Dive Lights

What to look for in a dive light

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a dive light for daytime diving?

A dive light is useful on daytime dives even in clear tropical water. Colours shift dramatically with depth — red wavelengths are absorbed within the first 5 metres of water, followed progressively by orange, yellow, and green. At 15 to 20 metres, the reef appears predominantly blue-green without a light. Pointing a light at coral or fish at depth restores the true vivid colours that make tropical diving exceptional. A dive light also illuminates the interiors of crevices, overhangs, and swim-throughs where interesting marine life lives in the shadows. For night diving and any penetration of wrecks or caves, a light is mandatory.

How many lumens do I need for night diving?

For recreational night diving in open water, a primary light of 500 to 1000 lumens is sufficient for most conditions — enough to illuminate several metres ahead and into crevices and structures at close range. In water with reduced visibility, such as Canadian lakes with particulate in the water column, a higher output light of 1000 to 2000 lumens compensates for the backscatter that limits effective range. For cave and wreck penetration, higher lumen outputs and wider beam angles are used depending on the site. A backup light of 100 to 300 lumens is sufficient for its purpose — providing enough light to navigate back to the exit if the primary fails.

Can I travel with dive lights on a plane?

Dive lights themselves travel without restriction as checked or carry-on luggage. The battery considerations are more complex. Rechargeable lithium battery packs above a certain watt-hour rating (typically 100Wh) require airline approval for carry-on and are prohibited in checked luggage on many carriers. Disposable AA, C, and D batteries are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. If you travel frequently with a rechargeable dive light, check the battery's watt-hour rating against the airline's current restrictions before each trip. Taking spare batteries in carry-on rather than checked luggage is the standard recommendation for all lithium battery types.

What is the difference between a dive light and an underwater camera light?

A primary or backup dive light uses a narrow spot beam designed to penetrate water for navigation and exploration — the concentrated beam is excellent for seeing at distance but produces uneven illumination and harsh shadows in video and photography. An underwater camera light or video light uses a wide flood beam to illuminate subjects evenly at close range, restoring colour and eliminating the blue-green colour cast of depth without harsh hotspots. Dedicated photo strobes provide a brief, powerful burst of full-spectrum light for still photography. If you take an underwater camera, using the right type of light for the camera application makes a significant difference in the quality of images and video captured.