Things to Bring

Excess luggage will be either taken along at students’ expense or left behind!

passport

Birth certificates are NO LONGER legal proof of citizenship for the Caribbean. You can get a picture at most Kinkos/FedEx stores. The passport application is done at the Post Office (see online for locations/times). Allow several weeks turnaround on a passport application unless you send an expedited request (more expensive).

If you are not a U.S. citizen, make certain that no special visas are necessary for travel to or return from the Bahamas.

Personal needs (There are stores on the island. But, their hours are short, their selection is limited, and their prices are high):

sunscreen (essential)

bug spray (useful)

sunglasses, spare glasses, contact lenses, lens solutions

band aids, antiseptic, calamine lotion/sunburn relief, aspirin, feminine products, etc.

cosmetic items

laundry detergent (drop-in tablets work well for travel)

Classroom material:

identification books (optional, but helpful, see the link to suggested books if you are interested)

notebook

pens and/or pencils

Clothing:

Some will be worn in adverse conditions, don't bring your favorite stuff unless it is expendable. Clothes to “go out” in are extraneous and should be the first to go if you are over luggage weight.

sweater and/or sweatshirt

rain jacket

jeans or light khaki pants (they pack lighter)

shorts

t-shirts

underclothes

hat

Snorkeling gear:

swimsuits (more than one, putting on a wet swim suit is not pleasant) –

Women should have something appropriate to wear over their suit while traveling around the island or eating in the cafeteria – Bahamians are a bit more conservative than Americans. T-shirts or other cover-ups are fine.

snorkel, mask, and fins (fins with separate boots are strongly recommended to facilitate water entry)

Snorkeling boots can also serve as old sneakers for exercises requiring footwear.

Please get your mask and fins professionally fitted to insure that they will work appropriately for you.

mesh bag to carry gear to site (a cheap laundry bag will do or dive shops sell more expensive versions)

Other stuff:

Sturdy walking shoes, old sneakers, and (optional) sandals

watch and/or alarm clock (underwater watches are helpful and not terribly expensive, but not necessary)

sheets, pillowcases

flashlight and extra batteries (underwater light is helpful but not necessary)

towels (shower and beach, you can save room by using a camping towel for the beach - see an outdoor store for details)

water bottle

money (sodas, snacks, food and drinks while traveling, extras at the station, and money for souvenirs)

OPTIONAL:

short wetsuit (this is not necessary, but if you tend to get chilly it may be welcome)

camera (if you bring an u/w camera, a flash is recommended)

If you plan to SCUBA dive: C-card (must be certified) and log book, you can rent equipment from the dive operator