5 tips for planning a scuba diving road trip

Do you have any plans to take a scuba diving road trip any time soon? Scuba diving is the best way to move freely underwater and gives you a feel of marine life. Although it’s easier than you think, you still need to make traveling plans. If everything is done right, you’re on your way to an incredible drive and dive experience. Here are some of the tip that will guarantee you a successful road trip and scuba diving:

1. Plan

Planning is the core of a successful scuba diving road trip. The idea is to have a journal or a notebook and put everything down. Writing everything down would ensure you don’t leave anything to chance.

Choose Your Destination

Where do you want to head to? With a bit of research and consultation, you can find some of the best diving sites to visit. Some of the things that influence your choice are your budget and time. If you’re traveling with family, choosing child-friendly places is a must.

Choose a Route

After choosing your destination, get in touch with the local dive shops or centers, and plan the trip routes. Ask on the route map and the best routes to maximize on the trip with a minimal budget.

Create a Schedule

These local dive shops would also help in choosing the right dive schedules. Even the most experienced road trippers need a plan since it makes your trip more organized. Remember, schedules depend on weather conditions such as water, temperature, and visibility. If you want to experience most marine animals, you will have to schedule the trip since they are migratory.

Plan for Stopovers

On your schedule, remember to add stopovers for exploring the local area, do gas refills for the vehicle and oxygen tanks or just take breaks and enjoy the local culture. Most areas along the sea or ocean have rich local food and livelihood. Get to mingle and dance away with the locals.

Organize Accommodations

You can research online or contact local dive shops to find the best places to stay in. Be sure to book a room that fits you and your traveling companions.

Pick the Right Vehicle

First, choose the right vehicle based on your traveling route. Then, have the car checked by the mechanic to ensure everything is okay. Make sure to carry spares and have emergency contacts in case something comes up along the way.

Get Necessary Traveling Accessories

The accessories you need depends on how long the trip will last and how many people you’re traveling with. Getting a universal roof rack is the best way to ensure all your luggage and diving stuff and are safe.

Bring Entertainment

Traveling can be tedious. Beginning entertainment like games such as board games and music will help make the trip more fun.

2.  Diving Gear Check

Before the trip, always ensure you get the right diving gear. Most divers opt to rent the diving equipment from the local dive shop. If you decide to rent, ensure you book in advance. Ensuring that your gear gets to dry after every dive can be a challenge. Plan to get a plastic bag or bin to keep the car dry. Organize for a rubber liner where you can air the wet gears. Also, ensure you pack your rash guard or, at best to use a “short” damp suit at the very least, especially for hotter destinations. You will need a complete suit for deeper and longer dives.

3.  Prepare Your Traveling Documents

Travel insurance

Traveling insurance is one of the essential traveling documents that form a critical part of traveling. It does more than protecting you from risks due to accidents. Such a vital record protects you against emergencies that could ruin your trip, such as losing your passport.

 Get Vaccinated on Time

Next, you need to investigate which vaccinations your destination recommends, if any. Make sure to visit the doctor early and get the right medical certificates. You can carry extra medicine for emergencies.

Transport

Lastly, sort out the logistics of transport. It might be as simple as ensuring your driver’s license is up to date. Also, make sure you have the necessary clearance for all the luggage you’re traveling with.

4.  Practice Your Breathing

If you’re a beginner, practice your underwater breathing. You can use a regulator or put on your mask and practice mouth breathing. Try carrying around the oxygen tanks and have a feel of it. The goal is to familiarize yourself with all the activities that you’ll perform underwater. It’s best if you can practice with the help of an expert.

5.  Take the trip

Before you hit the road, go through your checklist to ensure nothing is left behind. Confirm that you have enough water and food to last you through the trip or until your next stopover. Don’t forget your non-diving equipment such as sunscreen, the camera, and batteries. Finally, you can grab your bags and take the trip and have fun while at it.

Conclusion

How successful your scuba diving trip turns out depends on the research and planning level you put into it. Properly planning the trip minimizes mistakes and challenges you’re likely to encounter. If you don’t have much experience, it’s best to have an expert by your side. Alternatively, make sure to train properly before the day arrives. The last thing you want is to experience trouble while deep underwater.

Author’s Bio:

Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the Travelling Industry. She believes travelling is the key to a peaceful life & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, She loves Traveling and Reading.