Scuba diving isn’t just an adventure—it’s an incredible way to bond as a family, explore the underwater world, and instill a love for the ocean in your kids. If you’ve been following along on Instagram at @she.travels.moms.dives, you know that family travel and scuba diving are a big part of our lives.
But traveling with kids and diving in new destinations comes with its own set of challenges. From packing smart to finding the right dive shop, here are my best tips for making your scuba diving family adventures smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Packing Tips for Scuba Diving Families
Packing for a dive trip is already a balancing act, and adding kids to the mix makes it even trickier. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Should You Pack Your Own Gear?
Bringing your own gear is always ideal for comfort and familiarity, but when traveling with kids, weight restrictions and luggage space can make it impractical. Here’s what I recommend:
✔ Bring:
- Masks & Snorkels – A well-fitting mask is essential, especially for kids.
- Rash Guards & Wetsuits – A familiar wetsuit ensures the right fit and warmth, especially for kids who get cold easily.
- Dive Computers – If your kids are already certified divers, having their own dive computer helps them track safety stops and dive times.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Essential for protecting both their skin and marine ecosystems.
❌ Rent Instead:
- BCD & Regulator – Most reputable dive shops provide high-quality, well-maintained equipment.
- Tanks & Weights – Not worth the hassle of transporting!
- Fins – These take up a lot of space; if your dive shop provides good ones, it’s best to rent.
2. Packing for Kids Who Aren’t Diving Yet
If you have younger kids who aren’t certified or prefer snorkeling, bring along:
- Inflatable flotation devices – To help them snorkel safely.
- Waterproof books or activity sets – Perfect for downtime while parents are diving.
- Reef-safe sunscreen & sun hats – Protect them while they play on the beach or boat.
How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Dive Shop
Finding a safe and reputable dive shop is the most important step when diving with kids. Here’s how to do it:
🔍 Research & Read Reviews – Look for dive shops with positive reviews from families, focusing on safety, well-maintained gear, and experienced instructors.
👨👩👧👦 Ask About Family-Friendly Services – Does the shop have dive instructors experienced with children? Do they offer kid-specific training courses or shallow dive sites?
💡 Check Safety Standards – Ensure the dive center follows PADI, SSI, or NAUI safety protocols, including briefing procedures, emergency plans, and proper dive ratios.
🤿 Test the Equipment – Before diving, check that all rental equipment fits your kids well and functions properly.
🚤 Boat vs. Shore Diving – If your kids are new to diving, look for shops that offer shore dives or calm, easy boat entries rather than deep drift dives.
🚤 Snacks On Board? – Make sure there will be snacks during the safety stop. Something salty, something sweet, and of course, water to stay hydrated (or a hot bevvie if it’s cold water diving).
Best Family-Friendly Dive Destinations
Not all dive spots are ideal for kids. Here are some of the best countries and locations for diving families, along with the types of dives and marine life you can expect to see.
1. Bonaire, Caribbean
- Why It’s Great for Families: Easy shore diving, crystal-clear waters, and minimal currents make it perfect for beginner divers.
- Types of Dives: Shore dives, coral reef dives.
- Marine Life: Seahorses, parrotfish, turtles, eagle rays.
2. Maldives
- Why It’s Great for Families: Shallow lagoons, warm waters, and plenty of resorts with kid-friendly dive programs.
- Types of Dives: Drift dives, reef dives.
- Marine Life: Whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, colorful reef fish.
3. Cozumel, Mexico
- Why It’s Great for Families: Excellent visibility and easy drift diving along the reefs.
- Types of Dives: Drift dives, coral reefs, shallow wrecks.
- Marine Life: Turtles, moray eels, nurse sharks, barracuda.
4. Red Sea, Egypt
- Why It’s Great for Families: Warm water, incredible biodiversity, and plenty of shallow dive sites.
- Types of Dives: Coral gardens, wreck dives (for advanced kids), reef dives.
- Marine Life: Clownfish, lionfish, dolphins, turtles, whale sharks (seasonal).
5. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Why It’s Great for Families: One of the most famous dive sites in the world with shallow reef areas for younger divers.
- Types of Dives: Reef dives, snorkeling spots, wreck dives.
- Marine Life: Giant clams, reef sharks, clownfish, sea turtles, rays.
Final Thoughts: Making Scuba Diving a Family Adventure
Scuba diving as a family is an unforgettable experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and a love for the ocean. With smart packing, thorough dive shop research, and choosing the right destination, you can ensure a safe and exciting underwater adventure for everyone.
Would you take your kids on a dive trip? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments, and follow along on @she.travels.moms.dives for more family travel and diving adventures! 🌊🤿✨
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