What to Pack Scuba Cozumel

What to Pack: Cozumel

by Dive Doggiein Scuba Packing Listson Posted on

Visiting La Isla Cozumel

Cozumel boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world! Just a quick short flight from most anywhere in the United States and Canada, Cozumel is a popular and cheap place to dive!  Before you book your trip, check the weather and modify our packing list to accommodate your needs!  The list below is for a dive-centric trip with 3-5 dives per day, rather than the tourist trip with diving on the side.  Modify accordingly!

How to Fit In

Cozumel is a laid-back casual island (think small town) with many Mexican residents and Mayan descendants. Forget the fancy cruise ship attire, but remember to dress respectfully if you are going out to eat or visiting a church. Many residents are fairly modest and may not appreciate your beach wear out on the streets or at the dinner table. Learn a bit of conversational Spanish if you want to go off the grid and be respected. Lastly, learn to pronounce Cozumel correctly: CO-soo-mel.

What to Pack for Diving

  • BCD
  • Air Delivery System
  • Computer (a back up if you have one)
  • Mask
  • Spare Parts:
    • Mask strap
    • Fin straps
    • O-rings
    • Mask defog
    • Small tool kit
    • Batteries for computers
    • Etc.
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • Wetsuit (3mm – 5mm)
  • Hood if you get cold
  • Booties (if open heel fins)
  • Socks (if closed heel fins)
  • SMB & finger spool
  • Torch for night dives – recommend a strap
  • Marker for night dives
  • Log Book
  • Pen

What to Pack for Clothing

  • 1-2 Pairs Pants
  • 1 Raincoat
  • 2 Fast dry shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket or boat coat (winter)
  • 1 Hoodie (winter)
  • 1 Long sleeve / button down shirt
  • 2 Long sleeve sweatshirts (winter)
  • 1-2 Rash guards
  • 2 Dry shorts with pockets
  • 3-4 Pairs of socks for walking (or comfortable sandals)
  • Ladies:
    • 1-3 casual dresses
    • 1 Cover up / Sarong
    • 1 scarf or buff to keep your hair out of your way
    • 1 small purse with shoulder strap
    • Jewelry if you choose to dress up
  • 2 Tank tops
  • 2-3 T-Shirts
  • 3-4 swimsuits (they’re going to stink after a few days)
  • Going out to eat?
    •  Ladies:
      • Dresses or sweaters that cover the shoulders
    • Men:
      • Pants and a collared shirt

What to Pack for Toiletries

  • Seasickness medication
    • Scopolamine patches have to be prescribed, so see your doctor at least 1-2 months in advance)
    • Dramamine or Bonine
    • Wrist bracelets
  • Brush/comb
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Shave oil (easier than creams)
  • Razors
  • Lotion or coconut oil (the sea can dry your skin)
  • Leave-in conditioner for long hair (reef safe!)
  • Chapstick or lip balm
  • Reef safe sunscreen (biodegradable, non-toxic)
  • Deodorant

What to Pack for Extras

  • Certification Card if Already Certified
  • Diving Insurance card (if already certified, and have insurance)
  • Extra dive torch with tether
  • Dry Bag
  • Portable clothesline
  • Small bag for trips to town
  • Money for any souvenirs or shopping
  • Money for crew tips (~$5 per tank – they rely on this, be a good human)
  • Camera equipment (underwater or otherwise)
    • Red Filter
    • Tethers
    • Rechargeable batteries – it’s an island, don’t leave batteries there, they are hard to dispose

As always, LABEL YOUR STUFF with a phone number!