Good preparation is everything

A number of factors play a role in selecting and deciding on a diving destination and a specific diving area. The basic factors for the decision where to go are the previous training and experience as a diver. In addition, of course, there are your own wishes and preferences as well as the possible travel time:

Do you prefer colourful corals and warm waters with shallow dives or the cooler depths of the Atlantic Ocean and encounters with sharks and other big fish? Also the question of how much time you want to spend underwater is important at the end of the day; in other words: how many diving days and dives per day are planned. Are you attracted to a hotel with a diving base and house reef or are you interested in a diving safari aboard a ship with more remote diving spots? And what role does the supporting programme on shore play in holiday planning?

An irrevocable law of diving trip planning is to choose the diving area always considering your own abilities, experiences and number of completed dives. Strong currents, fluctuating visibility or rough weather make some dive sites simply unsuitable for beginners. Irrespective of the safety aspects, a dive site that is too demanding will not provide the diver with a relaxing holiday. For these reasons, many tour operators and dive centers require a minimum number of logged dives as a prerequisite for access to certain dive sites.

Those who have carefully considered the choice of a suitable diving destination can visit the dive tour operator of their choice well prepared and get detailed advice and suggestions. The dive travel professionals, who for example exhibit around the Dive Center at boot Düsseldorf, have travelled to many countries themselves and have dived all over the world. They offer you the best and most detailed advice and together you will find the destination that suits your preferences and experience. The organizer also knows which regions are good to dive at your planned travel time and which weather conditions are to be expected.

If you have your own equipment, the basics belong in every diving suitcase: fins, boots, mask, regulator, snorkel, dive computer, suit and a signal buoy. Everything else depends on the destination and the diver. In cooler waters or for divers sensitive to the cold we recommend a hood, ice vest and possibly gloves. The current water temperatures can be inquired before departure with the organizer, in order to select suitable equipment.

A check of the equipment for damage and completeness is absolutely necessary before departure. If you can, you should jump into a local lake to test whether the equipment and perhaps also the underwater camera are working properly. The specialized trade in your region can make sure that you don't forget anything important by a servicing of the equipment and a consultation, co-ordinated with your destination. Also helpful are packing lists for divers, which you can find on the Internet and which will help you not to forget anything. In case you need it, you can also rent missing equipment on site.

Once the destination for the diving holiday has been finally determined, check whether all the necessary documents are available and valid - preferably before booking, so that there is always enough time to complete any missing documents: The certificate of the diving medical examination, a logbook with the required minimum number of logged dives and the brevets as proof of the completed diving training are documents that must be included in the luggage in any case.

Depending on the destination country, a visa is available upon arrival or must be applied for in advance at the respective embassy in Germany - and this can take some time! Therefore, it makes sense to tackle the paperwork in good time and to remove any obstacles. The dive tour operator can also advise and support you so that nothing goes wrong during the journey.

Even if it may sound a bit stiff, good planning also ensures relaxed travelling during your diving holiday. Think about what you want to experience on holiday, what you expect from the dive trip and what you want to see. Take the time to check and pack your equipment. Find out about your destination and read testimonials on the internet or talk to your diving friends. A detailed consultation with a tour operator and dive travel expert is the best way to find the right destination and plan your perfect diving holiday. Then nothing stands in the way of a relaxed holiday and exciting dives.