Main bag – You will need a rucksack, 50 litre minimum capacity. You need to be able to carry it on your back comfortably although you will not be carrying it far since the bags are moved by truck.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Sleeping bag/sleeping sheet – A warm season sleeping bag is recommended as it can get colder at night time.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 3 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the stronger Petzl headlamps. Please note that the ‘mini Petzl’ models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!
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 – they are hot and may get snagged and torn.
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
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 Fiji.
Insect repellant – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.
Talcum powder – This can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections
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.
Binoculars – These are really essential to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8 X 40 are the best to bring
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 – Try to keep a field diary of your activities and species seen
Travel adapter – Type I, 3 pin plug adapter, same plugs as Australia and New Zealand. Will have limited availability to charge electrical equipment
For the forest you should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Synthetic (wicking) fabric is the best as it is quick drying, but cotton is kinder to the skin. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Hiking boots/Jungle boots – Should be comfortable, quick drying, and have ankle support.
Marine booties/TEVA sandals or similar – Essential for the marine site for walking to the boats as it is a rocky shore. Sandals with straps are fine, but flip flops are not suitable
Flip flops – 1 pair for walking around the camp and marine site
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 3 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs
T-shirts – 5
Fleece top/ Hoodie – 1
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Hat with brim- 1 for protection from sun
Swim suit/board shorts – 2 (feel free to bring more if you prefer)
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for the longer treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks.
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!
Sarong – 1 (feel free to bring more if you prefer). This is essential for girls to wear between dives at the marine site.
IMPORTANT – for the two nights when you are staying in the local village, and for your time at the marine site, the girls will need a full length skirt or sarong and will need to make sure they have a top that covers their arms as well. The Fijians dress very conservatively and girls do not wear trousers in the villages. In the forest camp girls can dress as normal. Boys also need to ensure they have long trousers, and at a minimum, a short sleeved shirt or t shirt.
PADI Crew Pack: If you’re learning to SCUBA dive on expedition, you will need dive training materials. These are now entirely online so to make things easier for you we’ve arranged them on your behalf. You’ll receive an email from us in the run up to the expedition with login details and information on how to access them. We highly recommend bringing a smartphone or tablet with you so you can then access them on expedition. If you have independently bought dive training materials please let us know as soon as possible by emailing diving@opwall.com.
Essential Dive equipment 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.
All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the the exception of a wetsuit). Hire costs will be included in your final invoice.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel
Wetsuit – You must bring a 3mm (or thicker) full length wetsuit.
Rash vest – Can be worn under a wetsuit when it is cold.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However you will always be with Divemasters who are timing the dives. 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.
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, 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
© 2024 Operation Wallacea Ltd. Website by Yello Media.
Social Media Links