Liveaboard diving is an incredible adventure, offering access to remote dive sites and the opportunity for multiple dives per day. Cabin space is always at a premium, so packing smart and light is the key. This guide focuses on the essentials and smart choices for girls on a liveaboard trip.
Dive Gear: Your Personal Safety & Comfort
While you can rent equipment, bringing your own essential gear ensures comfort, fit, and familiarity; crucial for a trip with intensive diving.
- Mask and Snorkel: An ill-fitting mask is the ultimate dive spoiler. Bring your own, ensuring it’s comfortable for your face.
- Dive Computer: This is non-negotiable. Always travel with your own dive computer, as it tracks your specific dive profile for safety. Pack a spare battery just in case.
- Wetsuit or Rash Guard: Check the water temperature. Even in the tropics, repetitive diving can make you cold, so consider a 3mm full wetsuit or a full-length rash guard/dive skin to wear under a rental suit or for sun protection.
- Dive Booties and Fins: If you use open-heel fins, your own booties prevent chafing and blisters from back-to-back dives.
- Safety Gear: A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and reel/spool are often mandatory. A dive torch is essential for night dives and peering into crevices.
- “Save-a-Dive” Kit: A small kit with spare mask and fin straps, O-rings, and silicone grease.
Clothing: Quick-Dry and Minimalist
You’ll need very little clothing, as the vibe is super casual and you’ll be wet most of the time. Leave the bulky items and unnecessary shoes at home!
- Swimsuits/Bikinis (3-4 suits): Change into a dry one after each set of dives to stay warm and prevent rashes/UTIs. Opt for minimal ties/hardware for comfort under your BCD/wetsuit.
- Sarong/Cover-Up (1-2): The ultimate liveaboard accessory! It’s light, dries instantly, and works as a beach towel, dress, or sun cover.
- T-Shirts/Shorts (2-3 sets): Light, quick-drying items for dinner and surface intervals.
- Warm Layers: Include 1 lightweight hoodie or fleece and a pair of leggings/joggers. Boats can be surprisingly chilly due to A/C or wind at night.
- Footwear: 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals. You’ll be barefoot most of the time.
- Pajamas: 1 set of light PJs (or warmer ones if you like cold A/C).
Health, Hygiene, and Comfort
Space is tight and you can’t stop at a pharmacy, so be prepared for minor ailments. Choose biodegradable and solid toiletries where possible.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF: This is mandatory for protecting the coral. Pack a high-SPF, mineral-based formula.
- Hair Care: Saltwater and sun are brutal. Pack leave-in conditioner or hair oil to manage tangles.
- Moisturizer & After-Sun: Keep your skin hydrated after all the sun and salt exposure.
- Feminine Hygiene: Bring a full supply of your preferred menstrual products, as these are impossible to find onboard.
- Seasickness Medication: Even seasoned sailors can get caught off guard. Pack your preferred remedy (pills, patches, or wrist bands).
- Ear Care: Swimmer’s ear drops are essential to prevent ear infections from repeated water exposure.
- Medication: A small first-aid kit with pain relievers, rash cream, antihistamines, and any personal prescription drugs (with backups).
Electronics and Extras
Be mindful of charging space and potential moisture.
- Camera Gear: Bring your underwater camera/GoPro, housing, extra batteries, and plenty of memory cards. A laptop and external hard drive are necessary if you plan to back up photos daily.
- Power Strip and Adapter: Outlets are limited. A small power strip allows you to charge multiple devices from a single outlet.
- Dry Bag: A small, roll-top dry bag is essential for protecting your camera, phone, and wallet during tender rides to the dive sites or shore excursions.
- Entertainment: Books, a Kindle/E-Reader, or downloaded movies/music are great for downtime. Wi-Fi is often slow or unavailable.
- Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle is key for staying hydrated and is environmentally friendly.
- Soft Luggage: Use a duffel bag or backpack instead of a hard suitcase, as it’s much easier to store in small cabins.
A liveaboard trip simplifies life; you trade complex outfits and heavy bags for the ocean, the boat, and the dive deck. Pack intentionally, prioritizing comfort, safety, and practicality, and you’ll be set for a truly unforgettable experience!
