List of Things to Pack for Scuba Diving In Bali
Scuba diving trips at Bali is one of the mind-boggling things that you can experience in Bali. There are certain things that you should carry for Scuba diving. Here are some essentials listed below that can remind you on your trip
1. Diving Equipment & Kit – Pick your gears, if you own one or it can be arranged by your dive operator or dive center. Your gear must include mask, wet suit, buoyancy compensator, regulator, weights, fins, tank, snorkel, and dive computer. Maintain your Dive log to record your dives. Also keep in mind to get your Dive certification card received from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or SSI (Scuba Schools International). On an open water course, a card will be given to you.
2. Wetsuits– To protect you from the temperature and conditions of the sea water, pack your wetsuits of necessary thickness. Also do take thermal protection to protect yourself.
3. Clothing – Casual dresses used for vacation can be taken. Do always have an extra item when you plan for a dive trip. Remember to take your Swimsuits, towels, inner wears, socks, jackets and Sarong. Sarong helps you to access the dining halls as wetsuits are not allowed in there.
4. Shoes – Carry a pair Flip flop for your casual use and slip-on mesh water shoes. They are light, comfortable and don’t trap sand inside and act great for a hike, a boat ride, or even for trekking a short distance from one snorkeling location to another.
5. Toiletries– Own usual toiletries that you are convenient using packed in travel size bottles will do.
6. Sun Protectants– Bali is located in a tropical region, to protect your skin from harsh sun burns carry Sunscreen, Sun glasses, Hat.
7. Technology – Your electronic devices such as mobile phones and iPods covered with necessary waterproof pockets can be taken for the down time in the boat. Flotation straps can be used to keep the objects intact underwater.
8. Wallet – A waterproof neck wallet can be taken to store your cards and currencies to spend if needed on food or other essentials.
9. Medication – It is not advisable for people on medication to dive, if volunteers take care of your daily medicinal routine. Motion Sickness tablets or Wrist bands are said to be handy for the drivers. Antibiotic Ear drops are recommended for divers who dive in continuous days.
10. Underwater Cameras – To capture your most colorful moments underwater, get an underwater camera. Underwater photography is an art in itself. They can either be bought or rented, don’t forget to bring a SD card to be used in the rented models.
Safety Tips for Scuba Diving In Bali
1. Avoid the Peak Season
The Best time to go is before and after the peak season to avoid the crowds. Thus the apt time is May to June and November. These months contribute to great visibility and give you a peaceful experience. Rare species such as Mola Mola are spotted off season.
2. Choose a Reputable Dive Centre
If you are all set to join a Dive center, choose them wisely after proper research. Research a lot about the available dive centers to the locals, to the divers there before you end up with them. Don’t go for cheap deals, usually dive centers are legit but certain companies use sub-standard equipment, not licensed trainers and they won’t follow PDAI regulations. Choose a credible operator who is well informed and experienced on the local tide patterns and the site conditions. Dive instructors should be accommodative of your comfort & preference for a safe experience. So RESEARCH!
3. Diving Beyond Your Ability
There are umpteen number of dive sites around Bali, but all are not for diving newbies. Yes! Diving is crazily fun and exciting, but it’s equally dangerous, if it is out of your comfort zone. Dive Spots in Bali are varied catering to newbies to experienced divers. So, pick a spot that’s apt for you. Be cautious of many misleading facts on “Secret Dive Spots’ ‘ believe only reliable sources make you’re the site is safe and get well trained before trying out offbeat sites.
4. Uncovered Feet
Wear a suitable proper coverage to your feet before you dive. Sea urchins and Stonefish are frequent along the seabed and reef, and if you step on them you may end up with a nasty sting with their spikes. Divers should be even more careful of the corals and other marine creatures, you not only will be injured but you might kill some exotic species of nature.
5. Diving As Soon As You Leave The Tarmac
Don’t plan for a dive as soon as you land in Bali. Just rest and chill for 24 hours and then plan your dive. Flying results in dehydration leaving you exhausted and tired, diving as soon as landing might even worsen your body condition. So better to give yourself a day to normalize and recharge.
6. Pre-Dive Checks
The time you reach the diving spot, take your own time to test the diving gear first. Check on your oxygen tank, on its right pressure levels and appropriate volume. Screen the tubes on leaks to make sure they are leak-free. Prep yourself physically and mentally before you are all set to go diving. Always have a checklist handy to follow which helps to avoid any minor mistake that may cost your life.
7. Unpredictable Currents
Do dive with the experts and follow their instructions, additionally gather extra info on the basics of diving by surfing the net. Several sites in Bali are known for their unpredictable water currents, some among them are strongest and bizarre. Some days the waters that are calm and serene one a few days appear to be extremely wild; these conditions make it difficult even for the highly skilled divers. Dive with only operators who are certified by PADI and do respect the power of the ocean and plan on a safe trip.
8. Do not disturb the UnderWorld
The Underworld is the home of many rare organisms such as Manta rays, fishes, corals, sea snakes, sharks. It may thrill you to view them but it’s not strictly advisable not to disturb them. If you bother them in their arena you may end up wounded by them, Most beautiful things are cherished undisturbed.
9. Prepare for Emergencies
Scuba diving is one of the most impressive adventurous sports. But it equally has its one risk if not followed regulation. However sometimes situations turn out to be beyond our expectation. To tackle those times it’s essential to carry an emergency Kit. Your emergency kit must include extra oxygen, first aid kit, contact numbers of hospitals and clinics in the vicinity.
Having furnished the above things, Hope you have a wholesome idea to prep yourself for Scuba dive in Bali. Have a Safe & Memorable dive folks!