J2023 Bahamas packing list

The following is a modification (bes, 11/2022) of the online packing list provided by IFS

United Economy Baggage/Luggage

It is expected that each traveler will bring a carry-on bag and a personal item. BES will check a large case containing some research items, but it is expected that this is the only checked baggage that we will bring.

- Carry-on bag: This item must be less than 45 linear inches in volume (h+l+w) and weigh no more than 40 lbs. The standard size is 9" x 14" x 22" (45 linear inches).

- Personal item: Examples include a purse, backpack, or small bag. This personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The standard size is 9" x 10" x 17".

- Checked baggage: excess luggage can be checked at the ticketing gate. This item must be less than 62 linear inches in volume (h+l+w) and weigh no more than 50 lbs (max 70 lbs). This usually cost extra ($30-$70).

- Other: in addition to the above, you may bring a jacket, an umbrella, reading material, a camera, and/or food that you bought in the airport.

Special TSA Check Instructions

• Lithium batteries must be in your possession while in flight.
• 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag), 1 bag per passenger

- Sunscreen purchased by BES will be checked in the research case.

• Identification

- Driver's License (consider converting to the REAL ID before traveling)

- US Passport

LeAir Baggage/Luggage

LeAir Charter is the air transport from Nassau to Fresh Creek, Andros Island. This plane is usually a Bandit EMB-110 with 18 seats.

- Your carry-on bag will be checked at no cost at check-in...you do not carry it on the plane.

- You do carry-on your personal item and keep it at your seat.

- This flight is only 15 mins; there is only 2 pilots and no other personal.

General Packing Advice

When packing be conservative, ie. pack as little as possible.

Weather in January

Forfar Field Station is located in a humid tropical environment. The average daytime high in January is 77 deg F (25 deg C) with the average nighttime low of 67 deg F (19 deg C). The lowest temperature that you can expect at night would be 60 deg F (15 deg C).

The weather on Andros Island is very similar to the weather in Nassau.

Snorkel Gear

Students should purchase snorkel equipment before their trip and test it for fit and comfort before arriving at the field station. In case of an equipment failure, we do have limited backup equipment available. Scuba Gear: Forfar Field Station has SCUBA gear available for rental. We have a limited set of gear so please contact our office to make sure there is enough gear available to you or your group before arrival. Sunscreen: We encourage the use of biodegradable, environmentally-friendly brands especially when it comes to sunscreens. Chemicals in sunscreens such as parabens, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate have been shown to be detrimental to coral reefs (University of Central Florida, 2015). Please try to source sunscreens that do not contain these harmful ingredients. Do not bring spray sunscreens; you will NOT be able to use them at Forfar. Please read this blog post for more information.

Insects: There are various biting insects found on Andros including sand flies, mosquitoes, and large biting flies. We encourage you to bring insect repellent, clothes such as pants, long sleeve shirts, and socks, and remedies for bites such as antihistamine creams and oral medicine. Be prepared! Money: The US dollar is accepted everywhere. The amount of cash you bring may vary; however, some potential costs include Baskets ($10‐30), Wood carving ($20-100), Androsia Batik Factory ($15‐100), snacks ($1‐10), and Forfar Field Station t-shirts and rashguards ($20-40). Most importantly if there are questions about the packing list or what to bring, please visit our FAQ or ask us at office@intlfieldstudies.org or 614.268.9930

Revised 2022

ESSENTIALS Passport This needs to be a passport book. A passport card will not get you into the Bahamas! Money Bring small bills. Thursday ‘Cooks Night Off’ dinner out is cash only ($18-25). Sunscreen Reef safe sunscreens ONLY (learn more here). Spray sunscreen is NOT allowed. Bug repellant Bring what works for you (Natural or Deet based), however, Deet based repellents can’t be

sprayed while on the boats (eats away the paint).

Aloe vera Aloe vera lotions/gels that contain lidocaine help sore sunburn Water bottle Needed for all trips. 32oz is recommended Sunglasses We recommend inexpensive polarized sunglasses Sun hat Something that can be secured when riding on the boat Towel Microfiber towels are much smaller, dry quicker, and take up much less space and weight than a traditional towel.

Itch Relief Cream Island life is notorious for sand flies and mosquitoes so it’s best to be prepared, Face Masks Bring 3-5 masks, N-95 masks are best. Hand Sanitizer At home covid tests

Forfar has a limited number of covid tests and covid tests on Andros are expensive. We highly encourage you to bring your own incase you develop symptoms while traveling.

CLOTHES Ample underwear & socks Long socks are great for bug protection. Sand flies love ankles! 2+ Bathing suits T- Shirts Up to one a day Long sleeve T-Shirts 2+ for sun and bug protection Lightweight shorts 2+ pairs Lightweight/Long pants 1+ pairs for bug protection Sweatshirt or Fleece Nights can get cooler (depending on the time of year) Rain jacket Lightweight - Used for both land trips or on boats Water shoes/Sport sandals or Dive Boots

Tougher sole will be needed to walk on sharp rocks and slippery surfaces/shallow waters (Teva/Chaco/Keen/Merrell). Something that can be worn all day

Flip flops For general day-to-day wear on the station (optional) Athletic or hiking shoes Closed-toe shoes are necessary for land trips TOILETRIES Shampoo/Conditioner Please try to source environmentally and biodegradable brands such as: Yes To!, Burt’s

Bees, Jason's Naturals, Nature's Gate, Dr. Bronners, Alba etc.

Soap Dr. Bronners, Burt’s Bees, Kiss My Face, Alba etc. Deodorant Feminine products Ample supplies as needed (Cups are great and reduce waste) Toothbrush/Toothpaste Hairbrush or comb Personal Medications Prescription and over-the-counter drugs must be carried in their original labeled

container.

Revised 2022

WINTER ITEMS Sweatshirts/fleece Long Pants Blanket Winter hat It can get down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no heat SNORKEL + DIVE GEAR Mask (required) Please ensure the mask fits well before your trip Snorkel (required) Fins (required) Dive Boots Depending on your choice of fins, boots may be necessary Long sleeved rash guard Used for sun protection. You may want to consider shorts to wear over swimsuits bottoms when snorkeling for extra sun protection.

Gear bag Big enough to carry all snorkel gear together Mask Defogger For your snorkel mask Snorkel Vest (BC) Provided free of charge from Full regulator set Primary and Secondary Regulator, Pressure Gauge and Depth Gauge.

Rental available at Forfar for $25/day. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) Included in SCUBA gear rental Dive light Required for night snorkel/dive. Available for rent for $5 from Forfar. Wetsuits Optional for warmer months but recommended if you get cold easily OPTIONAL Camera and/or waterproof camera Dry Bag Useful to keep items and extra clothes dry during boat trips Composition Notebook/pen Check your course requirements Flashlight or headlamp Binoculars Great if you are interested in the birds found on Andros (also available at

the field station)

Plastic bags/Ziplock bags Good for carrying home shells, wet clothes, muddy/sandy shoes, etc. Bug nets Forfar does not provide bug nets for your bed. If you would like to bring a

bug net, we recommend this one

Please Note: We are not responsible for items that are damaged, lost, or stolen. There is a safe on station where some valuables (such as money and passports) can be kept.