Why Boat Dives Demand Specialized Gear
Boat dives are exhilarating, offering access to remote reefs, walls, and wrecks, but unlike shore dives, they come with their own set of logistical curveballs. Limited space, unpredictable conditions, and the occasional slippery deck dance mean you need to pack strategically. Here’s your definitive list of must-have boat dive gear to keep your dive day safe, streamlined, and surprisingly stylish. All the examples given are the gear that I use personally.
10 Must-Have Boat Dive Gear Essentials
1. Dry Bag
You’ll need a safe haven for your towel, phone, wallet, and snacks. Anything on the floor will get wet! Anything within reach of a dripping diver will get wet! If it rain…
Waterproof Dry Bag – generic, affordable, don’t expect it to last more than one dive season. If you are like me then that will work for you since I will end up losing it anyway over the off season.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag – fantastic bag, sturdy, has a phone case with it that works great, zippered front pocket, the 10L holds my change of clothes, snacks and personal items. I love this bag! My dive color is yellow so of course I have a yellow one! Little pricier than the generic but well worth it!
Pro Tip: Go for at least 10L capacity and a bright color so it’s easy to find in the gear pile.
2. Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
An SMB is non-negotiable when diving from a boat—especially if surfacing away from the group.
Surface Marker Buoy Set – My SMB of choice. Comes with a reel and a little whistle to attach to my BCD. 5ft so it is extremely manageable and very visible. Has the manual inflator with a dump valve. Great value!
3. Dive Slate or Waterproof Notebook
Perfect for boat briefings, buddy plans, or when you just have to tell your dive buddy about that nudibranch.
Dive Concepts diving slate – I use this all the time. I have 2 other clip on slates that look great in my equipment bag but this one is the most practical for me.
4. Save-a-Dive Kit
O-ring busted? Strap snapped? Be the hero of the boat.
O-ring kit – a must have on every dive because you never know when that o-ring will outlive its useful life.
Scuba Choice 8 in 1 tool – has everything I need for quick adjustments and repairs.
5. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin without nuking the coral. Apply it before the boat ride to avoid slippery hands. Since I have skin that does not ever burn, I cannot recommend one personally but I can give you some tips:
- Check the Active Ingredients: Only non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; absolutely no oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, etc.
- Choose ‘Non-Nano’: This ensures particle sizes >100 nm, safer for coral
- Skip Sprays with Titanium Dioxide: Avoid inhalation issues and better reef safety
- Complement with UPF Clothing & Shade: Helps reduce how often you need to reapply.
- Reapply Regularly: Even reef-friendly formulas need reapplication after swimming, towel-drying, or sweating.
6. Anti-Seasickness Bands or Tablets
Let’s avoid decorating the deck with breakfast. Since I have never been sea sick, I don’t really have any personal advice but I did do some research:
| If you want… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| Drug‑free | SwimCell or standard acupressure band: budget, zero risk, many positive reviews. |
| Effectiveness + convenience | Travel‑Ease (meclizine): long-lasting, low drowsiness, ideal for cruises/ferries. |
| Fast relief | Gravol (dimenhydrinate): works in 30–60 minutes; be mindful of drowsiness. |
| High-tech, minimal meds | Reliefband Sport: pulses to stop nausea without drugs, but higher cost. |
| Natural alternative | Boiron Cocculine: gentle, plant-based, though evidence is less robust |
7. Compact Microfiber Towel
Small enough for a dry bag, absorbent enough for post-dive chill.
BOGI Microfiber Towel – I love this towel. I ended up getting a few of these, one is always with me on the boat. Comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
8. Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without hogging deck space.
BOGI Water Bottle – I’m a big fan of this water bottle. It works with both hot and cold fluids and stays hot or cold all day long! Great for diving in any season. An assortment of colors as well!
Pro Tip: Keep warm water in the bottle for dumping down the wetsuit in colder dives. The surface interval gets much more comfortable.
9. Boat-Friendly Footwear
Non-slip, non-marking, and preferably not slip (did I mention the non-slip thing?)
Whether you chose slip on shoes, crocs, flip flops or sandals, its a personal choice. Just make sure they have a gripping sole that will not mark up a white deck, and that they dry quickly.
10. Waterproof Phone Case
Just in case your phone decides to go snorkeling without you.
Pelican waterproof case – this is the one I use. I have an iphone with a slim cover and it fits well. It floats when you accidently drop your phone over the railing while trying to be physically descriptive of the huge fish that tried to suckle on your fingers. Never had any issues.
Want More Dive Gear Goodness?
At angryoctopusdiving.com, I review dive gear I actually use, love, and abuse in the wild. If it’s here, it’s earned its stripes (and maybe a little sand).
If you liked this deep dive into must-have boat dive gear, don’t surface just yet! Check out more of our Gear and Gadgets posts where we spotlight the coolest, quirkiest, and most functional dive gear that we can find! Each piece of kit has been used and tested by the Angry Octopus team.
Until next tide,
Stay buoyant, stay wet, and don’t forget your dry bag.
Angry Octopus Out!
