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Have you ever seen 1st.
timers showing up at the dock with hard suitcases, only to find
out there is nowhere to store them on the boat? Very often, simply
because you did not know, or because you are a first timer, you really
do not have the right stuff. Here is your guide of what to bring
and not to bring on charter.
1. Stuff you DO NOT need to bring:
* Any kind of towels and/or linen
* Cooking and eating implements/utensils - that includes a barbeQ
grill
* Full snorkel gear (it's all on the boat or at the base)
* Foul weather jacket - unless you're chartering with a minimalist
company
* Navigation tools, charts.
* First aid kit; all boats have them on board, but they're rather
basic.
* Ladies: First leave the expensive jewelry at home. Then...forget
this:
- Fake nails (they break immediately)
- Fake eyelashes (they fly immediately)
- A lot of make up
- A hair-dryer
* Work from your office
* Worries
Note:This is to the best of our
knowledge with reputable, established Charter Companies. It is
always best to inquire with
you Charter Company or charter broker before leaving.
2. Stuff you MAY bring:
* Small flashlights, pocket multi-tools
* Your own binoculars
* Hand held GPS. Boats usually have a fixed GPS but inquire if
you're not sure
* Family 2-way radios to communicate with your mates
* A small DC/AC inverter to charge things like the cell phone, radios,
etc.
3. Stuff you MUST bring:
Remember: Use a soft, collapsible duffel
bag.
There is rarely any room for a hard suitcase, unless you are using
a 45ft.+ boat with only 2 people!
Clothing
 TIP: When you pack at home, put all your stuff on your
bed. Then take half of the clothes, and put them back in the closet.
Trust me, it works.
* Tee shirts / tank tops - lots of 'em (I take 1&1/2 t-sirt
per day)
* Shorts
* Long sleeve, cotton cover up for first couple of days if your
skin is not sun-friendly
* Several bathing suits...no, 1 is not enough!
* Hat with wide brim AND restraining tie of some kind.
* Sunglasses - polarized sunglasses are great in the Caribbean because
they let you see the reefs underwater
* Be sure to have a tie for your hat and sunglasses- available
at marine stores, or in the Islands but for much more money!
* Beach and / or walking sandals
* One light windbreaker/ sweater in case you encounter cool nights.
* A tote bag or a back pack for the trips to the beach in the dinghy.
* Because it happens that bags get lost/delayed, take a small carry-on
bag with everything needed for 2 days. Just in case!
Notes about cool and uncool stuff
(if you don't want to look like a geek :-)
* Cool: Boat shoes (no socks, please!)
- Walking barefoot (that is until you get some splinter in your
foot) - Tee shirts/caps with the name of a race, sailing team,
or
boat on them; Caribbean 1500 looks WAY cool!
* NOT cool: Ending your cruise looking sunburn-red
* SUPER UNCOOL (the worst!): Wearing sneakers/boat shoes
with colored socks, carrying a hard-shell suitcase, and wearing a
bell-shape nylon baseball hat, all at the same time.
Toiletries/Medications
* Basic toiletries - shampoo, tooth paste, etc. NO SOAP
- extensive make-up discouraged ;-)
* Sun lotions ... lots of it. If you are the light-skin type, get
SPF 25 or higher.
* A second pair of prescription glasses / contact lenses if you
use those.
* Any specific prescription drug you need
* Antihistamine and/or cold medicine
* Aspirin or equivalent
* Antibiotic /cortisone creme
* Sun burn medications (Aloe Vera gel works wonders)
* Insect repellant - look for a brand called "OFF", which you can
also find in the islands.
* Large band aids and elastic wrap
* Tweezers, nail clippers, a needle (for slivers)
Other
* Your PASSPORTS
* Credit cards and/or travelers' checks
* Books / magazines (good to be left to the crew or with the
base staff)
* Music CDs you like or your MP3 player. Wireless transmitters usually
do work between the MP3 device and the onboard stereo.
*Camera - waterproof camera if you have one, or pick up a disposable before
you leave. Neat to take underwater pictures.
* Small, personal flash light (helps you find stuff at night without
waking up other guests.)
* Sailing gloves if you're used to them.
* Quality mask & snorkel
* Soft side cooler. Fill it up with clothes or other effects, and
use it as a cooler on the boat.
*Cards, games
*Computer if you must--normally 12V. plug and an inverter is available--but
check ahead.
*If you want to get fancy:
*Portable GPS
*Portable VHF
* Great for kids.
- Star finder--fun at night
- Book or waterproof cards with pictures and names
for marine life.
- A treasure hunt on a desert island
* Batteries for the kids' toys.
When
provisioning, do not forget:
- Toilet paper and lots of paper towels. Paper dinnerware if you don't
want to bother with dishwashing.
- Candles w/ citronella for the table.
- Matches.
- Salt/pepper and condiments.
- Otherwise, you can pretty much get anything as in a Super Market
at home.
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