Since there is a group of people getting ready to leave the country and head to Mexico, today is the perfect time to address some of the most commonly forgotten items.
C-Card.
Never Leave Home Without It! Okay, that might be a bit extreme, but if you are going on a dive trip, this is your ticket between getting to dive and not getting to dive. So maybe that should be restated to say, never leave home on a dive trip without it.
One good backup plan is to get yourself registered online through SDI so that you can download a digital copy. Remember, this card is the difference between giant striding off that boat and sitting there riding the waves.
Cash.
While credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island of Mexico, it is always good to have cash. The smaller the bills, the better. This will help you when it comes to tipping your dive master as well as tipping your room service/maid.
So how much? Typically dive masters are tipped $5/day unless they’ve been extremely tentative to you, then you might go a little more. Maids get a couple dollars per day.
Be aware of your possessions.
You can’t walk through an airport without hearing that announcement come on that says always know where your bags are. Never accept anything from strangers, etc. But there is more to it than just that.
FAA regulations only allow a quart sized ziplock bag with bottles 3oz or less for toiletries. That includes shampoo, conditioner, etc. If you plan on taking larger items of the sort, put them in your checked bag. If you put them in your checked bag, it is always a good idea to place them in a large ziplock bag or plastic bag just in case one gets squeezed open. You’d hate to open your bag to shampoo all over your clothes and dive gear!
Also be aware of carry-on sizes. If a bag is too large to be a carryon, they will make you check it. At each airport, there is a station devoted to “this size” for carryon. If you are worried, go to FAA.com to find out size regulations on carry-on bag sizes.
Checked bags also have their own regulations. One big one is the weight restriction. Make sure you know what your airline says for weight restrictions and do not exceed that amount. If you exceed that amount they will charge you extra. In the long run, if you have to use an additional checked bag, it is usually cheaper than paying “heavy” bag charges.
Mesh bag.
A Mesh bag might be that item that is furthest from your mind when packing for a diving destination. So what is the purpose of a Mesh Bag? Well, it helps keep your gear together and the holes allow the water to drain away. Basically, you move your gear from the lockers to the boat and back to the lockers. This bags sole purpose is to help with ease of movement of your gear.
Dry Bag.
In case you didn’t know this secret, I’m going to tell you… Scuba diving is a wet sport. Bam, mind blown. But seriously. We have a lot of items we need to keep dry, i.e. c-cards, drivers license, passport, cell phone, cameras, etc. Even your towel to help dry you off after you have dove. That is the sole purpose of a dry bag, to keep those items you want dry, dry.
Dry bags come in many shapes, sizes, and colors even. Find a dry bag that suits your needs best and make sure you pack it! Hey, if you’re running low on space, use it as your carry on even, but make sure you have it packed and ready to go. Don’t leave home without it.
Going on a dive destination trip, especially in the middle of this crazy winter is always pleasurable. It is an experience everyone should try. I’m telling you the views of the ocean are something out of a fairytale almost… But leaving the country can be a little bit stressful.
That’s why we are here, to help relieve that stress. This should be a fun experience. Use this helpful list to make sure you don’t forget anything. Visit the FAA.com if you have any additional questions about your air travel. Check out our post on how to pack a gear bag for 50lbs or less. Check out our post on 10 Travel Tips for Foreign destinations. And if all else fails, call us here at the shop… We’ve made just a couple trips.