Check out our packing guide to make sure you're covered for your time in Sri Lanka.
Because there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing :)
TO WEAR WHILE DIVING- 1. Swim wear/ shorts-
We will be providing you with a diving wetsuit (like a spiderman jumpsuit) to wear over your swimwear. There are changing rooms & lockers in the dive school which you can use for changing and storing dry clothes. All other dive gear will be given to you.
2. Sunscreen- The sun can be strong. Bring along sunscreen (waterproof with SPF 50+). Unawatuna has plenty of shops where you can buy sun protection items too.
3. Waterproof watch-
Not mandatory, but we like to wear one. It will give you a sense of time underwater. Bring a watch that can go to 30 metres depth/ or min 4ATM. The back of your waterproof watch should have this reading. Available at Decathlon, starting INR 1200 (check Kalenji section).
4. Day pack So that you can carry a towel, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and some loose cash to buy snacks if you need.
5. Dry bag Not mandatory, but good to have if you want to take some of your personal items on the boat (eg- your camera/ phone etc.). Or else, you can leave all items in the dive school locker and be carefree on the boat :)
GENERAL/ EVENING WEAR-
1. Shorts/ Loose cotton pants It's a cool beach town, and you can be your best beachy self :)
2. Cotton tshirts/ Dresses- Ditto. Go for whites and lighter colours to soak in the sun and wind.
3. Underclothes A pair or two a day.
4. Flip-flops- Beach style :)
5. Straw hat For some sun cover
ACCESSORIES & MISCELLANEOUS
1. Water bottle
Fill water from your accommodation to carry with you for training. Lets avoid buying single use plastic bottles. The dive school also has a water dispenser.
2. Quick dry towel
Fast to dry and light to carry.
3. Toiletries-The usual- Soap, shampoo, moisturizer, toothbrush and tooth paste. Sanitary needs for the ladies.
4. Camera, entertainment & electronics
Bring along your GoPro if you have one. Don't forget the underwater housing and a small rope which you can use to attach to your dive gear. Speakers/ kindle/ books are a traveller's best friend too.
5. Small first aid kit + Corona kit
Best to carry some basic medicines for cold, fever, loose motions, ointment for aching muscles, some band-aids and any other personal medication.
Don't forget your mask and sanitiser. The new basics.
6. Overseas travel essentials - Currency, sim, visa, charger type Best to bring US dollars/ Euros from India. They are easier to exchange than INR. Unawatuna also has ATMs to withdraw cash & money exchange shops where you can exchange currency. For exchanging Indian rupees, the airport is the best bet. If you want internet on the go, you can buy a local sim at the airport arrival (around INR 800).
Or else you can use Wifi at the dive school/ homestay and at most cafes around.
Sri Lanka has Type D charging portals (2-3 round pin/ same as India), so no need for a charging adapter.
Most important, don't forget your passport and a Sri Lanka ETA (online form to be filled in place of visa; they charge USD 30 for Indians for a 1 month stay).
7. Special Needs-
i) For those with prescription glasses, there are 2 choices. You can either wear contact lenses. Or you can opt for a prescription underwater mask (goggles) at the dive school. Note, the school will only have standard powered goggles ranging from -1 to -4.
ii) For the super women who are menstruating- Best to wear a menstrual cup or a tampon. And don't worry, the sharks wont be attracted by your blood. Btw, being underwater feels great on your period.
8. Last but not the least, some spunk! That’s the difference between you and the next door Joe who didn’t sign up for diving :D Note- This is simply a suggestion. Please add/remove as per your needs. Images are merely to give an example. Please replace with nearest items from your existing wardrobe. Sustainability & functionality > appearance, always :)
About Author-
Nitisha Sethia is an outdoor sport practitioner and founder of AdventurePlay. Ex-McKinsey & Co. and IIM Ahmedabad, Nitisha left her corporate job to follow her passion in the outdoors.
AdventurePlay is a one-stop platform to discover & learn new outdoor sports.
www.adventureplay.asia| Instagram- @adventureplay.asia