When it comes to buying gifts for your friends, you want to buy them something that captures their personality and passions, however, some hobbies are easier to cater to than others.
If you have a friend who loves to scuba dive, you may be thinking about buying them a scuba-related gift, but perhaps you’re struggling to come up with ideas.
If they’ve just started diving, you could consider buying them that piece of equipment that will kick-start their scuba adventures - such as a computer watch or a waterproof backpack to carry all their gear in.
On the other hand, if your friend has been diving for years, coming up with a gift idea may not be so simple.
There are a myriad of ocean-themed gifts out there, which is why we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for scuba divers, along with a handy buyer’s guide.
You will have all the information you need before 'diving in' and purchasing the perfect gift for your loved one.
Best Gifts For Scuba Divers
OUR TOP PICK
A quality scuba diving backpack is the ideal gift for amateurs and professionals alike.
This Dry Gara backpack from Cressi is fully waterproof and is made from a highly durable PVC material.
With a 60L capacity, it's perfect for transporting all of your wet gear and diving equipment, and it even has a front pocket that has been specially designed for storing long fins, as well as side fasteners for carrying spear guns.
This bag is super versatile thanks to the squeeze-style side-release buckle closure which doubles as a grab handle for easy carrying.
Cressi has also factored in comfort to their design, and the padded, adjustable shoulder straps and waist and sternum straps provide extra stability and a more comfortable, contoured fit.
There’s no need for your friend to drench their regular backpack with their wet gear, or soak the backseats of their car on the way home - with this Cressi backpack they can simply chuck all their wet gear into their bag and rest assured that the bag won’t become soaked through.
Pros
- Made from highly durable PVC material
- Fully waterproof
- Large 60L capacity
- Specially designed for storing long fins
- Grab handle
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
- Waist and sternum straps
Cons
- It’s a little expensive
EDITORS CHOICE
If you can’t afford to splash out on a high-end gift, you needn’t worry about compromising on quality.
The Greatever G2 is one of the most highly-rated masks on Amazon and is not only super affordable but comes in a range of bold, bright colors that you can match to your loved one’s personality.
This full-face snorkel mask has a panoramic lens for taking in those breathtaking underwater views and is made from high definition, premium PU resin for crystal-clear images which also reduces dizziness and distortion while diving.
The removable motion camera mount also allows them to attach their underwater camera so they can look back on their favorite diving trips.
The G2 mask has been adapted over 2 years for maximum comfort: it features the latest G2 dry top technology, as well as the addition of a two-channel exhaust valve for easier and smoother breathing underwater.
Made of high-quality silicone material, this mask is full-wrapped to prevent leakage and the silicone layer inside the mask isolates air from the nose and mouth to reduce fog.
Pros
- Great gift for beginners
- Range of colors to choose from
- Affordable
- Premium PU resin lens for clearer, panoramic view
- Removable camera mount
- G2 dry top technology and two-channel exhaust
- Anti-fog and anti-leak design
Cons
- Limited range of sizes
BEST VALUE
Diving computer watches can easily cost into the thousands, but this single button diving computer watch from Italian brand Cressi offers plenty of bang for your buck.
The one-button operation is user-friendly and makes it effortless to set Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes, making this watch ideal for beginners. It’s easy to read the screen thanks to the high-definition and large numerical display.
It has three levels of user-adjustable conservatism and a CNS oxygen toxicity graphic indicator, as well as visual and distinct easy-to-hear alarms.
This computer watch has been designed for ultimate ease of use, and all of the information on the screen is separated by light lines to ensure easy-reading even in stressful situations.
The back-lit screen can be read in the dark, and battery life is also indicated so you know when you’re near to running on empty. When the battery is low, simply plug in and charge up.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy to use thanks to the single-button operation
- Easy-to-read, high-definition screen
- Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes
- Oxygen toxicity graphic indicator
- Battery indicator
- Back-lit screen
- Rechargeable battery
- Available in a range of colors
Cons
- Interface not included
RUNNER UP
If your diving buddy is someone who loves to spend time on the beach as well as under the sea, then why not treat them to a hand-loomed Turkish towel?
Turkish towels are known for being highly durable, so this is something they’ll have for years to come.
It’s made of 100% extra soft Turkish cotton for a luxurious feel, and the texture of this towel means it’s far more absorbent than your average beach towel, meaning it’ll dry quickly after every use.
The lightweight feel of this towel makes it perfect for fitting in any bag and is ideal for the scuba diver who loves to travel.
Unlike usual beach towels which tend to wear down with use or become dry and stiff, Turkish towels become softer with every wash - simply hand-wash and air dry each time you use it.
We love the relaxing, tye-dye designs of these towels from Sand Cloud, and they’re also extremely versatile: making perfect throws, rugs, tapestries, and blankets, too.
If your loved one is somebody with a passion for the environment and conservation, then they’ll be pleased to hear that Sand Cloud donates 10% of its profits to charities working to preserve marine life.
Pros
- Hand-loomed in Turkey
- Super durable - becomes softer with every wash
- 100% extra soft Turkish cotton
- Quick-drying and ultra-absorbent
- Versatile - more than just a towel
- 10% of profits donated to marine life charities
- Eye-catching design perfect for beach lovers and hippies
Cons
- Hand-wash only
RUNNER UP
Perfect for the meticulous and organized diver who loves to log their dives and adventures, this binder is made from premium rubberized, water-resistant material so the pages won’t get wet or smudged when stored in the same bag as wet gear.
The roomy, 3-ring binder also fits PADI logbooks and comes with 50 log pages to get your diver started on their logging journey.
The dive flag zipper pulls provide super smooth opening and closing for ultimate convenience.
This binder is perfect for keeping your diving friend organized and has a range of additional features such as a mesh pocket for extra storage, and several pen rings and cardholders for added versatility and organization.
Pros
- Rubberized, water-resistant material
- Compatible with PADI logbooks
- Sleek design
- Flag zipper pulls
- Comes with 50 log pages
- Mesh pockets, pen rings, and cardholders for additional storage
Cons
- Some people claim this item isn’t as water-resistant as the manufacturer suggests.
RUNNER UP
Want a gift that offers a “fun factor?”
This cute whale shark speaker connects to smartphones via Bluetooth and is perfect for the diver who also loves to listen to their favorite tunes.
The one-button function makes this speaker super-easy to operate and the compact design means it’s portable too, so it’s perfect for taking to the beach or park.
The 3W output offers crystal clear sound, and it even includes a “Selfie” feature that lets you remotely activate Bluetooth-enabled cameras for still shots and videos, as well as a built-in mic for hands-free calling.
This speaker comes with a USB cable for quick, convenient charging, and the sling is also a handy feature, making this fun speaker attachable to bags or keyrings, or simply for carrying around your wrist when you’re on the go.
Pros
- A super fun gift for divers and music lovers alike
- Bluetooth connectivity
- User-friendly, single-button operation
- Quick charging
- Selfie and hands-free features
- Portable thanks to the size and attached sling
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Not waterproof
RUNNER UP
Whether your diving friend is somebody who regularly travels to the world’s most exotic diving spots, or is simply fascinated by the underwater world, this book will be a thoughtful and awe-inspiring addition to any bookcase.
The Dive Atlas of the World is a 300-page tour through the world’s most mesmerizing dive sites, complete with first-hand accounts from experienced dive authors and featuring a range of superb photographs illustrating famous wrecks, a myriad of wildlife species, and a variety of thriving marine habitats.
This is perfect for anybody who plans to travel and scuba dive, and the included appendix is an excellent resource for finding out information such as climate, optimal diving seasons, dive operators, and essential contacts for planning dive trips.
Pros
- 300 pages of photographs and first-hand accounts
- Written by diving authors and experts
- High-quality photographs
- In-depth appendix for additional information on top dive sites
- Perfect for the diver who loves to travel
- Detailed dive maps
- Individual dive site details
Cons
- 2016 edition, so may be slightly out of date
RUNNER UP
This unisex shirt is perfect for any diver who loves to wear their passion for diving, well - on their sleeve!
It’s made of 100% microfibre, Dri Fit material to wick sweat and moisture away, plus it offers UPF 50+ sun protection making it ideal for use as a sun cover-up or as a change of clothes when your diver is fresh out of the water.
This shirt has a super soft feel to it thanks to the microfibre material, so it’s great for lounging around in at home, too.
The high-quality graphics are a great touch and are highly durable so won’t fade away when washed.
Pros
- Printed in the US
- Unisex
- 100% microfiber Dri Fit material to wick moisture
- Supersoft material for ultimate comfort
- UPF 50+ protection and long sleeves
- High quality, durable graphics
- Range of colors and sizes available
Cons
- The overall style of this shirt is more of a male fit
RUNNER UP
Know somebody who is environmentally conscious or loves marine wildlife? Then this shark cause bracelet from Lokai could be the perfect gift.
This bracelet not only has an eye-catching color scheme and design, but every purchase of the bracelet will see $1 donated to Oceana to protect shark species in danger of extinction.
The beads on this bracelet not only look good but also have a deeper symbolic meaning to them.
The white bead of this bracelet carries water from Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, as a reminder to always stay humble; whilst the black bead carries mud from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, as a symbol of hope - to remind wearers to remain hopeful, even when it seems impossible.
This gift is perfect for any ocean lover and speaks volumes if you want to show somebody how much you care.
Pros
- Each bracelet donates $1 to Oceana
- Beautiful design
- Symbolic meaning
- Comes in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large
- An affordable option for those on a budget
- Unisex color scheme
- Can be worn in the water
- Made with silicone for a slight stretch
Cons
- We can’t think of any!
Best Gifts For Scuba Divers Buying Guide
Check what they already have
Nobody likes receiving a gift they already have, and it can be even more annoying for the person who bought it, particularly if you’ve spent a lot of money on it.
Find subtle ways of finding out what your loved one already has, what they need, and what they really want.
If you live with the person, you may already be clued up on this, whereas if it’s a friend, you can always try asking their spouse or family members to give you some ideas.
Buy a gift that suits their experience level
While there are a range of diving-themed novelty gifts out there that can be great fun for scuba enthusiasts, if you’ve got your eye on a particular gadget or piece of equipment, it’s important to ensure this is suited to your loved one’s diving experience.
If they’re just starting out, they’re going to want something user-friendly with a simple design and the most basic functions.
Whereas if they’re more experienced, they’ll want a more sophisticated product which offers a range of modes and functions. Do your research, and find a gift that your diving friend can really get the most out of.
Consider your budget
Scuba diving equipment such as the latest masks and computers can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean your gift has to be. Regardless of your budget, your loved one will simply appreciate you putting the thought into sourcing a diving-themed gift.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can think more about novelty diving gifts that still stick within that ocean theme, whereas if you can afford to spend a little extra, you may wish to invest in the latest diving mask or watch. Of course, this all depends on your relationship with the person, too.
Be creative
A gift for your scuba diving friend or loved one doesn’t necessarily have to be directly related to scuba diving, it could simply be something that will make their life easier or will enhance their diving experience.
It could be a towel for enjoying beach days or for drying off when they’re out of the water, a log binder for keeping track of their dives, or an ocean-themed Bluetooth speaker for enjoying their favorite music out loud. Gift-buying is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box, so don't be afraid to get creative.
Donate to a charity
If your loved one is environmentally-conscious, why not get them a gift from a company which donates part of their profits to marine conservation?
We love Sand Cloud, which donates 10% of their profits to marine charities, as well as this Lokai Shark Cause Collection Bracelet which donates $1 to Oceana for each Shark Lokai sold in 2020.
Find the perfect gift for a family member or friend, and give back to the environment whilst doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you buy for a scuba diver?
There is no one answer to this question, as it largely depends on your loved one’s personality, diving experience, and of course, your budget. For the experienced diver, it might be a case of getting them the latest piece of diving gear they’re been holding out for, such as a mask or computer.
For a beginner diver, it could be more a matter of helping them get to grips with the basics, which could mean gifting them a book or a piece of diving equipment that has been specially designed with beginners in mind.
However, aside from equipment, there’s a whole range of fun, ocean-themed gifts out there, and if you’ve completely run out of ideas or have a tight budget, why not go for a novelty gift that will easily put a smile on their face?