Dive gear (rent vs bring)
Bring: mask (always — nothing fits like yours), computer, fins (if you have a favourite), wetsuit (rentals smell). Rent on board: BCD, regulator, weights, tanks. Don't bring: spare BCD, spare regs (waste of luggage). Pack dive gear in a soft duffel — easier to stash on a boat than a hard suitcase.
Clothing for 7 days
3 swimsuits (rotate to dry), 2 board shorts / quick-dry shorts, 4 t-shirts, 1 long-sleeve UV shirt, 1 light hoodie (air-con + night dives), flip-flops + reef shoes, sun hat, light sarong (women — multi-purpose). Skip jeans and dressy clothes — there's no occasion.
The dry-bag essentials kit
Sunscreen (reef-safe, SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF, after-sun gel, motion-sickness pills (Stugeron / Bonine / patches), antibiotics for ear infections (ask your GP), painkillers, antihistamines, electrolyte sachets, ear-drying drops, plasters, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitiser.
Electronics and adapters
Phone + charger, GoPro / dive camera + 2 spare batteries + SD cards, universal travel adapter (220V & 110V), waterproof phone pouch, e-reader (no signal = lots of reading time), small power bank. Label every charger with your name.
Documents and money
Passport (6+ months validity), dive certification cards (digital + physical), dive logbook, dive insurance policy printout, travel insurance, EUR/USD cash for tips and onboard bar, visa printouts, a copy of all of the above stored in your email.
What NOT to bring
Hair dryer (boat has one), beach towels (boat provides), heavy books, multiple pairs of shoes, full-size toiletries (most boats provide shampoo), a hard suitcase (no storage space).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring my own tank?
Never. All boats provide tanks; bringing your own breaks airline rules anyway.
How heavy will my luggage be?
15–22 kg with full dive gear. Check airline restrictions — many tropical regional flights cap at 20 kg.
Do I need cash on board?
Yes — for tips (10% of trip), bar tabs, and souvenirs. ATMs do not exist at sea.
Reef-safe sunscreen — really necessary?
Many destinations (Hawaii, Mexico, Palau) ban oxybenzone/octinoxate. Pack mineral-only (zinc oxide) to be safe.
Power adapter — which one?
Universal world adapter handles 99% of cases. Maldives / Egypt = UK or EU plugs respectively.
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