Packing for a Dive Trip: How to Maximize Space and Save Money
We field a lot of questions about SCUBA diving here at Dive Maui, but one that we get more often than you might think is questions from customers who want to know what they should bring on their next diving excursion to Maui. And while the answer can vary based on each individual’s situation, in general, we can say the following when it comes to packing for a Maui dive trip.
When packing for a Maui dive trip, depending on your mode of transportation, it isn’t always best to bring all of your own equipment. Consider leaving heavier items such as air tanks at home, bringing lighter items that are easier to pack can be a good way to save on rentals at your destination.
Of course, there can be caveats and exceptions for every situation. But in general, there are some pieces of equipment that any diver should consider bringing and a few that they may want to leave behind. We will take a look at it all below, so be sure to stick around for our dive trip packing list that is guaranteed to help you save some space and money!
What to Pack for Your Next Dive Trip to Maui
When it comes to diving Maui, there are a few things that can be easily brought that can make your trip just a little bit easier and more convenient. Some things you pack you’ll use on your dive; others are just great to have with you. Without further ado, here are our top picks for stuff you should be sure to pack in your luggage before your next trip.
- SCUBA Certification Card: This is an easy one if you are planning on going diving and are certified—be sure to bring your certification card! As the old AmEx commercials used to say, “Don’t leave home without it.” No certification? No problem! Vacation can be a great time to bite the bullet and try one of our Discovery Diver or PADI certification courses.
- Mask and Snorkel: Many divers spend years trying to find the perfect mask and snorkel, the one that fits just right and doesn’t fog up, and once you’ve found it, anything else can be a poor imitation. Luckily, this is some equipment that can be easily packed in a checked bag. Use any carrying case that the items came with, or pack it in your dive bag, to help ensure nothing gets bent or scratched.
- Fins and Booties: If you have room in your bag, why not bring your fins? Booties are a personal preference and one of the first things most divers buy along with their suits, so if that is all you have, be sure to bring them along.
- Defog: Maybe you’re the “spit and polish” type, but if you prefer a specific brand of defogger for your lenses, be sure to bring it with you. A small bottle takes up almost no space and can be a lifesaver. Just pack it along with your toiletries.
- Wet Suit: If your wet suit would be suitable for the diving temps you experience off of Maui, which ranges from the mid-70s to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23-27 Celsius), pack it and bring with. While you may not need one for temperature purposes per-say, it never hurts for protection from the bright Hawaiian sun! And of course, if you use a dry suit, you can pack that instead, just make sure to also pack your dry suit underwear.!
- Regulator with Gages: Few things are more intimate than a diving regulator, be sure to bring your own if you have one. Just be sure to pack it carefully and make sure it is in good working order before any diving!
- Dive Bag: The best part about bringing your own dive bag? Most airlines will check it as a piece of sporting equipment, this means that it is put in a special class of luggage and can save you on standard overweight fees. Just be sure to check with your airline—some even allow for tanks!
- Dive Computer: Want to show off all the cool features of your new dive computer? Bring it along, a dive computer takes up almost no space, and familiarity with your own system will be an advantage for your dives.
These are just a few of the items that we would recommend any diver bring, if they can, on their next trip to Maui. Doing so can save money on rentals and also let you enjoy the equipment that you use most regularly. Next, we will look at some things that are better left off your packing list.
Stuff that is Better Left at Home
Now that we have looked at some diving equipment that should definitely make the trip if you got it, let’s look at some things that are better left on the mainland.
- An ill-suited suit: Do you have a thicker suit that is better suited for colder waters? Don’t waste space and pack it, a suit that is too warm for Maui’s waters can lead to shorter dives due to overheating. Of course, it will depend on your specific style and type of suit, and there are things you can do to combat overheating, such as skipping headgear or letting in water through the neck to cool down, but why chance it if you don’t have to?
- Stress: Sometimes in our day-to-day lives we can forget how much fun diving is. It can be a blast, especially if you don’t let the little things stress you out. Try to avoid worrying about packing too much or too little, instead remember that you are on your trip to dive and have fun. You can always rent anything you’ve forgotten, so stop stressing about things you can’t control and get out there diving!
- Dive weights: You probably have a set that you are comfortable with, but who wants to lug them to Maui and back? Luckily, most dive shops will have a good selection of weights that you can rent.
- Anything that might stay wet: You never want to pack anything that is wet away in your luggage, this can quickly lead to mildew or worse. Anything that might be wet either on your way to or from Maui shouldn’t make the journey with you.
We’re Always Here to Help!
And there you have it, a quick list of things any diver should bring on their next trip to Maui and a few things that they probably shouldn’t. Don’t worry if you don’t have some of the diving equipment we’ve detailed above, renting is always an option.
Questions? Think we’ve missed something? Interested in learning more about our diving courses? Feel free to reach out and talk to one of our knowledgeable, friendly, and certified instructors today!
