Liveaboard Dive Gear to Pack - Canva

Liveaboard Packing Checklist

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Everything You Need to Pack for Your Dive Liveaboard Adventure.

Asking yourself what to pack for a liveaboard? This packing checklist covers everything you’ll need for smooth sailing and stress-free diving—with a handy downloadable version you can save or print for your trip.

1. Smart Packing for Smooth Sailing.  

Use soft, space-wise luggage  
Opt for a lightweight duffel or collapsible bag—easy to stash under the bed and boat-friendly.   

Pack only what you need
Pack liveaboard dive trip essentials only. Living the wetsuit life means minimal clothing. Swimwear, rash guards, a comfy evening layer – skip the extras. Most guest say, “I wish I packed less,” and take clothes home unworn. 

Carry-on essentials  
Always keep your regulator, dive computer, mask, certification card, medications, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on—this will save you if any luggage goes astray.  

Pro Tip: Bring clothes pins or clips to secure your suits and trunks as they dry. 

2. Dive Gear: Bring Your Best.  

Familiar is better  
Bringing your own dive gear for a liveaboard is always best—your mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, regulator, and dive computer will feel best underwater. Be sure they’re broken-in and reliable. If you’ve serviced gear for this trip, give it a test before packing.   

Liveaboard Dive Gear to Pack - Canva

Safety & extras  
Include a surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel, dive light & backup (with spare batteries and O-rings), tank marker light, whistle/dive alert, logbook, dive insurance card, and certification card.  

Photo-ready gear  
Planning to capture jaw-dropping sea life? Bring your underwater camera, housing, extra SD cards, and charging gear with adapters—don’t forget backup batteries, silicone grease, moisture munchers, etc. Dedicated charging areas await your gear! 

Pro Tip: Wi-Fi is limited on most vessels, so pack your dive computer and camera manuals to make troubleshooting a breeze. 

3. Off-Water Must-Haves.  

Comfort above the surface  
Pack quick-dry shirts, shorts, multiple swimsuits, and a sweater or windbreaker for evening chill.   

Shoes & towels  
Just bring flip-flops or deck shoes, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes for any land tours. Towels? No need! Leave ‘em, the boat handles those.   

Toiletries & wellness  
Use travel-sized and reef-safe products (e.g. sunscreens) in reusable containers. Shower gel and shampoo provided in most destinations. Bring any personal meds, seasickness remedies (like patches or pills), earplugs, and an eye mask for restful cruise naps.  Pack an extra day or two of essentials in case of delays. 

Pro Tip: Choose reef-safe sunscreen and toiletries—not only are they better for marine life, but many destinations now require them. 

4. Insider Tips for First-Time Liveaboarders.  

Listen and learn  
Pay attention to dive briefings—they explain how tides, currents, or marine life can affect the schedule.  Listen carefully to safety briefings!  

Pack light, share space  
Cabins and gear stations are cozy, so less is more. Stick to versatile layers, a few swimsuits, and your dive kit—leaving extra room for comfort and easy movement onboard. 

Plastics & non-biodegradable items 
If plastics and non-biodegradable items travel with you, please also plan to return home with them. Facilities to correctly recycle these items are rare in most remote liveaboard locations.  
 
Pro Tip: Extra batteries, favorite treats, reading materials, and small toiletries often become crew donations.  

The Complete Liveaboard Packing Checklist 

Scroll down for the full liveaboard diving gear list, essentials to pack also —or grab a downloadable version to take with you.

Travel Essentials (the important stuff!)

  • Logbook, certification cards 
  • Dive insurance card 
  • Passport  
  • travel documents 
  • Any prescription/OTC medications 
  • Credit card + small amount of local currency-check FAQs for currencies accepted aboard 

Dive Gear (bring your own if possible) 

  • Mask, fins & snorkel (booties for open-heel fins) 
  • BCD  
  • Regulator & gauges (with alternate air source) 
  • Dive computer & manual 
  • Wetsuit (thickness depends on destination, consider layering) 
  • Surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel 
  • Dive light, backup light, + spare batteries/O-rings 
  • Tank marker light 
  • Whistle or audible signaling device 
  • Underwater camera + housing, SD cards, batteries and chargers 

Clothing & Comfort (less is more) 

  • 2–3 swimsuits 
  • Rash guard or dive skin 
  • Quick-dry shorts & t-shirts/tanks (more modest clothing where cultural norms dictate) 
  • Light long-sleeve or hoodie for evenings/indoor AC 
  • Windbreaker or light jacket 
  • Flip-flops or deck shoes  
  • 1 casual outfit and walking shoes for travel/shore visits 
  • Sunglasses & hat with clip or chin strap 
Liveaboard Packing Checklist for dive trip

Toiletries & Wellness (travel-sized)

  • Personal toiletries (reusable containers) 
  • Reef-safe sunscreen 
  • Seasickness remedies (patches, pills, bands) 
  • Ear drops, motion sickness earplugs (optional) 
  • Eye mask & earplugs (for restful naps) 
  • Reusable water bottle 

Entertainment for Downtime (no/limited Wi-Fi on board!) 

  • Books, e-reader, or magazines 
  • Journal or sketchbook 
  • Downloaded movies, playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks 
  • Travel games or playing cards 
  • Camera for above-water memories 

Packing smart means more time to focus on what really matters—epic dives, new friendships, and unforgettable adventures. With this liveaboard packing checklist, you’re set for smooth sailing from the moment you step aboard.

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