Once you’ve gotten the scuba bug, you’ll probably want to start putting together your own dive gear rather than continuing to rent it from your tour provider. This is especially true if you move on to more advanced dives and want to start taking trips on your own or with friends. However, buying everything you need can be quite expensive, so we’ve put together some helpful tips for buying your scuba gear on a budget.

look for sales

The first piece of advice we can offer is probably the most obvious and that is to keep an eye out for sales and special offers. Most of the popular dive spots are busier in the summer months. In fact, many places become inaccessible or too dangerous once winter sets in. That means the dive shops in these places will probably have some sort of end-of-season sale where they can sell scuba gear at a greatly reduced price. However, don’t just wait for these semi-annual sales. Keep an eye out for flash sales and discounts throughout the year. It’s possible that when manufacturers release new models, retailers discount old stock to make room for these new items. If you’re comfortable with not having the latest items, this is a great way to start shopping for your gear!

Find some bundle deals

Another great way to get everything you need for your dive kit is to look for a bargain pack or starter kit. There is a lot of different equipment you may want or need, but it’s always best to start with just the basics, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Most dive shops and equipment retailers will offer beginner packages and starter kits where you can get a discount on your equipment if you bundle it. A word of warning though: some sneaky shops may package things together at their full price, but make you believe it’s cheaper since it’s sold as a bundle. It’s wise to have a good idea of ​​what the retail prices are so you can figure out if you’re really getting a discount when you buy a bundle. You’ll also want to make sure you don’t buy a bundle that contains extra items you’re not likely to use, as this is a false economy.

Get one piece at a time

Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget but really want to start building your own scuba gear then don’t go out and buy everything all at once. Make a list of all the items you’ll want to buy, then start saving for one piece at a time until your kit is complete!