Packing List
PackingGuidelines
Don’t overpack! Living on a boat means limited space. Trust us, you don’t need much! And above all, remember that everything will get wet and salty, so keep that in mind as you add items to your bag!
What to bring
IMPORTANT
Bring a carry-on bag (backpack or beach bag) containing: 2 black pens, any medication you need, a toothbrush, a bathing suit, and enough clothing for 2-3 days just in case your luggage does not arrive with you.
- Bring only enough clothes for 8-10 days as laundry will be done midway through your adventure.
- Laundry bag labeled with your name and “Sail Caribbean” on the outside in large letters
- 2-3 towels. Include one (1) micro-fiber towel.
- 1 pair of sneakers or all-terrain sandals (Chacos, Tevas, etc.) for easy-to-moderate hiking
Check labels to ensure all toiletry products are environmentally safe and that sunscreen is reef-safe.
- Small mesh bag for toiletries
- Waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is required. No suntan oil is allowed
- Shower necessities: shampoo, conditioner, shaving tools
- Antibacterial body wash or soap
- Loofah (THIS IS A MUST as it prevents infections and clears blocked pores)
- Deodorant/anti-persperant
- Gold Bond medicated powder (prevents rash)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Moisturizer or aloe gel
- Sunstick/lip balm with SPF 30 or higher for lips, nose, and ears
- Mosquito repellent for some evenings on land
- Optional: Swimmer’s ear drops if you are prone to swimmer’s ear
- Snorkel gear (Optional but highly recommended for those going for advanced certifications. Snorkel gear can be purchased at the Sail Caribbean Dive Shop at base)
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Collapsible mesh bag to carry all snorkel gear
- Sleeping bag. Sheets and pillows are provided, but most students opt to sleep on deck under the stars! Check the sleeping bag as a separate item of luggage if necessary
- Airline ticket(s) and/or electronic ticket information or printout
- Passport- A passport is required for travel to all programs
- Visa (if required) If you are not a U.S. citizen a visa may be required. Check the BVI Entry Requirements.
- Keep the above items in a Ziploc/waterproof bag to go through Customs and Immigration
- Spending money – we recommend $100-$125/week and cash is best (See Handbook for more info)
- Camera. Very highly recommended, waterproof preferred with extra memory
- Phone & charger. Cell phones are collected upon arrival, made available for use at specific times, and returned to students upon departure. Note: iPhones and similar multi-function devices are treated as cell phones
- Your favorite game, guitar, harmonica, etc.
- Journal or small notebook
- Contact lenses. Bring an extra pair and glasses, too!
- Flashlight for reading at night
Packing for scuba divers
Sail Caribbean Divers provides high-quality SCUBA gear, but many divers like to bring their own equipment in a collapsible mesh bag to carry it on and off the boats. Do not bring large duffel-style scuba gear bags as storage is limited. Please be sure that all of your personal items are clearly marked with your name. If you need to purchase any of the items on the packing list, contact your local dive shop or check with us – our BVI dive shop may have what you need.
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins (boots if needed)
- Gear bag – collapsible mesh-type (no large duffels)
- Long-sleeved rashguard
- 2-3 pens and pencils
- Water-resistant watch – minimum 50-meter depth
- Certification card
- Table
- Dive log in Ziploc bag to keep it dry
- Wetsuit (2-3 mm lightweight short or long)
- Regulator – must be equipped with an alternate air source, depth gauge, and pressure gauge
- BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
- Underwater light
- Dive Computer
- Underwater camera