Scuba divers are a passionate bunch. They love their sport and they love their gear – you only have to listen to the conversations overheard on dive boats to get an idea! So, I’ve put together a list of affordable gifts for scuba divers that you may not have thought of. I’ve deliberately avoided any actual gear (masks, fins, etc.), as these really need to fit well and are better tried on before purchasing. With our water-loving, adventure-seeking, loved ones in mind, let’s dive into the top gifts for scuba divers.
Reef-Friendly Sun Protection
Many people don’t realise that most sunscreens contain chemical which can contribute to coral bleaching. There are a lot of products out there claiming to be reef-friendly, but beware: many of them actually just state that and aren’t. The active ingredients to avoid are Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), Butylparaben, Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. Stream2Sea doesn’t contain any of these nasties and get’s our vote for the best coral reef friendly sunscreen.
PADI X LEUS Retro Dive Flag Eco-Friendly Towel
The one thing that ever diver wants to do after getting out of the water and back on the boat or beach is curling up in a dry towel. Luckily, PADI has teamed up with LEUS to create a very stylish eco-friendly towel that more than does the trick. Made from recycled plastic bottles and other PET trash and sustainably sourced cotton, a proprietary technology ensures the weave adds strength and stability to the fibers, thus minimizing the shedding of microplastic when washing. Our new dive flag inspired towel is perfect for changing, drying off and staying warm on the boat.
Floating Cellphone Dry Bag
Phones and water don’t mix (and I speak from personal experience on this one!) After my last sorry experience, I invested in a dry bag, just for my phone. I’ll be honest, I’ve not found one yet which I’m totally happy with. The first one broke fairly quickly and the second one doesn’t seal very easily so I’ve been on the hunt for something new. This one from Dry Case doesn’t come cheap but looks the business. After all, they do say “buy cheap, buy twice”. In this instance, I think that’s true. It’s worth investing a bit more to get something which really works.
Scuba Diving Whistle
Safety equipment is often the last thing that the divers think about. We had a near ‘Open Water’ experience while diving in Fujairah. We were lucky on this occasion, but the first thing I bought when I got home was a whistle. You can easily buy on Amazon or Ebay, but I’d suggest getting one that’s sturdy and loud. I’ve not tried this one myself, but it looks interesting and the makers claim that it works underwater as well as on the surface.
Recycled Ocean Plastic Polarized Sunglasses
What if your sunglasses loved the ocean as much as you do? We love Cape Clasps Tikós Sunnies – made with 100% recycled ocean plastic frames and reflective, polarized lenses. Universally flattering and so light weight, you’ll never know you have them on. Even better, 15% of profits support Beneath the Waves research in the Shark Sanctuary in the Bahamas.
Swim Eze Eardrops
This is a gift which probably won’t get used but when you need them, you really need them! Swim Eze Eardrops effectively remove and dries trapped water in your ears so no more ear infections to spoil your holiday. And they’re not just for scuba divers.
Eagle Ray Recycled Plastic Face & Sun Mask + 2 Filters
Our eco-friendly, versatile, filtered sun shields + neck gaiters are made from recycled ocean plastic with an antimicrobial treatment. These masks are UPF50, washable, and include two PM 2.5 filters. Plus, one mask contains the equivalent of 10 recycled plastic bottles!
Shaker
Another useful piece of safety kit to attract attention underwater. A shaker alarm with magnetic holder that can be clipped to a hose. A shaker is a simple and tough noise maker to get your buddy’s attention. The metal tube has an internal metal section that slides up and down to make a noise when shaken. The shaker has a lanyard loop to keep it attached to you and makes a very distinctive noise in the water for a clear signal that your buddy will hear.
100 Dives of a Lifetime
National Geographic has certainly sought out some gems in this book, 100 Dives of a Lifetime. 100 prime sites have been carefully selected, reviewed and photographed by this experienced team. From the pristine reefs of Papua New Guinea to the warm waters of the Belize Barrier Reef and the legendary wrecks of Micronesia’s Truk Lagoon, there’s something for everyone. And it’s not just about life underwater, they include travel tips and general no-nonsense advice.
Road ID Bracelet
In the words of the makers…. “In the event of an accident, if you can’t speak for yourself, your Road iD bracelet will.” ROAD iD enables First Responders to immediately contact family members and friends. Accidents happen far more than you think they do. Plus, they’re pretty stylish, and they even have one that works as an Apple Watch band!
Looking for something else?
If you’re looking for an ocean-first marketplace, look no further than PADI Gear – bringing eco-conscious options to those that love to seek adventure and save the ocean.
This blog was originally written by Jackie Hutchings and published on the Diviac Magazine.
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