Diving is one of the most exciting and satisfying activities you can take. Imagine visiting wonderful places that no one, or only very few have visited, that is, tens of meters below the surface of the sea while you are surrounded by all kinds of beautiful sea creatures. It is an experience that you will want to experience again and again.
Before you book your dive trip let’s review a few things to make this experience one of the best of your life! A big part of preparing for your dive trip is determining the basic equipment. Here are some elements you’ll need to enjoy your adventure:
Essential diving equipment for divers of any level
- Scuba Tank: As you can imagine, this is one of the most important items on the checklist, as having the right type of tank is vital to your safety and is your primary air supply while submerged underwater. Fortunately, most dive centers and boats have them ready for you to rent.
- Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD): Having a functional BCD is key to setting up your equipment. With the BCD you will be able to maintain neutral buoyancy during the dive and be able to float on the surface before and after diving.
- Scuba Regulator: This device connects to the tank to allow the diver to breathe the air from the tank.
- Pressure and depth gauges: Respectively, they indicate the amount of air left in the tank, and the depth to which you descend, this is in order not to exceed the limits of recreational diving, so you will need a pressure and a depth gauge to track those.
- Fins and booties: Fins are your main source of underwater propulsion, so they should be kept as light and as comfortable as possible. You’ll also need to wear boots to keep your feet warm. You may need a specific pair of booties depending on your diving conditions.
- Mask and snorkel: If you plan to rent most of your scuba equipment, this are items that I suggest you buy to your liking, since a mask too large or too small for your head and face can cause discomfort and distraction while underwater. In addition, after the events of the COVID pandemic, a mask and a snorkel are recommended for your health and well-being. (When you travel with Rey Diving we can have this equipment ready for you to purchase at the time of starting your trip).
- Dive computer: Worn on your wrist, or integrated with your regulator, this is a device that helps divers plan their dives by monitoring depth, time underwater, speed of ascent, no decompression limits, etc., and keep track of them, everything needed to avoid a condition called decompression sickness.
- Wetsuit and gloves: The wetsuits are like a second skin and are designed to let the water circulate in between your skin and the suit, and thus, the water be quickly heated by your own body heat. This will keep your body at comfortable temperature for the duration of the dive. Regarding your gloves, they will keep your hands warm and can protect you from unintentional contact with the reef. Some local laws prohibit divers from wearing gloves, so be sure to check with your dive center or your instructor before the dive.
- Cameras: Naturally you will need an underwater camera to record memorable moments and share them on your social media. Some of the recommended brands are: GoPro Hero, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and other action cameras, etc. Do your research on your camera of election, but whatever camera you choose, make sure you get a good housing for it.
Preparation is key to any dive
The more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy every moment of your adventure on your trip and your dives. The ocean is a fantastic place and being able to explore its depths will change your perspective of the world, forever!
Join our next trip to the Caribbean and start your diving training and adventure here.