
Have you ever been so happy to leave for a trip but also pushed packing until the last minute because UGH? Preparing for a freedive or a photography trip can be exciting but also feel like an impossible task. Packing efficiently and making sure you have all the right gear can be overwhelming. What do you need to bring? How can you fit everything into your luggage without risking extra fees? Where do you pack your fins? What if it all gets lost? Proper packing and a freediving a trip checklist allows you to travel smarter and enjoy your underwater adventures while limiting stress.
In this guide, I will add a checklist and then cover some must-haves for your ocean adventure in and out of thrwater, provide practical packing strategies, and help you maximize your luggage space.
What to pack for the boat
This list includes all the equipment you will need out on the boat. If you are joining one of my photo adventures, a lot of the dive equipment might be included, so check with me before packing your bag.
Neck sleeve
Towel
Swimsuit
Wetsuit (thickness depending on location)
Mask and snorkel
Weight belt
Freedive fins
Dive socks
Dive watch
Waterproof jacket
Gloves
Dry bag
What to pack for the land portion of your trip
The goal of a freedive trip is obviously spending as much time as possible in the water. And although there won't be much energy left once back to shore, packing land attire for the right activity is going to make life easier. The following is a basic list of items that changes slightly based on the location you are headed to. Norway, the Azores, and the Bahamas will require different outfits.
Sunglasses
Jacket/heavy sweater
Shoes/boots suitable for hiking
Sandals
3-4 different outfits
Toiletries
Lip balm
Hat
Sunblock
Camera checklist
As a photographer, getting to the most beautiful locations and realizing you forgot a charger is one of the worst feelings. So this is my personal list I check every time I have to pack for a photography trip. Most of these items end up in my carry-on.
Camera
Camera battery and spares
Lenses
Underwater housing and dome ports
Housing battery (if applicable)
GoPro + Batteries
Travel hard drive (solid state) and backup! (I have lost ALL my footage from a trip before. Didn't love it)
Computer + charger
Card reader
How to pack
Carry-on
At last. We've all been waiting for our bag to appear on the carousel after a long international flight just to realize it didn't make it to the destination with you. It's annoying, but it's a part of traveling we can accept and prepare for so that your trip isn't fully dependent on that one bag. I learned through the years to make sure I have a way to track my bags and then pack my essentials in my carry-on so if my bag doesn't make it, I can still get in the water.
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Moisturizer
All electronics
Lithium batteries
A change of clothes
GoPro
Mask and snorkel
Card reader
Passport
Copy of passport
Visa (when needed)
Now that all the items are laid out, what goes where? I've tested every safe combination, and at this point, I always check one to two bags (I know. For someone that loves the light carry-on life, it's a lot). Look into getting frequent flyer status or get an airline credit card that has free checked bags as a perk.
If I'm bringing my underwater housing, everything underwater photography related goes in a hard and padded suitcase, everything else goes in a less sturdy but large luggage. In my carry-on, I pack everything fragile, essential, or potentially flammable (so everything?).
Roll Your Wetsuit and Pants
Instead of folding your wetsuit, roll it. This method minimizes creases and allows for efficient use of space in your bag. Placing the wetsuit near the top will prevent compression from heavier items and keep it in good shape for your dive.
Weights and weight belts
In a world were travelling means everything but your soul gets put on a scale, travelling with a fully loaded weight belt can make things tricky. Personally, I wear mine. Not ideal for long flights. The hack here is to find dive shops that can rent you weights so you can pack your belt alone and not worry abou the extra lbs. If you are joining on one of my expeditions, weights might be included in your trip so check with me before packing your equipment.
Fins
My fins either get taken apart and checked in, or I carry them on the plane with me, sliding them in the computer pocket of my roller bag. This is the easier way to avoid adding a third checked bag which would be the proper way to travel with your fins.
Get Ready for Adventure
That's all you need to know for your dive trip! Packing for a freedive trip involves careful consideration of your supplies, travel location, and the fixtures that will enhance your experience. Choosing your essential gear, personal items, and technology wisely can transform your journey into a seamless and enjoyable adventure.
With these checklists, you can dive into packing with confidence, knowing that everything is ready for your underwater expedition. The ocean is calling, and with the right preparation, you can maximize your freediving adventure—whether you are exploring local waters or traveling abroad.
I can't wait for you to join on the next adventure!
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