Diving & Snorkelling – Check List

Diving & Snorkelling:

When planning for diving or snorkeling, the key is to prioritize safety, proper gear, and environmental responsibility to protect both yourself and the delicate underwater world.

Here’s what travelers need for Diving & Snorkeling:

What to Bring/Prepare for Diving & Snorkeling:

  • Swimsuit/Board Shorts: Essential for getting in the water.
  • Rash Guard/Swim Shirt: Provides excellent sun protection (especially for your back while snorkeling) and can offer some warmth.
  • Sunscreen (Reef-Safe is CRITICAL): Choose sunscreens that are explicitly labeled “reef-safe,” “oxybenzone-free,” or “octinoxate-free.” Chemical sunscreens can severely damage coral reefs and marine life.
  • Hat & Sunglasses: For sun protection before and after you’re in the water.
  • Beach Towel: A quick-drying travel towel is convenient.
  • Water Bottle (Reusable): Stay hydrated, especially under the sun.
  • Small Dry Bag: To protect your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables from splashes or unexpected immersion.
  • Waterproof Camera (e.g., GoPro, underwater housing for phone): To capture your underwater adventures. Ensure it’s fully charged and you have enough memory.
  • Basic First-Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Consider motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it on boats.
  • Insect Repellent: If you’re staying near coastal areas or for evenings on shore.
  • Flip-flops/Water Shoes: Easy to slip on and off for boat decks or walking on beaches/rocky shorelines

Mask, Snorkel, Fins (Personal Set – Optional but Recommended):

  • While rental gear is available, having your own well-fitting mask and snorkel greatly enhances comfort and reduces leaks.
  • Fins can be rented, but having your own ensures a good fit.
  • For divers, this list assumes you’re renting tanks/weights/BCD/regulators from a dive shop. If you own your gear, ensure it’s serviced and packed properly.
  • Certification Card/Logbook (for Divers): Your dive certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) is mandatory for scuba diving. Your logbook helps dive shops understand your experience.
  • Dive Computer (for Divers): If you own one, it’s essential for monitoring depth, time, and no-decompression limits.
  • Lightweight Wetsuit/Shorty (Optional): If the water is cooler or you get cold easily, even a thin wetsuit or “shorty” can add comfort for both diving and snorkeling.
  • Rash Guard for Legs (Optional): If you’re very prone to sun exposure or jellyfish stings.
  • Defog for Mask: To keep your mask clear underwater. Many dive shops provide this.
  • Small Mesh Bag: For carrying wet gear to allow it to air out.

Etiquette and Responsible Behavior for Diving & Snorkeling:

  • Listen to Your Dive Master/Snorkel Guide: They are experts in local conditions, marine life, and safety procedures. Follow all instructions.
  • Do NOT Touch Marine Life: This is the golden rule. Touching corals, fish, or any other marine creatures can harm them, remove their protective layers, or disrupt their natural behavior. Some marine life can also be dangerous if touched.
  • Maintain Proper Buoyancy (for Divers): Ensure you are neutrally buoyant and trim to avoid hitting or dragging on the reef.
  • Be Mindful of Your Fins: Avoid kicking up sand, which can smother corals, and be careful not to kick corals or other divers/snorkelers.
  • Do Not Collect Souvenirs: Do not take shells, corals, rocks, or any other natural elements from the marine environment. Leave everything as you found it.
  • No Feeding Fish: Feeding fish disrupts their natural diet, can make them aggressive, and introduces foreign substances into the ecosystem.
  • Secure All Gear: Ensure hoses, gauges, and accessories are clipped or tucked away so they don’t drag on the reef.
  • Proper Waste Disposal: Never litter in or near the ocean. Take all your trash with you.
  • Avoid Chasing or Harassing Animals: Observe marine life from a respectful distance. Do not corner or stress animals.
  • Don’t Stand on Coral: Even if it looks like rock, it’s a living organism. Always try to stay above the reef. If you must stand, find a sandy patch.
  • Report Concerns: If you see anyone behaving irresponsibly towards the marine environment, discreetly report it to your guide or relevant authorities.
  • Ascend Slowly and Safely (for Divers): Follow your dive plan, ascent rates, and safety stops to prevent decompression sickness.

By being well-prepared and adhering to these crucial guidelines, you’ll have an incredible and responsible experience exploring the wonders beneath the surface.