Here’s the snorkelling and scuba diving gear we actually use (or wish we had!) and recommend. Whether you’re diving or just floating over coral gardens, the right equipment makes a big difference in comfort and safety. But there’s no single “best” product – it’s all about what works best for you, depending on your fit, budget, and how often you get in the water.
If you want more detailed advice on how to choose the right gear, you can read my full guide on how to choose the best snorkelling gear.
Essentials for in the water
Panoramic “wide view” diving mask
Why we love it: I’ve owned a MARES panoramic mask for years and love it – the wider field of view lets me notice my partner is still next to me without having to move my head as much. I’ve also got a simple TUSA translucent mask that is suitable for corrective lens.
Our tip: Always try a mask on dry before buying. Inhale slightly through your nose – if it sticks to your face, it’s a good fit.
Semi-dry snorkel
Why we love it: A dry-top snorkel keeps water out when diving down, so it’s a must if you bring it scuba diving (required in Queensland for safety). A flexible lower tube also makes it more comfortable to wear for long sessions in the water.
Our tip: A purge valve (a one-way valve at the bottom) makes clearing water much easier.
Apeks RK3 rubber fins
Why we love it: I like my rubber fins because they’re durable and compact (short length = less risk of damaging coral + easier to transport), but they’re heavy. I’ve often considered switching to the Aqualung Storm (barefoot) or Scubapro GO Sport (with boots and more power) for travelling.
Our tip: We prefer open-heel fins with booties for better control and protection when walking on rocks and to avoid blisters when we use our fins a lot.
Mask strap cover
Why I love it: A simple neoprene strap cover stops hair from tangling and makes the mask easier to put on and take off. It’s a small, inexpensive upgrade that we wouldn’t go without for my long hair.
Our tip: Pick a bright colour – it makes your snorkel buddy easier to spot in the water.
Sharkskin suit
Why we love it: Ideal for staying protected from the sun (no need for sunscreen that could damage the reef!) and for keeping warm when spending long hours in the water. It’s windproof, water-resistant, and incredibly comfortable – great for both snorkelling and diving.
Our tip: Rinse it well after each use and dry it in the shade – direct sun can shorten the fabric’s lifespan.
EEZYCUT
Why we love it: It’s a compact cutting tool designed for safety underwater, especially useful if you ever get tangled in fishing line or rope.
Our tip: Mount it on your BCD or wrist for easy access. You’ll hopefully never need it, but it’s one of those things that’s good to have for added safety.
Garmin Descent Mk2S dive computer
Why we love it: I like having my own dive computer – it’s easier when you already know how it works rather than figuring out a different one each time you hire gear (or not getting one at all, as it’s not always mandatory in some countries like France). I used to have a Suunto D4i Novo, but after it sadly disappeared, I switched to the Garmin Descent Mk2S. I love that it doubles as my everyday sports watch – I wear it for hiking, running, and even at the office. The screen is a bit small underwater, but it does the job for me (I don’t dive often enough to find it annoying). And I no longer stress about the low battery!
Our tip: It’s pricey, but when you think of it as both a dive computer and a smartwatch, it’s worth it.
Underwater photography gear (for casual photographers)
We’re not at all professional photographers – we just like capturing memories of what we see underwater. If you’d like a few easy ways to improve your photos without investing in complex gear, check out my article on beginner underwater photography tips.
Olympus TG-6 underwater camera
Why we love it: Compact, easy to use, and gives great results without needing a case for snorkelling. It’s been our go-to for years, along with the Nikon AW300 (no case needed even for scuba diving!) but it’s no longer available.
Our tip: Make sure you keep your camera safe by using a wrist strap.
Underwater case for Olympus TG-6
Why we love it: Essential for scuba diving, it keeps the camera protected and lets us take it deeper. The controls are easy to use even with gloves.
Our tip: Always clean the joints and do a quick leak test before diving – it only takes a minute and can save your camera.
Bigblue extra-wide beam diving torch
Why we love it: We love using a torch not only for photography but also for safety and adding colour to the dive – it makes the underwater world look alive again.
Our tip: A wide beam helps avoid having a bright spot in the centre of the photo and the rest dark.
Flex arm for camera and light
Why we love it: It lets us position the light exactly where we want it. It stays in place so once positioned, you only need one hand to take your shot or carry your equipment.
Our tip: Give it a good rinse after every use and move the flex points under clear water to avoid salt build-up.
Gear care and transport
Mesh bag
Why we love it: We use a large mesh bag to rinse and carry all our wet gear together. It’s lets everything drip-dry naturally after rinsing.
Our tip: Always rinse your gear in fresh water after every use – including your bag – even a quick rinse makes it last much longer.
Waterproof bag
Why we love it: A must-have on any snorkelling or diving trip to keep phones, wallets, and dry clothes safe on the boat or beach.
Our tip: Roll the top at least three times before closing to make sure it’s watertight.
Dry bag
Why we love it: We actually use ours the other way around – to store wet gear when we don’t have time to let it dry. It’s perfect to keep the rest of our things dry, whether it’s in the car or on our back after getting changed.
Our tip: Don’t leave wet gear sealed inside for too long, especially in a hot car – it’ll start to smell quickly!
Collapsible tub
Why we love it: A tub has two great uses – to place wet gear in the car without soaking everything, and to rinse our equipment easily after a dive. I chose a collapsible model as space is always a challenge for us.
Our tip: Some gear needs more than a quick rinse – like cameras or dive lights – so the tub is perfect for letting them soak properly before drying.
Extra accessories to make things easier
Quick-dry poncho towel
Why we love it: Perfect for changing discreetly on the beach or drying off after a dive. We even sometimes use it on boat days too – it’s an extra layer to keep the wind off between dives.
Our tip: Microfibre versions are light and dry quickly without taking much space in your bag.
Key safe
Why we love it: We lock our car key under our vehicle so we have peace of mind when we’re in the water to enjoy snorkelling without constantly checking on our belongings.
Our tip: Choose a sturdy model with a code lock and find a spot where you can easily reach it!
