10 Things to Avoid After Scuba Diving 🚫
The dive isn't over when you hit the surface. From flying to massages, your body is still off-gassing nitrogen. Here is your essential safety guide for your Komodo trip.
The "Off-Gassing" Phase 🫧
When you scuba dive, your body absorbs nitrogen. Ascending slowly allows most of it to leave safely, but significant residual nitrogen remains in your tissues for hours. Doing the wrong thing post-dive can cause this gas to form bubbles, leading to Decompression Sickness (DCS).
1. Pressure Changes (The Big Risks) ✈️
Going to altitude lowers the surrounding pressure, causing nitrogen bubbles to expand (Boyle's Law).
- Single Dive: Wait minimum 12 hours.
- Multiple Dives / Multi-Day: Wait minimum 18 hours.
- Decompression Stops: Wait minimum 24 hours.
Dragon Dive Recommendation: Always aim for a 24-hour surface interval before flying.
Commercial cabins are pressurized to ~2400m (8000ft). This drop is enough to trigger DCS if you fly too soon.
Flores Specific: Driving to Ruteng, Bajawa, or Wae Rebo takes you above 1000m. This counts as flying! Wait 24h.
Some ziplines start at high altitude. Check the elevation before you book adventure tours immediately post-dive.
2. Physical Stressors 🌡️
How you treat your body affects circulation and bubble formation.
Deep massage increases blood flow and can mechanically force micronuclei into larger bubbles. Wait 12 hours. Gentle relaxation massage is OK.
Hot water dilates capillaries, changing gas solubility. It basically "warms up" the nitrogen, making it bubble faster. Wait 30 mins and use warm water, not hot.
Alcohol causes dehydration, the #1 enemy of off-gassing. Drink water first. Enjoy the Bintang later.
Heavy gym sessions or running can increase bubble formation. Relax! You are on holiday.
3. Bad Diving Habits 🤿
Apnea involves rapid pressure changes. If you have residual nitrogen from scuba, don't freedive aggressively afterwards.
The time ON the boat is when you off-gas. Shortening this interval makes the next dive dangerous.
Denial is dangerous. If you feel joint pain, dizziness, or skin rashes, tell your guide immediately. Oxygen helps.
Common Questions
No immediately. Wae Rebo village is at ~1,100m altitude. The drive there goes even higher. You must treat this overland trip exactly like a flight. Please plan a 24-hour buffer in Labuan Bajo.
Rapid warming of tissues can reduce the solubility of nitrogen, encouraging bubble formation (like shaking a soda bottle). Wait for your body to cool down naturally first.
Dive Safe with Dragon Dive
We plan our trips to ensure you have maximum fun with maximum safety.
