For those who are enthralled by the ocean and dedicate their time to experiencing the depth and beauty of a world submerged, there can be no better gift than the gift of experience and the special equipment to support adaption to life aquatic. The ocean is a captivating terrain where a transformation begins. Whether you’re freediving or scuba diving, there’s something for everyone underwater.
We need to only enter the water to experience our body’s natural reaction to the largest landmass on the planet. Stress begins to dissipate and your body enters a relaxation state; it’s no wonder ocean lover’s all over the world find their “home” in diving.
The art of giving during the holiday season can be overwhelming, I strongly believe in quality over quantity at all times of the year and that’s why this giving season I have curated a list of underwater gear gifts that last, for all ocean enthusiasts. Practical, adventure-driven gifts for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers alike to explore new depths underneath.
Scuba & Underwater Courses
PADI offers a world of underwater opportunities. Perhaps you know a keen diver who might like to complete a more advanced certification, perhaps they are just getting their toes wet in the freediving world. Or maybe it’s been a long time between dives, and a refresher course is in order. Whichever glove (or fin) fits, the gift of education is a gift of experience and an endless chance to learn, grow and fall further in love with the ocean.
To assist with the obvious obstacles when diving — including sight, efficient movement. and maintaining body warmth — a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit are all fundamentals of an ocean lover’s dry bag.
Dive Bag
Speaking of dry bags, a place to house all the special equipment required is not only a practical gift, but one that protects gear and increases the life span.
- Freediving and snorkeling bag: Akona Free Dive Snorkel Bag
- Scuba travel dive bag: Seac Equipage Dry
Wetsuit
Isolating the body from cold water and allowing for a greater and safer diving experience, a wetsuit gives the gift of adaption to different water environments.
- Cressi Tokugawa 2mm Unisex 2-Piece Spearfishing Suit w/Hood
- Seac Snake 3mm 2-Piece Wetsuit
- Cressi Seppia 5mm Unisex 2-Piece Suit
- Scubapro 3mm Sport Women’s Full Wetsuit
- Henderson 5mm Thermoprene Pro Women’s Full Wetsuit
Masks, Fins & Snorkels
Now that we’ve covered body warmth and where to store the essentials, let’s talk about the gift of vision underwater (a mask), efficiency and propulsion (dive fins) and breath on the surface (snorkel).
These three pieces of essential equipment can be hired in rented places all over the world. However, there’s nothing like using your well-trusted gear to keep calm and relaxed in the water and to dive to new depths, both physically and mentally.
These freediving underwater gear gifts are top picks:
- Masks: Cressi Calibro Mask and Salvimar Maxale Mask
- Fins: Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Fins and Sherwood Onyx Free Dive Fins
- Carbon Fins: Omer Stingray Dual Carbon Fins
- Snorkel: Cressi Spear Fishing America Black Snorkel
Additionally, these scuba essentials are must-haves:
- Mask: Cressi Frameless F1 Mask
- Fins: Cressi Pro Light Fins
- Snorkel: Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel
Safety Gear
Easy to use, powerful GPS, waterproof marine rescue GPS. Say no more, as an avid nature lover, hiker, and diver I always make sure I have a personal beacon locator with me. This one floats and is perfect for all ocean lovers.
Dive Watch and Computer
A dive watch is something I have always wanted and admired on the wrists of my dive master or fellow divers. It’s not because they tell the time, but because it is an extra element of safety. It is also one of those “rarely-buy-for-yourself, yet, makes-a-perfect-gift” item.
A dive computer will measure depth, dive time, maximum depth, depth alarms and surface intervals and are useful for evaluating individual performances and for setting up personalized training programs.
- Cressi Nepto Computer or Seac Sub Partner Computer
- Cressi King Diving Watch-Computer
- Atmos Mission 2 Dive Computer
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Underwater Camera
Capture memories with this underwater gift. A GoPro, my most used item to document the experiences of the underwater realm. Additionally, it’s a tangible way of persevering and sharing memories for many years to come.
I also recommend adding the ProShot Dive Universal Waterproof iPhone Case for your phone to keep it safe underwater.
Stocking stuffers
Gloves, socks and hoods make for great (warm) stocking stuffers!
- Freediving socks: Aqualung Ergo Neoprene 3mm High Top Socks
- Freediving gloves: Mares 3mm Flexa Classic Gloves
- Scuba hood: Henderson Thermoprene 5/3mm Bibbed Hood
- Scuba boots: Cressi Isla 5mm Boots
- Gloves: Mares Flexa Fit 5mm Gloves
Hydration is key when exercising and diving. A water bottle makes for a great, environmentally-friendly stocking stuffer that can be used year round, not just on dive adventures.
- Water bottle: Cressi H20 500ml Aluminum Bottle
A dive knife could be used to free oneself in the unlikely event of entanglement, to cut fishing lines, or to knock on tanks to get buddy’s attention.
- Dive knife: TUSA Mini BCD Knife, Drop Point Tip
A pack towel is a great underwater gift to keep dry between dives, and makes for a great travel accessory.
- Pack towel: McNett Micronet Advanced Microsuede Towel
A scuba diving slate and dive table is a great back up to a dive computer. A slate is used for educational purposes, skills training, or simply communicating underwater or drawing — you choose!
- Dive table: Aqua Water Proof Dive Tables
- Dive slate: Innovative Scuba Jumbo Dive Master Slate
Protective gear
Whether you like to watch from the sidelines, or are just getting started on your underwater journey, stay safe with these gifts.
- Shoes: XtraTuf Sharkbyte Canvas Deck Shoe and Xtratuf Unisex Homer Slip-On Sneaker
- Ocean lover’s cap: Padi Team Hat
Underwater gift ideas for kids
For the young ocean lovers, consider these top underwater gifts:
- Snorkeling set: Head Sea Pals Junior Combo
- Snorkeling vest: Scuba Max Snorkel Vest – Junior
Underwater gifts for the holiday season
As an ocean lover, the best gift can be to give back to the ocean and there are many ways in which we can protect our natural world. The best gifts are those that are sustainable and last seasons. They are practical and will be used to ensure our safety and connection to our oceans for generations to come.
I hope you have found some useful gifts for your ocean loving, loved ones this holiday season.