What to Pack for a Liveaboard Dive Trip

Are you gearing up for a 7-day dive adventure with Explorer Ventures? Packing for a liveaboard dive trip is a unique experience, and knowing exactly what to bring can make all the difference in your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Whether you’re diving in the Galapagos, Caribbean, or Maldives, here’s your streamlined packing checklist to help you dive in fully prepared.

Liveaboard Diving Essentials

Our scuba diving tours are tailored for divers of all levels and diving classes can be added on to improve your diving ability. While scuba gear such as tanks, weights, and weight belts are usually included in the dive packages, it is highly advisable to check what is provided onboard.

Generally, liveaboard diving holidays take you to remote places, which emphasizes the importance of bringing the right clothing and equipment to get the most out of your experience.

Dive Gear Essentials

Keep in mind the time of year you’re traveling, the destination climate, and water temperatures when planning your list of what to bring.

Bring your own gear if possible—nothing beats familiarity when you’re underwater for hours.

The following items are absolute essentials that need to be packed into your scuba diving travel bag.

• Mask, snorkel, and fins (comfortable, broken-in gear recommended)
• Exposure suit appropriate to the region (shorty, full wetsuit, or rashguard)
• Dive computer, BCD, and regulator
• Surface marker buoy (SMB) and safety whistle
• Backup dive light, batteries, and O-rings
• Dive logbook and certification card

Pro Tip: Renting onboard? Confirm what’s available in advance to avoid packing redundantly.

Minimizing Exposure

Staying warm and comfortable means you will be able to enjoy the long and frequent dives planned for your itinerary, so wearing the correct suit is crucial. Make sure your wetsuit is in good condition and has the right thickness for your diving destination conditions. Suits that are worn through or too thin are not as warm or as buoyant, so if you’re spending the time and money on a diving holiday, it is worth investing in a good wetsuit.

Underwater Photography Equipment

Planning to capture the incredible marine life? Bring these items and don’t forget backup batteries or chargers so your camera is always ready for that awesome shot! 

• Camera with waterproof housing
• Extra SD cards and batteries
• Charging cables and power strip with international adapter
• Microfiber cloths to wipe lenses

Is this your first liveaboard diving trip?
Read our blog “8 Tips for First-Timers“

Non-Diving Luggage – Clothing & Personal Essentials

Diving may be the first and foremost thing on your mind but don’t forget to consider what you will need when you are not in the water. Again, the season and destination temperatures will determine what to pack. If you’re off on a Galapagos liveaboard dive trip, the annual weather temperature is usually always over 20 oC, however, water is cooler so summer clothing is ideal for onboard and land leisure activities. But be sure to bring a warm jumper, and a windbreaker also for cooler evenings.

Dry Clothing and Footwear

Note that storage space in a boat cabin can be limited so pack for the duration of your holiday and remember, it is a liveaboard scuba diving trip, not a weekend in Paris, so you will be spending most of your time in the water. Your priority is being comfortable and keeping warm, especially after a full day of diving.

Space is tight, so pack light and smart.

• Quick-dry shirts and shorts
• Swimsuits (bring a few)
• Long-sleeve layers for cooler evenings
• Flip-flops or deck shoes (most use barefeet)
• Lightweight towel and laundry bag

General Necessities

The best liveaboard dive trips are the ones where you’ve gone prepared without overloading your suitcase. The whole idea is to have a great diving vacation while keeping yourself healthy and relaxed. So, don’t forget to include these extra supplies on your packing list.

Toiletries and Medicines

You won’t be able to run off to a pharmacy so make sure you have enough of the basics for the duration of your trip. Also, a hanging toiletry bag is useful for easy access. If you suffer from allergies or seasickness, take your medication along.

Diving is physically exhausting so you will need sufficient rest and recovery to get through a full holiday of scuba. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs are handy to block out the boat engine noise and eye masks will help for those afternoon naps in between diving sessions. Or take a good book to help you relax.

Sun Protection

A decent pair of sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen is essential when you are out in the middle of the ocean to protect against strong UV rays. Choose reef-safe products that don’t contain harmful chemicals that affect coral reefs and marine life. Wear protective clothing, and a hat that provides adequate shade, then use sunscreen as the last defense

Onboard Comfort

Enhance your downtime between dives.

• Reusable water bottle
• Dry bag or mesh dive bag
• Headlamp or reading light
• Earplugs and sleep mask
• Notebook or Kindle for journaling or reading

Documents & Dive Info

Don’t forget the paperwork!

• Valid passport and printed copies
• Travel insurance and dive accident insurance
• Explorer Ventures trip confirmation documents
• Dive certifications (physical or digital)
• Local currency and major credit card

Bonus Tips

• Label your gear and accessories with your name
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to save space
• Store documents in a waterproof pouch
• Bring a small first aid kit for personal use

Packing smart means more time enjoying the dive and less time worrying about what you forgot. With this guide, you’re all set for an unforgettable liveaboard adventure with Explorer Ventures. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diver, the ocean is calling—see you on deck!