Roatan Check List HELP!!

[Stormingheaven]

OK, we decided we are just going to make the leap and go to Roatan. Thank you all for your help and insight on that one. So, we have never gone on a dive trip before and to be honest I'm just not sure what to bring. Here's my list so far any ideas you all have would be a great help.

Regs
BCD
Wetsuit 3mm
fins
boots
mask
snorkel
camera
dive computer
log book and c card
clothes

???????

 

[joystershell]

Snacks
Water bottle
Bug spray
Medications, Rx and otc
Batteries
Small trinkets for the children, especially clothing and school supplies


Plan on bringing your old clothes, toiletries, and even dive gear. If you leave it behind for the local residents, they would be grateful.

Where will you be staying? Former CocoView guests have created a very inclusive chatboard, that will answer virtually any question you'd come up with. CoCo Chat
Helpful, even if you're staying someplace else.

Have a great vacation, and please be sure to share your experience with us.

 

[ski1formee]

Sorry for the long reply but this has been our packing list for many out of country dive trips and have served us well. I hope its helpful to you.

Packing hint: In your carry-on, pack you regs, dive computer, mask, swimsuit, camera, toiletries, and any "must have"... in case your luggage gets lost. At least you will have the essentials and can rent the rest until your gear shows up.

In additon to your list, we also pack....
photocopy of Passport & credit cards
10'-0" of light rope for a laundry line
Save-a-dive kit (zip ties, duct tape, multi-tool, o rings, extra mask strap, fin strap, mouth piece, bic lighter)
extra batteries and o ring for dive computer
mask defogger
dive insurance and emergency contact telephone numbers
trip insurance
did you service your regs?
suncreen
bug repellent with high % DEET. Milder versions will not keep sand flies away
UW torch for night dives
signaling devices (airhorn, sausage, mirror, whistle)
sea sick pills
Sudafed
extra prescription galsses and/or contact lenses
alarm clock for those too early morning dives
non-slip flip-flops
extra swim suit
a good book
very small sewing kit

Also if you will be taking your gear back to your room it is very helpful to have mesh style bag with shoulder straps.

We remove any dive related labels from our lagguage that hints of dive gear to lessen the chance of theft.

Weigh you bags to make sure that they are each under 50 lbs or you will get surcharged. Check airlines to see how many check in bags you are allowed or you will pay for that extra bag. In general one check-in bag and one carry-on (not including a woman's purse) is allowed.

Have a great time!!!!

 

[mk706]

don't forget Cash, as credit cards suffer from the ridiculous government "gringo" tax (~16%?).

 

[Doc]

don't forget Cash,

Small denomination bills. Un-tattered ones preferred, no tears in them. The 20's and larger must be of the new style for easiest use.

Roatan and your packing needs are also dependent upon where you are staying. Where would that be?

 

[rleslie]

From experience:
- make certain that you have CASH for your exit tax from Honduras
- plane tickets (yea, I actually left them at home once):bonk:

 

[leadweight]

I am on Roatan right now getting ready to fly back to the States. The water is 78F. Add a hood or chicken vest to your full 3mm for additional thermal protection. The instructors around here are wearing 5mm suits or 5/4 without a hood. There are ATM's here that take Visa bank cards. Bug spray should be around 30% DEET. There is a Mares dealer in West End in case you break or lose something. A waterproof windbreaker might come in handy on the boat between dives. Be ready to have fun and dive a lot.

 

[Stormingheaven]

I want to thank all of you for your help. I am scheduled to stay at Fantasy Island for 8 days, that is if this trip doesn't get shot down. I turned in my vacation request at work where I have over 350 hours banked and my boss says that he just doesn't know how he's going to be able to cover my shifts and will most likely deny my request. Sometimes being a Paramedic sucks!

 

[Doc]

I am scheduled to stay at Fantasy Island

Take long a small flashlight along for day dives. Along that South shore, you will have many opportunities to search for little critters hiding in the shadows in the very lush walls.

If you intend to take advantage of the shore diving (and I hope you do!), have some kind small, easy to carry bag to transport small accessories across the property to the dive entry site. (from the boats shown on the left to the jetty on the right)

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Small denomination bills. Un-tattered ones preferred, no tears in them. The 20's and larger must be of the new style for easiest use.

Roatan and your packing needs are also dependent upon where you are staying. Where would that be?

This is some of the best advice, nothing larger than a $20. I haven't really noticed any differentiation made between the older and newer notes though. If you think you may need any Benadryl or sudaphed it always seem tricky to get here.

Regards

Will