What to Pack for a Liveaboard Dive Trip + Free PDF Checklist!

Whether it’s your first liveaboard or your fifth, packing for a week (or more!) on a dive boat takes some thoughtful planning. You won’t have easy access to shops once you're out at sea, so being prepared is key.

Here’s the ultimate, no-fluff guide to what you really need to bring on a scuba diving liveaboard—compiled from the best packing lists out there and refined with real-world experience.

🧾 Travel Essentials: Don’t Leave the Dock Without These

Before you even think about your dive gear or swimsuits, make sure the boring-but-crucial stuff is covered. Your passport, dive certifications, insurance, and travel documents are non-negotiables for getting on board and being allowed to dive. Print out anything important (Wi-Fi can be spotty), and keep it all together in a waterproof folder or pouch. 

Most liveaboards don’t include crew tips, and it’s customary to tip generously at the end of your trip. Check ahead for the preferred currency and amount. Bringing it in a sealed envelope is a nice touch.

Dive insurance is a must Not only for peace of mind but also because some liveaboards require it. Make sure you’re covered for emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. A solid option trusted by divers worldwide is DAN (Divers Alert Network) they specialize in dive-specific coverage and resources.

Travel Essentials Checklist: 

• Passport (at least 6 months validity) – Required for international travel and check-in.
• Visa (if applicable) – Check destination requirements in advance.
• Dive certification cards (physical or digital) – Proof of your certification for diving.
• Dive insurance – Many liveaboards require coverage for emergencies and hyperbaric treatment.
• Travel insurance – Covers flights, cancellations, and medical emergencies beyond diving.
• Travel itinerary & flight info – Keep a printed copy in case your phone dies.
• Transfer/shuttle details – Directions for meeting your transport to the boat.
• Emergency contact info – For safety and check-in paperwork.
• Dive logbook – Handy for tracking dives or continuing education.
• Pen – For filling out waivers, immigration forms, or dive logs.
• Headphones/earbuds (wired) – Great for planes and onboard downtime.
• Book, Kindle, or journal – Something relaxing to read or write between dives.
• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated between dives and avoid plastic.
• Cash for tips & local currency – Tips aren’t usually included and are appreciated.
• Power bank – Outlet access can be limited—charge up your phone or camera anytime.

🤿 Everything You’ll Need for Diving

Most liveaboards will provide tanks and weights, and some may even offer rental gear—but it’s always better to bring your own if you can. Nothing beats diving in gear that fits you well and that you’re already comfortable with. If you're renting, confirm with the boat in advance to make sure everything is serviced and ready for your arrival. Otherwise, pack your personal gear thoughtfully—especially items like your mask, computer, and wetsuit that directly impact your comfort and safety underwater.

Scuba Diving Checklist: 

• Mask, snorkel & fins – Comfort is key, especially for multi-dive days.
• BCD – Choose one you’re familiar with for better buoyancy control.
• Regulator (serviced!) – A properly maintained regulator = peace of mind.
• Dive computer (+ spare battery/charger) – Required for liveaboard diving schedules.
• Wetsuit – Bring the right thickness for water temps (3mm for warm, 5–7mm for cold).
• Dive booties/socks/hood – Keep your feet and head warm, especially on repetitive dives.
• Torch + backup light – Essential for night dives and crevices.
• Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) + reel – Required safety gear for open water ascents.
• Save-a-dive kit – O-rings, mask strap, zip ties, and defog to fix minor gear issues.
• Compass – Great for navigation if you’re diving without a guide.
• Personal GPS or Nautilus Lifeline – Optional, but an excellent safety device.

👕 Let’s Talk Clothes: Here’s How Not To Overpack

Here’s the truth: most people bring way too many “real clothes” on liveaboards and barely wear any of them. Between diving multiple times a day, lounging in your towel between dives, and evenings spent chatting on the deck in salty skin and sunburned shoulders… you just don’t need much.

What is worth packing? Options for changing into dry swimwear and rashguards between dives. After your second or third dive of the day, everything starts to feel damp, and there’s nothing better than putting on a fresh suit. Pack a few rash guards and at least 2–3 swimsuits or bikinis so you’re not re-wearing soggy gear.

Even in tropical destinations, you’ll want warm layers. Repetitive dives lower your core temp more than you think, and boat AC can be freezing. Bring a cozy hoodie or two, comfy sweatpants or leggings, a beanie (seriously), and a couple pairs of thick socks—especially if you're prone to feeling chilly.

As for surface interval outfits, a few lightweight shorts or leggings and 2–3 t-shirts will totally get you through the week. Most of the time, you’re barefoot or in flip-flops, hanging out in your swimsuit or dive gear.

And one more tip? Check to see if your liveaboard has theme nights! Some boats host things like “Tutu Tuesday” or fun dress-up evenings. I’ve been on boats where people brought wigs, mermaid tails, and even underwater props for photoshoots. Totally optional—but fun if that’s your vibe.

Clothing & Shoes Checklist:

• Swimsuits (2–3) – You’ll want dry options to rotate between dives.
• Rash guards/leggings – Great for sun protection and layering.
• Changing poncho towel – Makes deck changes easier and keeps you cozy.
• Shorts, tank tops, t-shirts (x2) – Lightweight and easy to dry.
• Comfy pants for the evenings – For cooler nights and lounging.
• Hoodie or sweatshirt – Essential for post-dive chill or freezing A/C.
• Windbreaker/Jacket – Blocks boat wind and sudden downpours.
• Sun hat & beanie – Protect your head in both heat and cold.
• Warm socks – Your feet will get cold. Trust us.
• Sleepwear – Something comfy for your bunk.
• Flip flops – Easy-on, easy-off deck shoes.
• Polarized sunglasses – Cut glare while protecting your eyes.
• Themed outfits – Some boats have dress-up nights or underwater photo ops!

✨ Bonus tip: Salinity Swimwear has ocean-inspired rash guards, dive leggings, and themed bikinis so you can channel your inner manta ray, dolphin, or mermaid while staying sun-safe. It’s functional and fabulous for underwater photo ops!

🧼 Toiletries: Stay Fresh(ish) at Sea

Liveaboards aren’t luxury spas—think shared bathrooms, limited water, and lots of salty air. Keep your toiletry kit simple, compact, and eco-friendly. Reef-safe products are a must (you’ll be showering off directly into the ocean), and leave the bulky bottles at home. A shampoo bar, leave-in conditioner, and sunscreen will get more use than makeup or perfume.

Even if you’ve never been seasick before, bring motion sickness meds just in case. Patches, pills, ginger chews—whatever works for you. It’s better to have them and not need them than spend your trip queasy.

Toiletries checklist: 

• Reef-safe sunscreen – Protect your skin without harming marine life.
• Shampoo bar – Compact, eco-friendly, and easy to travel with.
• Leave-in conditioner – Helps detangle salt-soaked hair.
• Menstrual cup or supplies – Bring what you need in case your cycle surprises you.
• SPF lip balm – Your lips will thank you.
• Aloe vera or aftersun – For sun relief after long surface intervals.
• Toothbrush + toothpaste – Don't forget the basics!
• Deodorant – Please and thank you.
• Personal medication – Bring extra, just in case.
• Seasickness meds – Even if you think you won’t need them… you might.
• Ear drops – To prevent swimmer’s ear or help dry your ears post-dive.

📸 Camera Gear: Capture the Magic (Without the Stress)

If you’re planning to take photos or videos underwater, make sure your setup is complete and reliable before you leave shore. A missing o-ring or dead battery can ruin your chance to capture that epic manta ray fly-by. Pack backups for everything—memory cards, batteries, and especially charging cables. Test your housing in advance, double-check your seals, and bring whatever filters or lights help bring out those reef colors. You don’t get a second chance at that perfect shot! Power outlets may be limited, so a multi-port USB charger is a great idea.

Camera Gear Checklist: 

• Camera / GoPro – Whatever you like to shoot with.
• Underwater housing – Double-check the seal before every dive.
• Spare o-rings – For camera housings and regulator connections.
• Extra memory cards – You’ll shoot more than you think.
• Charging cables – Bring the right ones for all your devices.
• Extra batteries – Rotate and recharge between dives.
• Filters or lights – Improve your color and visibility underwater.

🎒 Extras: Small Things That Make a Big Difference

Liveaboards are basically floating laundry lines—there’s always gear and swimsuits scattered across the top deck, desperately trying to dry between dives. The reality? Things stay damp. A few towel clips or carabiners can be a total game-changer for keeping your stuff secure and off the floor. This is the section for all the little comforts that don’t seem essential until you wish you had them. Dry bags, games, earplugs, and a few creature comforts can make your week way more enjoyable.

Extras Checklist:

• Dry bag – Protect your valuables from splash zones.
• Small games or cards – For late-night chill sessions on deck.
• Ear plugs – Great for sleeping or noisy bunkmates.
• Bags (for wet gear on return) – Keep your clean stuff dry.
• Clips (for drying gear) – Handy for securing stuff to the railing or drying lines.

🤙 Pack a Positive Vibe

You’re living in tight quarters with strangers who might become lifelong friends, or ones that will test your patience. Roll with it. Be respectful, be helpful, and enjoy the salty chaos. It’s all part of the adventure. Laugh when your wetsuit won’t dry, share snacks, lend a spare o-ring, and don’t take things too seriously. A little kindness and a laid-back attitude go a long way in creating an amazing trip for everyone onboard.

🧳 Download the Printable Checklist

To make packing the rest of your essentials easy, we’ve created a free, printable checklist you can use to tick things off as you go. Whether you're a spreadsheet kind of packer or a last-minute duffel stuffer, this list will keep you covered.

👉 Click here to download the Printable Liveaboard Dive Trip Packing Checklist (PDF)

Stay salty and safe diving!