The Ultimate Costa Rica Dive Trip Packing List (2024)
By Demi Johnson, Dive Master
We’ve covered the basics of diving in Costa Rica, as well as diving with bull sharks at Bat Islands. If those posts have put diving in Costa Rica on your bucket list, then this dive trip packing list is for you. A well-planned dive trip packing list also helps you avoid forgetting important travel documents, medications, chargers, or accessories that may be difficult or expensive to replace once you arrive. Before you zip up your suitcase, take a few minutes to review your dive trip packing list one last time so you can focus on exploring Costa Rica’s incredible underwater world with confidence.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
The Ultimate Costa Rica Dive Trip Packing List
If you are planning a dive trip to Costa Rica, here is the low down on what to pack! I haven’t included the obvious general packing list items, but rather, things that are specific to diving in this area.
Dive Kit. As far as fins, BCD, mask etc go, it is your own personal choice as to whether you bring your own, or rent at the Dive Center once you get to Costa Rica. Most likely, this will depend on your luggage allowance and travel plans.
Wetsuit. Temperature varies in Costa Rica, from 30 degrees in July, to as low as 18 in December. Everybody is different when it comes to the temperature you can tolerate, and which wetsuit thickness suits you. I would recommend that even when it is warm, take at least a dive skin. This will protect you from the urchins and stingers sometimes present in the water. If you know that you really feel the cold, check with your chosen dive center exactly what kind of suits they stick as you probably will not be able to rent anything more than a 5mm.
Rain jacket or poncho. For the rainy season, I would recommend taking a big waterproof jacket. Whilst the air temperature is still hot and humid, you can easily chill after a dive if you are on the boat in the driving rain. For dry season, a light poncho can come in handy for covering up from the sun and providing a little warmth. This poncho fits into a small pouch and has a hood!
Sunscreen. Whilst it is important to protect our skin from the sun’s rays, many people don’t realize how damaging sunscreen is for the reefs and oceans. As divers, it is our responsibility to use reef safe sunscreen, such as Stream2Sea. (Use code ExpCoco for 10% off your order!)
Swimwear. It seems obvious, but make sure you bring several pairs! In the humid wet season, clothes will not dry fast, so make sure you have extra sets of swimwear, because there is nothing worse than putting on a damp bikini!
Dry Bag. There are some great options on the market for all budgets, as well as various sizes. If heading out on a boat, the last thing you want is your phone and wallet soaked through! This one works well and comes with a waterproof phone case.
Reusable water bottle. Costa Rica is known as a green country, so do your bit to help by bringing your own water bottle. Tap water is free and safe to drink, so take advantage, save some cash and the planet! These ones are collapsible, which is nice but CamelBak is always a favorite too.
Hat. Out on the ocean, with little sun protection and the cooling wind, is a prime time for burning. Taking your own hat can at least provide some personal shade during surface intervals.
Camera. If you are into photography, don’t forget your camera, plus charger and spare batteries! Colored lenses are also a great investment and can be found fairly cheap on Amazon.
DSMB. Consider buying your own DSMB, particularly if heading to Bat Islands or Catalina Islands, as currents are strong. It is a vital piece of dive equipment that doesn’t get used often, but you will be happy you have one! This one works well.
Insurance. Please don’t even consider diving with no insurance! Of course, I hope you never have to use it. If in doubt, do a quick search on the cost of a stay in a hyperbaric chamber, and then get that insurance quickly! Check the small print, if the policy only covers certain depths, or doesn’t cover training etc. I recommend printing out your proof of insurance as some centers may ask for it. We recommend World Nomads travel insurance.
Medical. If you need a medical, make sure you have it ready before you leave home. If you arrive at a Dive center in Costa Rica and answer yes to any of the questions on this medical form then they will request you go for a medical exam. It is much easier to get this sorted before you go, so if you know you need one, get one organized!
Certifications. Bring your Dive Certification cards with you! Although mostly you can be looked up on an online database, if you are certified by a smaller organization, it can save a lot of hassle and time by bringing your cards along!
Seasickness Tablets. If you know you are prone to seasickness, don’t forget some medication. Some people also swear by chewing on ginger if you want a more natural remedy. These tablets combine dramamine with ginger for an effective remedy.
Save a Dive Kit. Don’t let your dives be ruined by mishaps. Make sure you are prepared, as if you are boat diving, all problems need to be fixed at sea. Just a simple set like this from Amazon can be the difference between making a dive or missing it!
If you plan on diving in Costa Rica, this dive trip packing list will help ensure you get the most out of your time underwater and that you have everything you need.
If you’re a diver, what’s the one must-have on your dive trip packing list?
Demi is a keen traveler, writer and dive instructor. She lived in Playas del Coco last year, but now currently works in Malta. She loves to write about places she’s been, travel tips and diving. Her work can be found on her blog.
