Snorkelling and diving vacation tips
Know before you go
If you are bound for a diving vacation in Cozumel, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or, more locally, British Columbia, you'll need the lowdown on what to bring and how to bring it. Cheapflights' diving expert has the following tips to make your trip go without a hitch.
If you are using a travel agent to book flights, tell them you are a diver and that you may need a bigger luggage allowance. You may be able to get a greater allowance. If that's not forthcoming, find out what the airline charges for excess baggage. It may be cheaper to pay ahead than at the airport.
If you're booking flights yourself, pack smart to stay within the weight limits. It won't be too hard if you are going to a warm-water destination. If you do exceed your baggage allowance, you'll have to pay. Airlines differ in their policies:
Air Transat will accept up to 20kg (44lbs) of scuba-diving equipment free of charge (including the tank, air regulator, mask and fins) but Air Canada will count one piece of baggage - whether it be an empty scuba tank, an air supply regulator, pressure gauge, tank harness, face mask, pair of diving fins or snorkel - towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by the fare type. Delta will accept dive bags containing scuba equipment other than an empty dive tank as checked baggage, but if you are taking an empty dive tank, it'll cost about $150 each way.
Make sure your travel insurance will cover you. There are a couple of things to think about here. There's your scuba gear - how much will you be covered for if it's lost or stolen. Then there's the activity itself. Are you covered adequately if you need medical attention?
Some items can go in your carry-on luggage. Obviously, your dive knife will not be one of them. That'll go in checked luggage, along with your wetsuit, booties, fins, snorkel and buoyancy compensator. Your scuba dive computer can go into your carry-on luggage. It'll need to be packed in a box that will prevent accidental activation. You can also bring your mask, log book and certification cards in your hand luggage.
Pack a medical kit. Decongestants and ear drops, sunscreen and seasickness pills should be included in this.
And when you're finished diving, build in a day to relax. It's dangerous to fly immediately after scuba diving. You'll need 12 to 24 hours to avoid decompression illness.
Now that you're familiar with our pre-trip tips, take a look at the ranked top snorkelling and diving sites around the world.