Bay Islands Kit List

General Items

Main bag – You will need a large holdall, minimum capacity 50 litres.

Day bag/small rucksack – Useful for carry on luggage.

Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your bag with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.

Water bottle/platypus – A leak proof bottle to carry water (capacity at least 1 litre) is imperative.

Torch/headtorch – A head torch is recommended but it doesn’t have to be anything expensive.

Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended.

Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents. Please bring personal soap such as lifestyles or mountain suds as unfortunately, biodegradable soap is not available in Honduras.

Insect repellent – Mosquito-borne diseases do occur in Honduras. While DEET is often suggested as an effective repellant, it can impact the environment. ‘Mosi-Guard’ and ‘Skin So Soft’ by Avon are both effective, environmentally friendly alternatives that do not contain DEET.

Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.

Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them

Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.

Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera

Notebook and pencils – For taking notes during lectures and science talks.

Dive Slate and Pencils – This is highly recommended for Research Assistants, particularly if you will be progressing on to data collection after completing the Reef Ecology course. If possible, slates should be A4 and pencils should be lead only.

Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m (not that you will be going any deeper than 18 metres – however they are more reliable) for approximately £15 on Amazon.

Dive Training Materials: If you’re undertaking dive training on your expedition you will see that we have also added Dive Training Materials to your final balance invoice – this is the pack needed by anyone learning to SCUBA dive with us. In the past we have asked students to buy these independently, which takes time and effort, so we are now arranging this on your behalf. You will be emailed with electronic access to your dive training materials closer to your expedition start date.

Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.

Clothing

Lightweight long baggy trousers – 2 pairs
Flip flops/sandals – 2 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs
T-shirts – 5. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Long sleeved shirt – 1
Swim suit/bikini – 2 or 3
Rash vest – A good alternative to a wetsuit when it is warm (or if you are snorkelling), and can also be worn under a wetsuit when it is cold.
Board shorts – To wear with your rash vest when diving or snorkelling.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks
Hat or bandana – To keep the sun off your head – it’s fiercely strong in Honduras!
Sunglasses – A good pair are important to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
Smart Clothes – It is possible that you will have the opportunity to go into town for dinner at some point, so you may want to bring a slightly smarter shirt or dress.

Essential Dive equipment

All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the exception of a wetsuit). For hire costs check the “costs to consider” section of the expedition description.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel
Wetsuit or Rash Vest – Honduran waters are generally very warm and the majority of students do not wear wetsuits during in water activities. However, for those of you that feel the cold, we do recommend bringing a 3mm short-sleeved wetsuit. If you choose not to use a wetsuit, please bring a rash vest (or old t-shirt) with you in order to protect yourself against the sun and equipment rub.

Medical kit

Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies you MUST carry your own personal medical kit.

Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes
Sea/travel sickness tablets
Prescribed medications – It is vital that you bring any medications that you have been prescribed by your doctor (including anti-malarial tablets).