Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store.

Clothing

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities. Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. The climate is arid, and temperatures can get cold (sometimes as low as 40 °F) especially at night and in the early mornings. During the day, it usually warms up considerably, with highs in the 60s, 70s, or 80s. For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.

• A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
• Shorts
• Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection
• Undergarments
• Sleepwear
• Jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
• 1-2 bathing suit(s)
• Socks – Bring extra pairs.
• Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe, water-resistant or waterproof walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles, suitable for desert hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. You may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
• Rain gear – Rain is infrequent most of the year, but a lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker are recommended for the whale outings to keep you dry from the spray from the boat.
• Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
• Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

• Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of your fellow travelers).
• Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – These items are not always standard in hotels outside the US, so you may wish to bring them with you.
• Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razor
• Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
• Personal hygiene products
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
• Aloe vera gel
• A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

• Passport, FMM (if you've printed it in advance), and photocopies of all travel documentation
• Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
• Money – ATM/credit card and cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
• Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
• Sunglasses
• Small day pack for hikes and excursions
• Flashlight and/or head lamp
• Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
• A pocket calculator or cell phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
• Binoculars with lens cleaner
• Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
• Reusable water bottle
• Non-perishable snacks
• Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
• Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics or cameras (especially on the whale excursions)
• Notepad or travel journal and pen
• Music or reading material for down time, long drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
• Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
• Money belt
• Chargers for electronics