[Packing list] What should you take diving in Okinawa? [For beginners]

Diving in Okinawa's beautiful ocean is a rare chance to experience something out of the ordinary.

Still, you may find yourself wondering, "What should I bring?" or worrying, "What if I forget something?"

To fully enjoy the clear underwater scenery and encounters with all kinds of marine life, it's important to get your packing right.

First, be sure to prepare items that keep you comfortable, such as protection from Okinawa's strong sunshine and waterproof gear for the long ride out on the water.

Also, when diving in Okinawa, if you do forget something, you can often buy it close by right away.

In this article, we thoroughly explain the items you should bring when diving in Okinawa.

Feel free to use it as a packing checklist.

Before you start: introductory diving and certified diving require different items

↑ Quoted from a photo kindly provided to us.

The items you should prepare differ between introductory diving and diving as a license holder.

• Introductory diving: diving at a depth of around 5 m, with no license required
• Diving as a license holder: depending on your license, you can enjoy a variety of dives

In introductory diving, an instructor accompanies you, and all the basic equipment is provided as rental gear.

There is little you need to prepare yourself, mainly small items for staying comfortable, such as a swimsuit, a waterproof bag and a towel.

Also, because an instructor stays close by, there is less to worry about for safety, and it's easy to take part with only the bare minimum of belongings.

On the other hand, for diving as a license holder, it is recommended to have diving equipment that suits you.

Using your own gear, such as a mask, fins, a regulator and a dive computer, should improve your safety and reduce problems while diving.

For either type of diving, preparing for Okinawa's sunshine and sea conditions is essential.

For beginners: packing list for introductory diving

A key feature of introductory diving is that you need to bring very few things.

Most of the items are things you'd bring anyway to play in the Okinawan sea, so be sure not to forget them.

Even if you do forget something, it won't become a serious problem, so there's no need to worry.

The 5 essential items for introductory diving

The items introduced here are ones that nearly every introductory diving trip requires.

Even if one turns out to be unnecessary for the dive, nothing here will get in the way when you play in the Okinawan sea, so it's a good idea to bring them just in case.

1. Swimsuit or rash guard

For introductory diving, you need a swimsuit to wear under your diving suit.

For both men and women, we recommend a rash guard, a sports garment that dries quickly and stretches well.

With one, you'll be protected from sunburn and can keep your skin covered.

Because rash guards are made for surfers, they have the advantages of being durable, hard to pull off, and easy to move in.

If you don't have a rash guard, choose a simple swimsuit that is easy to move in and won't come off, such as a bikini or swim trunks.

2. A full change of clothes

You'll change and head home after diving, so you need a full set of clothes.

Light clothing is fine in summer, but in cold seasons or on windy days, bringing a thin warm layer helps keep you from getting chilled.

Estimate what time your dive will finish and prepare suitable clothing.

3. Bath towel

There will be a chance to take a shower after diving.

Be sure to prepare a large bath towel to dry yourself off then.

Some tour companies rent towels for free, but it's more reassuring to bring your own bath towel.

We recommend a bath towel that is highly absorbent and quick-drying.

A towel is also handy when you take a short break on the beach, because spreading it out keeps sand from sticking to you.

If you want to enjoy the Okinawan sea to the fullest, prepare one bath towel for each marine sport you'll do.

4. Drinks

Diving takes more energy than you might expect and can easily lead to dehydration, so staying hydrated is essential. Bring sports drinks, mineral water or the like, and replenish your body's fluids well.

In summer, you tend to lose more fluid than you realize, and your drinks run out quickly.

Bring about 1 liter of drinks as a guideline.

5. Items specified by your tour company

For introductory diving, the tour company often provides a list of required items or things to bring.

For example, some tours require specific sandals, a specified type of swimsuit, a snorkel mask, and so on.

This varies from one tour company to another, so read the instructions all the way through and take care not to forget anything.

9 handy items for introductory diving

These are items that can make your introductory diving experience even more enjoyable if you bring them along.

Bring them as needed.

1. Portable battery

During a diving tour, there is often no power source for charging your phone, so a portable battery is handy in case your phone runs out of power.

You can charge while moving between dive spots and even during the dive trip, so it also helps you keep sightseeing around Okinawa.

Also, on a trip to Okinawa, it's hard to find a good moment to charge your phone.

For that reason, a portable battery will often come in handy, not only for diving.

A waterproof portable battery is even more useful, since it's easy to use in wet conditions.

2. Sunscreen

To protect your skin from Okinawa's strong sunshine, waterproof sunscreen is a must.

Choosing a reef-safe type is gentle on Okinawa's rich marine ecosystem, so you can enjoy the sea safely.

Reef-safe sunscreen is an eco-friendly sunscreen that does not use UV-absorbing chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.

By choosing a product that is 100% natural in origin, you can enjoy diving without harming the marine environment.

It's also a good idea to use one with thorough sun protection, such as SPF 50+, and to carry it with you so you can reapply after diving.

3. Sunglasses

Okinawa's sunshine is strong, so sunglasses help protect your eyes while you travel before and after diving.

Choose sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from glare off the water and from ultraviolet rays.

You can also use them while traveling on the tour and during breaks, so sunglasses keep you comfortable even when you're not diving.

4. Underwater camera or GoPro

To capture the beautiful scenery and your memories with marine life underwater, we recommend a waterproof underwater camera or a GoPro.

Recording Okinawa's colorful underwater world in photos and videos will also help you look back on your trip memories.

It's also reassuring to prepare a waterproof camera case that can withstand the depth.

Some tour companies offer underwater photography as a service.

However, in some cases you need to prepare memory, such as an SD card, so be sure to check the details of the service.

5. Waterproof bag

A waterproof bag is handy for carrying wet swimsuits, towels, valuables and more all together.

Seawater may splash on you during diving, so a fully waterproof dry bag can keep electronics such as your phone and camera safe.

Putting wet items inside after diving also keeps your other belongings from getting wet.

We recommend a waterproof bag that can be washed whole, so you can rinse off the seawater.

6. Shampoo and conditioner

Seawater can easily damage your hair after diving, so having a highly moisturizing shampoo and conditioner makes hair care easier.

They may be provided at your accommodation, but if you have a favorite brand, using it should help your hair recover more easily.

Also, during diving, tying your hair up as much as possible reduces the area exposed to ultraviolet rays, which can help limit damage.

7. Cosmetics and lotion

After diving, dry skin from seawater and sunburn can be a concern, so moisturizing lotion and cosmetics are handy.

With a lotion containing moisturizing ingredients or a gel-type moisturizing cream, you can easily care for your skin after diving.

If you'd like to touch up your makeup a little, we also recommend bringing a makeup pouch.

8. Motion sickness medicine

If you are prone to seasickness, having motion sickness medicine ready will help you feel comfortable.

For introductory diving, you often enter the water from shore, but some tours have you enter from a boat.

If seasickness is a concern, check whether you will be taking a boat to go diving.

Taking it 30 minutes before diving is effective and makes it easier to stay in good condition out on the water.

Also, applying a cooling ointment such as menthol or mint under your nose can serve as a substitute for motion sickness medicine.

9. Spare contact lenses

Contact lenses can come out during diving, so it's reassuring to bring spare disposable contacts.

We also recommend bringing glasses in case it's difficult to wear contacts.

Keep them with your valuables so you can take them out right away.

For intermediate divers and above: diving packing list

If you have built up diving experience, you probably already have a packing list of your own.

Also, what you need to bring will vary depending on the dive spot.

Here, we introduce a basic packing list for intermediate and above divers.

C-card (diving license) and logbook

For intermediate and above divers, a "C-card (diving license)" and a "logbook" are must-have items.

Your C-card proves your diving skills and is requested when you rent gear or join a tour.

A logbook is also something you must not forget, since it lets you check your past diving experience and dive records.

This is especially important for intermediate-level diving, which can include deep areas and places with fast currents, because past data is used to plan a safe dive, which also helps prevent accidents.

There are also app-based logbooks, so switching from a paper one is a good way to make sure you don't forget it.

Your own diving equipment

The more diving experience you gain, the more important it becomes to have equipment that suits you.

The following is equipment that makes diving even more enjoyable when you own it yourself.

• Regulator: easier and steadier breathing, and fewer equipment problems.
• Dive computer: helps you manage depth and residual nitrogen, and makes decompression stop decisions smoother.
• Fins and mask: a better fit that keeps you comfortable even on long dives.
• Wetsuit or drysuit: it fits snugly against your body, so it feels less awkward and works better.

This equipment greatly improves a diver's safety and comfort, so we recommend getting it if you can.

For everyone: 3 recommended items to have in an emergency

Diving is without doubt a fun activity, but it puts you in an environment, underwater, that you don't experience in everyday life.

For that reason, even a minor physical problem can sometimes lead to a serious accident.

That is exactly why it is vital to prepare items you'd want to have in an emergency.

Doing so lets you respond calmly, without panicking, if something does happen.

1. Emergency contact list

Bringing an emergency contact list gives you peace of mind, so you can respond quickly in the event of an accident or illness.

List several emergency contacts, such as family, friends and your tour company, so you can reach someone right away.

We recommend keeping it in your wallet or valuables case, so that other people can find it if something happens to you.

2. Health insurance card and medication notebook

A health insurance card and a medication notebook (okusuri techo) are handy for managing your health underwater and for using a medical facility if something happens.

If you need to see a doctor, a medication notebook is useful because it immediately shows your medication information and any allergies.

Also, a copy of your insurance card is fine, and we recommend carrying it with you during the tour and while diving.

In addition, it's a good idea to take out insurance that covers diving during your trip to Okinawa.

The cost is reasonable, so it's also a good deal in the sense of buying peace of mind.

3. Spare wallet

A spare wallet is handy in many ways, for emergencies and for payments during marine sports.

Keeping a small amount of cash separately in a waterproof pouch or waterproof case is useful as a backup.

Unexpected trouble can easily happen while traveling, and carrying cash often proves a lifesaver.

It's not unusual for places to not accept smartphone or credit card payments, so it's convenient in that sense too.

Put in your spare wallet an amount that you could afford to lose if the worst happens.

What to do if you realize you forgot something on the day of your Okinawa dive

Even if you realize you've forgotten something on your way to Okinawa, in most cases you can deal with it.

Overseas, finding a place that sells what you need or getting around locally can be quite a struggle, but that's not the case in Okinawa.

Common items such as swimsuits and sunscreen can be bought locally, so stay calm and handle it.

Buy it at a nearby store

In Okinawa's diving areas, there are several shops that sell diving gear and beach goods.

For example, small items such as swimsuits, sunglasses and sunscreen can be bought near tourist spots and diving areas.

In particularly popular areas, even convenience stores and drugstores stock the sunscreen and waterproof cases needed for diving, so it's easy to pick up what you're missing right away.

Checking the locations of local shops and stands in advance makes any sudden shopping easier.

Ask your tour company

Companies that offer diving tours often have thorough support for beginners and tourists, and they rent or sell the equipment and small items you need.

For example, they not only have basic gear such as masks and fins, but sometimes also rent items such as waterproof bags and towels.

You may also be able to have the staff arrange what you need, so it's a good idea to feel free to ask before you set out.

Not only for when you forget something, it's reassuring to save your tour company's contact information on your phone or similar so you can reach them right away.

Things to watch out for when packing for diving in Okinawa

The big difference between diving in Okinawa and your usual routine is that your belongings are very likely to get wet with seawater.

For that reason, take great care with items that can't be exposed to seawater.

Between summer and winter, only your "change of clothes" and "sunscreen" really differ

Okinawa is warm all year round, but air and water temperatures differ between summer and winter, so there are slight differences in what to bring.

In summer, lightweight clothes to change into and a high-SPF sunscreen are best; in winter, warmer clothes and an outer layer are ideal.

Even in winter, Okinawa's sunshine is strong, so sunscreen is a must, though you don't need to be as thorough as in summer.

In either season, choosing a waterproof type makes it harder for the sunscreen to wash off in seawater.

It's also reassuring to have moisturizing care ready for after diving.

Choose waterproof gear that can handle seawater

For waterproof gear used in Okinawa's sea, choosing items made of materials that stand up to seawater makes them last longer.

Waterproof bags and phone cases that resist seawater and sand are best.

For electronics that are prone to water damage, we also recommend using a fully waterproof case.

Preparing durable waterproof gear helps protect your equipment and belongings.

Wash anything that got seawater on it

After diving, it's important not to leave items covered in seawater as they are, but to rinse them off with fresh water.

Seawater contains salt, and leaving it on can cause deterioration and mold.

Masks, fins and wetsuits last longer if you rinse them carefully and then let them dry.

Just as you care for your hair with shampoo and conditioner, look after your gear so that it isn't affected by seawater.

How the day of an Okinawa dive goes, and tips for managing your belongings

We'll walk you through how an Okinawa diving experience goes.

Picture the diving experience and work out the items you personally need.

And if you have any questions or something you don't understand, it's important to ask your tour company or instructor right away.

1. On the day: meeting up and checking equipment

On the day of your dive, it's important to arrive at the meeting place on time.

Check your belongings once more before leaving, and if you're an experienced diver, make sure you have your license card and logbook with you.

After meeting on site, you'll receive an explanation from the instructor, then prepare and check the necessary equipment.

Also check with your tour company how to manage valuables, which are easy to lose.

2. Traveling to the boat or beach

Once everyone has gathered, you head to the dive point.

Including preparation, the tour generally takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Also, if you're traveling by boat and are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medicine about 30 minutes before the boat ride.

At this point, sort out your belongings, keep only what you need with you, and put the rest in a waterproof bag or similar and store it in a safe place.

The fewer things you bring onto the boat, the easier it is to move around and the smoother your dive preparation goes.

Follow the instructor's directions and bring only the bare minimum of belongings.

3. Dive preparation and final check

After arriving at the dive point, you put on your wetsuit, mask and fins and get ready.

At this time, follow the instructor's directions on how to put on your gear and carry out safety checks.

Put all the belongings you don't need for diving together in a bag for now, and store important items and electronics in a waterproof case so they don't get wet.

Also be sure to check that your regulator and mask fit you properly.

4. Entering the water and practicing in the shallows

Once your dive preparation is complete, you first practice the basics in shallow water.

Here you do basic training such as breathing technique, buoyancy control and ear equalizing, to prepare for the actual dive.

This is a time to get used to moving underwater calmly, checking how to use your equipment under the instructor's guidance.

During practice, you'll check how to remove and put on your mask and regulator, and also learn how to handle problems if they occur.

For first-timers and those who haven't dived in a while, this shallow-water practice supports the stability of the whole dive, so take each step calmly.

Also, it is vital to honestly report anything you don't understand or can't do.

Diving can involve life-threatening accidents, so don't gloss over anything, and make sure your safety is properly secured.

5. The diving experience

Once the dive begins, you enjoy the underwater world together with the instructor.

The time spent in the water is generally about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you bring a camera or GoPro, use a strap or float to prevent loss or damage.

If you feel something is wrong with your health, don't panic; let the instructor know and aim to respond safely.

Also, even if you drop a belonging, don't dive deeper to get it; contact the instructor and handle it together.

6. Cleaning up after the dive and checking your belongings

After you finish diving, take off your gear, collect your belongings and tidy up.

Some tours meet and disband on site, which is not unusual, so check the facilities around the dive spot.

For example, where you can change clothes and where you can take a shower.

It's also important to find a place where you can rest your tired body after diving.

Rinse equipment that touched seawater thoroughly with fresh water, and keep wet swimsuits and towels in plastic bags, which makes dealing with them later easier.

Check that you haven't lost your valuables, phone or other items, check your waterproof bag once more, and then move on to sightseeing or resting.

Want to keep packing simple? Choose a tour company that rents out diving equipment!

↑ Quoted from a photo kindly provided to us.

If you want to enjoy diving in Okinawa but also want to join easily without adding to your luggage, a diving tour company that rents out equipment is convenient.

Many tour companies provide not only masks, fins and wetsuits but even life jackets, so you need only minimal preparation beforehand.

You don't need to buy equipment or carry it on the plane, so your luggage is lighter and getting around on your trip is more comfortable.

Also, each tour company provides well-maintained equipment, so even beginners can enjoy diving safely.

If you want to enjoy diving in the Okinawan sea to the fullest, be sure to make use of a tour company that rents out equipment.

Q&A about what to bring diving

What sunscreen and care items are suitable for diving in Okinawa?

For diving in Okinawa, a water-resistant, waterproof sunscreen is a must.

To protect your skin from Okinawa's strong sunshine, we recommend one with high UV protection, such as "SPF50+" or "PA++++."

It's also a good idea to choose a sunscreen labeled "reef-safe" or containing "environmentally friendly ingredients" to protect the marine ecosystem.

After diving, a "moisturizing gel" or "after-sun lotion" is also handy for caring for skin that has dried out from sunburn.

What equipment should license holders bring themselves?

Divers who hold a license should bring "basic diving gear (mask, snorkel and fins)" if they have it.

If possible, it's also good to have your own "regulator" and "dive computer."

Using this equipment fitted to your own body increases comfort and safety.

A wetsuit for cold weather and a mesh bag, which is handy for storing equipment, are also useful.

Of course, these can also be rented, so we recommend checking with your tour company in advance.

Is it better to rent or to bring your own items?

Whether to rent or bring your own depends on how often you dive and how much you value comfort.

Beginners and introductory divers can keep costs down by renting.

However, if you plan to enjoy diving over the long term, it is safer and more comfortable to get your own equipment.

Items that fit you well are especially important for things like regulators and masks.

Whether rented or your own, choosing items that suit your body will improve the quality of your dive.

What belongings are needed for after-dive care?

After diving, it's handy to have aftercare products to moisturize skin and hair, which dry out easily because of seawater.

For example, a highly moisturizing lotion and hair treatment will let you enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa comfortably after diving too.

A waterproof bag or plastic bag for storing swimsuits and towels that have seawater on them is also handy.

Having things like sunscreen for reapplying and sports drinks to help you recover from fatigue will make after-dive care go smoothly.

What should I watch out for when bringing diving equipment on a plane?

When bringing diving equipment on a plane, it's important to check weight and size limits in advance.

"Regulators" and "dive computers" are fragile, so it's reassuring to carry them on board in a protective case.

Also, please note that items such as "dive knives, spare batteries for cameras and the like, and hex wrenches of 15 cm or longer" may be prohibited from being carried into the cabin.

Summary

To fully enjoy diving in Okinawa, advance preparation and managing your belongings are important.

From introductory diving for beginners to full-fledged diving for intermediate and above divers, checking the belongings and precautions that suit each level makes for a safe and comfortable underwater experience.

With items and equipment that handle Okinawa's strong sunshine and the effects of seawater, you can avoid trouble more easily and enjoy diving wholeheartedly.

On the day, follow the instructor's directions, be thorough with the basic practice in the shallows and with managing your belongings, and enjoy Okinawa's beautiful sea.

If you prepare well, you'll be able to enjoy the charm of the Okinawan sea along with wonderful memories.

Why not book now so you can go diving over your next long weekend!

You can dive in Okinawa all year round, and the off-season outside summer can actually be a hidden gem!