3 months in Roatan - what to bring vs buy there

[oreocookie]

I'll be heading to Roatan at the beginning of August and will be there until the end of October doing a DM internship. I'll be staying in West End. Right now, I'm trying to get myself organized so that I don't have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off the week before I leave.

I've never had to pack for a trip longer than a week and a half or so before, so packing spares and extras of most things isn't normally an issue. Now I'm trying to figure out what I should pack extras of vs bringing enough to last the first while and then buying on the island as needed.

My main question marks are toiletry items and batteries. Are there certain items I should plan to bring enough to last my whole stay based on limited island selection or availability? Prescription meds are obvious, but what about things like Tylenol, etc? Should I bring any spare batteries (for dive lights, etc) at all, or enough so that I can use the lights before making a trip to the store?

Other than dive gear and clothes, is there anything I should absolutely put on my packing list for that time of year?

Thanks in advance

 

[richh32]

.....

 

[laurenceh]

get rechargeable batteries (sanyo makes the best) and a charger. i have a kit with 8 aaa, 8 aa, 4c and 4d with a charger in a carry case which seems to cover everything.

 

[Doc]

Supply of what you believe to be very common items can be limited and uncertain.

Unbelievable but true: When the local Roatan North American style groceries stock something and it sells out quickly, it is not very likely to be restocked. "Why not?", you ask the management. They reply, "Because it sold out too fast".

I have heard this enough times, I just quit asking.

 

[oreocookie]

get rechargeable batteries (sanyo makes the best) and a charger.

now why didn't I think of that?

Supply of what you believe to be very common items can be limited and uncertain.

I had a feeling that might be true, hence the question. I guess I'll have to pack based on what I can/cannot do without for a while.

 

[RTBDiver]

I guess I'll have to pack based on what I can/cannot do without for a while.

If there is really anything you cant do without that you do not think you could modify or adjust to get by then I would suggest you cancel your trip and make other plans, just because you pack something does not mean it will arrive with you on Roatan unless it is small enough to fit in carryon. You mention toiletries, that is one thing I would not be concerned with at all unless you really need a particular brand for some odd reason. Money is really all you should consider as you will be on a visitor visa and not allowed to legally be paid or recieve tips for anything while visiting.

 

[diversteve]

I think you might be able to find whatever you need at one of these stores:
Eldons Market in French Harbour, Roatan Island
http://www.roatanisland.net/plazamar.htm

 

[ajtoady]

How about a gear sherpa? I could be available!!!

Enjoy the trip.

 

[oreocookie]

If there is really anything you cant do without that you do not think you could modify or adjust to get by then I would suggest you cancel your trip and make other plans, just because you pack something does not mean it will arrive with you on Roatan unless it is small enough to fit in carryon. You mention toiletries, that is one thing I would not be concerned with at all unless you really need a particular brand for some odd reason. Money is really all you should consider as you will be on a visitor visa and not allowed to legally be paid or recieve tips for anything while visiting.

Fair enough. Perhaps I should change "can/cannot do without for a while" to "do/don't mind compromising on as luggage space allows". Fortunately the list of things that must arrive is (at least for now) very short: my Rx mask and any meds I get when I go see the travel doc. The reason I mentioned toiletries is because they're the only thing going in my bags where my normal week and a half's worth of packing wouldn't last 3 months.

 

[Doc]

I think you might be able to find whatever you need at one of these stores:
Eldons Market in French Harbour, Roatan Island
Eldon

Lucky, lucky you.