There’s a specific kind of excitement that comes with booking a dive trip.
Flights confirmed. Accommodation sorted. Dive centre contacted. Suddenly you’re checking water temperatures instead of the weather at home. You start picturing that first descent — the bubbles, the light, the quiet.
But here’s the part most people don’t post about: the preparation.
The difference between a smooth dive trip and a stressful one usually comes down to what you did before you left. A forgotten adaptor, expired service, or missing insurance detail can derail your first day faster than rough seas.
So this guide walks through everything properly. Not in a checklist-heavy way. Just honest, practical advice from divers who’ve seen what goes wrong — and how to avoid it.
Choosing the Right Type of Dive Trip
Before packing even enters the picture, think about the structure of your trip.
Group trips organised by dive shops or travel coordinators are ideal if you prefer simplicity. Transfers, schedules and contingencies are usually handled for you. They’re also excellent if you’re travelling solo and want guaranteed dive buddies.
Planning independently offers more flexibility. You choose the dive centre, the accommodation, the schedule. It takes more research — especially checking cancellation policies and entry requirements — but the reward is complete control over your itinerary.
Liveaboards sit somewhere in between. Once onboard, everything runs smoothly and efficiently. The operator handles accommodation and diving logistics. Your responsibility is getting there prepared and rested. If you’re heading to destinations like the Red Sea, Maldives or Indonesia, liveaboards are one of the most efficient ways to maximise bottom time.
There’s no universally “best” format. Just the one that suits your personality and experience level.
Travel Insurance That Actually Covers Diving
Standard travel insurance is not automatically dive insurance.
This is where many divers assume they’re covered — until they read the fine print.
You need to confirm that your policy includes recreational scuba diving, depth limits appropriate to your certification level, emergency evacuation and hyperbaric chamber treatment. Chamber costs abroad are significant. It’s not something you want to debate mid-incident.
Dive-specific insurance policies exist for good reason. It’s worth reviewing this well before departure.
Medical Preparation and Fitness to Dive
If you’re taking a course, upgrading certification or haven’t dived in some time, you may need to complete a medical questionnaire. Certain conditions require GP sign-off.
If travelling internationally, check whether any vaccinations or health documentation are required. Some vaccinations involve multiple doses, so start early.
Even if no paperwork is required, consider your own fitness honestly. Diving involves lifting equipment, climbing boat ladders and occasionally swimming in current. If you’ve had recent injuries or health changes, get clearance. Peace of mind underwater is invaluable.
Contacting Your Dive Centre Before You Travel
A quick message to the dive centre before you fly can save time on arrival. Just confirm your kit will work with their setup and check any extras like Nitrox availability. Five minutes of communication now can prevent faffing around on the first dive morning.
Ask about gear storage. If travelling solo, knowing your equipment can be securely stored between dives makes life easier than trying to dry a BCD in a small hotel room.
These small clarifications make arrival day feel calm rather than chaotic.
Servicing and Inspecting Your Scuba Gear
Do not unpack your dive bag the night before departure.
Pull your equipment out several weeks in advance.
Inspect regulator hoses closely, especially near fittings and hose protectors. Check mouthpieces for wear. Test your BCD inflator and dump valves. Charge dive computers and lights. Replace worn O-rings.
If your regulator or BCD is due for annual servicing, book it early. Service departments become busy quickly during peak travel seasons. If you need servicing or inspection, our scuba servicing team at Mike’s Dive Store can help ensure everything is ready well before your flight.
Tanks require annual visual inspections and hydrostatic testing every five years. Confirm certification dates if you’re travelling with your own cylinders.
And yes — try your wetsuit or drysuit on. Seals degrade over time and fit can change. Discovering issues early gives you time to fix them properly.
If It’s Been a While Since Your Last Dive
Book a refresher dive.
Even experienced divers benefit from a skills reset if they haven’t been underwater for months. A controlled refresher session allows you to practise buoyancy control, mask skills and emergency drills in a relaxed environment.
That way your first dive of the trip isn’t spent recalibrating weighting or trim.
Packing Smart for a Dive Holiday
Dive trips involve more specialised equipment than standard holidays. Organisation matters.
Make a proper written list. Mask, fins, regulator, BCD, computer, exposure protection, SMB and reel, torch, spares kit, certification cards, logbook, chargers.
If you’re travelling with underwater photography equipment, double-check O-rings, batteries and mounting hardware.
Airline baggage limits vary, especially on smaller regional connections. A dedicated dive travel bag with durable wheels makes airport transit significantly easier. Once at your destination, a lightweight foldable mesh bag is ideal for boat diving days.
If you’re looking to reduce weight, consider travel-friendly dive equipment designed specifically for divers who fly regularly.
We’ll be diving much deeper into packing strategies, weight-saving tips and smart travel gear choices in the next blog in this series.
Travel Documents and Entry Requirements
Ensure your passport validity meets the entry requirements of your destination — many countries require six months remaining.
Keep digital copies of your passport, insurance documents and dive certifications securely stored.
Entry requirements can change. Always check official government travel guidance close to departure rather than relying on older articles.
Build in Buffer Time
Arriving the day before diving begins is one of the best decisions you can make.
It allows you to hydrate, adjust to time zones and resolve any unexpected issues without losing dive days. Diving tired or dehydrated is avoidable with sensible planning.
The Right Mindset for Dive Travel
Even with perfect preparation, things can change. Weather shifts. Dive sites swap due to current. Boats adjust schedules.
Preparation gives you flexibility. If your logistics are sorted and your gear is ready, small changes won’t derail your enjoyment.
The goal of preparation isn’t perfection. It’s freedom — the ability to descend relaxed and focused on the experience.
When everything is organised properly, you can concentrate on the reason you travelled in the first place: that quiet moment at depth when the noise disappears and it’s just you, your buddy and the ocean.
FAQs
How far in advance should I service my scuba gear before a dive trip?
Give yourself at least four to six weeks before departure. This allows time for parts ordering and avoids peak-season servicing delays.
Do I really need dive-specific insurance?
Yes. Standard travel insurance may exclude scuba diving or limit depth coverage. Always confirm chamber and evacuation cover.
Should I bring my own regulator or rent at the destination?
If you’re comfortable with your own equipment and it’s properly serviced, bringing it is often preferable. Familiar gear improves confidence and performance underwater.
What if I haven’t dived in over a year?
Book a refresher dive. It will significantly improve your comfort and enjoyment during the trip.
How can I reduce baggage weight for a dive holiday?
Consider lightweight travel-specific dive gear and plan your packing carefully. Check airline limits before finalising your equipment list.
Final Thoughts
Getting ready for a dive trip isn’t about overthinking every detail. It’s about removing friction before it appears.
Sort your insurance. Check your health. Service your gear early. Ask smart questions. Refresh your skills. Pack deliberately. Leave time for travel.
Do those things and when you finally descend — whether it’s into warm tropical blue or your favourite coastal site — you’ll feel relaxed, confident, and present.
