British Virgin Islands Packing List


SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: THE BVI’S

___ Passport
___ Covid-19 Vaccination Card and Covid-19 home kit (recommended to bring)
___ Rain gear (durable, not a flimsy thin plastic style–bring  a top, we will let you know if bottoms are needed before our trip departs)
___ 1-2 Bathing suits
___ 2-3 T-Shirts
___ 1 Long-sleeved shirts (quick dry and light weight for sun protection; cotton is ok)
___ 2-3 Pairs of shorts (quick dry and light weight )
___ 1 Pair of lightweight long pants
___ Sun protection for your legs while snorkeling (tights, surgical scrubs or lightweight neoprene- this is a suggestion for those who sunburn easily).
For fun ocean designs where 10%  of proceeds are donated to ocean conservation research go to: Waterlust
___ 1 lightweight sweatshirt, sweater or capilene/fleece long sleeve shirt
___ 1 Pair of walking shoes (either a sturdy tennis shoe or a sandal with toe protection (i.e. like Keens).
___ 1 pair of sandals, Teva style or flip flops
___ 2 Pairs of socks (for hiking and to use with fins if needed or you may use booties depending upon what type of fin you use)
___ 1 Flannel sheet, lightweight fleece blanket, lightweight sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner- for sleeping on deck (optional). The outside cover to a comforter works well.
___ Closed cell sleeping pad–i.e. ensolite or thermarest for sleeping on deck (optional);
             you may also sleep on the soft trampoline net between the front hulls and there are some long cushions on board to share
___ Underwear
___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe, etc,)
___ Sunscreen ( 20 strength or stronger) & lip balm with sunscreen, while snorkeling, consider coral safe sunscreens reviewed here: Corals and Hawaii Bans Harmful Sunscreens
___ Sunglasses with leash
___ Hat with visor or wide rim
___ Bandana (very versatile item; can be worn as a “do rag” among other things) or Buffs for head and neckware sun protection~ You will receive a Blue Water Ventures Blue Rag “Buff”
___ Insect anti- itch cream – for insect bites
___ Insect repellent–we like Lemon Eucalyptus by Repel, an effective non toxic alternative to DEET,  others prefer the use of DEET.
          Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard if we encounter no see ums /sand gnats.
___ Personal medicines ( anti diarrhea,band aids,neosporin, pain reliever)
___ Biodegradable soap for laundry and saltwater baths; Joy soap is acceptable and suds up nicely in saltwater
___ Small Day pack or dry bag
___ 1 quart size water bottle, nondisposable
___ Duffel bag–Several medium or one large soft duffel bag works well. Large, fully hard shelled suitcases are difficult to store on board and are not recommended.
Everything you bring is stored on board in your shared cabin. A soft duffel with a stiff back side and rollers is acceptable.
___ Mask fins & snorkel – check with a local dive shop for proper fit; you may borrow gear from our charter company,
but we recommend bringing your own gear for the best fit. Full Face masks are not permitted on our  programs. Please review important updates at: Sailboat Living and More
___ 1-2 Garbage bags for packing up wet gear before returning home
___ Flashlight or head lamp
___ Extra batteries
___ Clothes pins or carabiners- for hanging clothes on boat
___ Clothes to travel home in
___ Face Masks and personal hand sanitizer

OPTIONAL GEAR

___Extra camera batteries, memory card and charger
___Camera/film –our guides and clients like  the Gopro  or Olympus Tough Waterproof Series 
___Mesh dive bag
___Ear plugs
___Waterproof flashlight or dive light, we will bring our supply.
___Waterproof watch
___Small Dry Bag or  Small Dry Box (i.e. Pelican boxes) to organize and waterproof miscellaneous items such as camera, sunscreen,  etc while boating
___Paperback books
___1-2 Sarongs
___ Your favorite pair of kightweight Pajamas for lounging in
___Sea Sickness medication
___1 Rash Guard -gives sun protection to upper body torso; Mysterioso makes a nice rash guard (more details below) Water temperatures may range from 80-83
___Shorty wetsuit — 2.5-3mm; if you chill easily you may want to bring a wetsuit or a top/bottom combination of Mysterioso found at most kayak shops;
Mysterioso products or wetsuits may be purchased online at REI or Kayak Connection Santa Cruz. (831-479-1121), Most people are fine without a wetsuit.
___Your favorite adult beverage and snacks – we will stock up before departure in Road Town
___ Preferred Tea or instant Starbuck Coffee packages to add additional strength to coffee provided on trip
___SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION: Review our suggestions by scrolling down at: Sailboat Living and More

LOST LUGGAGE: Just in case your luggage is misplaced during airplane transfers, pack the following in a carry on bag: mask & snorkel, 1 pair of shorts, 1 t-shirt, bathing suit, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 pair of pants, camera, sunscreen, essential toiletries and personal medications.


READING LIST FOR THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

NATURAL HISTORY
Coral Reef Fishes — Joseph Stokes
The Seaside Naturalist — Deborah A. Coulombe
The Marine Biology Coloring Book– Thomas M. Niesen
A Field Guide to The Coral Reefs of the Caribbean and Florida — Eugene Kaplan
The Neotropical Companion — John C. Kricher

CULTURAL HISTORY
Don’t Stop the Carnival — Herman Wouk
Treasure Island — Robert Lewis Stevenson
The Serpent and the Rainbow — Wade Davis
The Caribbean — James Michener

TRAVEL GUIDE BOOKS
Lonely Planet: Virgin Islands —Randall Peffer
Frommer’s Portable Virgin Islands — Darwin Porter

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