7 May 2026 · 5 min read
Liveaboard Packing Checklist — What to Bring and What to Leave
A practical packing list for first-time Red Sea liveaboard divers, organised by dive gear, on-boat life, and what almost everyone forgets.
A liveaboard week packs more diving into seven days than most year-long courses. Pack light, pack smart.
Dive gear (essentials)
- Personal mask + spare strap
- Wetsuit (3mm summer, 5mm shoulder seasons)
- Booties + open-heel fins
- Dive computer (with batteries / charger)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Surface marker buoy + line
- Logbook + cert cards (digital is fine — operators check)
On-boat life
- Two pairs of flip-flops (one always wet)
- Quick-dry towel
- Long-sleeve sun layer
- Power adapter for the boat's plugs
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash USD/EUR for crew tips
Things people forget
- Seasickness tablets (start them the day before)
- A backup mask
- An ear-drying solution
- A simple first-aid kit