Packing for a liveaboard can often be a daunting experience for most divers. It will depend on where the liveaboard is located and the outside air temperature. Don’t overpack, you will require less clothes than you imagine. Pack as light as you can. If you have two bags, one for clothes and one for dive gear, the dive gear bag on most airlines can be checked as a sports bag for a reduced price. Bring a refillable water bottle that you can fill up on the boat. You may want to bring some cash for tips, day trips and alcohol during the liveaboard.
Liveaboard cabins are usually quite small equipped with private toilets and showers. Bring soft suitcases. Apart from your dive gear, bring a few t-shirts, cover-ups and extra swimsuits. Bring a jumper in case it gets windy or cold after a day of diving. During the day, after each dive, change into a dry swimsuit and put on a t-shirt. Sun protection including sun cream, cover-ups, rash guards, sunglasses and more is highly advised.
Liveaboards offer dive equipment rental or you can bring your own gear. If you’re going to bring your own, the essentials include: regulator, BCD, wetsuit or drysuit, fins, dive computer, mask and snorkel. All liveaboards will have weights and tanks for divers to use.
An SMB (surface marker buoy) is a must-have on liveaboards and doesn’t take up much space. Strong currents, unknown dive sites and drift dives mean it’s essential to be carrying a SMB. This will send a signal to the boat that you’re starting your safety stop so they will be expecting you as you surface. Practice deploying your SMB. Bring a torch for the night dive. Most liveaboards do amazing night dives which you do not want to miss. Message the company and make sure there is no extra equipment you should be bringing. Pack one of everything and two of everything you’ll need. Have a spare kit with all essentials that you can use if need be including spare straps, o-rings, and other necessities.
You will be spending a lot of time in the ocean and sun, which damages the hair. Investing in a good, reef-safe conditioner can help you take out all the tangles. For men with beards, a beard oil may help you stay conditioned. Remember that the products you use will most likely end up directly in the ocean. It’s a good idea to invest in reef-safe shampoos and conditioners. Bring sunscreen and aloe vera in case you fall asleep under the sun. Rash guards and cover ups are good to help protect you from the sun’s rays.
Pack a first aid kit with the essentials including ear drops, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol and wraps. Include two of every over the counter medication you may need from antacids to ibuprofen. Bring electrolytes to help you replenish the minerals lost throughout the diving day and to keep you hydrated.
Bring your logbook, write down everything about the dives from what you saw to your weighting. This will help you be properly weighted in the future. Pack a good book, notebook so you can journal and a pack of cards to help you relax during this time. Pack a telescope or sleeping bag to thoroughly enjoy the stars at night.
During a liveaboard, you’ll get the chance to encounter amazing marine life, be sure to pack your camera and underwater housing. Some liveaboards don’t have plugs in their rooms and only in the main areas. Bring your essential cables, extra SD cards and portable chargers.
While there is a lot to include in your luggage, be sure to pack as light as possible. For more information about how to prepare for a liveaboard, click here.
