What to pack for a scuba diving vacation to avoid health concerns: a wetsuit, regulator, BC, mask, snorkel and fins.

What you take on a dive vacation will depend on several factors including how much tolerance you have for:

1. 1. wearing used items
   2. rental fees
   3. over weight luggage fees

Wetsuits: Most rental wetsuits have been rented and used many times over. Good dive operators will rinse and shampoo the wetsuits between uses. In addition to the health issues with rental wetsuits there is also the used part of the equation. As a wetsuit is used the gas bubbles that give it insulating qualities breaks down, so after a while it may expose you to things you never knew existed in nature, but it won’t help keep you warm at depth.

Masks and snorkels: The rinsing and cleaning options are much the same as for wetsuits.

Regulators and Buoyancy compensators or BCs: These are life support devices, if they are poorly maintained then you are risking your life. Enough said.

Tanks and Weights: These are almost foolproof (as long as the tank is aluminum) and are about the only thing one should rent on a regular basis.

Fins: Fins are usually not a health concern, are safe and can be used without worry. The only concern here would be getting the correct size.

So, as related to health and welfare concerns, take along a wetsuit, regulator, BC, mask, snorkel, and fins.

Rental Fees

Rental fees for a full kit run about $50-60 US dollars per day. Tanks and weights are usually included in the dive price. At the above rate within 10 to 15 days of rental diving you could easily pay for your own gear.

Overweight Luggage Fees

Over weight fees usually run from $50 to $75 dollars. Usually you can pack BCs, masks, fins and wetsuits for two people and make it under the weight restrictions. One suggestion would be to carry regulators as carry-on luggage along with cameras and laptop. Pack camera housings and strobes in a hard case. Of course some "puddle jump" airlines may have lower weight restrictions. If you have no tolerance for these fees, then renting equipment may be a good option.

Many people over-pack for a trip; most dive locations are very laid back and don’t require much more than shorts, tee shirts and flip flops.

Also pack sun tan lotion, bug screen and any toiletries.