Going on your first diving liveaboard vacation and worried about what to include in your packing list? Worry not, because we have the comprehensive guide, tips, and tricks for you to be able to enjoy your trip to your heart’s content!
1. Essential Documents and Personal Items
Travel documents
If you’re a diver going overseas, the first thing you need to pack will be your most basic personal travel documents: passport, visas, and dive insurance. Make sure that your passport is eligible throughout your entire liveaboard excursion, and read the visa requirements of your intended dive destination. A dive insurance with a trusted provider is also important to issue after you book a liveaboard, especially if it’s your first liveaboard dive trip to a new location. Make sure to have all these documents printed and secured in a waterproof bag, since not every dive spot will have internet or mobile phone reception when you need it (especially in more remote areas).
Dive certification cards and logbook
Many liveaboards will require divers to show their dive certification cards and logbook, considering that liveaboard diving is more intense and challenging. You usually need to have a minimum of a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, a special dive certification that focuses on advancing a diver’s skills by practicing buoyancy, navigating, deep diving, and more. The reason why operators of these trips require you to have proper prior training and experience is to ensure complete dive safety for all participants onboard, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the many dives of the day of a liveaboard package with utmost confidence and comfort.
Other personal information and emergency contacts
Before going on your trip, you should include physical copies of important personal information and emergency contacts in your packing list. If there’s any emergency that happens during your liveaboard, this will help dive guides and/or other staff to immediately take appropriate actions accordingly. Some personal information that you can list includes your allergies, medical conditions, current medications, and any other pertinent health information. Additionally, include the contact information for your primary care physician and any specialists you see regularly, as well as nearby hospitals and consulates in the region that you’re visiting.
2. Dive Gear and Equipment
Mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit
If this is your first liveaboard trip, then the basic gear that we recommend to pack is your own mask, snorkel, fins, rash guard, and wetsuit. Considering that you’ll be away for at least a week at a time, those are the top 4 gears that you’ll need to have the most comfort with.
First of all, a mask that you’re comfortable with is important for clear vision under the water, while a well-adjusted snorkel will help you with effortless breathing at the surface. Selecting the right fins that feels easy to maneuver with is also crucial for your experience under the waters, as you’ll want to dive light during an extended liveaboard dive trip. You can also consider bringing your own dive booties if you’re going scuba diving in rockier dive sites, because this scuba equipment will protect your feet against cuts, stings, and scrapes against rough surfaces.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your own rash guard and wetsuit that’s suitable for the water temperatures of your destination. This is crucial especially if you’re going to colder areas, as a proper, thermal wetsuits will prevent you from getting hypothermia during your trip.
BCD, regulator, and dive computer
A Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is indispensable for managing your buoyancy underwater, allowing you to maintain neutral buoyancy effortlessly. Your regulator, which includes the primary second stage, alternate air source, and the first stage, is essential for breathing underwater. Make sure your regulator is serviced and in good working condition before your trip. A dive computer is a critical piece of equipment that monitors your depth, bottom time, and decompression status, ensuring you dive within safe limits. Investing in a reliable dive computer can significantly enhance your safety and diving experience.
Dive torch, underwater camera, and spare parts
A dive torch is essential for illuminating the underwater world, especially during night dives or exploring crevices and caves. A good underwater camera allows you to capture the stunning marine life and unforgettable moments of your dive. Ensure you pack extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. Additionally, packing spare parts and a repair kit is crucial in case of equipment failure. Include items like O-rings, silicone grease, fin straps, and zip ties. Being prepared with spare parts ensures you can quickly address minor gear issues and continue enjoying your dives without interruption.
3. Clothing, Toiletries, and Personal Care
Light clothing, swimwear, and warm layers
When packing your luggage for your liveaboard trip, it’s important to pack the right clothing that suits the weather conditions in your desired destination. If you’re going somewhere warm, then your packing checklist should include light, breathable clothing. You might want to opt to pack more swimwear as well, as you’ll be spending lots of time under the waters. Additionally, don’t forget to pack a jacket or sweater to keep you warm at night, especially if you’re staying in air-conditioned rooms.
Toiletries and personal medications
When going on a liveaboard trip, you will need to bring enough toiletries and personal medications to last you until the end of the trip (plus a little extra, just in case there’s unexpected delays happening). For toiletries, we recommend trying to bring biodegradable items on your diving packing list, as they won’t harm the environment after you’ve finished using them. This includes body soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and hand lotion for after diving sessions.
For personal medications, you should ensure that you have packed everything you need prior to departing, especially if you have prior medical conditions. We recommend you to at least take your own kit for basic first aid onboard, including important items like band-aids, cough and cold medicines, rash creams, anti-histamines, and seasickness remedies. It’ll be difficult to obtain additional medicine once your dive boat has departed, so it’s important to be well-prepared to ensure you’re having a great time during your underwater explorations.
Other personal care items
Protecting yourself from the sun is important if you’re planning to spend extended periods of time outdoors. Pack a high-SPF, reef safe sunscreen to protect your skin without harming the marine environment when you’re diving. Do bring your own hats and sunglasses as well, because it’s easier to get sunburnt when you’re hanging out on the deck during the daytime. You will also need to always stay hydrated (especially after an entire day of diving), so at least pack one large water bottle that you’ll be able to refill throughout your trip.
Moreover, make sure to pack enough insect repellent as well, particularly if you’re planning to go to tropical areas with large concentrations of mosquitoes and bugs. Diseases like dengue fever and malaria can affect anyone if precautions are not taken, so it’s better to be prepared beforehand.
4. Liveaboard Packing Tips and Tricks
Roll clothing and use packing cubes
The first useful tip when you pack for a liveaboard dive is to roll all your clothing and use several packing cubes to store them. Use different cubes to organize different types of clothing items, such as tops, bottoms, and undergarments. After categorizing your clothing, you can then roll it, which helps save space and reduces wrinkles.
Consider using a dive gear bag
If you’re going to pack your own dive gear, considering packing them into your own dedicated dive gear bag. Not only these bags specially designed to fit all your dive equipment, but they also offer many compartments that keep your gear well-organized. Dive bags are typically made with durable, water-resistant materials, so it’s a great way to keep your equipment dry.
Pack a dry bag for important items
Make sure to pack a dry bag as well, as it helps protect your valuable belongings from the wet environment of a diving liveaboard. You can use them to store electronics, important documents, and other necessary items that needs to be kept dry. Don’t forget to label your items as well, as this will help prevent any mix-ups with other divers’ belongings onboard.
Embark on a Stress-Free Liveaboard Dive Trip Now!
Packing for a liveaboard trip can be stressful before you depart, but it’s better to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth diving adventure. With the right preparation and packing, we’re confident that you’ll be able to your underwater explorations whilst staying onboard.
If you’re already considering booking your next liveaboard dive trip and are looking for a trusted operator, then consider reserving your spot at Solitude World Liveaboards & Resorts! With world-class vessels located in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau, we guarantee you the best scuba diving experience that you’ll have in these popular regions. We offer some of the best facilities available on a liveaboard, including comfortable rooms, all-inclusive gourmet meals, comprehensive diving amenities, and expert PADI-certified guides for divers of all levels.
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!