Planning a Spectacular Scuba Diving Trip

So, you've paid your dues, taken your local scuba diving lessons, maybe even become enough of a pro to help out with local search and rescue or to teach a few diving lessons of your own. Now it's finally time to plan your big scuba diving trip. Where do you begin?

First things first - you must make your reservations. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance. Remember that scuba diving is a popular activity and the places where you can participate are popular places. Lots of people are going to want to scuba dive in Hawaii, Thailand, Australia, and so on! Be sure to reserve your own spot when you book your travel arrangements. Otherwise you may find yourself all-dressed-up with nowhere to dive!

Secondly, check and be sure that you can meet any requirements or restrictions that may be posed by the scuba diving establishment you make arrangements with. Some of the scuba dive tour companies want to see documentation of your scuba training and experience. Be sure to keep this with you so that there won't be any question that you are certified to go on the more challenging dives. You don't want to be stuck in the kiddie group or end up having to pay more and waste valuable vacation time getting duplicate certification.

Third, be sure you really are prepared. If you are a fully certified diver, but it's been a while since you dived, take a refresher course before you go. This will give you a chance to test out all your equipment and identify and work on any problem areas in your skills and technique.

Fourth, do take all your own equipment. Many people think it will be a hassle to pack bulky scuba gear when traveling, but it's just cheaper, wiser, and safer in the long run. Spend time at home getting the best and most affordable gear you can get from a high quality sporting goods supplier. Test it all out to be sure it is exactly what you need. By doing this, you can avoid renting used equipment or paying inflated prices for inferior equipment that may literally cost you your life.

When you plan your trip well in advance, make wise decisions in your preparation and arrive at your destination well prepared, you can feel confident that you will have a successful, satisfying and safe scuba diving holiday.