Packing and Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips
for the ScubaBoard Invasion 2023 to Roatan
Well, we are getting closer to the SB Invasion 2023 to Roatan!!!!!
I thought I'd share some ideas and info
on preparing for this adventure.
If you have great tips to share, feel free to add them to the thread below.
Any newly updated info will be added in GREEN to these 1st initial posts.
So you won't need to search for changing information!
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips and info.
General Informationfor the ScubaBoard Invasion 2023 to Roatan
Well, we are getting closer to the SB Invasion 2023 to Roatan!!!!!
I thought I'd share some ideas and info
on preparing for this adventure.
If you have great tips to share, feel free to add them to the thread below.
Any newly updated info will be added in GREEN to these 1st initial posts.
So you won't need to search for changing information!
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips and info.
Anytime you are traveling outside of your normal area, it's good to check
CDC Destinations/Travelers Health Info
STEP Program for US Citizens - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
I recommend consulting with your doctor anytime before leaving the country.
Make a Travel Check List I keep on file a master checklist and print it out for each trip. This helps save time so you don't need to remember what's needed each time. The master list includes everything that might be needed. If there's something on the list that doesn't apply to this trip, I just cross it off. I also include things to do like stopping the mail, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and calling the credit card companies to inform them that I will be going out of the country so they don't cut you off in mid-trip.
It's also a good thing to start planning early, in case anything needs to be serviced or repaired before you go.
Maps of Roatan
Google travel maps
Maps of Roatan Island in the Western Caribbean Area
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
Airline tickets/info for going and returning flights
Bay Adventures Travel Vouchers for the Resort and Diving Reservations. (These will be sent out in June)
Anthony Key's Luggage Tags (They will be mailed to you from Bay Adventures approximately 2 weeks before travel) Put them on your checked luggage before leaving for airport. These help the AKR staff identify you outside the airport for transport.
Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
DAN, Diving, and Health Insurance Cards
ScubaBoard Waiver (Cardzard will email it out to everyone a few weeks before travel. Please print, fill out, and bring it with you to the welcome party on the 1st night.)
Credit Cards or ATM Cards US dollars, American Express, VISA, and Master cards are excepted at the resort. You can charge your drinks, tips, gift shop, and any excursion through the resort to your room. (Be sure to call your credit card company, and let them know when and where you’ll traveling) (FYI Some CC companies charge an extra fee for transactions when out of the country) ATMs are very hard to come by in Roatan. Visit www.xe.com for current rates for those traveling other than from the US.
Cash Small Bills (1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s go a long way) (Some of the restaurants or shops don't accept credit cards or $100 bills if you plan on venturing out on the island.)
Prescription Medication (always keep it in the prescription bottle it came in along with your name on it)
And always bring a few days extra in case you have travel delays along the way.
Over-the-counter medications and first aid items that you may need.
Please keep in mind, we are on a very small island and many items are not readily available.
Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction. I have a med pack for traveling with items such as band aides, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream, etc.
N-19 Masks Covid is still with us and you should always have protection when needed.
Refillable Water Bottles for each person in your party Bottled water is NOT available for purchase at the resort.
Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs' health)
I found this wonderful line of reef-safe products Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen.
Sunglasses and an extra cheap pair for the boat (polarized are better for gazing into the water)
Hats
Beach Towels for excursions
Bug spray (Insect repellent is recommended and is also sold at the resort.) Near sunset and sunrise are the worst time for mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Here are a few products. Here's a comparison of the Best Insect Repellants for Noseeums. Also, keep in mind, Noseeums are attracted to darker clothing.
Always remember not to leave your room door open or you may invite them into your room.
FYI Gardeners Tip, Did you know that if you put soap on a bite right away, leave it on, and don't rub or scratch it, many times it will alleviate the itch and swelling?
Personal flashlight, You may want to bring a small personal flashlight to assist in walking back to your bungalows at night.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Don't forget some close pins and lightweight rope too. They help when hanging items up for drying and to keep them from blowing off the porches.
A light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.)
Tennis Shoes if you're planning on zip lining or going on other Island excursions.
Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants are recommended for horseback riding.