I'm going on a diving vacation and I'm taking....

It is sometimes challenging to pack your suitcase when you go on vacation. You don’t want to carry too much, but you also don’t want to carry too little. If you’re going on a diving vacation, then there’s an added challenge – your diving equipment. What luggage do you take with you on a diving vacation? And what exactly do you leave at home? And how do you take it? We have listed 8 packing tips for you, especially for your diving trip!

1. Leave your lead & scuba tank at home!

A very logical piece of advice for many people, but it really does happen that people pack their lead. Therefore, some airlines even name in their baggage rules that lead is not allowed. Wherever you go, you can assume that the location where you will be diving has lead for you. As well as a bottle for that matter, you don’t have to pack those either.

2. Respirators

Put your breathers in your carry-on luggage or protect them well in your suitcase. Your regulator easily weighs 3-4 kg and therefore many people prefer to take it with them in their hand luggage, which is often not weighed. In addition, people are also very careful with their regulator and find it a nicer, safer idea to carry it in hand luggage. Should you have room, you can absolutely do that. If you transport your regulator in your suitcase, it is best to pack it well, for example by wrapping it well in a towel or the like. Some people also put the breathers in their diving boots, but we put a bit of our reservations about that in terms of hygiene…. ????

3. Delve into diving equipment for vacation divers

Are you going to buy new gear? Or are you buying diving equipment for the first time? And are you a real vacation diver? Then inquire especially about the travel dive sets. These dive sets are very light and specially designed for travel. A regular diving set can easily weigh 10-15KG, add to that the weight of empty suitcase á 2 to 5 KG and you are not left with very much… (not that you need much more).

4. Baggage rules regarding diving equipment

Familiarize yourself with baggage rules and book extra pounds if necessary. Of course, we at EWDR already take this into account during the booking process, of course. Every airline is different in terms of rules. With some airlines, you can check in dive luggage very cheaply or even for free (Garuda, among others). If it costs relatively little to carry extra pounds, and you don’t plan to travel continuously from accommodation to accommodation, a little extra luggage is convenient. Because with diving equipment, you are often right at the standard 20-23 kilos of checked baggage that most airlines use.

5. Pack the right wetsuit

Inform yourself well in advance what temperature the water is so that you pack the right wetsuit! After all, packing a 7mm suit for a nice diving vacation to Indonesia makes no sense at all. That is way too hot for (almost) everyone and also weighs quite a bit. For tropical water, instead of open-heel fins and boots, you can choose pool fins, with a closed heel. That makes quite a difference, but you do lose comfort and power in the water… choices… choices…. To make it as easy as possible for our customers, we have posted wetsuit advice with all of our trips. Keep in mind that some people get cold faster than others AND if you dive a lot you often cool down faster on the last few dives. Especially for liveaboards, something to consider.

6. Consider renting (some) diving equipment

Have you just started diving? Or maybe you dive on vacation once a year? Sometimes then it can be interesting to just rent your equipment such as BCD, regulator and wetsuit. We do always recommend at least purchasing your own goggles, and a computer will also benefit you for a long time. Everything else you can consider renting. It does depend a bit on where you’re going and how long you’ll be diving – not everywhere is as inexpensive to rent. In the Optional Costs & FAQ of our trips, we indicate the cost of renting diving equipment whenever possible.

7. Traveling with photography & film equipment and/or dive lights

Do you have an underwater camera and/or dive lights? Then it is important that you carry it well protected in your carry-on luggage. In any case, you will have to carry the batteries in your carry-on luggage because those are almost always Lithium batteries and they are not allowed in checked luggage. Your camera/lamp is also very vulnerable and therefore it is not wise to put it in your luggage. Note: Make sure the batteries are out of your camera/lamp/flashers and where possible the contact points are taped.

8. Travel with a hard case suitcase

Perhaps not the lightest option, but certainly the most solid option; a hard case suitcase that protects your belongings extra well. Especially if you carry breathers etc. in your checked baggage, this is definitely worth considering. I myself, Rianne, have a bright yellow suitcase from Samsonite (lightweight and hardcase). This is not a fashion statement – actually the opposite. I got this bright shade of yellow for two reasons, one I instantly recognize it on the belt and two, someone won’t be so quick to grab my suitcase off the belt!

Also perhaps interesting

Middle East Jordan

Diving in Jordan: a complete guide

Jordan is known for Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum, but did you know it also offers great diving? In this guide we take you to the underwater world of Aqaba on the Red...

Read more
Bali Indonesia

Diving in Bali: a complete guide

Are you planning to dive in Bali? In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about diving in Bali – from the best dive sites like Tulamben and Nusa Penida to tips...

Read more
French-Polynesia Resort Honeymoon Luxury

Diving in French Polynesia

French Polynesia offers diverse dive sites across five island groups, with crystal clear waters, impressive marine life and the ideal diving season from May to October.

Read more
Indonesia Resort Eco & Sustainable

Orang-Utans in Borneo Excursion

Extend your (diving) vacation in Borneo with a visit to the Orang-Utans and Sun Bears!

Read more
Saudi Arabia Liveaboard

Travelogue: Diving in Saudi Arabia and traveling as a woman alone

Tessa went to Saudi Arabia on her own to dive with hammerhead sharks as well as explore Jeddah above water.

Read more
South Africa Sharks

Travelogue South Africa | Part 1: Diving at Aliwal Shoal

Rianne flew to South Africa in early July. Her first stop? Blue Ocean Dive Center in Umkomaas!

Read more
Unlimited diving Resort

Unlimited diving is available at these dive resorts

Discover dive resorts offering unlimited diving in 5 countries. Perfect for divers who want to explore the underwater world without restrictions.

Read more
Whales Whale Sharks

Top 5 – July: Best diving destinations

Discover the 5 best dive sites for July! From whale sharks in Mexico to the Sardine Run in South Africa. Plan your next diving adventure.

Read more
Maldives Whale Sharks Manta Rays

Diving trip Maldives

Go on a diving trip to the Maldives! From luxury resorts to budget liveaboards, enjoy fantastic diving with manta rays and whale sharks.

Read more
Maldives Liveaboard Resort

The best time to dive in the Maldives

When is the best time to dive in the Maldives? Check here by month what to expect and when is the best time to visit.

Read more
Maldives

The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives

Back to overview The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world for diving, with a diversity of marine life and enchanting...

Read more
Maldives Whale Sharks Manta Rays Liveaboard

Liveaboard Maldives

This guide on liveaboard diving vacations to the Maldives explains what a liveaboard is, a typical daily schedule, and describes sailing itineraries

Read more

eSim on Dive Vacation – Carefree Internet on your Mobile

Would you like to keep surfing the Internet during your diving vacation? Without skyrocketing roaming charges? Then check out the possibilities of an eSim.

Read more

All about the dive medical examination & dive doctor

Do you need a medical examination? Or would you like to know more about it? This article tells you all about the diving medical examination by a diving doctor.

Read more

Prescription diving mask

Almost any diving mask can be supplied with prescription glasses. Either for far away, near, multifocal, varifocal… It is all possible.

Read more
Bonaire

10 Activities on Bonaire that have nothing to do with diving

We know that you can dive beautifully on Bonaire, but there really is a lot to do for the non-diver as well! We’ve listed our top 10 activities.

Read more
Snorkeling Vacation

The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling Vacations

In this article, we dive into the enchanting world of snorkeling, focusing on the best snorkeling vacations around the world.

Read more
Zanzibar Dolphins

On diving vacation to Zanzibar with Leeuwarden Diving Association

Mark organized a diving vacation to Zanzibar for Diving Association Leeuwarden. It became a buddy trip which meant that other clients of EWDR were also welcome.

Read more
Norway Killer Whales Unique Encounters

Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway

Snorkeling with orcas in Norway offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat.

Read more
Cape Verde Boatdiving Sea Turtles

Diving Cape Verde – Adventure and large schools of fish

Diving in the Cape Verde Islands. What to expect. And is it worth it? We can confidently answer Yes to that….

Read more
Mola mola Manta Rays Macro Diving

The Colors of Bali

Bali is not called the Island of the Gods for nothing; it is an enchanting island. Not only is the island of Bali beautiful, around the island you can do fantastic diving.

Read more
Zanzibar Resort

Soraya & Jeffry go diving on Zanzibar

Soraya & Jeffry went to Zanzibar and stayed at Langi Langi for a week.

Read more
Turks & Caicos Liveaboard

Diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands

Diving in Turks & Caicos offers impressive drop offs, lush coral gardens, a variety of marine life in protected areas with excellent visibility.

Read more
Truk Wreck diving Liveaboard

Diving around Truk

Dozens of ships and hundreds of planes. On the bottom! Do you love wreck diving? Then you have to go to Truk.

Read more