How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Dive Trip
Diving is one of the most thrilling and rewarding activities you can do, but traveling for dive trips can bring with it a few health risks, including illness related to water quality, dehydration, jet lag, or food. Preventing sickness is just as important as preparing your dive gear, because if you’re not feeling your best, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your dives. Here are some tips to stay healthy and avoid common dive trip illnesses.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key, especially when you’re traveling to hot or dry environments. Dehydration can affect your energy levels, mood, and even your ability to equalize during dives. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your dives, and avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
Because I struggle with leg cramps, I have been experimenting with a sport drink powder from Skratch. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, and more if you’re in a particularly hot climate.
Avoid Food and Water Contamination
Food and waterborne illnesses are common complaints for travelers. To avoid getting sick:
- Only drink bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from clean water
- Eat at reputable restaurants
- Avoid street food or undercooked meals
- Be especially cautious about raw food like sushi, oysters, or ceviche
If you’re unsure about the hygiene standards of a place, it’s better to play it safe and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods.
Prevent Motion Sickness
If the boat ride is longer than 30 minutes, I don’t take any chances. I dose up with a motion sickness pill: one 12 hours before the boat ride and another 1 hour before I board.
Don’t try and be macho. If you feel the potential for seasickness, just take the pill.
Motion sickness can ruin your day, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Staying on deck and focusing on the horizon also helps, but medication is my go-to for peace of mind.
Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure
Spending long hours on boats or on the beach means prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to sunburn and heat exhaustion.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly
- Wear protective clothing: hat, sunglasses, rash guard
- Avoid direct sun exposure during 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, get out of the sun and cool down immediately
Watch Out for Local Illnesses
Depending on your destination, there may be certain health risks to consider:
- Research any potential diseases in advance
- Ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations
- Use mosquito repellant and wear long sleeves if insect-borne illness is a concern
Rest and Sleep Well
Jet lag, long travel days, and excitement for your dives can make it tempting to skip sleep, but rest is essential for immune function and energy.
- Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night
- Adjust to the local time zone as soon as possible
- A well-rested body is more capable of fighting off illness
Know When to Rest
Overexertion can lead to fatigue and illness while traveling. If you’re feeling off:
- Take a break from diving
- Let your body recover fully
- Dive operators should respect your decision to rest
Pushing through fatigue or illness can lead to further complications and spoil your dive trip.
Manage Congestion and Equalization
Equalizing your ears becomes much harder if you’re congested. Avoid diving if you feel sinus pressure, have a cold, or recently recovered from one. Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays may help, but only if you know how your body reacts to them before diving. Never try new medications for the first time on dive day.
Pack a Personal Health Kit
It’s smart to travel with your own mini health kit that includes:
- Antidiarrheal medication and electrolytes
- Motion sickness pills
- Pain relievers
- Reef-safe sunscreen and bug repellant
- Small supply of any prescriptions
This can help avoid language barriers or availability issues if you’re diving somewhere remote.
Be Cautious Around Cuts and Infections
Even small cuts can become infected in warm, wet tropical environments. Avoid diving with open wounds, and always rinse with clean water after saltwater exposure. Keep an antibiotic ointment and waterproof bandages in your health kit.
FAQ: Staying Healthy While Diving
Water is best. Use an electrolyte powder if you’re sweating heavily. Avoid sugary drinks or too much caffeine.
No. Diving with congestion increases the risk of barotrauma and ear injuries. Skip the dive if you can't equalize easily.
Stick to reputable restaurants. Avoid raw or undercooked foods unless you trust the kitchen’s hygiene.
Take medication in advance. Sitting on deck and watching the horizon helps, but medicine is more reliable.
Bring pain relievers, motion sickness meds, diarrhea treatment, antibiotic ointment, and waterproof bandages.
Final Thoughts
Staying healthy on a dive trip is essential to getting the most out of your time underwater. By taking simple steps like staying hydrated, eating safe food, protecting yourself from the sun, and ensuring adequate rest, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting sick. Planning ahead and paying attention to your body can help ensure you dive safely and fully enjoy your trip without being sidelined by health issues.