Traveling with scuba gear: our tips
Traveling with scuba gear requires just a little more preparation than a regular vacation. From luggage limits to safely transporting your regulator or camera: with the right preparation, your diving trip starts relaxed. Based on our experience, below we share our most important tips for traveling with diving equipment.
Check baggage rules
Not every airline handles sports baggage the same. Sometimes diving equipment falls under sports baggage, sometimes everything just counts in your checked baggage. For some destinations, extra baggage is almost unavoidable. Keep that in mind when booking. Also, if you take domestic flights, you may be allowed less baggage than on an international flight.
Our tips:
- Check baggage limits and surcharges well before departure
- Screenshot the airline’s terms and conditions
- For diving trips with multiple flights: check all routes
What do you take in carry-on luggage?
Certain parts of your diving equipment you would rather not lose or find damaged.
In carry-on luggage:
- Regulator
- Computer(s)
- Mask
- Lamps (without batteries)
- Camera & electronics
In checked baggage:
- Trim vest
- Wetsuit
- Fins
- Shoes
Choose the right diving case: hard case + wheels
Your diving equipment can take quite a beating on the road: lugging, rolling on the belt and sometimes rough treatment by baggage handlers. The right suitcase can really protect your gear.
Our tips for a good diving case:
- Hardcase instead of softcase
A hardcase case model offers the best protection for your diving equipment. The hard exterior cushions impacts and prevents sharp or heavy luggage from damaging your belongings. This is especially important for fragile items such as your computer, regulator or camera. - Wheels are a must
Suitcases with wheels are so much easier on the go, especially if you have multiple flights or transfers. Go for a model with four caster wheels for maximum maneuverability – ideal on airport floors, stairs or tight dive travel choices. - Label your suitcase as well as mark fragile
You don’t necessarily have to put a dive brand label on it, but a few simple tweaks will help: sticker “Fragile / Breakable” and/or a brightly colored label or ribbon.
This will make your suitcase more readily identifiable and give baggage handlers a subtle hint to handle it a little more carefully.
A good suitcase may cost a little more, but pays for itself in peace of mind AND equipment that won’t get damaged.
Smart and safe packing
A good scuba bag really makes a difference.
Helpful packing tips:
- Roll wetsuits and use them as protection
- Place fins along the edges of the bag
- Protect fragile items with clothing
- Use dry bags for wet equipment on the return trip
A light, sturdy bag without wheels often saves precious pounds.
Renting vs. own equipment
Not everything always has to come with you. Consider renting if:
- You only dive in occasionally
- You are taking a long or complex trip with multiple domestic flights
- Weight is an issue
Many dive centers have fine equipment. Of course, bringing your own remains nice for fit and confidence, especially with masks, computers and fins.
Batteries, batteries & rules
More and more diving equipment includes batteries.
Notice:
- Lithium batteries usually only in carry-on luggage
- Tape off contacts when batteries are loose
- Check diving lamp rules per airline
Insurance & backup
Good travel insurance is not a luxury.
Check that:
- Diving equipment is co-insured
- Loss, theft and damage are covered
- Diving accidents are explicitly mentioned
And our golden tip: whenever possible, bring a backup (for example, an extra mask or computer). Especially if you’re taking a liveaboard trip where it’s trickier to replace materials.
Return trip
After your last dive, it’s tempting to pack everything up quickly.
Still important:
- Rinse your material well
- Let it dry as much as possible
- Pack wet items separately
This will prevent mold, odor and damage. And don’t wait too long to unpack. You can also rinse and dry your materials at home, but don’t do this in a place where it is very humid. That way it takes too long before everything is dry.
Diving in Dominica: a complete guide
Dominica offers a unique diving experience with volcanic landscapes, pristine reefs and impressive marine life. In addition, the combination of nature above and below the water and the presence of sperm whales makes this destination...
Read more
Trip report – Bram’s liveaboard trip in Egypt: Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Bram takes you along the iconic NDE route in Egypt, with strong currents, deep blue dives and encounters with large pelagic species. An honest and inspiring account that gives you a good idea of what...
Read more
Best dive destinations by month (July to December)
Discover the best diving destinations from July to August. Per month 4 top dive sites and why you should go there during that period.
Best dive destinations by month (January to June)
Discover the best diving destinations from January to June. Per month 4 top dive sites with ideal conditions and unique underwater experiences.
Trip report Bonaire: a day of diving in Slagbaai
Wondering what a diving day on Bonaire looks like? In this trip report, we drive to Washington Slagbaai National Park for a reef dive at Slagbaai and end the day with a special night dive...
Read more
The best wreck diving destinations
Want to explore multiple impressive wrecks during one dive trip? These six destinations offer historic ships, clear waters and unforgettable wreck experiences for any diving enthusiast.
Japanese wrecks in the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is full of Japanese World War II shipwrecks, perfect for adventurous wreck divers. This blog takes you through the top destinations where history, tropical reef life and unforgettable diving come together.
All about technical diving
Find out all about technical diving: destinations, courses and the equipment needed for deeper and more challenging dives.
Diving vacations for diving associations
Looking for a destination for a diving trip with a group or diving association? We’ve listed our favorite destinations for groups here.
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the world’s most extraordinary underwater areas
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites takes you to the world’s most extraordinary underwater worlds. Each destination shows that nature is at its best when we respect and preserve it.
What is black water diving?
What is black water diving and where can you do it? Discover this special night dive over open sea, with Romblon in the Philippines as the top destination.
Dive report Dahab: diving in the Blue Hole
One of the most famous dive sites in the world, and perhaps also one of the most talked about. This is Margaret’s underwater experience in Dahab’s Blue Hole.
Our 10 favorite diving destinations of the Philippines
Discover our favorite diving destinations in the Philippines. From Malapascua and Dauin to Tubbataha and Romblon. Inspiration for your next diving trip.
Diving in the Philippines: all about the different regions
Read all about the different regions in the Philippines here and find the place that best suits your needs.
The best activities in the rainforest of Belize
Did you know that Belize also has a rainforest? It is a perfect ending to a diving trip. Read our favorite rainforest activities here.
Day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon
A day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon! Read all about this unique place in the middle of the desert here.
Trip report – Group trip in Dahab, Egypt
Sebastiaan was diving with a nice group in Dahab, a fantastic diving destination in Egypt. They dived in the Blue Hole, camped in Ras Mohamed and most of all did a lot of diving, laughed...
Read more
5 blue holes that belong on the bucket list of every diver
Read all about the most beautiful blue holes worldwide, from the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Blue Hole of Gozo. Discover depths, diving opportunities, underwater landscapes and which locations are suitable for beginners...
Read more
What sharks are there in Egypt?
You can encounter different kinds of sharks in Egypt. Read all about where, when and most importantly, which sharks!
Trip report – Group trip in the Maldives
In mid-October the group trip with Robbert to the Maldives was planned: ten nights on the Nautilus II for the central itinerary. Read here how the dives were and what tips Rob has for trips...
Read more
Mexico’s sardine run | Magdalena Bay
Did you know you can also experience a sardine run in Baja California? This impressive natural spectacle lets you watch thousands of sardines huddle together in shimmering schools, pursued by hungry predators. Discover the unique...
Read more
Diving in Alor: a complete guide
Indonesia’s Alor is a relatively unknown destination that not many people go to. However, it is more than worth it: the island offers world-class diving and you may just come face to face with mola...
Read more
The giants of Alor: all about the whales
Alor is a special region in Indonesia where you have the chance to spot 2 enormous whales. Read more about this phenomenon here.
Trip report – diving in Abu Dabbab
Sebastian was with the diving club in Abu Dabbab. Read how the diving trip was: from diving in the bay with giant turtles to swimming with dolphins!