What to Wear for Diving in the Red Sea, Maldives & Beyond

Two women wearing rash guard and leggings with octopus pattern in the Maldives. Photo by Lotta Schwarz

Planning your next dive trip to a tropical destination? Whether you’re heading to the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, drifting with manta rays in the Maldives, or exploring coral gardens in the Caribbean, the right divewear makes all the difference. So, we have put together som tips on What to Wear for Diving in the Red Sea, Maldives & Beyond.

Here’s what to pack (and wear) to stay comfortable, protected, and stylish on every underwater adventure.

☀️ Rash Guards: Your Best Friend in the Tropics

Warm-water diving doesn’t always mean you can skip protection. A rash guard offers essential UV protection, keeps you safe from jellyfish stings, and adds a layer of comfort under your BCD or wetsuit.

Look for:

  • UPF 50+ fabric
  • Quick-drying materials like polyester-spandex blends
  • Ocean-inspired prints that stand out in underwater photos

Tip: In destinations like the Maldives or Egypt, where water temps range between 26–30°C (79–86°F), a long-sleeve rash guard is often all you need for snorkeling or shallow dives.


🤿 Dive Leggings: Functional + Stylish

Ditch the bulky wetsuit and go for high-performance dive leggings. These are a must-have for warm-water diving, offering:

  • Full leg coverage to protect from sunburn, stings, and coral scrapes
  • A snug fit that won’t shift or ride up during your dive
  • Quick drying, stretchy fabric that moves with your body

Whether you’re gearing up in a boat in the Red Sea or jumping in from a dhoni in the Maldives, leggings make the transition easy — and they look great too.

👙 Swimwear That Works Below and Above the Surface

If you’re diving in a swimsuit, choose one that’s secure, supportive, and made for movement. Bonus if it’s designed by divers, for divers!

What to look for:

  • Strong elastic that won’t stretch out after saltwater exposure
  • A fit that stays in place under your wetsuit or dive gear
  • Matching sets with rash guards or leggings for easy layering

Men’s trunks and briefs should also offer a secure fit — especially when getting in and out of gear on rocking boats.

🌍 For “Beyond”: What to Wear for Diving in Other Warm Dive Destinations

Whether you’re diving in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, or the Galápagos, the same principles apply:

  • Always bring a rash guard and leggings — they’re lightweight and packable
  • Think layering: a thin rash guard under a shorty wetsuit, or leggings under a 3mm suit
  • Choose vibrant patterns to express your love for the ocean — and spot yourself easily in group photos!

🐋 Divewear Designed for the Ocean

At Mantaraj, we create rash guards, leggings, and swimwear inspired by the ocean — and designed specifically for scuba divers. With ocean-themed prints like manta rays, whale sharks, corals, and turtles, our gear isn’t just beautiful — it’s built to perform.

👉 Shop the Divewear Collection Now

💬 Final Thoughts

Ready to dive in? Let the ocean inspire your look — from Abu Dabbab to Ari Atoll and everywhere in between.

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