etc. on the plane or at the airport. Plus, you’ll want headphones on the plane for inflight entertainment.
#5 Extra Batteries: Think spare batteries for dive computers, lights and cameras batteries are ideal so you don’t have to bring extra batteries which save on luggage weight. Islands dislike trash left of dead batteries. Lithium batteries must be in your hand luggage, they are not permitted in the hold. This is so that if your battery does malfunction, the airline can intervene and prevent it causing further issues. If you remember when the batteries inside phones and laptops that kept catching fire in the air, this is where the rule stems from. This applies to the batteries inside your laptop, phones or electronic devices.
#6 First Aid Kit: #1 Your ears will be stressed on this dive trip so come prepared. I suggest Swimmer’s Ear for outside ear issues. A decongestant and anti-inflammatory (Tylenol) for inside ear issues. #2 Travel does funny things to your stomach so pack anti-diarrhea and constipation meds. #3 If you’re prone to seasickness, pack ginger or an OTC med. For a sure thing, get a prescription for a Scholomine patch; it works wonderfully. #4 Don’t forget your prescription meds. #5 Pack reef-safe sunscreen, aloe for sunburns and bug repellant wipes.
#7 Carry-on Bag: Unfortunately, luggage doesn’t always arrive with you. To avoid major frustration consider packing the following into your carry-on: Bathing suit, change of clothes, mask, dive computer and bare-essential toiletries. If necessary, dive gear may be rented until yours arrives. No one will care if you’re wearing the same t-shirt for several days. Bring multi-purpose Ziplock bags. Use them to organize your carry-on items (small liquids, change of clothes, charging devices, etc.) then use them on the dive boat to keep a phone and cameras dry or to store your coverup.
Suggested/Splurge Items
1. Lights: If you’re doing a night dive, bring a handheld light plus a tank light. Even if you’re not doing a night dive, a small pocket light is great to carry for looking under coral heads and for bringing out the reef color.
2. Fish ID Books: Download a copy onto a device. Don’t waste precious luggage space carrying a paper copy. We especially like Paul Humman’s series of Fish ID books.
3. Camera Gear: Besides packing the camera and housing, don’t forget memory cards, charging units, filters, strobes, spare o-rings, desiccants and batteries. Bring a power strip if you have to charge a lot of items.
4. Dry Bag/Plastic Box: On the boat, your mask box works great to protect glass- es/sunglasses but also bring a dry bag for storing t-shirt, shorts, ear drops, comb, sunscreen (reef-safe please) and water bottle.
5. Water Bottle: Most dive boats provide water but I find you’ll drink more if you bring your own water bottle vs drinking out of a small paper cup. Staying hydrated is important. Plus you’ll eliminate a lot of plastic waste from disposable H20 bottles.
6. Towels: Boat and beach towels are provided at the hotel. Do not pack a towel.
7. Coffee: Okay, this is a luxury item but I love packing Starbuck Italian Roast instant coffee. They come in individual servings, takes very little luggage space and a good cup of coffee while watching the sun- rise from my balcony is a personal favorite. Most hotel rooms have a
coffee maker but leave just one packet of coffee a day of questionable quality.
8. Small notebook: Unless you have a great memory, an inexpensive notebook comes in handy on the trip when you hear about a great dive sites, restaurant, or a must-see scenic site. Using a Note app on your phone also works.
9. Be Bold: Black phones and iPads blend easily with taxi seats, the
carpet on a plane floor and hotel chair. Reduce the risk of losing your devices by putting a bold protective cover on them.
10. Drones: This is a tricky one, especially as the technology evolves. When carrying a drone on a flight, the most important thing to note is the type of batteries you’re using – most use lithium batteries, which you have to carry in carry-on luggage. If your propellers are
over 6cm, they’re worth checking, as they may count as blades. And lastly, check the local drone laws where you are traveling. Please know the laws before packing a drone.
Chances are, you’ve saved up for a dive adventure for quite some time so the excitement level is high. Unfortunately, so is the pile of dive gear and clothes that you’ve stacked up to pack. But, what do you really need? Think about how often you’ve returned home from a trip with a pile of items that never left the hotel room. It happens all the time so let’s talk about what’s essential.
Step 1: Make a packing list, preferably 1 month before the trip. The first packing list is written with dreams of new adventures so the list will be long. However, as you get closer to the trip, you’ll develop a more critical eye on what’s really necessary. For example, do you really need two backup pairs of sunglasses and four bathing suits? What items are essential, what items have multiple purposes and what items are a splurge? Splurges are okay, after all, you’re on vacation, just remember that each piece of luggage costs $$ to ship and most have a maximum weight allowance of 50lbs.
#1 Mask: If you have a prescription mask, what’s your backup plan if it breaks? Do you wear contacts? If your mask is not prescription, are you traveling to a location where a replacement mask or strap may be bought easily? If not, consider bringing a backup.
#2 Fins: Maximize luggage space by stuffing the foot pocket of your fins with a dive light, wetsuit boots, wrist dive computer and/or SMB-safety tube.
#3 Dive Boots: On warm-water vacations, short 3mm boots are easier to don and dry faster than taller cold water boots thus less ‘mid-week funk smells’ but taller boots will work fine. Write your name on the boot sole with a paint pen or on the inside zipper skirting to avoid gear confusion on the dive boat.
#4 Regulator System: Besides the primary regulator, it is mandatory to have an octopus regulator or alternate air source. To avoid stress, dive with your regulator before the trip to assure that it’s in good working condition. If it is not working properly, plan 2-3 weeks for servicing and repairs.
#5 BC Vests: Don’t forget your weight pockets and definitely use a paint pen to mark your name on both the vest and the weight pockets. Trust me, there will be boat confusion on whose weight pouches are whose.
#6 Dive Computer: #1: Is the battery good? #2 Watch a YouTube video on how to read and program your computer. Chances are, you’ll get close to decompression when diving on this trip. If you fail to read, understand and do any mandatory decompres- sion stops properly, the computer will lockout for 24-48 hours, you’ll miss the next day(s) of diving plus run the risk of the bends. It’s a trifecta of trouble so learn your comput- er. #3 Download the manual onto your phone. Do not assume that the group leader or divemasters will understand your computer. Every dive computer reads differently and programs differently. #4 Write your initials on the back of your wrist computers with a paint pen and store the serial number on your phone just in case it’s lost.
#7 Certification Card: #1 Bring the plastic scuba certification card
(s) with you because some resorts require it over an electronic
version. If you’re Nitrox certified, you must bring the card. If
you have multiple levels of certification, i.e. Basic, Advanced,
Master, bring the c-card with the highest level of training. #2:
Take a photocopy of your c-cards and store them on your phone
just in case you leave home without it. #3: If you failed to do 1 and #2, go online to www.naui.org and click ‘Verify Diver’ to show proof of certification. Note: this only works for recently NAUI certified divers. #4 Download the free NAUI app which shows all your certification cards with a simple swipe. Of course, if you’re PADI or SSI certified, they have similar options.
#8 Passport: Don’t leave home without it. A passport is required and it must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of travel. Do you need a Visa? Check out exact travel requirements at www.travel.gov for the answer.
#9 Money: Bring small bills for tips. Convert currency only when absolutely necessary. Many islands accept US dollars. Call your credit card company and tell them you’ll be traveling out of the country so they don’t lock your account.
#10 Lightweight Suitcase: #1 Avoid hard shell suitcase, they may add up to 9 lbs of weight and are difficult to store if you’re on a liveaboard dive vessel. #2 We prefer dive bags with fin storage on the side panels which offers some lateral support to protect the items inside. Use the hard BC vest backplate on the bottom which also offers protection for inside items. Wrap your wetsuit around the regulator for padding. Use your mask box to protect your mask and fill the empty space with Defog, Swimmer’s Ear and/or tank light for night dive. #3 Don’t buy expensive designer suitcase – it’s more likely to attract thieves at the airport and on your travels. #4 If your bag is black, bling it. Put on a bright handle cover or whatever is necessary to differentiate your bag from everyone else’s thus reducing the risk of someone grabbing your luggage at baggage claim by mistake. #5 Besides having luggage tags on the outside of your bag, it’s a good idea to include your contact information on the inside paper, including the hotel that you’re staying at. Preferably, your outside contact information should be your work address not your home address for security reasons.
#11 Clothing: #1 Make a separate clothing list, indicating exactly what you’ll wear each day. Then go back and delete 1/3 to 1/2 of your list, because you’ll live in your swimsuit and T-shirt or cover-up most of the day. Plus, when you only have clothing on for several hours, it’s really okay to wear it again. #2 Remember nylon and quick-drying fabrics work best for humid weather #3 A light sweater or jacket may be necessary for the evening. #4 A water shoe (Keen, Teva, Merrill, etc.) may be the only shoes you’ll need on a dive trip. #5 We love packing cubes; clothes stay organized and are less wrinkled. This especially works well when traveling with both clothes and dive gear in one bag. #6 Keep clothes smelling fresh with fabric conditioner sheets. #7 Pack a plastic garbage bag to separate wet vs. dry items for the flight home. #8 A Tide stain stick takes very little luggage space and may save a shirt to be worn again during the trip. #9 For long trips, wash your clothes in the hotel shampoo, don’t bother packing laundry soap.
Highly Recommended Packing Items
#1: Wetsuit: ‘What should I wear?’ is the most asked question. Especially on this trip when the temperatures are in the mid-70’s so recommend wearing layers or using a 5mm wetsuit. Everyone’s idea of comfortable temperatures differ but you are doing 3 dives each day so even the hardiest diver may get cold. We suggest packing options. #1 A rash guard or dive skin is great if you don’t get cold, yet offers protection against jellyfish and sea lice stings. They are also great for sun protection especially since ‘reef safe’ sunscreens have become a big issue. #2 If you can only afford one option, go for a 5mm wetsuit vs a 3mm. Full suits work better than shorty wetsuits, once again because of sun and jellyfish protection. #3 The next layer option is a neoprene vest or hooded vest. These pack easily and can be worn over a dive skin, rash guard or wetsuit and are perfect when a little extra warmth is needed. They are especially popular on the third and fourth dive of the day. #4 Neoprene hoods, beanies and caps are the final option and quite affordable. Besides offering warmth, they help keep long hair contained and for those of you who are ‘follically challenged’, they protect your scalp from sun- burns. #5 Like all dive gear, write your name on the inside of all these items with a paint pen.
#2 Safety Tube (S.M.B. Surface Marker Buoy) If you’re only going to carry one safety item, make it a safety tube, a long orange buoy that can be blown up at the surface. This will help the boat captain to spot you, especially in wavy conditions. They start at $7.99 and go up in price.... of which seems irrelevant if you’re floating out to sea. Whistles, mirrors, and air horns are also options but not as effective. In extreme currents, which is not likely in The Bahamas, you may also want a Lifeline GPS unit.
#3 Hat for sun protection
#4 Charger for all devices: Use a ziplock bag to store phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones, Fitbit chargers, etc. Bring most of these items on your carry-on bag just in case you need to recharge your phone, pad, etc. on the plane or at the airport. Plus, you’ll want headphones on the plane for inflight entertainment.
#5 Extra Batteries: Think spare batteries for dive computers, lights and cameras batteries are ideal so you don’t have to bring extra batteries which save on luggage weight. Islands dislike trash left of dead batteries. Lithium batteries must be in your hand luggage, they are not permitted in the hold. This is so that if your battery does malfunction, the airline can intervene and prevent it causing further issues. If you remember when the batteries inside phones and laptops that kept catching fire in the air, this is where the rule stems from. This applies to the batteries inside your laptop, phones or electronic devices.
#6 First Aid Kit: #1 Your ears will be stressed on this dive trip so come prepared. I suggest Swimmer’s Ear for outside ear issues. A decongestant and anti-inflammatory (Tylenol) for inside ear issues. #2 Travel does funny things to your stomach so pack anti-diarrhea and constipation meds. #3 If you’re prone to seasickness, pack ginger or an OTC med. For a sure thing, get a prescription for a Scholomine patch; it works wonderfully. #4 Don’t forget your prescription meds. #5 Pack reef-safe sunscreen, aloe for sunburns and bug repellant wipes.
#7 Carry-on Bag: Unfortunately, luggage doesn’t always arrive with you. To avoid major frustration consider packing the following into your carry-on: Bathing suit, change of clothes, mask, dive computer and bare-essential toiletries. If necessary, dive gear may be rented until yours arrives. No one will care if you’re wearing the same t-shirt for several days. Bring multi-purpose Ziplock bags. Use them to organize your carry-on items (small liquids, change of clothes, charging devices, etc.) then use them on the dive boat to keep a phone and cameras dry or to store your coverup.
Suggested/Splurge Items
1. Lights: If you’re doing a night dive, bring a handheld light plus a tank light. Even if you’re not doing a night dive, a small pocket light is great to carry for looking under coral heads and for bringing out the reef color.
2. Fish ID Books: Download a copy onto a device. Don’t waste precious luggage space carrying a paper copy. We especially like Paul Humman’s series of Fish ID books.
3. Camera Gear: Besides packing the camera and housing, don’t forget memory cards, charging units, filters, strobes, spare o-rings, desiccants and batteries. Bring a power strip if you have to charge a lot of items.
4. Dry Bag/Plastic Box: On the boat, your mask box works great to protect glass- es/sunglasses but also bring a dry bag for storing t-shirt, shorts, ear drops, comb, sunscreen (reef-safe please) and water bottle.
5. Water Bottle: Most dive boats provide water but I find you’ll drink more if you bring your own water bottle vs drinking out of a small paper cup. Staying hydrated is important. Plus you’ll eliminate a lot of plastic waste from disposable H20 bottles.
6. Towels: Boat and beach towels are provided at the hotel. Do not pack a towel.
7. Coffee: Okay, this is a luxury item but I love packing Starbuck Italian Roast instant coffee. They come in individual servings, takes very little luggage space and a good cup of coffee while watching the sun- rise from my balcony is a personal favorite. Most hotel rooms have a
coffee maker but leave just one packet of coffee a day of questionable quality.
8. Small notebook: Unless you have a great memory, an inexpensive notebook comes in handy on the trip when you hear about a great dive sites, restaurant, or a must-see scenic site. Using a Note app on your phone also works.
9. Be Bold: Black phones and iPads blend easily with taxi seats, the
carpet on a plane floor and hotel chair. Reduce the risk of losing your devices by putting a bold protective cover on them.
10. Drones: This is a tricky one, especially as the technology evolves. When carrying a drone on a flight, the most important thing to note is the type of batteries you’re using – most use lithium batteries, which you have to carry in carry-on luggage. If your propellers are
over 6cm, they’re worth checking, as they may count as blades. And lastly, check the local drone laws where you are traveling. Please know the laws before packing a drone.
