Updated on October 23, 2020

So, you booked a liveaboard dive trip. That’s awesome! But, you still need to plan and pack for your voyage. Not sure what you need? Struggling to find the balance between overpacked and unprepared? Don’t worry. The Adventure Junkies are here to help with our handy packing list for liveaboard diving trips.

When it comes to liveaboard diving, the trick is to pack light and essential pieces. In this article, we’re breaking down the best gear and personal items for you to take along. Especially if this is your first liveaboard, you should shop and pack well in advance. Last minute options might cost more, and force you to settle on less than perfect purchases.

 

 

HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST

The items on this list were hand picked, keeping a few key qualities in mind. For each piece, we’re giving you a little bit of extra information. Focus on these factors when shopping and packing for your liveaboard dive trip, and you’re sure to have everything you need.

PURPOSE: We’ll let you know what the item is for and how to use it.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Not everything on this list is a must have. So, we’ve made a special note for which items are essential to help you shop smart.

PRICE RANGE: We’re giving you a wide range of prices with a fit for every budget.

LOOK FOR: Details can make a big difference. Here, we point out key features and design elements for top performing gear.

PRO PICK: Our dive pro’s top picks based on the value, quality, and durability of the item.

LEARN MORE: A link with more details on the product or shopping tips.

BEST MODELS: A link featuring the year’s best equipment.

 

 

1. EQUIPMENT BAGS

BACKPACK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Keep gear protected and organized

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Vital for long distance travel

PRICE RANGE: $50 – $150

LOOK FOR: Quality construction, reinforced zippers

PRO PICK: Akona Globetrotter

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Dive Travel Bags

 

 

 

MESH BAG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Transport and rinse gear

PRICE RANGE: $25 – $100

LOOK FOR: Comfortable carry, quick dry

PRO PICK: Mares Cruise Mesh Backpack

 

 

 

DRY BAG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Keep valuables safe from water

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: The only safe place for electronics

PRICE RANGE: $15 – $150

LOOK FOR: Heavy duty, floats

PRO PICK: Dry Pak Roll Top Gear Bag


 

 

2. DIVE GEAR

TRAVEL BCD

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Maintain and control buoyancy

PRICE RANGE: $150 – $650

LOOK FOR: Plenty of lift, light weight

PRO PICK: Oceanic BioLite Travel BCD

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Scuba Diving BCDs

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHT REGULATOR SET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Provide comfortable breathing underwater

PRICE RANGE: $400 – $1,700

LOOK FOR: Ease of breathing, light weight

PRO PICK: Atomic T3

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Scuba Diving Regulators

 

 

 

MASK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Allow you to see underwater

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: This is the first piece of equipment you should buy

PRICE RANGE: $50 – $200

LOOK FOR: Proper fit, good seal

PRO PICK: Cressi Eyes Evolution

LEARN MORE: What Scuba Gear Should You Buy First?

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Scuba Diving Masks

 

 

 

FINS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Propel you through the water

PRICE RANGE: $120 – $150

LOOK FOR: Sturdy design, easy to use releases

PRO PICK: Apeks RK3

LEARN MORE: Top 10 Scuba Diving Fins

 

 

 

GAUGES

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Measure depth and tank pressure

PRICE RANGE: $120 – $180

LOOK FOR: Imperial or metric, light weight, durable

PRO PICK: Oceanic Max-Depth SWIV Combo

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Scuba Diving Gauges

 

 

 

3. ACCESSORIES

COMPUTER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Plan, calculate and log dives

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: A computer makes you more self-reliant and adds to your safety in the water

PRICE RANGE: $200 – $2,000

LOOK FOR: Easy to operate

PRO PICK: Suunto Zoop

BEST MODELS: Top 12 Dive Computers

 

 

 

KNIFE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Free you from entanglement

LOOK FOR: Safely guarded blade, easy to use

PRO PICK: Eezycut Trilobite

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Dive Knives

 

 

 

TORCH

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Provide additional light underwater

PRICE RANGE: $80 – $200

LOOK FOR: Battery life, light weight, multiple settings

PRO PICK: Big Blue AL1200NP

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Dive Lights

 

 

 

4. EXPOSURE PROTECTION

WETSUIT

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Protect your body from ocean environments

PRICE RANGE: $50 – $400

LOOK FOR: Quality construction, proper fit

PRO PICK: Scubapro Everflex

LEARN MORE: How Should A Wetsuit Fit?

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Scuba Wetsuits | Top 10 Scuba Wetsuits For Women

 

 

 

BOOTIES

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Keep feet warm and protected while using open heel fins

PRICE RANGE: $30 – $100

LOOK FOR: Firm but flexible construction, durable soles

PRO PICK: Cressi Isla

BEST MODELS: Top 10 Dive Boots

 

 

 

RASH GUARD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Adds a base layer of warmth and sun protection

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: This multi-use piece of gear protects above and below water

PRICE RANGE: $20 – $150

LOOK FOR: UV Protection, 1 – 3mm Warmth

PRO PICK: O’Neill Long Sleeve Crew

 

 

 

5. SIGNALING AND NAVIGATION

DSMB

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Signal boats and mark your surface position

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: The DSMB is a life-saving piece of equipment. Do not dive without one.

PRICE RANGE: $10 – $100

LOOK FOR: Durable construction, reflective strips for night use

PRO PICK: Blue Reef 4′ Surface Marker

BEST MODELS: Top 10 SMBs For Scuba Diving

 

 

 

COMPASS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Navigation above and below water

PRICE RANGE: $60 – $150

LOOK FOR: Wrist console mounted or retractable, easy to read

PRO PICK: Scubapro FS-2

BEST MODELS: The 10 Dive Compasses

 

 

 

WHISTLE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Audible signaling on the surface

ESSENTIAL ITEMS: Divers should always carry both visual and audible signals

PRICE RANGE: $5 – $10

LOOK FOR: Loud, submersible, easy to use

PRO PICK: Fox 40 Sonik Blast

 

 

 

6. CLOTHING

  • Swimwear
  • Jacket
  • Hat

  • Sunglasses
  • Quick Dry Shorts
  • Quick Dry Shirt

 

 

 

7. PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Travel Towel
  • Ear Plugs
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Snacks
  • Hydrating Drinks

  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Natural Insect Repelllant
  • Motion Sickness Tablets
  • Waterproof Logbook
  • Fish ID and Diving Books


 

 

8. PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

  • Chargers
  • Spare Parts
  • O Ring Lubricant
  • Silica Gel Packets


 

 

9. JUST IN CASE

  • Dive Certification Cards
  • Passport
  • Extra Cash


 

 

10. SPLURGES

READ MORE

For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Dive Computers

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba Regulators

Scuba BCDs

Scuba Diving Fins

Wetsuits for Diving

Dive Watches