Searching for the best gifts for divers or ocean enthusiasts? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re looking for a holiday, a birthday, or a wedding gift, our comprehensive list has all kinds of practical, whimsical, and unique gifts for scuba divers, freedivers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts of all ages. You’ll also find sustainable and eco-friendly gift ideas here, too.
*Some of the scuba diving gifts in this article are sold through Amazon. For these products, we’ve included affiliate links. Any affiliate revenue generated from sales of those products will be donated to PADI AWARE Foundation®.
Quick Links
While this gift guide lists the best gifts for divers and ocean lovers, we also have a number of gift guides for specific topics and demographics. Use these quick links to hone in on the best presents for divers:
- Give the Gift of Exploration
- 60+ Gift Ideas for Scuba Divers, Snorkelers, and Underwater Adventurers
- Eco-Friendly Gifts That Support Ocean Conservation
- The Best Gifts for Freedivers
- Scuba Diving Gift Ideas for Kids
- Affordable Gifts for Scuba Divers
- The Best Mermaid Gifts
- The Best Shark Gifts
- Last-Minute Gift Ideas for the Diver Who Has Everything
- Top Books About Diving, Marine Life and Underwater Exploration
Gift Ideas for Different Types of Divers
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing one of the best gifts for scuba divers? Let us give you a few ideas to help get your inspiration flowing. Whether you’re looking for Christmas presents for scuba divers, the best gifts for freedivers, or need something for a special occasion, here are some reliable ideas to suit a range of diver types:
- The Beginner – A waterproof bag or a dive computer
- The Traveler – A travel bag or a scratch map to show off where they’ve been
- The Photographer – An SD card, spare battery, or a subscription to photo-editing software
- The Eco-Conscious Diver – A reusable water bottle or a rash guard made from recycled plastic
- The Adventurer – A dive light, a Marine Rescue GPS device, or a PADI Specialty course
Keep scrolling to check out more top gifts for scuba divers and ocean lovers.
Gifts for Scuba Divers to Show Their PADI Passion
When you become a diver, it becomes part of your identity – and how better to express your underwater affinity than by kitting out your wardrobe as well as your dive bag? Here are some stylish clothing ideas that make excellent gifts for divers – with some purchases also fundraising for PADI AWARE Foundation® at the same time.
1. Protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays with this 100% cotton navy visor, complete with the PADI logo. It’s fully adjustable (one size fits all) and also available in black.
2. Whether you need a layer of warmth or reef-friendly sun protection, raise a flag for divers everywhere with PADI’s limited-edition teal rash guard. Made from a soft and breathable recycled material, each garment contains the equivalent of 12 plastic bottles.
3. The colorful and super-soft Paradise Awaits Unisex Hoodie is one of PADI’s newest designs. It’s sure to keep you warm and cozy until you’re back in paradise (that is, the underwater world, of course).
4. Another new design, the Great Escape, No Bad Days short-sleeved t-shirt, has an updated crew-neck fit and features printed designs on the front and back. Made with Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, it’s a comfy, desirable addition to any scuba wardrobe.
For more inspiration on clothing gifts for scuba divers, visit the PADI store on Amazon.
Give the Gift of Exploration With PADI eLearning
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found most people value experiences over things. So, if you’re looking for scuba diving gifts for your non-diving friends, it’s worth considering an Open Water Diver eLearning course or a Discover Scuba® Diving experience at a local dive shop.
For scuba divers who are already certified, give the gift of new adventures with the Advanced Open Water Diver course, Digital Underwater Photographer course, or Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver course (the most popular PADI Specialty!)
Keep in mind, if you’re a PADI Club™ member, one of the many benefits you have access to is 20% off a range of PADI eLearning® courses. This discount, which you can also use on courses gifted to friends and family, includes some of the most popular eLearning courses, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver, and the PADI AWARE® Specialty courses.
Refer a Friend This Year
This holiday season, consider gifting a loved one the ultimate adventure: a gateway to underwater exploration. You can invite friends to discover the wonders of diving with a 15% discount on the Open Water Diver eLearning course on padi.com. As a bonus, when you refer a friend, you’ll receive a free 30-day PADI Club™ trial membership, opening doors to exclusive content, discounts, and a global community of divers! This year, give the gift of exploration and introduce someone you care about to a community dedicated to seeking adventure and saving our ocean.
Unique Gifts for Divers Inspired by Marine Life
When it comes to cool gifts for divers inspired by ocean animals, there are hundreds of choices out there – from kids’ books and toys to eco-friendly gifts that use less plastic to help keep our ocean healthy. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- A super-soft, parrotfish-colored beach towel made from lightweight, recycled plastic
- This unisex rash guard, which is made from recycled plastic and has tiger shark stripes
- The Manatea (see what they did) tea infuser… or for cold drinks, these shark-inspired ice cube trays
- Waterlust’s collection of marine-themed leggings, including whale sharks, orcas, and lionfish
- Luminous Finds Her Aura – a charming storybook for children that explores the deep sea and its creatures
- Mermaid socks. Or, for one step further, how about a PADI Mermaid™ course to learn how to really become a mermaid?
Alternatively, if you’re looking for ocean conservation gifts, consider donating to PADI AWARE Foundation or giving a symbolic animal adoption through REEF, Oceana, Coral Vita, or Coral Gardeners. These thoughtful gifts for divers and non-divers additionally help fund crucial conservation projects to protect our ocean and its marine life for future generations.
Shop Locally for Your Scuba Diving Gifts
While our gift guides do include links to online retailers, there are plenty of good reasons to buy your scuba diver presents from a PADI Dive Center or Resort. Firstly, by spending money with a local dive shop, you are investing in a local small business. It also means you can:
- Get your hands on the gift before you buy it to ensure it’s a great choice
- Support a pillar of the general (and possibly your local) dive community
- Interact with a wonderful human who is dedicated to ocean conservation
Whether you’re a diver or not (yet), the diving experts at a PADI dive shop can help you find the right choice for your recipient – even if you have a limited budget or need to buy gifts for “The Scuba Diver Who Has Everything.”
Scuba Diving Gear and Accessories
Most divers need new gear at some point, whether that’s a wetsuit, mask, BCD, fins, or an octopus. In addition to these essential diving items, plenty of accessories make a must-have present for scuba diver wishlists. These items are some of the best gift ideas for scuba divers.
Check out our top gear and accessory picks below.
1. A Limited-Edition Certification Card
Yes, having any standard PADI certification card is pretty awesome. All the same, there’s something about pulling out a certification card featuring a great white shark, manatee, or blue-ringed octopus that just feels even cooler! Check out the current range of limited-edition designs (available in digital or recycled plastic formats) and order a new certification card for yourself or as a last-minute gift for other divers.
2. Underwater Slate
Communication can be challenging below the surface. Underwater slates are literally one of the most creative gifts for divers. They allow you to scribble notes, draw maps, or even write funny messages for photos or videos – all while underwater!
3. Save-A-Dive Kit
Scuba divers rely heavily on gear and specialist equipment, so it’s important to consider what eventualities and/or malfunctions may occur. Without the correct preparation, even a small problem can put a stop to a dive. A Save-A-Dive Kit is designed to help in these situations and is one of many practical gift ideas for divers! The best part is that you can suit any budget by varying the contents to create a basic or full-featured kit. Build your own, or ask your local dive shop for help putting one together.
4. Spring Straps
Struggling with post-dive removal of fins is undoubtedly one of the most common issues (and frustrations) that divers experience. Spring straps are designed to make putting fins on and taking them off significantly easier. This handy fin hack comes highly recommended by numerous dive professionals – indeed, these make ideal gifts for a scuba instructor or a complete beginner!
5. Scuba Socks
Wearing socks while scuba diving may sound like a strange idea, but once you try it, you’ll never go back! These special scuba socks (which are usually made from lycra) are great for increasing comfort and helping prevent blisters while wearing fins.
6. Dive Light/Torch
Having your own dive torch is particularly handy for underwater exploration during a low-light or deeper diving adventure, and it’s an essential item for night diving. Check out this list of the best dive lights from Scuba Diving magazine for a recommendation, or drop by your local dive shop for some in-person assistance.
7. Scuba Rattle
If your buddy isn’t looking in your direction but you need to get their attention fast (maybe you’ve spotted something cool or you need their help), then a noise-making accessory like the Scuba Choice rattle stick can be a handy addition to your dive kit (and to someone’s stocking if you’re looking for Christmas gifts for divers!)
8. GoPro Camera or Accessories for a GoPro
Any diver or ocean lover would surely be thrilled to receive a GoPro or GoPro accessories as a gift, for several reasons. The best underwater action cameras are great for capturing unfiltered adventures and breathtaking moments, expressing creativity, and allowing you to share your memories with others (perhaps helping to convince family and friends to learn to dive).
An underwater filter pack, a telescoping pole, or a diving rig are top, must-have GoPro accessories – not to mention some of the best gifts for divers who love photography.
9. An Underwater Housing for iPhones or Other Smartphones
Waterproof housings allow you to take photos and videos underwater using your existing smartphone. While the quality might not be as good as a camera designed for underwater shooting, it’s a great option for recreational divers and beginners.
Pre-Dive and Post-Dive Gifts for Scuba Divers
Some divers can be especially hard to buy for because they already have a lot of the items on our list. To help ensure you find something for your scuba diving buddy, here are some other popular scuba diver presents that many divers don’t own – yet!
1. Waterproof Socks or Quick-Drying Water Shoes
Warm, waterproof socks or quick-dry water shoes make a great gift idea for just about anyone who regularly gets their feet wet. Whether navigating rocky shores or wading through shallow waters, these smart shoes can increase comfort and accelerate dryness, resulting in greater enjoyment during aquatic adventures.
2. PADI Dive Flag Beach Towel
Looking for gifts for someone who loves the beach? After stepping back onto the shore after diving, this super-absorbent towel is the perfect way to dry off and get warm. Plus, with the double-sided dive flag print, you’ll show off your love for scuba and the ocean at the same time. This recycled plastic beach towel is also sustainable, lightweight, and even comes with its own travel bag.
3. Tank-Carrying Strap, Wagon, or Gear Trolley
A scuba tank-carrying strap, wagon, or gear trolley makes a fantastic present for scuba diver enthusiasts. Indeed, these practical accessories make it much easier to transport your dive gear.
Scuba tank-carrying straps provide convenience by evenly distributing the weight of heavy scuba tanks to reduce the amount of strain during journeys to and from dive sites. On the other hand, a wagon or gear trolley offers a hassle-free solution for transporting an array of diving gear. This eliminates the need for multiple trips while making things more organized and easily accessible.
4. Wetsuit Hanger
A wetsuit hanger is a great gift for divers and ocean lovers due to its practicality and benefits. After a dive or any in-water activity, a wetsuit dryer-hanger can be used to dry and air out a wetsuit more quickly. Looking after a wetsuit correctly can prevent odors and also extend its lifespan. These hangers are available in a more basic style, as well as models which feature a built-in fan.
5. Wetsuit Changing Mat
Changing out of a wet wetsuit can often be a challenge, especially when dealing with sandy or rocky surfaces underfoot. A specialized mat provides a clean and comfortable space for divers to change in without having to get their feet dirty or risk damaging their wetsuit. A changing mat makes dressing, undressing, toweling off, and the overall dive experience a lot more comfortable.
The Best Way to Wrap Your Scuba Diver Presents
Wrapping up marine-inspired gifts in fun, ocean-themed wrapping paper adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the gift-giving experience. The vibrant colors and playful designs of the paper instantly set the tone for any adventure-filled surprise. On the other hand, choose subtle shades and patterns for a more luxurious approach to your ocean gifts.
Try a combination of this scuba diver wrapping paper and tag stickers, or consider these eco-friendly alternatives to gift wrap.
Looking for More Scuba Diving Gifts?
If you didn’t find the perfect gift, don’t give up just yet. We have plenty more guides full of other gift ideas for scuba divers. From the best scuba diving books to a list of more than 60 diving gifts, we’re sure the right one for your buddy is out there somewhere.
