Packing and Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips
for the ScubaBoard Invasion 2025 to Belize
Well, we are getting closer to the SB Invasion 2025 to Belize!!!!!
I thought I'd share some ideas on preparing for our adventure.
If you have great tips to share with the Crew, add them to the thread below.
I'll continue to update and add new info to these
posts as we get closer to the event.
Any updated info will be added in GREEN to these 1st initial 5 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 Information
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 Checklist. I've created a master packing checklist for myself and print it out for each trip. This helps save time, and you don't need to remember what's needed each time. My master list includes everything that might be needed for a trip. Anything that doesn't apply to this specific trip, I just cross it off. I also include practical to do things like stopping the mail, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and alerting the credit card companies to inform them that you will be out of the country so they don't cut you off in mid-trip.
It's also good to start planning early, in case anything needs to be serviced or repaired before you go.
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
Airline tickets/info for going and returning flights. - (I usually print a copy to have on hand, just in case.)
Travel Vouchers for the Resort and Diving Reservations - All vouchers will be sent out from
Maduro Dive at least 2 weeks before travel. (I usually print a copy to have on hand, just in case.)
Maduro Dive will be emailing travel vouchers, Immigration requirements, and dive waivers to the group in the next few weeks.
Passports - (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
Driver’s License - If you don’t have one, then another form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards or E-Cards - (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
DAN, Diving, and Health Insurance Cards - (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
ScubaBoard Waiver - All waivers will be emailed out soon for e-signatures.
Credit Cards or ATM Cards - Keep in mind, some CC companies charge an extra fee for transactions when out of the country. One Belize dollar = 50 cents US. Visit www.xe.com for current rates for those traveling other than from the US.
Cash - American dollars are accepted. Small Bills (1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s go a long way).
$40 in CASH per person if diving the Blue Hole for the park fee.
Prescription Medication (always travel with prescription medication in the bottle it came in with your name on it). It's also good to bring a few days' supply 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, that we are on an 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 bandages, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, decongestants, Advil, bug bite cream, etc.
N95 masks and hand sanitizer
Refillable Water Bottles for each person in your party. Water from the faucets is not drinkable or suitable for brushing your teeth. The resort provides water dispensers throughout the property with safe drinking water.
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
Bug repellent - Near sunset and sunrise are the worst times for mosquitoes and other biting insects, such as no-see-ums, which can be prevalent at the resort. Here are a few
products.
Always remember not to leave your room or balcony door open, or you may invite them into your room.
FYI Gardeners Tip, Did you know that if you put liquid soap on a bite right away, leave it on, and don't rub or scratch it, it will alleviate the itch and swelling? I use Dawn soap all the time, and it works great! I pack a small bottle to take on trips, too!
Personal flashlight - A small personal flashlight can assist in walking back to your room at night and at other times when needed.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets - Wonderful to have if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Don't forget some clothespins, clips, and lightweight rope, too. They help when hanging items up for drying and to keep them from blowing off the balconies.
A light jacket - Great for the plane as well. (Many airports and airplanes can be very chilly.)
Travel between the Airport, the Marina, and the Hotel is included. The details will be included in your trip vouchers from
Maduro Dive.
If you suffer from
motion or sea sickness, I find it's better to start medication the day before travel to get it into your system so it works better for you.
Travel tip - I suggest drinking only bottled or can drinks when outside the resort and wiping any moisture from the tops to avoid any health issues. I also like to avoid ice and frozen drinks when outside the resort. You should always be conscious of what you are eating and drinking when travelling and outside of your normal routine and country. What may not bother locals can have a very different effect on you.
Belize is on Central Standard Time (CST), two hours behind Eastern Standard Time with Daylight Saving, and 1 hour ahead of Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
