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Joe's Scuba Shack

Scuba Diving & Adventure Sports Guide

  • Popular
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • The Best Boogie Boards for Kids in 2024
    • Best Scuba Diving Drysuit Review
    • Best Cold Water Diving Gear
    • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Best Motorized Kayak Review
    • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Best Scuba Diving Hoods of 2023
    • Best Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
    • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Best Freediving Mask Review
    • Best Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
    • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
    • Scuba Diving Socorro Islands Liveaboards
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Scuba Shorts Review
    • Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Best Scuba Diving Green Island Taiwan
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
    • Best Scuba Diving in the Maldives
    • Hookah Diving Equipment Guide
  • Commercial/Shipwrecks
    • Best Underwater Metal Detector Reviews
    • Gold Dredging Nome Alaska – The Walrus
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Wreck Diving
    • Scuba Diving Apo Reef & Coron Wrecks Liveaboards
    • Scuba Diving in Subic Bay Philippines
    • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks Liveaboards
    • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Wrecks
    • Best Scapa Flow Wreck Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
  • Dive Gear
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • BCDs
      • Best Travel BCDs
      • Best Back Inflate BCD Review in 2024
      • Best BCDs for Women in 2023
      • Best Scuba BCD Review – Top 11
      • What is a Scuba BCD? A BCD Buying Guide
    • Binoculars
      • Best Marine Binoculars in 2023
    • Cold Water Gear
      • Best Cold Water Diving Gear
    • Compasses
      • The Best Dive Compass Review
    • Dive Bags
      • Best Scuba Dive Bag Reviews
      • Waterproof Bags
    • Dive Boots
      • Best Scuba Dive Boots
    • Dive Computers
      • Best Dive Computer for Beginners
      • Best Air Integrated Dive Computers
      • Best Freediving Watch Review
      • The Best Dive Computers in 2024
    • Dive Gloves
      • Best Scuba Diving Gloves Review
    • Dive Scooters
      • Best Underwater Scooter
      • Best Underwater Scuba Scooter – Adding Speed to the Dive
    • Dive Skins
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins Review
      • Best Rash Guard for Men Review
      • Best Rash Guards for Women Review
    • Dive Watches
      • Best Scuba Diving Watches for Women
      • The 10 Best Dive Watches
    • Dry Suits
      • Best Women’s Scuba Diving Drysuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Drysuit Review
      • Best Scuba Drysuit Buying Guide
    • Drysuit Undergarments
      • Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2024
    • Fins
      • Best Scuba Fins
      • Best Bodyboard Swim Fins Review
      • Best Fins for Snorkeling
      • Best Freediving Fins for 2023
    • First Aid Kits
      • Best First Aid Kits Reviews
    • Freediving
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins Review
      • Best Freediving Watch Review
      • Best Freediving Mask Review
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
      • Best Freediving Fins for 2023
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Spearfishing Pole Spears
    • Full Face Masks
      • Best Full Face Diving Mask Reviews
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
    • Gear Packages
      • Best Scuba Gear Packages of 2024
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • GPS Gear
      • The Best Marine GPS
      • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Hoods
      • Best Scuba Diving Hoods of 2023
    • Hookah Diving
      • Best Hookah Dive System Review
      • Hookah Diving Equipment Guide
    • Knives
      • The Best Dive Knife of 2023
      • Best Titanium Dive Knife Review
      • Best Camping Knife
      • Best Kayak Knives Review
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
    • Marine Coolers
    • Masks
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Full Face Diving Mask Reviews
      • Best Dive Mask for a Small Face
      • Best Spearfishing Mask
      • Best Snorkel Mask
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Reviews
      • Best Scuba Mask With a Purge Valve Review
      • Best Freediving Masks
      • Best Scuba Mask – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared
    • Rebreathers
      • Best Closed Circuit Rebreathers Described and Reviewed
    • Regulators
      • Best Budget Scuba Regulator Reviews
      • Best Cold Water Regulator Review
      • Best Scuba Regulator Reviews
    • Safety Equipment
      • Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Scuba Gauges
      • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Scuba Shorts
      • Best Scuba Shorts Review
    • Slates
      • Best Scuba Diving Slate Review
    • Snorkeling Gear
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask
      • Best Snorkel Masks Reviews for 2023
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Reviews
      • Best Dry Snorkel Reviews
    • Spearfishing
      • Best Spearfishing Masks Review
      • Best Spearfishing Pole Spears
      • The Best Spearguns
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
    • Surface Marker Buoys
      • What is the Best SMB for Diving?
    • Tanks
      • The Best Scuba Tanks Review
    • Underwater Drones
      • Best Underwater Drones For Sale 2024
    • Underwater Lights
      • Thee Best Underwater Strobes Review
      • Best Scuba Dive Lights
    • Underwater Metal Detectors
      • Best Underwater Metal Detector Reviews
    • Underwater Photography
      • Best Underwater Camera Housing Review
      • Best Lens for Underwater Photography
      • Best Waterproof Camera
      • Thee Best Underwater Strobes Review
      • Best Underwater Camera Reviews in 2023
    • Underwater Signaling Devices
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Reviews
    • VHF Marine Radios
      • Best Marine VHF Radios Reviews
    • Wetsuits
      • Women’s Wetsuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Reviews
      • The Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit – Features and Description
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits Review
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
      • Best Wetsuits for Kayaking
  • Scuba Basics
    • Level 3: PADI Rescue Diver Requirements & Course Description
    • Level II: Advanced Open Water Dive Course
    • Flying After Diving – What You Need to Know
    • Decompression Sickness Signs, Symptoms & Prevention
    • What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
    • Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control
    • Scuba Diving Buddy System
    • Learning to Dive – Level 1: The Open Water Diver Course
    • How to Become a Certified Diver – FAQ
    • Reasons to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  • Liveaboards/Resorts A – I
    • Alaska
      • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Arctic/Antarctic
      • Scuba Diving Antarctica & the Arctic – Liveaboards
    • Argentina
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego
      • Best Diving Peninsula Valdes Argentina
    • Australia
      • Byron Bay Scuba Diving Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Townsville Australia
      • Scuba Diving the Whitsundays Australia
      • Scuba Diving from Port Douglas Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Cairns Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Adelaide South Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Gold Coast Australia Review
      • Scuba Diving Brisbane Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Melbourne Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sydney Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving Perth Australia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Tasmania
      • Scuba Diving in Ningaloo Reef Western Australia Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Australia Liveaboards
    • Brazil
      • Best Diving in Abrolhos Islands Brazil
      • Best Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
    • Burma
      • Best Scuba Diving in Myanmar Liveaboards
    • California
      • Best Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
      • Channel Islands National Park Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving San Diego California
      • Best Scuba Diving Catalina Island California
      • Best Monterey Bay Scuba Diving
    • Cambodia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cambodia
    • Carribbean, Bermuda & Cocos Islands
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Scuba Diving the BVI (British Virgin Islands)
      • Scuba Diving in the British Virgin Islands Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving in the US Virgin Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Barts
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Eustatius
      • Best Scuba Diving in Saba
      • Scuba Diving St Kitts and Nevis
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving in Roatan Honduras
      • Best Roatan Honduras Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving in Haiti
      • Best Scuba Diving in the Bahamas
      • Liveaboard Diving in the Bahamas
      • Best Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Guadeloupe
      • Scuba Diving in Anguilla
      • Best Scuba Diving in Antigua and Barbuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Jamaica
      • Best Diving in Cuba Reviews
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba Liveaboard – Jardines de la Reina
      • Best Scuba Diving Dominican Republic
      • Best Scuba Diving in Panama
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cancun Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Rico
      • Scuba Diving St. Vincent and the Grenadines Review
      • Best St Lucia Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cozumel Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Martin
      • Best Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos
      • Scuba Diving the Cayman Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving in Trinidad & Tobago
      • Best Curacao Scuba Diving Guide
      • Best Scuba Diving in Aruba
      • Best Scuba Diving Bonaire Netherlands Antilles
      • The Best Diving in Dominica
      • Best Los Roques Venezuela Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving in Bermuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Barbados
      • Best Scuba Diving in Grenada
      • Best Scuba Diving in Martinique
      • Costa Rica Scuba Diving Reviews
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Caribbean Liveaboard Diving
    • Central America
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Socorro Islands Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Sea of Cortez Midriff Island Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Loreto Mexico
      • Cabo Pulmo National Park Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving La Paz Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas Mexico
      • Puerto Vallarta Mexico Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Panama
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cancun Mexico
      • Cozumel Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Roatan Honduras Diving Liveaboards
      • Costa Rica Scuba Diving Reviews
      • Best Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Mexico – Guadalupe Island Shark Diving and Socorro Island Liveaboards
    • Colombia
      • Diving in Malpelo Island Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
        • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Europe
      • Costa Brava Spain Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Menorca Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving on Mallorca Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving on Ibiza Spain
      • Best Scuba Diving Lofoten Norway
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sicily
      • Best Scapa Flow Wreck Diving
      • Scuba Diving Sardinia Italy
      • Best Scuba Diving in Greece
      • Best Scuba Diving in Portugal
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cyprus
      • Montenegro Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Croatia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Crete
      • Best Diving in Malta
      • Best Scuba Diving Italy Tuscan Archipelago Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Isle of Man
    • Florida & Atlantic Coast
      • Best Scuba Diving Fort Myers Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving in Sarasota Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
      • Best Scuba Diving Marathon Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Islamorada FL
      • Best Scuba Diving in Key West Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Key Largo Florida
      • Scuba Diving West Palm Beach Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Fort Lauderdale Florida
      • Panama City Florida Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in Pensacola Florida
    • Galapagos
      • Scuba Diving the Galapagos Islands
      • Galapagos Liveaboard Dive Trips
    • Hong Kong
      • Best Scuba Diving Hong Kong
    • Indian Ocean
      • Great White Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai South Africa
      • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pondicherry India
      • Best Scuba Diving Goa India
      • Best Scuba Diving in the Maldives
      • Best Maldives Liveaboard Scuba Diving
      • Cape Town Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth South Africa
      • Protea Banks Shark Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Aliwal Shoal South Africa
      • Sodwana Bay Scuba Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving the Andaman Islands
      • Best Diving in Mozambique
      • Best Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
      • Best Reunion Island Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Diving in Zanzibar Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Mauritius
      • Sri Lanka Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Madagascar Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Liveaboards
    • Indonesia
      • Scuba Diving Raja Ampat Indonesia
      • Best Raja Ampat Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Derawan Islands Liveaboards
      • Best Diving in Gili Islands Indonesia Reviewed
      • Best Sulawesi & Halmahera Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Diving Indonesia – Pulau Weh Diving
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Alor and Flores
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Cenderawasih Bay
      • Best Indonesia Diving – Wakatobi Liveaboard Diving
      • Best North Sulawesi Scuba Diving – Bunaken Island & Lembeh Strait Indonesia
      • Banda Sea Diving Liveaboards Indonesia
      • Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving in Bali Indonesia
  • Liveaboards/Resorts J – Z
    • Japan
      • Best Scuba Diving Okinawa Japan
    • Macronesia (Atlantic) & West Africa
      • Best Diving in Dakar Senegal
      • Best Scuba Diving the Canary Islands
      • Scuba Diving the Azores
      • Best Scuba Diving in Cape Verde Islands
      • Scuba Diving Madeira Islands Portugal
    • Malaysia
      • Kuching Diving Sarawak Malaysia
      • Best Scuba Diving Langkawi Malaysia
      • Scuba Diving in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
      • Best Diving Redang Island Malaysia
      • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Wrecks
      • Scuba Diving in Perhentian Islands Malaysia
      • Best Scuba Diving Tioman Island
      • Best Dive Resorts Malaysia – Layang Layang Island & Lankayan Island Borneo
      • Best Sipadan Island Scuba Diving
    • Middle East
      • Best Scuba Diving in Israel
      • Best Scuba Diving Eilat Israel
      • Best Diving Nuweiba Egypt
      • Best Scuba Diving Jeddah Saudi Arabia
      • Best Dahab Diving Holidays
      • Best Scuba Diving Marsa Alam Egypt
      • Best Scuba Diving Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Hurghada Egypt Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Aqaba Jordan
      • Best Red Sea Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving in Fujairah & Dubai
      • Best Liveaboard Diving in Djibouti
      • Best Diving in Oman – Muscat
      • Best Liveaboard Diving in Oman
    • New Zealand
      • Scuba Diving Bay of Islands New Zealand
      • Milford Sound Scuba Diving New Zealand
      • Poor Knights Islands Diving New Zealand
    • Pacific Islands
      • Scuba Diving Pohnpei Micronesia
      • Best Scuba Diving Samoa
      • Best Scuba Diving Easter Island Chile
      • Best Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Maui Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Kauai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Oahu Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Hawaii Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Best Liveaboard Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Best Kosrae Scuba Diving Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving the Cook Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving in Tonga
      • Scuba Diving New Caledonia Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Vanuatu
      • Yap Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Guam Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Saipan
      • Best Scuba Diving Fiji
      • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks – Liveaboards
      • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
      • Liveaboard Scuba Diving in the Solomon Islands
    • Pacific Northwest (North America)
      • Best Nanaimo Scuba Diving British Columbia
      • Scuba Diving British Columbia – Howe Sound
      • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Papua New Guinea
      • Papua New Guinea Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Papua New Guinea Liveaboard Diving
    • Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Coron Philippines
      • Scuba Diving Apo Reef & Coron Wrecks Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Romblon Philippines
      • Camiguin Island Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
      • Best Diving in Dumaguete Philippines
      • Best Puerto Princesa Scuba Diving
      • Best Diving in the Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anilao Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Moalboal Philippines
      • Best Diving in Malapascua Philippines
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anda Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in El Nido Palawan
      • Best Mactan Island Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Best Sogod Bay Dive Sites Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Boracay Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
      • Best Panglao Island Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Scuba Diving in Subic Bay Philippines
      • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
      • Best Liveaboard Diving Philippines in Malapascua & the Visayas
    • Taiwan
      • Best Scuba Diving Kenting Taiwan
      • Best Scuba Diving Green Island Taiwan
      • Best Orchid Island Taiwan Diving
    • Thailand
      • Koh Lipe Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Best Diving in Krabi Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving Khao Lak Thailand
      • Chumphon Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving Koh Chang Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pattaya Thailand
      • Best Koh Tao Thailand Diving
      • Best Phuket Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Thailand Liveaboards
    • Vietnam
      • Nha Trang Scuba Diving Vietnam
  • Books & Media
    • Best Ocean Documentary Reviews
    • Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Movies of All Time
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Cave & Underwater Explorer Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Educational & Reference
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Children’s & Fiction
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Underwater Photography & Freediving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books – Pacific Northwest Marine Life
  • Swimming
    • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
    • Best Men’s Swimming Trunks
    • Best Men’s Board Shorts
    • Best Swimming Headphones
    • The Best Swim Parka of 2024
    • The Best Swim Goggles
  • Boating
    • Boating Accessories
      • Best Dry Bags Reviews in 2023
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
      • Best Rain Gear for Fishing
      • Best Boat Trailer Tongue Jacks
      • Best Boat Trailer Winch Reviews
      • Best Bimini Tops for Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Boat Ladder Review
      • Boat Anchor Rope Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchors Reviews
      • Best First Aid Kits Reviews
    • Binoculars
      • Best Night Vision Binoculars for 2024
      • Marine Binoculars
    • Canoes
      • Best Inflatable Canoes Reviews
      • Canoes
      • Best Canoe Paddles Review
    • Coolers
      • Soft Side Coolers
      • Marine Coolers
    • Electronics
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Marine VHF Radios Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fish Finder Review
      • The Best Marine GPS
      • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Inflatable Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Inflatable Dinghy Review
      • Best Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing in 2023
      • Inflatable Boats
    • Kayak Accessories
      • Best Kayak Knives Review
      • Best Kayak Rod Holders
      • Best Kayak Seat Review
      • Best Kayak Storage Racks Review
      • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
      • Best Kayak Compasses of 2023
      • Best Kayak Anchor Systems
      • Best Kayak Bilge Pump Reviews in 2023
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Kayak Roof Rack Systems
      • Best Kayak Carts Review
      • Best Dry Bags Reviews in 2023
      • Best Water Shoes for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Helmet Reviews in 2024
      • Best Wetsuits for Kayaking
      • Best Drysuit for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Fishing Paddle Reviews
      • Best Kayak Paddle Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best Kayaking Life Jackets for Women Review
      • Best Life Vest Kayaking
    • Kayaks
      • Best Motorized Kayak Review
      • Best Pedal Kayak of 2024
      • Best Kayaks for Kids in 2023
      • Best Kayaks for Women
      • Best Touring Kayaks
      • Best Tandem Kayak Review
      • Best Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners
      • Best Kayak for Lakes Review
      • Best Ocean Kayaks
      • Best Ocean Fishing Kayak Reviews
      • Top Rated Fishing Kayaks
      • Best Beginner Kayaks Reviews
      • Best Recreational Kayaks
      • Best Inflatable Kayaks
    • Life Jackets
      • Best Jet Ski Life Jackets
      • Best Wakeboard Life Jackets Review
      • Best Inflatable Life Jackets Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best Kayaking Life Jackets for Women Review
      • Best Life Vest for Kayaking Review
    • Motors
      • Best Electric Trolling Motors Reviews
      • Best Small Outboard Motor Reviews
      • Best Kayak Trolling Motor Review
  • Board Sports
    • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
    • Stand Up Paddleboards
      • Best Stand-Up Paddle Board Reviews
      • Best Stand-Up Paddleboard for Yoga
      • Best Stand Up Paddle Board for Surfing Review
      • Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Reviews
      • Best Fishing SUP Boards
    • SUP Accessories
      • Best Paddle Board Paddles Review
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best SUP Roof Rack Systems
    • Best Skimboard Brands in 2024
      • Best Skimboard Brands in 2024
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
      • Best Wakesurf Board Reviews
    • Body Boards
      • Best Bodyboards
      • The Best Boogie Boards for Kids in 2024
      • Best Bodyboard Swim Fins Review
    • Surfboards
      • Best Surfboards for 2024
      • Best Soft Top Surfboards Review
      • Best Surfboards for Beginners
      • Best Surfboards for Kids
    • Surfing Accessories
      • Best Women’s Swim Shorts
      • Best Men’s Board Shorts
      • Best Surfing Watches of 2024
      • Best Surfboard Travel Bag Reviews
      • Best Surfboard Racks for Cars
      • Best Wetsuit Booties Surfing
      • Best Rash Guard for Men Review
      • Best Rash Guards for Women Review
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits
  • Towables
    • Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
    • What’s the Best Kneeboard?
    • Best Wakeboards
    • Best Wakeboard Life Jackets Review
    • Best Water Skis Review
    • Best Wakesurf Boards
    • Best Towable Tubes
  • Beach
    • Best Beach Cruisers
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Waterproof Bags
    • Best Soft Coolers for 2023
    • Best Beach Coolers for 2024
    • Best Marine Cooler Review
    • Best Beach Chairs for 2024
    • Best Beach Umbrellas Review
    • Best Beach Canopy Reviews
    • Best Beach Tent Reviews
  • Cycling
    • Best Kids Electric Scooter
    • Best Adult Electric Scooter
    • Best Folding Bikes
    • Best Camera for Cycling Review
    • Best MTB Lights Review
    • Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes of 2024
    • Best Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 in 2023
    • Best Beginner Road Bikes in 2023
    • Best Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Comfort Bike Reviews
    • Best Children’s Mountain Bikes
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets
    • Best Mountain Bike Helmet Reviews
    • Best Affordable Electric Bikes in 2024
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bikes
    • Top 10 Best BMX Bikes in 2024
    • Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 of 2023
    • Best Budget Mountain Bikes Review
    • Best Fat Bike Reviews
    • Best Single Speed Bike Reviews
    • Best Beach Cruisers
  • Camping
    • Best Portable Shower Tent for Camping
    • Best Handheld GPS Review
    • Best Binoculars for Hiking
    • Best Hiking Watches Review
    • Best Mess Kit for Camping Review
    • Best Hiking Shoes for 2024
    • Best Hiking Boots Reviews
    • Best Portable Showers for Camping
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Best Cold Water Diving Gear

10:39 am by Joe 14 Comments

Is Scuba Diving Fun? Yes!
Is Cold Water Scuba Diving Fun? Yes!

Updated October 18, 2022

When most people think of scuba diving they imagine a warm tropical setting with the fantastic creatures and wrecks that have been presented in the media that we are all familiar with.  Coldwater settings, though, can be equally, if not more amazing with the array of life and exploration possibilities.  Places like the Arctic and Antarctic, the Isle of Man, and the San Juan Islands (all places I have reviewed on this site) are exceptionally fascinating and accessible to divers with the right equipment.  Below I present cold water diving gear options so you will be ready when you get the chance to dive in cold water.

If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Drysuit Scuba Diving

If the water is really cold, the best choice is a drysuit.  It can be pretty expensive and there are other accessories to complete the package, but is the option that will keep you warmest in the most frigid conditions.

Drysuits

Each drysuit has its own special features and characteristics and there is air inside it between your body and the suit that impacts buoyancy. Because of these factors, you need a little practice and training before wearing it on a serious dive at depth.  Here is a post that provides a description of the features and considerations of drysuit diving in detail, followed by one with detailed descriptions of the best drysuits:

  • Best Scuba Drysuits – Features Described and Compared
  • Top 10 Scuba Drysuits Compared and Reviewed

Drysuit Undergarments

The water is cold and you’ve decided on using a dry suit. It will keep you dry, but only offers a minimum of warmth.  You’ll need to wear something underneath that gives you proper thermal protection without overheating.  The use of drysuit undergarments is the solution.  This post explains the features and characteristics of drysuit undergarments and reviews 10 top models:

  • Best Drysuit Undergarments

Drysuit Gloves

Drysuit gloves seal to the wrist of the drysuit.  There are different systems to accomplish this including the use of a ring or zipper system.  Here are a couple of top models:

  • DUI Zip Gloves Heavy Duty Dry Suit Gloves with Liners
  • DUI Zip Gloves Maximum Dexterity Dry Suit Gloves with Liners

Drysuit Hoods

Drysuit hoods are usually made of neoprene, like wetsuit hoods, but are thick and well-sealed around the face and neck.  Here are several top models:

  • Waterproof H1 5/7mm Vented Anatomical Hood
  • Bare 7mm Ultrawarmth Coldwater Hood Scuba Diving Hood
  • XS Scuba 7mm Drysuit Hood

Drysuit Boots

Most divers use thick wetsuit boots with their drysuit.  Some drysuits have a soft sock attached that can be worn inside wetsuit boots or durable, hard-soled drysuit boots, which add greater protection when walking over rocky surfaces:

DUI Rock Boot – Drysuit Boot

Wetsuit Scuba Diving

Drysuits are usually pretty expensive, and as stated earlier, require some extra training and practice to become safely acclimated.  For many a thick wetsuit of 7mm or more is an acceptable alternative, along with some added accessories.

Wetsuits

A wetsuit can provide good thermal protection in very cold water if it is thick enough, fits well, and has very minimal water circulation.  The proper accessories provide a good assist in maintaining optimal comfort.  Here are several posts to help you decide which wetsuit is right for you.  The first gives you an explanation of how wetsuits keep you warm and describes the features and characteristics of good wetsuits.  The others are reviews of wetsuit models generally, for women, for spearfishing, and for surfing.

  • The Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit – Features and Descriptions
  • Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
  • Best Scuba Wetsuits for Women
  • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
  • Best Surfing Wetsuits

Wetsuit Gloves

For really cold water, 5mm should be the minimum thickness.  A well-constructed and designed pair use material like stretch neoprene that provides warmth, a flexible, comfortable fit, and sturdy seams resistant to leakage.  This post provides an explanation of the best features and reviews 8 models, 4 of which come in 5mm thickness:

Best Scuba Diving Gloves

Wetsuit Hood/Hooded Vest

For really cold water diving with a wetsuit, a hood 5mm or thicker is advised.  A hooded vest is an option that adds a layer of neoprene to the torso while eliminating the possibility of inflow at the neck.  The Bare 7/3mm Ultrawarmth Hooded Vest, shown at right, is a good example.  Here is a review and description of wetsuit hoods, 4 of which are 5mm or thicker:

Best Scuba Diving Hoods

Wetsuit Boots

For cold water, the full-foot fin without a boot is a non-starter.  You’ll want a boot with 5mm of neoprene in thickness and a thick sole is helpful.  The following post describes the features and characteristics to look for with 9 of 12  boots reviewed having greater than 5mm in thickness:

Best Scuba Dive Boots – Reviewed and Compared 

Other Cold Water Gear

Regulators

When diving in extremely cold water the regulator’s first stage freezing up is a consideration.  To avoid this, the first stage needs to have an environmental seal that won’t allow the very cold seawater to get inside. The Atomic M1 Regulator is highly rated for cold water use.  Here is my post on cold water regulators where I describe features and characteristics and review models rated for cold water usage:

Best Cold Water Regulators

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on cold water equipment interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Cold Water Gear, Product Reviews, Scuba Diving Equipment

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gno says

    at 12:57 pm

    I like the thought of diving, but I don’t like the cold, so I doubt I will ever try cold water diving.  I accept that there are many beautiful things to see in cold water, too, but I don’t think I can ever be convinced to try it.

    I am planning to go to Indonesia in May.  Do you think I can learn to dive there? 

    Thanks for all your information.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 1:30 pm

      Hi Gno,

      Thanks for your input and questions.

      I think warm water is a good place to start if you want to learn how to dive.  Indonesia has some of the best diving in the world.  I suggest Bali as a very accessible and low priced destination.  Please take a look at my review.  It has resorts and pricing there.  All those dive shops can do the beginning course in a beautiful location that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

      If you have any questions, please let me know.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  2. Clement says

    at 1:02 pm

    Thank you for this great post and also taking your time to talk about the equipment needed for scuba diving. I am a complete novice with practically no knowledge of diving at all, so this article was a little over my head, yet intriguing.  My God, what a lot of equipment to consider to go diving in cold water.  It is mind-boggling.  If I ever get around to doing it, I think I will stick with warm water. I don’t think my brain power is sufficient to get to the point of being able to use all that gear.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 1:21 pm

      Hi Clement,

      Thanks a lot for your thoughts.

      I can understand how complicated it all seems.  Learning to dive is a step by step process.  You start with some classwork and pool sessions where you will develop knowledge and skills to use the basic gear.  As it is needed you would learn how to use the cold water gear.  It is not too complicated really.  I hope you don’t let all this equipment scare you out of giving it a shot someday.  There are a lot of wonderful places to dive where it is so warm you may not need a wetsuit at all.

      If you have any questions about anything related to diving, please let me know.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  3. mzakapon says

    at 1:02 pm

    Hi Joe,

    This is really a great step by step guideline with all related necessary specific information about best cold water scuba diving equipment. I know this is very important for all beginners who want to dive with safety. Some of my friends want to go for this diving and I believe this article will be helpful for them. I am going to refer it to them. Thanks for sharing this informative article.

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 1:08 pm

      Hi,

      Thanks for your interest, kind comments and for sharing with your friends.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  4. Emmanuel Buysse says

    at 1:22 pm

    Great post and good info.

    This is actually life-saving as well, and you know why? Lots of people don’t think about equipment when they go to dive. The only thing they think is the diving bottle, and that is all. Now honestly, the majority of this, I didn’t know as well. But indeed, in cold water, I think it is best to have the right thermal protection. 

    One question, at which temperature can you say it is cold water?

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 1:44 pm

      Hi again Emmanuel,

      Good to see you again.  Thanks for your continued interest.

      It is essential to keep warm on your dive.  If you get too cold you can more quickly than you might realize become debilitated, which is life-threatening. 

      Here is a general guideline for thickness of wetsuits and water temperature, with individual differences possible:

      1-2 mm:  above 85 degrees F (29 degrees C)3 mm:  70-85 degrees F (21-28 degrees C)5 mm:  60-70 degrees F (16-20 degrees C)7 mm:  50-70 degrees F (10-20 degrees C)

      When the temperature gets below 20 degrees C, many people will want to use a drysuit.

      If you have other questions or comments, please get in touch.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  5. Seun Afotanju says

    at 1:47 pm

    Before going on a cold water scuba diving trip you certainly need cold water gear to keep you warm. Thicker wetsuits or drysuits become relevant, and with this more weight to counter it the extra buoyancy. Although I have experienced cold water scuba diving just twice, the dry suit really helped me a lot. I didn’t even feel much of the cold. 

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 2:23 pm

      Hi Seun,

      Thanks for your comments.

      Drysuit diving in cold water is quite an experience.  I’m glad to hear it was successful for you.

      Happy diving!

      Joe

      Reply
  6. Richard says

    at 1:49 pm

    I have dived in relatively cold waters but my experience is mainly in the offshore wind energy sector where the wearing of dry-suit flight suits is mandatory. These are the same as diving dry suits in that they are to keep the person dry in the case of an emergency landing in the North Sea. 

    Does the dry-suit have a neoprene foot attached to the suit or is this made of the same materials as the suit itself? I have only the experience of this being made of neoprene and am not sure how this will stand up to arctic diving.

    Rich

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 2:06 pm

      Hi Rich,

      Thanks a lot for your kind comments and for sharing your experience.

      There is often a sock attached to the drysuit which is made of fabric or latex.  The fabric ones are getting better, but have the reputation for wearing out quickly.  Socks can also be purchased separately.

      The people diving in the North Sea for oil field work use hot water suits to keep warm. That keeps the diver nice and cozy, but requires an umbilical.

      Good luck to you.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply
  7. Dave Sweney says

    at 1:53 pm

    This was an excellent guide to some of the best cold water scuba diving equipment in the market today. You have covered pretty much a complete suggested set for both the dry and wet suit outfits. There is a lot you need, but when in cold water, I like to be prepared.

    The money is not little for the gear, but on the other hand, I am more than willing to pay the cost for the equipment as it will last a long time with proper care. Cold water diving can be a wonderful adventure, but only if you are comfortable enough to enjoy it.

    I will likely look at the wet suit and gear, as I also dive in areas where this type of gear is more appropriate. This way I can use it in many different locations and get more use out of it than I would with a dry suit. I will look through all the suggested equipment you’ve listed and make some decisions. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Joe says

      at 2:17 pm

      Hi Dave,

      Good to see you, again.  Thanks for your kind and reasoned comments.  I hope you get some good ideas for gear purchases from my posts. If you have any questions, please let me know.

      Best regards,

      Joe

      Reply

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