Packing for my first dive trip. Pls Help

[Doghouse]

I am preparing for my first dive trip. My wife surprised me with a trip to Cancun, we leave Saturday. So I have very little time to prepare!

For those of you who travel to dive, what do you bring? What should you expect? What is proper for tipping on a boat dive?

Anything I should make sure I do NOT bring? Anything I should make sure I do NOT do (besides the normal ugly american things )


<edited by Larry>
This post brought lot's of good answers, and the original poster Doghouse was nice enough to compile the information gathered at this post: Packing for my first dive trip. Pls Help

Feel free to continue to add, and we'll update as needed.

Thanks to all the people who added their thoughts and comments.
<end of edit>

[comet24]

Make sure your bags is not over the weight limit. Most airlines limit is 50 lbs but check yours. Don't want to get hit with extra fees. I pack my reg and computer in my carry on. Takes some weight out of my bag and they are safe with me. Make sure your dive light will not accidentally turn on if the bags thrown around.

I sometimes bring an extra reg. and spare light. Depends on the diving I will be doing. If your taking a camera extra memory cards if your not also bringing a laptop. Make sure you have chargers for cameras and lights. Don't forget your c-card.

BTW leave the weights at home.

Have a great trip.

[SarahBella]

It might be a good idea to make contact with the dive operator at your destination and see what gear they have for rent so you only bring what is necessary. I never leave anything to chance and carry on the reg/mask/comp. I can rent the rest if I have to. You may want to do a search on tipping-I think there is a thread about it. Good luck and have fun.

[snagel]

No weights, no tanks. I aways bring a mesh bag to put my gear in while on the boat. Don't want to bring a large suitcase full of gear on a boat.

Mark your equipment. You will be amazed how many people may have the same equipment that tends to all get piled up in a corner on the boat.

If you get sea sick, get some Bonaine.

Batteries, sunglasses, sun lotion, meds, sandles, small dry box....

I typically tip $5-$10 per tank depending on the service.

S. Nagel

[Doghouse]

Tnx, great info so far. I have contacted a dive operator, MAD, based off of other recomendations.

You know, I almost forgot to pack suntan lotion!

[Zenagirl]

don't forget to pack some imodium!!

[Divingguy]

Safety whistle, mirror, safety sausage, and cutting implement like surgical shears. Mask defog gel. Don't know about Cancun, but in Coz generally NO knives, and NO gloves.

[mselizann]

I bring skin and shorty- never know until you get there what you need-
if you forget something little don't worry, the dive shop will have anything else you need

oh! the most popular guy on our last trip is the one who brought the gallon bag of starbursts to share- maybe pack some snacks!

[whse56]

If you haven't done it already make sure you mark your gear so you get your own gear back at the end of your trip. Unless your gear is pretty worn and ratty in which case you might not mind getting somebody elses gear.

[DiveSooner]

Don't forget your C-cards.....