What to Pack for a Diving Holiday in Kenya
Getting ready for a dive trip to Diani or Mombasa? Here’s a practical packing list – plus a few things you can leave at home, since we’ve got them covered.
Diving essentials
- Certification card (C-card) – bring the physical card or have a digital copy accessible; you’ll need to show proof of certification before diving.
- Logbook – not required, but useful if you’re continuing your training or it’s been a while since your last dive.
- Your own mask – optional, but many divers prefer diving with a mask they know fits well and doesn’t fog.
- Rash vest or dive skin – helpful for sun protection and minor scrape prevention, especially on multiple dives per day.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which damage coral reefs. Regular sunscreen washed off in the water contributes to reef degradation.
What you don’t need to bring
Full scuba gear – BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, tank and weights – is included with every course and dive trip, along with transfers to and from the dive base. Unless you have your own gear you specifically prefer diving in, there’s no need to bring or buy equipment for your trip.
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothing – Kenya’s coast is warm and humid year-round.
- A light rash guard or long-sleeve top for extra sun coverage on the boat between dives.
- Swimwear – bring at least two sets so you always have a dry one.
- A light jacket or fleece if diving during the cooler July-September months, for the boat ride rather than underwater.
- Comfortable sandals for the beach and boat, plus one pair of closed shoes for anything inland.
Health and practical items
- Travel insurance that specifically covers scuba diving – not all standard policies do.
- Any personal medication, clearly labeled, plus a copy of your prescription if relevant.
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness – take them before boarding, not after you start to feel unwell.
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for the boat.
- Reusable water bottle – refreshments are provided, but a bottle helps you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Nice-to-haves
- An underwater camera or phone housing, if you want to capture the dive.
- Earplugs designed for diving, if you’re prone to ear equalization difficulty (ask your instructor for guidance first).
- A small first-aid kit for minor topside scrapes and sun exposure.
One more thing: your medical fitness
Before your first dive, you’ll complete a standard medical questionnaire. If you have certain pre-existing conditions, you may need sign-off from a doctor first – see our post on medical fitness for diving for details, and sort this out before you travel if it applies to you.
Ready to book?
Once you’ve packed, the rest is on us – gear, transfers, guides, and refreshments included on every trip.
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