Florida Manatees Packing List

Kim Powell and a Manatee

Packing List: Florida Springs

___ Covid-19 home Test Kit
___ 2-3 T-Shirts
___ 2-3 Pairs of shorts (quick dry work well .i.e. nylon)
___ 2 Pair of long pants ( 1 med rated fleece recommended for warmth while boating)
___ 1 Bathing suit
___ face masks and personal hand sanitizer
___Rain gear (durable, not a flimsy thin plastic style–bring both a top and bottom )
___ 1-2 Fleece, capilene or wool sweater – medium rated
___ 1 pair of long underwear (top recommended ) and bottom (optional) fleece, silk or capilene)
___ Causal clothes for our  meals that we dine out at
___ 1 warm hat (i.e. fleece ski cap )
___ pair of warm gloves
___ 1 Pair of old tennis shoes, Aqua socks/ surf bootys or sandals with a back strap for support — any style is fine but they will get wet while kayaking; we don’t recommend crocs as they offer little support; We do recommend Keens (such as the Newport H2) for toe protection.
___ 2 Pairs of socks —at least one non cotton and warm.
___ 1 Ball cap or lightweight hat to shade face & ears
___ Underwear
___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, medications, etc.)
___ Sunscreen ( at least 20 strength) & chapstick with sunscreen please review  coral safe sunscreens  to keep manatees healthier  
___ Sunglasses with leash (UV protection)
___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 or you may borrow our Avon SSS.
___ 1 water bottle ( disposable water bottles are not permitted on the Rainbow Spring Canoe Run so please bring a Nalgene, Sig or equivalent)
___ 2 garbage bags for wet items or waterproofing
___1 Day pack or small duffel –Lined on the inside with a garbage bag- for carrying misc. gear while boating or a dry bag (see below)
___ Mask & Snorkel – check with a local dive shop for proper fit; these can also be rented at Crystal River ( per day rentals: $10 mask/snorkel)
Costco may have inexpensive sets of gear for purchase. Fins are not allowed while snorkeling with Manatees. You may bring fins for the Rainbow Run day although they are not really needed. Our guides use fins for the purpose of assisting         swimmers.
___ Mask, snorkel and full wetsuits are included on our pontoon boat tours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On our kayaking/snorkeling days on Monday and Thursday, we will provide you with a Farmer Jane style wetsuit (full length but sleeveless), however if you need a mask and snorkel gear, you will need to rent them for these two days. We will make a stop for those who need to rent any gear. If you own a full wetsuit, we would suggest that you bring it along.

IMPORTANT UPDATES ON SNORKEL GEAR:  Several years ago, we learned about the potential dangers in full face masks. Apparently, in some models CO2 builds up inside the mask leading to blackouts, potentially fatal. Here are just a few articles regarding the dangers of full face masks With that said, Blue Water Ventures is banning the use of full face masks while we snorkel in Florida and on all of our snorkeling programs. You may argue that you did your own research and purchased the top of the line full face mask. However, we can not assume this risk nor ask our guides to shadow anyone in the water who chooses to wear a full face mask. Full face masks can not be used.

CORAL SAFE SUNSCREEN: Using Coral Safe Sunscreens are important in freshwater systems as well. There are many out there, some that claim to be safe but actually are not. A key ingredient to avoid is oxybenzone, harmful to marine life. Two brands that we personally like are: Raw Element and Stream2Sea, although there are other good brands on the market. Review this link for more details: coral safe sunscreens We truly appreciate your consideration of coral safe sunscreen to help reduce our impact on the fragile aquatic ecosystem.

OPTIONAL GEAR
___ Fishing gear– compact
___ Waterprooof Camera our guides and clients like the Olympus Tough Waterproof Series or the Gopro great for wide angles
___ Binoculars
___ Mesh dive bag
___ Ear plugs 
___ 1 Sarong
___  Your favorite pair of Pajamas for group living
___  Pair of Flip Flops
___ Your favorite snack and/or adult beverage-we can resupply along the way
____ Preferred Tea or instant Starbuck Coffee packages to add additional strength to coffee.
___ Bandana or Buff head wear We have our new “BlueRag” headwear for each of you
___ Light weight synthetic jacket such as the Patagonia Nano Puff 
___ Paddling Gloves
___ Inexpensive carabiners to attach items in kayak
___ Dry bags or small dry box (i.e. a pelican box) to organize and waterproof miscellaneous items
___ Extra Camera batteries, memory card/charger
___ Tip for your Blue Water Ventures assistant guides-to be pooled at end of trip, $75 per person would be appreciated
___ Rash Guard -can be worn under your wetsuit for added comfort; found at REI, surf , or kayak shops. We like Mysterioso products.

PACKING TIPS
Please keep in mind that our rental van will have limited space for luggage. Depending upon the final count, we may have a second vehicle for luggage however, pack light if possible. Our dinners out will be very causal.

Suggested Reading List: Florida Springs

NATURAL HISTORY
The West Indian Manatee in Florida–produced by Florida Power and Light Co
Manatees and Dugongs of the World— Jeff Ripple
Peterson’s Guide to Eastern Birds–
Birds of Florida (Smithsonian Handouts)— Fred J. Alsop
The Marine Biology Coloring Book– Thomas M. Niesen

CULTURAL HISTORY
The Yearling— Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Juan Ponce De Leon and the Spanish Discovery of Puerto Rico and Florida-–
Robert H. Fuson

Swim Back to Florida