Share The LOVE Packing For Vegan Scuba Travel Embarking on a scuba diving expedition calls for meticulous preparatory work ( well, maybe not meticulous, but you need to remember everything), notably when you undertake a dedicated vegan lifestyle. Ensuring that you are sufficiently equipped for your underwater excursion whilst complying with your plant-based lifestyle can be a challenge, we all know. This comprehensive guide is designed to gear you up effectively for your scuba escapade and assist you in maintaining your vegan principles; it is always in flux, and if you have anything we missed, please let us know; sharing is caring. 1. Essential Dive Gear The cornerstone of any successful diving adventure is your dive equipment. If you’re headed towards remote or less tourist-populated diving sites, the availability of rental equipment can be uncertain. Therefore, it’s wise to bring along gear that is familiar to you and that you feel comfortable using. Your scuba essentials should include a pair of dependable fins that ensure mobility underwater, a well-fitted mask for clear visibility, a wetsuit suitable for the water temperature of your dive site, a high-quality and reliable buoyancy control device (BCD), and a regulator that is your literal lifeline underwater. Next is your dive computer. This essential tool will inform you about your depth, ascent rate, nitrogen absorption, dive time, and no-decompression limit. Do not forget to pack a sturdy, dive-friendly camera to document your underwater exploration in those unprecedented scales of blue. Safety gears such as signaling devices, both visual and auditory are there for a diver’s safety, and your packing list. Furthermore, any diver’s bag should carry a dive knife or cutting tool for those unexpected situations where you might need to free yourself from entangling materials underwater. Taking care of your body post-dive is also important, so items like ear drying aids, anti-seasickness medications, and even a small first-aid kit can also be part of your diving gear. Gear maintenance tools like a defogging solution for your mask would ensure the longevity and efficiency of your diving kit. In short, having a comprehensive checklist and methodically going through it before packing can save you from lots of stress and disappointment. Take your time packing and double-checking to ensure you carry everything for a successful and enjoyable dive. 2. Nutritional Needs – Vegan Snacks and Meals Even if it is an all-inclusive dive trip, I’d bring snacks, but that’s just me. Your underwater adventures demand energy. Unfortunately, vegan options at your diving site may be limited. Therefore, coming prepared with vegan-friendly, non-perishable snacks is always beneficial. Protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, and granola could provide a convenient energy source between dives. The right snacks are high-energy, compact, easy to pack, and withstand various weather conditions. Since you may be on the go for the entire day, you also carry snacks, which are meals in themselves. Think DIY trail mix, vegan jerky, baked crisps, etc. Just remember to carry sufficient, so you never run out of fuel. 3. Personal Care Under the Waves – Vegan Skin Protection Guard your skin against the brutalities of sun and saltwater, as they can be harsh during your diving trip. You would need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers considerable protection. Choose products that fulfill not only your vegan and cruelty-free requirements but also those safe for aquatic ecosystems – your reef-safe options, please check it is reef safe. In addition to sunscreen, after-sun products like aloe vera gels or lotions can soothe and moisturize the skin post-dive. Lip balms and organic after-dive body washes can also be helpful additions to your skincare routine. What you apply to your skin inevitably leaches into the ocean, affecting the underwater ecosystems. Therefore, make a conscious choice for the ocean. 4. Hydrate, The Eco-friendly and Vegan Way Carrying a reusable water bottle seems a no-brainer with the dehydrating and energy-draining effects of scuba diving. However, it’s not just about clinching any water bottle off the shelf. Opt for a bottle that maintains the temperature of the liquid – hot or cold – for a substantial duration. BPA-free stainless steel bottles or glass bottles with a protective sleeve are great options. Also, opt for larger bottles, requiring fewer refills and ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day. Remember, when we talk about a vegan lifestyle, it’s not just the meals; every choice we make should be aligned with the philosophy of sustainable and cruelty-free living. 5. Local Markets for The Plant-Based Diver While bringing your food is a necessity, local markets offer opportunities to explore the locale and its vegan offerings. Depending on where you are going, it could be difficult to find (that’s where we come in). Fresh fruits, vegetables, and local grains can add diversity and flavors to your plant-based diet, not to mention the immersive cultural experience. Use local markets as sources for fresh produce, regional delicacies, and even for meeting local vegan communities. It’s also a beautiful exploration of how to maintain your routine in a new environment, support local farming communities, and make more sustainable food choices. 6. Medical kit – Vegan First Aid One you may not think of though generally safe, unexpected situations can arise while diving, making it vital to prepare for emergencies. Ensuring that your first aid kit aligns with your lifestyle is crucial for a committed vegan. Some traditionally used first-aid items may contain animal-derived products or have been tested on animals, making them inappropriate for vegans. It’s beneficial to research vegan-friendly alternatives when compiling your kit. For instance, you could substitute standard bandages (which often contain animal-derived ingredients in the adhesive) with brands that offer vegan options, like ‘Urban Vegan’. Look for vegan-friendly antiseptics, pain relievers, and cortisone creams. Your kit should also include personal medications, ear drops suitable for divers, and sea-sickness tablets that align with a vegan lifestyle. It’s always great to connect with vegan diving communities for proper recommendations. In essence, some pre-planning can enable you to manage unexpected medical situations on your diving trip while staying committed to your vegan journey. It underlines the importance of committing to personal safety while honoring the belief in animal-free products. 7. Ocean-Friendly Clothing Ensuring all your clothing, including your swimsuits, are made from vegan, eco-friendly materials is vital for a dedicated vegan diver. You’d be surprised how many brands focus on this space, producing ocean-friendly, biodegradable attire apt for the sea explorer. ‘Patagonia’ is a popular brand offering sustainable swimwear. ‘RubyMoon‘ is a unique company offering gym-to-swim sportswear that is eco-friendly and contributes towards microloans for female entrepreneurs globally. ‘Finisterre’ is another great company focusing on durable, functional, and sustainable products for those who love the sea. Moreover, ‘Batoko’, a small independent brand, is known for its swimsuits made from recycled plastic. ‘Body Glove’ is a line of women’s swimwear made from plant-based materials. In addition to swimwear, opt for rashguards and wetsuits from brands like ‘Waterlust‘ offering eco-friendly, marine-themed clothing items made from recycled post-consumer plastic. So, vegan divers have choices when it comes to sustainable ocean-friendly wear that aligns with both fashion trends and ecological footprint objectives. Go Get It Plan your pack with care, ensuring that your underwater adventure doesn’t have to come at a cost to your vegan lifestyle. Combined with adherence to all diving rules & guidelines and respect for the marine environment, you can look forward to an incredible dive. Happy diving! Written By: Teagan Kane (Teagan the Vegan) PADI Master scuba diving instructor and Molchanov’s Wave 3 instructor. Ultra runner, and vegan lifestyle advocate. See author's posts
