What to Pack: Key Largo Florida

Key Largo Florida is home to shallow diving in the United States of America!  Enjoy shallow reefs, subtle currents, waves on the ocean and a recovering reef!  Most diving is done from a boat, so do not plan on shore diving unless you have a local friend who’s willing to take you out.  Weather can range from cool to hot, so be sure to check the weather report before your trip!

What to pack for a week trip to beautiful Key Largo, Florida:

Dive Essentials

  • BCD
  • Air Delivery System
  • Mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • 3mm – 5mm wetsuit
  • Hood if you get cold
  • Dive light with tether (if you plan to night dive)
  • Marker light (if you plan to night dive)
  • Mesh/Net bag with backpack straps
  • Log Book
  • Pen
  • Certification Card if Already Certified
  • Diving Insurance card (if already certified, and have insurance)

Clothing

  • Sunglasses
  • 1-2 Pairs pants
  • 4-5 T-Shirts
  • 1-2 Longsleeve lightweight shirts
  • 1 Pair sandals (cover your toes, and strap on tight)
  • 1 Pair Dry Shoes
  • 2 Fast Dry Shirts or rashguard
  • 2 Fast Dry Shorts
  • 3 Swim Suits
  • Hat (baseball or something that covers your ears)
  • Beanie (winter can get cold, keep your head warm)
  • 1 Rain Jacket
  • 1-2 Fleece jackets (during rainy season or winter)
  • 1 Boat Coat or Jacket for the boat (it will get wet)

Entertainment

  • Cash for adventures:
    • Paddleboarding
    • Kayaking
    • Fishing
    • Boat tours
    • Everglades tours
    • Shopping
    • Museums
  • Camera equipment
    • Underwater filters (red)
    • Tethers
    • Rechargeable batteries preferred

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
  • Chapstick or lip balm
  • Bandaids (water proof)
  • Reef safe sunscreen (biodegradable, non-toxic)
  • Deodorant

Extras

  • Microfiber Towel
  • Water bottle or jug for drinking
  • Key Largo has a lot of stores – whatever you need, they probably have it

Safety

  • SMB – currents can be strong, stay safe!
  • A good, trustworthy compass (not all boats offer a Divemaster to guide you)
  • Save a Dive Kit
  • Written Safety Plan