Pack Lighter, Dive Smarter: Your Ultimate Packing List for a Hurghada Dive Vacation
The excitement of booking a dive vacation to Hurghada is unbeatable! You’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and sunny days on the Red Sea. But then comes the practical part: what on earth do you pack? For divers, this can often mean wrestling with heavy bags, worrying about excess luggage fees, and the hassle of dragging bulky equipment across the globe.
But we’re here to let you in on a secret: it doesn’t have to be that way.
At Scubadore Hurghada, our daily diving prices are all-inclusive, which means we provide a full set of high-quality, well-maintained rental equipment for every one of our guests. This is your ticket to a lighter, smarter, and more relaxed travel experience. Here is our guide on what to pack (and what to leave at home) for the perfect Hurghada dive holiday.
Diving Essentials (Hint: It’s Less Than You Think!)
This is where you can save the most space and weight. Because we provide excellent BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, and fins, you can confidently leave your heaviest gear at home.
What to Bring:
- Certification Cards & Logbook: These are essential. Bring all your certification cards (physical or digital) and your logbook to record your incredible Red Sea dives.
- Swimwear: You’ll need a couple of options for wearing under your wetsuit and for relaxing on the boat.
- Your Dive Computer (Optional): While we have computers for rent, many divers are most comfortable and familiar with their own. Bringing your own computer means you know its display, settings, and algorithms inside and out.
- Rash Guard / Dive Skin (Optional): Perfect for wearing under a rental wetsuit for extra comfort or for wearing on its own during the very warm summer months.
- Your Personal Mask (Optional): If you own one piece of dive gear, make it a mask that fits you perfectly. A comfortable, leak-free mask can make all the difference in the enjoyment of your dive.
What You Can Confidently Leave at Home:
- Your BCD and Regulators: Save yourself the weight and the cost of a dedicated regulator bag. Ours are modern and serviced to the highest standards.
- Your Wetsuit: We have a full range of high-quality shorty and full-length wetsuits in all sizes to match the season’s water temperature.
- Your Fins: Unless you are deeply attached to a specific pair of technical fins, ours are perfect for the conditions on Hurghada’s reefs.
For Your Time on the Dive Boat
A day at sea is about more than just the dive. Here’s what you’ll want in your dry bag for a comfortable day on the water.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: This is crucial. Help us protect our beautiful coral reefs by choosing a mineral-based sunscreen (containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) that is free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone.
- Polarized Sunglasses & a Hat: The Egyptian sun is bright, and the reflection off the water can be intense. Protect your eyes and face.
- A Quick-Dry Towel: A lightweight, microfibre towel is a great space-saver.
- A Reusable Water Bottle: We provide plenty of water on the boat to keep you hydrated, and bringing your own bottle is a great way to reduce plastic use.
- A Change of Clothes / Cover-Up: Something dry and comfortable to put on after your last dive for the journey back to the marina.
- Your Camera: Don’t forget your underwater camera and make sure the batteries are fully charged!
For Your Time in Hurghada (Topside)
Thanks to packing light on dive gear, you’ll have more space for everything you need to enjoy Hurghada’s vibrant topside life.
- Lightweight Clothing: For most of the year, light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are perfect. Pack shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
- A Light Jacket or Sweater: Especially from October to April, the evenings can be surprisingly cool with the desert breeze. A light layer is always a good idea.
- Something a Little Smarter: If you plan on having dinner at the elegant Hurghada Marina or in El Gouna, you might want to pack a smart-casual outfit.
- Comfortable Sandals or Flip-Flops: Essential for the boat and for walking around town.
- Sturdy Shoes: If you plan on a desert excursion like a quad bike tour or a day trip to Luxor, you’ll need a pair of closed-toe shoes.
Health & Miscellaneous
- Any Personal Medications: Be sure to bring enough for your entire trip.
- Basic First-Aid Kit: While our boat is fully equipped, it’s always wise to have a small personal kit with things like antiseptic wipes, plasters, and pain relievers.
- Seasickness Medication: If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s best to be prepared, though the Red Sea is often very calm.
- European Two-Pin Adapter: Egypt uses the standard European-style plug socket (Type C/F).
- A Little Bit of Cash (EUR or EGP): Useful for small purchases and tipping.
By packing smart and taking advantage of our inclusive, high-quality equipment, you can save yourself the stress and expense of heavy luggage. This allows you to focus on what really matters: soaking up the sun, exploring the incredible underwater world, and enjoying every single moment of your Hurghada holiday.
