Travel Tips: How to Pack for Your Next Scuba Adventure
There is nothing more exciting than packing for your next scuba trip, but knowing what to bring, and what to ditch is a common problem divers face.
Organizing your gear so it doesn't get damaged and contending with airline baggage allowances are important considerations when preparing for your scuba trip. As a travel diver you will always want to focus on ensuring that your gear is lightweight and compact.
Airline travel and baggage allowance have been shifting quite a bit lately, with airlines charging more for specialty equipment and reducing carry-on limits. Which is why it is more important than ever to invest in lightweight quality travel scuba gear so you aren't hit with high excess baggage fees or even worse unable to bring your gear with you.
Rent or Buy?
The first question to consider is: do you rent your equipment or invest in buying your full kit; and if you are going to buy what are the most important pieces to invest in first?
The decision to rent or buy will really depend on the frequency of your diving. If you dive one day out of a 7 day vacation, twice a year, buying a full set up might not be worth the expense. But treating yourself to a comfortable mask and a good dive computer will definitely enhance those experiences.
Typically most dive centers have high quality rental gear, but it will really depend on your diving destination. If you are diving in Playa del Carmen or anywhere in the Mayan Riviera you will find high quality dive centers with a full range of equipment, as we are accustomed to large volumes of tourists from around the world.
If your diving is bringing you to more remote or underdeveloped locations you might wish to check with the center first to find out which sizes and brands of gear they have available.
Outlier sizes like super small or extra large in fins, wetsuits or BCD's might not always be available in your required size. Check first so you are not stuck using uncomfortable gear on your dive holiday.
Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask when regulators and BCD's were last serviced. A good shop will answer confidently.
Back to Basics
Many conscientious divers pack their own core life-support gear which includes: mask, regulator, dive computer and then rent bulkier items like BCD, fins, wetsuit, weights, and tank.
Even if you are a no-checked baggage type you can still fit your masks, snorkel, and other small accessories in your carry-on baggage.
You will want to make sure that you prioritize being comfortable in and out of the water with sun protecting clothing, waterproof bags, and basic equipment. It is easy to fit your swimwear and basic equipment in carry-on only if you plan and organize yourself.
Pro Packing: Carry-On versus Checked Baggage
If you are looking to travel without any checked baggage you will need to ensure that you invest in equipment that is within the allowable baggage limits.
Typically airlines restrict carry-on to 7–10 kg (15–22 lbs.) with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 in). It is always best to check with the airlines you will be traveling with on their policies for carry-on and sports equipment.
Some airlines charge a set fee for a sports equipment bag, while others will allow it as your standard baggage. Do research ahead of time so you are not stuck at the airline counter at the last minute forking out cash to bring your gear.
Typically airlines will allow certain equipment in your carry on:
✅ Regulators: are sensitive gear and small enough to keep with you.
✅ Dive computers: are expensive and fragile, carry them in your bag or wear them.
✅ Masks & snorkels: are compact and fit easily in your carry-on bag.
✅ Underwater camera equipment: is fragile and expensive, keep it with you.
✅ Swimwear and dive accessories: always carry your basic clothing in case of lost luggage.
Obviously for safety and weight reasons certain pieces of equipment are not permitted in carry on:
❌ Scuba tanks: completely prohibited in cabin, even empty.
❌ Dive weights: are too heavy and must go in checked luggage.
❌ Dive knives, spearguns, or sharp tools: are always banned from cabin luggage.
If you are going to check luggage remember to check with your airlines baggage limit. Typically you are allowed 23 kg (50 lbs.) for economy and up to 32 kg (70 lbs.) for business/first class.
In addition to weight limits, there are also size limits on airline baggage. Typically airlines have a standard maximum which is the sum of its three dimensions: Length + Width + Height called linear dimensions. The typical standard maximum is 158 cm (62 inches) total.
👉 Example:
If your dive bag measures 80 cm long x 40 cm wide x 38 cm high:
80 cm + 40 cm + 38 cm = 158 cm (62 inches)
✅ Within the limit.
Note: If the sum is more than 158 cm, airlines classify it as oversized baggage, and extra fees apply
Travel Considerations
At Xico Dive Shop, our clients come from around the world. And many come here specifically for the wide selection of dive equipment that we carry. With top brands like Scubapro, Aqualung, Garmin, Atomic Aquatics, Suunto and Bonassi you will be able to get the gear you need.
The number one question we get from travel divers is: What is the best set up to keep your gear lightweight, compact and travel ready?
With airlines reducing baggage allowances and charging extra for gear you need to be sure that your fins aren't going to cost you a flight.
To help you travel smarter, we have put together a list of must-have equipment pieces for the travel diver.
Tips when traveling with gear
Pack Smart: Whenever possible select carry-on friendly gear. Invest in lightweight travel fins, compact BCDs, and rash guards instead of bulky wetsuits
Protect Your Investment: Dry bags, regulator bags, mesh equipment bags, phone cases, and Go Pro Housing. Make sure that you spend the extra money to protect your valuables.
Simplify with Tech: Choose a smart watch style dive computer like the Garmin MK3 which is a dive computer, fitness tracker and smart pay all on one device. Go for fins like the Seawing Supernova that have interchangeable foot pockets and blades that can be disarmed easily for travel.
Invest in quality: you don't want to be on a dive trip and have a mask strap snap, or a fin break and not be able to fix it because there isn't a dive shop nearby. Buying high quality gear will ensure that your kit is reliable and you stay safe.
Know before you go
When you start investing in equipment you want to ensure that you make the best purchases to suit your diving needs. Before investing in gear it is best to consider where, what type of diving and how frequently you will be traveling.
There is nothing worse than lugging gear all over the world. So you want to be sure that when you invest in your kit you have a travel friendly set up that will get you where you are going safely and effectively with minimal baggage.
Travel Scuba Diver Packing List
Basics
Mask: Investing in a high quality mask means no leaky or foggy dives. When you have your own mask you know that it will fit comfortably and you wont have any issues. A comfortable well-fitting mask will make a difference in your underwater experience.
Our Pick: The Atomic Aquatics Medium Fit Mask is completely indestructible because of its stainless-steel internal frame and reinforced design. That durability means you don’t have to worry about it cracking or breaking in your luggage, which makes it especially reliable for travel. It’s not the smallest mask on the market, but the tradeoff is strength. So for divers who value both compact packing and ruggedness, it’s the best option for travel.
Snorkel: Many dive centers include a snorkel in the “standard equipment” list. Instructors may check that you have one during confined and open water sessions. We always recommend having a lightweight snorkel with you not just for safety, but to enjoy impromptu snorkeling tours.
Our Pick: The Aropec SC-U137 Floating Snorkel is lightweight and foldable. Since many dive operations require a snorkel as part of your equipment its always best to have one with you and this is the ideal choice for the traveler who enjoys scuba, freediving and snorkeling.
Dive Computer: a dive computer is an essential component of every divers underwater life support system. Especially if you are doing multiple dives over the course of multiple days, you shouldn't rely on your guide or the dive center's computer. Investing in a high quality dive computer, will ensure that you are responsible for your own underwater safety at all times.
Our Pick: The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 43M is the perfect dive computer, not only is it super stylish it is a smart watch, smart pay, dive computer and everything tracking device. Designed for divers who prioritize high-performance and aesthetics. It seamlessly combines rugged durability with elegant design, catering to both recreational and technical divers. Equipped with SubWave™ sonar technology, it offers diver-to-diver messaging and tank pressure monitoring with compatible transmitters
Regulator: the biggest reason divers invest in their own regulators is for hygiene and safety. Rental regulators are used by dozens, sometimes hundreds of divers each season. Even with cleaning, it’s not the same as having your own mouthpiece. Your own regulator means you know exactly how it’s been maintained, handled, and stored.
Our Pick: The Poseidon X-Stream Regulator Set has earned a reputation as one of the ultimate regulators for travel divers because it combines durability, performance, and reliability in extreme conditions with a design that’s surprisingly travel-friendly. The second stage is streamlined and compact, taking up less space in a gear bag. Despite being a rugged piece of equipment, it packs down smaller than many high-performance regulators. The Poseidon regs use a side-purge system that helps prevent free-flow caused by currents and cleverly redirects bubbles away from your mask view. One of the coolest features are that the components are symmetrical, meaning you can breathe from either side which is useful for streamlined gear layouts or air sharing emergencies
Apparel
Shorts: Diving in the Caribbean means warm water and you can absolutely ditch the wetsuit. Many divers prefer to use swim shorts as they are lighter weight, more comfortable and not as warm as a wetsuit. Whether you use them for diving or for the pool, swimming or snorkeling you will want to ensure that you pack swimming shorts.
Our Pick: Check out our full selection of women's and men's lightweight, breathable, 4-way stretch swim shorts. In a variety of colours and sizes you will find the perfect pair for your adventures. We love the UV color changing shorts that display a vibrant tropical pattern when exposed to the sun. And the bright colors mean that you are easily visible underwater.
Hooded Breathable Shirt: keep yourself cool, dry and protected after your dives with a hooded sun protecting shirt. Perfect for boating, fishing, snorkeling tours or catching a sunset on the beach.
Our Pick: The Xico Dive Shop Men's Hooded Dry Fit Sun Protecting Shirt is perfect for the after dive or days out fishing and sailing. The hood gives you sun protection and coverage from wind and rain. Available in four classic colors-Navy, Red, Grey and Military Green. Pairs perfectly with our Men's 4-way stretch shorts.
Sea Leggings: want to skip the wetsuit but still protect your legs from coral, jelly fish and the sun. Leggings are the perfect alternative to a wetsuit for diving in the Caribbean. Use them in the sea instead of a wetsuit or as a base layer for extra warmth under your wetsuit for Cenote diving.
Our Pick: in the warm water Caribbean you don't need to wear a wetsuit, so many local divers skip the wet suit and use leggings or shorts. Our pick are the Eagle Ray Sea Leggings, ideal for diving or wearing as a base layer under your wetsuit.
Rash Guard: a rash guard is essential for every diver. Whether you use a wetsuit or not, you will want to have a long sleeve sun protecting rash guard for on the boat or as a base layer.
Our Pick: Become part of the team with Xico Dive Center Rash Guards! Designed with bright, eye-catching prints, these sun-protective rash guards keep you looking sharp and shielded whether you’re exploring underwater or relaxing by the pool.
Thermal Protection: if you are looking for extra thermal protection without a wetsuit, a vest is a great alternative. It will provide you with core body and head protection, which is especially beneficial for cenote diving.
Our Pick: the Bonassi Undervest with Hood is a great thermal layer to add on cooler days or if you are hitting cenotes. For traveling this is great as an alternative to a bulky full wetsuit
Personal Care
Shampoo and Conditioner: Diving can do a number on your hair, but you still want to look great while you are on vacation. You can't always rely on dive shops and hotels to have quality shampoo and conditioner. A travel size Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for those who prefer no checked baggage but want to be well coiffed on vacation.
Our Pick: The Stream2Sea Shampoo and Body Wash comes in a convenient 50ml travel size perfect for keeping in your dive bag. Pair it with the Stream2Sea Leave-in Condition great for treating your hair pre and post dive to keep your hair tangle fee. Toss this duo in your dive bag and keep your locks soft and glowing all vacation long.
Reef Safe Sunscreen: Many marine parks and reserve areas in this area restrict the use of sunscreen or only permit the use of reef safe sun protection. Check with your hotel and dive shop to find out what is permitted where you will be diving.
Our Pick: Coral Care Reef Safe Sunscreen is the first sunscreen that actually helps coral thrive! Packed with natural nutrients and minerals loved by coral farmers, this gentle formula shields you from UVA and UVB rays while giving coral a boost of up to 21% healthy growth. Tested for aquatic safety and safe for all skin types, Coral Care is your sunny-day sidekick in the fight against coral bleaching.
Microfiber Towel: Toweling off after a dive or claiming a coveted beach spot, it is always a good idea to travel with a light weight towel, especially as a diver. You don't want to be carrying bulky hotel towels with you for tours and excursions, so invest in a lightweight microfiber towel to keep in your bag.
Our Pick: the quick drying Sharx Microfiber Towel is our pick for the travel diver. It comes with a mesh carrying bag and rolls up to fit neatly in your carry-on.
Water Bottle: staying hydrated while diving and traveling is super important. Be environmentally conscious by packing a reusable water bottle that you can refill along your journey.
Our Pick: Yeti Yonder 750 ml Water Bottle is made from BPA-free and 50% recycled plastic this 750 mL (25 oz) water bottle is not only environmentally friendly, but also 100% leakproof, making it ideal for those on-the-go.
Dive Accessories
Mesh Gear Bag: You will want to have a separate bag to carry your dive gear to and from the dive center daily. A lightweight mesh bag is a must have for transporting wet gear and keeping yourself organized.
Our Pick: The Xico Dive Center Mesh Diving Bag folds up small enough that you can easily tuck it in your carry-on. This lightweight mesh bag comes in two different colors and is idea for daily use to transport your equipment.
Signal Marker Buoy: Divers use a surface marker buoy to make their position in the water clear to people and boat traffic at the surface. While your guide will do this, it is always important to have your own safety equipment in the event of emergency.
Our Pick: The Trident FM62 Signal Tube is a must-have for any diver. Stay safe, stay alert. Available in Pink and Yellow it's high visibility design and bright 'Diver Below' markings make it easy to spot, while the padded inflator cover ensures easy use.
Dry Bag: protect your phone and valuables on board or at the beach with a dry bag. Compact and foldable you can put this in your carry-on and use it locally for your daily dives.
Our Pick: 10L Scuba Supreme Dry Bag is the perfect size to fit a towel, change of clothes and your daily necessities. We love the high visibility yellow so you can always keep an eye on your gear.
Torch: A torch provides clarity and color to the underwater world, reveals hidden creatures, ensures you don't miss out on interesting sights, and can be crucial for exploring underwater structures or for night diving. Bringing your own torch ensures that you are always prepared for exploring underwater.
Our Pick: The Kraken 1000 Lumens Dive Light is bright, tough, and made for serious diving, the NR-1000 pumps out 1000 lumens in a tight 8° beam; perfect for night dives, wrecks, and peeking into crevices. It’s powered by a USB-rechargeable 18650 battery with up to 2 hours of burn time on high and over 8 hours on low. No cradles, no hassle, just plug-in, charge and go!
Hooks: Snap hooks that swivel offer a quick and reliable way to attach and detach gear and accessories, making setup and adjustments easier. Whether you are attaching your fins or your Go Pro these swivel hooks allow you keep everything together and streamlined.
Our Pick: keep it all together on land or in the sea with our Single Ended Swivel Hooks. Our 108mm hooks are designed with a single end hook for ease of use and increased functionality. Made with high-quality materials, these hooks provide a strong and durable connection, making them ideal for fishing, boating, snorkeling and diving
BCD, Boots and Fins
BCD: If you are a frequent traveler and diver, investing in a travel BCD might be worthwhile. Having a BCD that fits well for your body and that you are comfortable using will ensure your safety and comfort underwater. Especially if you are going on a dive holiday bringing your own BCD will be worth it!
Our Pick: The Scubapro Hydros for Women and the Scubapro Hydros for Men are lightweight travel BCD's and considered the best on the market. Foldable they come with a swanky travel bag that can fit your entire set up.
The Scubapro Hydros Backpack itself, when packed with a Hydros BCD, measures approximately 20 x 13 x 10 inches (51 x 33 x 25 cm).
This size is generally within the limits for most carry-on luggage allowances, which are typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but it's always a good idea to check the specific airline's restrictions.
Boots: Depending on where you are traveling and the type of diving you are doing you may or may not want to bring boots with you. If you are diving in colder water or doing shore entries, dive boots are a valuable item. If you plan on bringing our own fins you will also want to ensure that you bring boots that fit and pair comfortably with your fins.
Our Pick: If you are looking for foot protection but do not need full ankle support or thicker soles, you might prefer to go for the Bonassi Bahia Shorty Boots 3mm. Ideal for warm water diving, these booties will provide extra comfort, prevent blisters from chafing, and protect your feet from potential cuts and abrasions from rocky surfaces or the fin.
Fins: Rental fins can vary in quality and condition, with some being uncomfortable or inefficient, leading to more exertion and faster air consumption. Often rental fleets do not have a full range of sizes so if you are on outlier sizes- super small or extra large, you might not be able to get properly fitting fins. Having your own fins, especially if you are doing multiple dive days can ensure no blisters, chaffing or leg cramps.
Our Pick: The Scubapro Seawing Supernova Fins are a top choice for travel divers. Swap out foot pockets for the closed heel for warm water or the open heel bungee for cold water or when you want to bring boots.
The versatility of these fins make them like having two pairs of fins in one!
They offer a lightweight, compact design and easy packability, you can disarm them to disconnect the foot pocket from the blade for more compact travel. Unlike most travel fins these deliver powerful propulsion with less effort and are built from durable, quick-drying materials. Streamlined and efficient, they let you travel light without sacrificing performance underwater.
Traveling as a diver doesn't need to be stressful, just remember:
- Start by purchasing the most important pieces and gradually build up your kit.
- Invest in high quality pieces that are lightweight and compact.
- Only pack essentials
Gear up for your next dive adventure and visit us in Playa del Carmen. We are located just steps from the beach on Calle Flamingos and open daily from 9am-8pm. Can't visit us in store, shop online and enjoy shipping anywhere in Mexico, with free shipping on all dive computers!
Download our Travel Packing list
“Be ready for anything and burdened by nothing; Adventure awaits”