So, you want to travel the world. You want to scuba dive in exotic locations and get your slice of underwater ocean bliss? Well, scuba diving is a global game, and if you want a piece of the action, you are going to need global equipment. And while the importance of quality equipment cannot be understated, portability makes a diving holiday a lot more fun!

However, it can be incredibly daunting to select expensive travel scuba gear for purchase with so many options available and so much science behind diving. The research is worth it. Diving using wrong or unfamiliar equipment can turn you off to the sport and can be detrimental to your overall safety. Luckily, we are here to assist you in crossing your dream holidays off your bucket list of Thalassophilic living. We’ve summarized all the research you were about to do, just for you. So, if there is anything you wanted to know about scuba travel gear, it will undoubtedly be here.

Please note, our author, has conducted an extensive investigation. She has collected opinions from catalogs, diving forums, and global scuba diving community at large. Apart from the travel gear guide for SCUBA divers ‘on the go,’ Anna has also included tips, tricks, and packing advice for all interested.

ALL THE TRAVEL SCUBA GEAR THAT WE TESTED

GREATEVER Snorkel Fins

OUR TOP PICK

GREATEVER Snorkel Fins for deep dives

General Impression

They might be advertised as for snorkeling, but the Greatever scuba fins for travel can accompany you even on deep dives. These travel-sized fins come with a mesh bag for easy transport. The scuba fins for travel have an open-toe design and adjustable quick-release buckle straps. The design is carefully made to improve efficiency while minimizing the physical effort. 

PROS

  • Compact and Light ideal scuba fins for travel
  • Short blade with adjustable buckles
  • Reduced resistance

CONS

  • Adult Fins are ran in men sizes

TUSA X-pert Zoom Z3

BEST VALUE

TUSA X-pert Zoom Z3 Scuba Diving Fins

General Impression

Like all Tusa products, the X-pert Zoom Z3 scuba travel gear features three material designs and their patented Angled Blade Design for increased performance. The blade is split down the middle to optimize efficiency with decreased physical power needed. The blades are 10% longer for an enhanced propeller effect. Overall, a great scuba travel gear product for both beginners and professionals.

PROS

  • Patented 27-degree Angled Blade Design
  • Multi-compound foot pocket
  • Reinforced side-rails
  • Hydrofoil design 

CONS

  • Need to wear boots with these fins

ALL THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BCDs THAT WE TESTED

CRESSI Travel-Friendly Patrol BCD

General Impression

The Cressi Patrol is a travel-friendly lightweight BCD that has everything you might need for your next dive. It has zippered pockets for carrying smaller items like knives or flashlights. Weighing 4.4 pounds (2kg), the Patrol BCD makes it perfect scuba travel gear without compromising its strength and flexibility.

PROS

  • 420 denier Nylon
  • Integrated Cressi Flat-lock Aid weight System
  • 2-year warranty

CONS

  • Any regulator and octopus are sold separately

SCUBAPRO Litehawk

General Impression

As the name suggests, The Scubapro Litehawk is a lightweight back-flotation BCD that will find good use in anyone’s scuba travel gear. It has an adjustable waist strap and quick-release buckles for the most comfortable fit. It has two pockets as well as 4 D-rings for carrying additional gear and accessories. Weighing in at 5.8 pounds (2.6 kg) it’s as lightweight as BCD’s come.

PROS

  • Ultra-slimmed-down design 
  • 420-denier nylon
  • Adjustable quick-release buckles

CONS

  • Quick release pockets sold separately

ALL THE BEST TRAVEL BAGS THAT WE TESTED

STAHLSAC Curacao Clipper Scuba Diving Travel Bag

General Impression

The Curacao Clipper scuba diving travel bag is a full-sized dive gear bag. Equipped with wheels and a retractable handle, you’ll be able to zoom through even the busiest airports. It comes with two compartments, with the bottom one able to hold all of your diving gear, while the top is suitable for clothes and diving accessories. It’s light yet durable and with a lifetime warranty, this scuba diving travel bag should accompany you to many diving adventures in the future.

PROS

  • Two large compartments
  • All parts are serviceable 
  • Lifetime warranty with this scuba diving travel bag
  • Handles on bottom and top for easy removal from storages

CONS

  • Too large for a carry on

MARES Cruise Mesh Duffle Bag

General Impression

The Mares Cruise mesh scuba diving travel bag is perfect for carrying gear once you’ve reached your destination. This bag is a delight as the incredibly durable mesh material dries fast and makes it easy to hose off gear. Leave the carry-on in your room and pack up all you need and go. Large enough to hold all your gear but easy to roll up and store during travel time.

PROS

  • Optimized for rinse and storage
  • Long fins fits in this scuba diving travel bag
  • Tiny when folded up

CONS

  • Not as durable as other bags

ALL THE BEST TRAVEL WETSUITS THAT WE TESTED

SEAVENGER Odyssey 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit

General Impression

The Seavenger is made to move and built to last. This 3mm neoprene full-body suit combines style and functionality, making it the ideal suit for any condition. Super stretch panels at the elbows and knees accommodate varying body shapes and relieve that ‘tight feeling.’ A back zip allows for a quick and secure donning. Anti-abrasion panels on the elbows and knees allow for movement without any fear of typical location wear. Other features include durable flat-lock stitching throughout, a beefy zipper, extra-long leash with neck double-tap hook and loop tie-down, and a flush-resistant collar, wrist and ankle closure design. This wetsuit is designed to keep you safe but also comfortable during your dives.

PROS

  • Quality fabric: stretchy, no chafing, durable
  • Zipper and leash allow easy on and off
  • Robust, rugged

CONS

  • Not suitable for deep sea or lower than 65 degrees

O'NEILL Men's 3mm Reactor Wetsuit

General Impression

The O’Neil is set to keep you warm so that you can enjoy the beauty of scuba diving. This scuba travel gear wetsuit is made of a 3mm neoprene composition that hugs the body while remaining flexible. Sleeves and shoulders have extra stretch, keeping your range of motion as full as it can be. Chest and back areas have a thicker layer of neoprene – created for enhanced insulation. Back zipper, including a long leash, allows for easy self-donning. If you are looking to be extra flexible under the surface, this would be the wetsuit of your choice.

PROS

  • Flatlock seams and superseal neck enhancing fit
  • Knee pads
  • Good for nearly any adventure

CONS

  • Flexibility

AQUA LUNG Hydroflex 3mm Scuba Diving Wetsuit

General Impression

This full-body wetsuit is as stylish as it is useful for packing a lot of features for its price. The female version comes in 3 varying colors black, coral and silver. With a super stretch neoprene material, back zipper and adjustable neck loop, putting on this suit is a breeze. Made from Hydroflex this suit allows you to enjoy comfort and warmth in style. Added rubber knee pads will keep you safe and comfortable.

PROS

  • Quickdry lining
  • Zipper and leash allow easy on and off
  • Knee pads

CONS

  • Pricey

CRESSI Bahia Lady Travel-friendly Wetsuit

General Impression

Cressi has proven itself as a dependable brand. Creating durable and lasting equipment since 1946. The Cressi Bahia falls right in those lines. With a frontal zip, this long 2.5mm wetsuit is perfect for diving or snorkeling. Wrist and ankle seals limit water exchange helping to keep that core body temperature right where it should be.

PROS

  • Aquastop watertight seals
  • Top quality: designed and built in Italy
  • Double-lined and durable

CONS

  • Sizing issues

ALL THE BEST TRAVEL MASKS THAT WE TESTED

SCUBAPRO Spectra Dive Mask

General Impression

If you have dived before, you will recognize the need for a dependable mask. SCUBAPRO is the Nike of the diving world; recognized globally for their quality, high-end equipment. This dive mask upholds the brand’s reputation. Its large lenses give the wearer a high range of view, while its large straps offer easy adjustability. As always, SCUBAPRO provides a variety of colors to go with your unique style.

PROS

  • Superb construction and build quality
  • High range of view
  • Easy for clearing

CONS

  • Silicone is a bit too pliable

PHANTOM AQUATICS Panoramic Scuba Mask

General Impression

While a more economical option than our SCUBAPRO Spectra – the Phantom Aquatics ranks just as high in durability and performance. With a panoramic style – this mask is an excellent option for those who want a peripheral field of view. A split strap design helps to keep an even facial seal and eliminate any leaks.

PROS

  • First of its kind Tri-Window design
  • Tempered glass
  • FEZ Equalize nose pocket

CONS

  • Dry fit is not great

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL SCUBA GEAR
Buyer's Guide

Here are a few tips and tricks as to how to pack your Scuba Gear Bag and a few extras you should get for your exciting scuba travels.

A personal towel can be too bulky to carry along. As well many hostels either charge for towels or fail to provide them at all. With this, we would suggest investing in a Quality Quick Dry Travel Towel to help save money as well as space. A quick-drying towel is crucial. The amount of times you use your towel throughout a diving getaway makes thick, wooly materials imprudent. Rei creates its towels from specialized synthetic material. Its microfiber texture helps get your dry quick – with its only downside being its compatible size – down to a 9″x5″ (23x13cm) zippered pouch. You won’t get enough coverage to hide your entire body as you run from the shower to your bedroom – if need be.

Be studious and learn your airline’s rules. It is never fun scrambling around the airport because you are a few pounds over the luggage weight limit. Also, repacking scuba travel gear is not a process you should expedite. Do some reading, pack diligently, and ensure your luggage is safe and secure. Why go on a holiday if you are going to stress yourself out? Remember to pack a smile. Smiling and being cordial makes a big difference to people who deal with irate travelers regularly.

The best way to pack a wetsuit in a suitcase is to put it down on its front side as flat as possible to avoid creases. Then fold the legs back at the knees and then tuck the arms in. Now fold the whole top half of the body back over the bottom half. This folded-shape make it easy to slide into a mesh bag that you might own or into a cargo bag. After travel or as soon as you can, be sure to hang the suit back up on a hanger. Be diligent about this – nobody likes miff stench!

Our last hack is for underwater photographers and videographers. If you plan to be traveling regularly but still want to capture great stills and videos – you should invest in a GoPro. We would suggest the GoPro Hero 8. This set of generic Starter Accessories is well priced and will get you up and running. The GoPro is the most user-friendly action camera out there. Its 4k video and 12MP photos allow quality capture of your adventures. You can also preview and playback your shots, change settings, and trim your footage. Pairing the GoPro with its underwater diving kit accessories adds tremendous functionality. The compact waterproof carrying case is an efficient space-saver which will make traveling a whole lot easier. The waterproof scuba LED light is a reliable secondary. And the handgrip monopod, hardcover housing, and floaty handle are a definite insurance policy for these underwater action cameras.

As a scuba diver, it is essential that you have familiarized yourself duly with your scuba travel gear. Be sure that you have tested whatever gear you add to your arsenal and understand its functionalities. You don’t want to be 30m below the surface with something not working as it should.

Remember that weight limits are stricter these days, and it is vital to travel as light as possible. Double-check your weight at home before you set off to the airport and keep heavier items towards the top of your bag in case you need to rearrange anything. Investing in your scuba travel gear is of great importance to your safety. Feeling reassured of the dependability of your travel gear makes a scuba diving holiday all the more enjoyable. We suggest that you use the scuba travel gear we have recommended here as a yardstick, do your own research, and then grow your knowledge bases from there. Find what’s best for you and see all that the global scuba diving community has to offer.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

Leave a Reply