What to Bring for Scuba Diving in Porto Cristo
A practical packing list for your day of diving — whether you're trying it for the first time or heading out as a certified diver.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving · No experience needed
The essentials
For both Discover Scuba Diving and certified dives, the dive centre provides the core scuba equipment: tank, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins and weights. What you need to bring is mostly about personal comfort and the rest of your day. A reasonable packing list looks like:
- Swimwear (worn under the wetsuit)
- A towel and a change of clothes for afterwards
- Sun protection — reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for time on the boat or quayside
- Water and a light snack, especially if your session spans a longer part of the day
- Any medication you take regularly
- A waterproof bag or pouch for phones, wallets and other valuables
If you wear glasses or contact lenses
Contact lenses are generally fine to wear while diving. If you wear glasses and don’t use contacts, ask the dive centre in advance about prescription mask inserts — availability varies, so it’s better to check ahead than find out on the day.
For certified divers
If you have your own personal gear — mask, fins, dive computer, or a wetsuit you prefer — you’re welcome to bring it. Certification cards (or proof of certification via an agency’s digital verification) are typically required before a certified dive, so bring yours along or know how to access a digital copy.
Logbooks and certification proof
If you haven’t dived in a while, some operators may ask about your recent diving experience or suggest a refresher, particularly if your last dive was a long time ago. This is a normal safety practice, not a judgement on your ability.
What not to worry about
You don’t need to buy any specialist diving equipment before your trip — everything required for a Discover Scuba Diving session is provided. If you’re considering a PADI course and think you might continue diving regularly afterwards, that’s a conversation worth having with the dive centre once you’re there, rather than something to plan around in advance.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own wetsuit?
No — wetsuits are provided as standard equipment for both Discover Scuba Diving sessions and certified dives. You're welcome to bring your own if you have one and prefer it.
Should I bring a towel?
It's a good idea, along with a change of clothes. Some dive centres provide towels as part of their facilities, but bringing your own means you're covered either way.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
If you'd like photos or video of your dive, ask the dive centre in advance — some operators offer this as part of the experience or as an add-on. Bringing your own underwater camera is generally fine for certified divers, but check first if you're a beginner, as managing extra equipment can be distracting during your first dive.
What should I eat or drink before diving?
A light meal a couple of hours before is generally recommended — avoid diving on a completely empty stomach or right after a heavy meal. Stay hydrated, and it's sensible to avoid alcohol before diving, both for safety and because dive computers and decompression models assume a sober diver.
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Related guides
Try Scuba Diving
Curious about breathing underwater for the first time? Here's how Discover Scuba Diving works in Porto Cristo, who it's for, and what a typical session looks like.
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Boat diving from Porto Cristo for certified divers: east coast dive sites, what trips typically involve, and what to expect from local operators.
Is It Safe for Beginners?
An honest look at how safety is managed during a beginner Discover Scuba Diving experience, including supervision ratios, training and medical considerations.