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What to Bring

I stuffed a shirt or two into my old carpet-bag, tucked it under my arm, and started for Cape Horn and the Pacific.
-Ishmael, Moby Dick

Alaska & British Columbia Baja California California Day Trips Galapagos
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Alaska & British Columbia Packing Checklist

Please plan well when packing for your trip. Towns are often few and storage space on a ship is limited. Feel free to bring what you will need, but leave the rest at home.

Remember that dress is strictly casual. While you might want to bring a change of clothes for the return trip (or for a night in town if that is scheduled), camping clothes are the rule on the ship. Also, since there isn't room on the ship for suitcases, we request that you pack your belongings in a collapsible duffel bag.

To keep from forgetting anything, simply print out this checklist:

Clothing

  • Rain gear (2 piece)
  • Knee-high rubber boots
  • Pants or slacks, 2 pairs
  • Wool shirt or sweatshirt
  • Warm jacket or sweater
  • Long-sleeved cotton shirt/blouse
  • T-shirts and socks and underwear
  • Boat shoes, tennis shoes - must be soft-soled!
  • Sun hat and warm hat
  • Warm gloves
  • Bandanas
  • Pajamas, robe
  • Shorts
  • Underwear

Toiletries

It’s helpful to have these items in a toilet kit for carrying to and from the bathrooms.

  • Toiletry bag
  • Toothbrush, paste
  • Suntan lotion/#15 Sun screen
  • Soap, shampoo (Provided)
  • Brush, comb
  • Personal Medicines
  • Ear plugs (for motor noise at night)
  • Razor
  • Feminine supplies

NOTE: Towels, soap, shampoo, and hair dryers are provided.

Miscellaneous Gear

  • Binoculars !! (A must)
  • Camera, film, batteries! (for detailed photo info, go to Photography)
  • Sunglasses (spare)
  • Flashlight, batteries, bulb
  • Pocket knife
  • Water Bottle
  • Dirty-clothes bag
  • Money
  • Extra prescription glasses

Optional

  • Diary, journal
  • Field guides, books
  • Fishing license
  • Swim suit (in case you visit a hot spring)
  • Day pack
 Rain Gear: Showers are a normal part of the southeast Alaska/British Columbia experience, and good rain gear helps you enjoy your trip. The best outfit is a two-piece suit of pants and a jacket since the jacket can double as a windbreaker when it's not raining. One brand that consistently offers good value is Columbia Sportswear. We had a skipper who wore his every day for three years and a chef for five. As far as I know, they are still wearing them.

Rubber Boots: Along with full rain gear, we require "knee-high" rubber boots, locally called "Sitka slippers." Recommendations include the BF Goodrich X-Tra Tuff or the Wellington Hunter or Gardener models. Other brands will serve, as long as they are comfortable. You will wear them every time you go ashore, and if they are comfortable, you will be comfortable. The boots should not be lined since the lining can get wet and is difficult to dry. You can buy boots with felt insoles that can be taken out and exchanged for clean ones from time to time. Try them on with the socks you will be wearing and walk around in them for a time. Two pairs of socks are recommended: a thin inner sock and a thicker second sock. Polypropylene or wool is warmer than cotton in wet conditions.

We go ashore daily, and it's often necessary to wade between the skiff and shore. Also, the ground can be muddy with lots of puddles. When it is raining, the water pours off your rain suit right onto your feet. You need to wear boots!

Binoculars: These are a must! They need not be expensive, but we do a lot of looking and binoculars are very useful. You should practice using them at home and make a habit of wearing them regularly on the trip.

Fishing Gear: A limited supply of fishing gear and tackle is available on Delphinus, and there will most certainly be opportunities to fish.

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Baja Packing Checklist

Pack your gear in one large piece of soft luggage or duffel bag, plus a day pack or handbag. Storage space is limited. Keep in mind that your shoes and clothes may get wet, so choose items that will dry easily. Attire is casual at all times!

All bedding (pillow and case, sheets, blankets) is provided

The nights are cool, so bring a sweater or sweatshirt and a windbreaker or jacket.

Important: Proof of Citizenship is Required

Proof of citizenship is required for Mexican immigration. You must bring your birth certificate (or legal copy), voter registration, or passport for proof of citizenship. A driver's license is not acceptable. THIS IS MANDATORY.

Clothing

  • T-shirts: Long and short-sleeved
  • Pants: cotton/lightweight and shorts
  • Socks and underclothes
  • Robe or wrap for shower time
  • Sleeping attire and/or sweats for lounging
  • Thongs, Teva sandals, aqua socks or wet suit booties for beach landings and wet conditions
  • Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots. Break them in before your trip!
  • Hat with wide brim or visor for sun protection - A MUST

Personal Items

It’s helpful to have these items in a toilet kit for carrying to and from the bathrooms.

  • Medications (including seasickness remedies: Dramamine, Bonine or Marazine. Check with your doctor for prescribed remedies. Check at your health food store for alternative remedies! e.g. ground ginger)
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses and supplies
  • Lip balm with sun block - 1 or 2 sticks
  • Sun block - SPF 30 or higher - A MUST - you’ll use this several times a day, every day
  • Minor first aid items: aspirin, antihistamine, band aids, antiseptic
  • Toothpaste and brush
  • Shampoo and rinse
  • Hair dryer, brush and comb
  • Soap and washcloth
  • Bath towel and beach towel
  • Shaving items
  • Feminine supplies
 

Miscellaneous

  • Money (cash, travelers checks, personal checks) for bottled/canned beverages aboard Searcher and crew gratuity, if you choose. (7-10% of trip cost is considered average)
  • Reading material
  • Note pad, journal, pencil, pen
  • Cards, board games
  • Ear plugs - the boat’s engines run at night during travel times
  • Repair kits - sewing, camera
  • Alcoholic beverages besides beer
 

Equipment

  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit (water temperatures range from 66-75 degrees F.)
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Field guides: bird, plant (M/V Searcher’s library carries Baja and whale books)
  • Canteen, bota bag or water bottle - A MUST
  • Backpack - day pack or fannypack style
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses with straps - polarized lenses are great on the water
  • Camera and accessories - see photo info.
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California Day Trips Packing List

  • A wind breaker is the most useful item of clothing
  • Warm jacket or sweater
  • Boat shoes or tennis shoes - must be soft-soled - no hiking boots!
  • Warm gloves
  • Sun hat and warm hat
  • Rain gear (if it looks rainy)
  • Suntan lotion (#15 SPF is a good choice)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and film

Hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate are complimentary onboard. Coolers (sorry, no ice) are available to put your food and drinks in.

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Galapagos Packing List

Luggage Allowance

A maximum of 20 kilos (44 pounds; two pieces of luggage) is allowed on flights to the Galapagos Islands.  An additional carry-on is allowed: maximum of 10 kilos, 50cm x 60cm (22 pounds, no larger than 19"x23") Additional pieces may be left at the hotel desk on mainland.

Climate on Galapagos Islands

  • December to June are the warmest months.
  • January to March can be hot and humid, but still mostly green at this time.
  • July to November are cooler. The average year-round temperature is 24°C (75°F).

What to Bring

Visitors are advised to pack casual, comfortable clothes. Dressing is always casual.

Some items to remember:

  • Two pairs of sneakers
  • A sweater and a light jacket or windbreaker
  • Rain poncho
  • Light, long-sleeved shirts
  • Shorts and bathing suits
  • Wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellent, eye drops, and sea-sickness medication.

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