✈️ What Not to Do After Diving: The (Funny but True) Guide to Staying Bubble-Free and Keeping to your No-Fly Time.
- Cuddlefish Divers
- Nov 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
By Cuddlefish Divers — where safety meets saltwater and smiles.
🫧 The Golden Rule of Diving: What Goes Down Must Come Up Slowly
Every diver knows the thrill of surfacing after a great dive — you’re salty, glowing, and hungry, maybe thinking about your next dive… or your next meal.
But before you hop on a plane, order that beer, or rush to the spa, let’s talk about the things you absolutely should not do after diving — unless you want to turn yourself into a human soda can.
Because when it comes to No-fly time and post-dive safety, patience isn’t just a virtue — it’s your life insurance.
💨 1. Don’t Fly Right After Diving — Respect Your No-Fly Time
Flying after diving is the #1 mistake divers make on holiday. You’d be surprised how many people squeeze in a “last quick dive” before their flight home.
Here’s why that’s dangerous: when you dive, your body absorbs nitrogen gas under pressure. If you ascend too quickly — or board a plane too soon after — that nitrogen expands and forms bubbles in your bloodstream, leading to Decompression Sickness (DCS).
💬 Think of it like shaking a soda can. You’re fine until you open it too soon.
Flying makes that pressure drop even faster, increasing the risk. That’s why divers need to respect No-fly time — the waiting period between your last dive and your next flight.
🕒 Recommended No-Fly Time
Dive Type | Minimum No-Fly Time |
Single Dive | 🕓 12 hours |
Multiple / Multi-Day Dives | 🕓 18–24 hours |
Decompression Dives | 🕓 Minimum 24 hours (ideally 36+) |
These guidelines come from DAN (Divers Alert Network)
and major dive agencies like PADI and SSI.
So next time you’re diving in Singapore or on a liveaboard in the Maldives, schedule a buffer day. Use that No-fly time to explore the island, rest, and enjoy being off-gassed and happy.
✈️ Fly safe, not fizzy.
🍺 2. Don’t Celebrate Too Soon with Post-Dive Beers
We know — the tradition of cracking open a cold one after a dive is sacred. But alcohol dehydrates your body, and dehydration slows nitrogen elimination. That means longer No-fly time, higher DCS risk, and a headache that’s not from bubbles.
Swap that beer for coconut water, isotonic drinks, or fresh fruit juice. Then, once you’ve hydrated and cleared your nitrogen, toast to safe diving like a pro.
🏋️ 3. Don’t Hit the Gym or Run a Marathon
After diving, your body is still processing nitrogen. Exercise — especially heavy lifting or cardio — increases blood flow and can cause nitrogen bubbles to shift or expand.
So, skip the workout and embrace your inner sea cucumber. Lounge, nap, or float around in a pool pretending you’re a manta ray. Your muscles and your No-fly time will thank you.
🛁 4. Avoid Hot Baths or Saunas Immediately After Diving
It’s tempting to soak in a hot tub after a long dive day, but rapid temperature changes can also accelerate bubble formation.
When your circulation speeds up due to heat, trapped nitrogen can move faster — not good news for your post-dive recovery.
Stick to a warm shower, stay hydrated, and wait a few hours before turning yourself into a steamed dumpling
🌮 5. Don’t Overeat Right After Diving
A massive meal right after a dive can cause discomfort because blood flow is still normalizing between your muscles and digestive system.
Opt for lighter meals, soups, or fruits. Save that giant nasi lemak or chili crab for your No-fly time window when your body is back to baseline.
And maybe skip the fizzy drinks for a bit — you’ve had enough bubbles for one day.
🧭 6. Don’t Ignore Weird Post-Dive Sensations
Tingling fingers, dizziness, or fatigue? Don’t brush it off. These can be early signs of decompression sickness.
Always inform your dive buddy or operator, breathe oxygen if available, and contact DAN emergency services if symptoms persist.
Better safe than sorry — because “I’ll be fine” has no place in dive travel safety.
🛫 7. Don’t Plan Flights Too Close to Your Last Dive
This is where trip planning makes or breaks your safety. Many divers — especially on short getaways or weekend dives — try to squeeze in “just one more dive” before heading to the airport. Don’t.
During that downtime, go souvenir shopping, explore local food, or join your buddies for a relaxed logbook session by the beach.
If you’re diving in Singapore, use that day to check out Pulau Hantu or Keppel Marina, enjoy lunch at Sentosa, and let your nitrogen levels drop naturally.
🧳 8. Don’t Forget Dive Travel Insurance
When something goes wrong, proper coverage can make the difference between a quick recovery and an expensive nightmare.
Choose a plan that specifically includes scuba diving activities and hyperbaric treatment, and check for coverage limits that fit your travel style.
A good dive travel insurance plan will protect you during emergencies, lost equipment, and even last-minute trip cancellations.
💬 Dive smart — your insurance should travel with you.
FWD Travel: Explore Here
DAN Travel: Explore Here
🌴 9. Don’t Rush Off the Island Right Away
If you’re in Tioman, Bali, or the Maldives, plan for one “off-gassing day.” Use your No-fly time to sunbathe, get a massage, or simply float and relax.
The ocean has given you so much — give your body a little time to catch up before heading back to 30,000 feet.
🧘♀️ 10. Don’t Forget to
Your last dive isn’t the end of the experience — it’s part of your journey.Spend time logging your dives, sharing photos, and swapping stories.
Rest, hydrate, and appreciate what your body just accomplished — breathing underwater isn’t natural, but we make it look effortless.
🌏 Final Thoughts: No-Fly Time is Your Best Friend
There’s a saying among experienced divers:
“The dive isn’t over when you surface — it’s over when your nitrogen says so.”
Respect your No-fly time, take care of your body, and plan your trips with dive travel safety in mind.
Because the ocean will always be there — waiting for you, bubble-free, and ready for your next adventure.
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