Please click the relevant bullet point below to go directly to your kit list:
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies you MUST carry your own personal medical kit.
Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes
Sea/travel sickness tablets
Prescribed medications – It is vital that you bring any medications that you have been prescribed by your doctor (including anti-malarial tablets). You must also bring these in your hand luggage, in case of any delays in receiving your luggage.
Main bag – You will need a rucksack, 50 litre minimum capacity ideally with a waterproof cover. You need to be able to carry it on your back comfortably when hiking through the forest with several days’ worth of supplies.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproof rucksack cover – It’s good to be prepared in the rainforest as sudden downpours can
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Roll mat or thermarest – Necessary for both warmth and comfort in the forest. Roll mats can be purchased cheaply, whereas Thermarests are more of an investment (be sure to buy a repair kit).
Sleeping bag – A warm, 2-3 season sleeping bag is recommended as it can get down to around 10 degrees at night time.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the strong headlamps. Please note that the small headlamp models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents. Please bring personal soap such as lifestyles or mountain suds as unfortunately, biodegradable soap is not available in Honduras.
Insect repellant – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended.
Talcum powder – This can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Latin American/Spanish phrase book or dictionary –
Binoculars – These are really useful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8 X 40 are the best to bring
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera
Notebook and pencils – Essential for all projects.
Laptop and other dissertation-specific equipment – You will need a laptop to work on and to analyse your data, but make sure you also discuss any project-specific equipment that you might need to bring with your supervisor.
For the forest you should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Synthetic (wicking) fabric is the best as it is quick drying, but cotton is kinder to the skin. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Hiking boots/Jungle boots – Should be comfortable, quick drying, and have ankle support.
Wellington/rubber boots – Useful for walking around camp after heavy rainfall and on short treks.
Flip flops/sandals – 1 pair
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 3 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs – one could be board shorts
T-shirts – 5
Fleece top – 1
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Thermal underwear – 1 set
Warm Hat – 1
Swim suit/bikini/board shorts – 1
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for long treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks
Sunglasses – Useful during your transfer to and from the forest and for hikes in more open areas of forest
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
Check out our blog post about marine equipment here for some top tips!
Main bag – You will need a large holdall, minimum capacity 50 litres.
Day bag/small rucksack – Useful for carry on luggage.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your bag with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Water bottle/platypus – A leak proof bottle to carry water (capacity at least 1 litre) is imperative.
Torch/headtorch – A head torch is recommended but it doesn’t have to be anything expensive.
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents. Please bring personal soap such as lifestyles or mountain suds as unfortunately, biodegradable soap is not available in Honduras.
Insect repellent – Mosquito-borne diseases do occur in Honduras. While DEET is often suggested as an effective repellant, it can impact the environment. ‘Mosi-Guard’ and ‘Skin So Soft’ by Avon are both effective, environmentally friendly alternatives that do not contain DEET.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera
Notebook and pencils – For taking notes during lectures and science talks.
Laptop – We highly recommend that Research Assistants progressing on to data collection after completing the Reef Ecology course should also bring a laptop with them. For students spending 1 or 2 weeks on a marine site a laptop may be useful but it is not as important.
Dive Slate and Pencils – This is highly recommended for Research Assistants & Dissertation Students, particularly if you will be progressing on to data collection after completing the Reef Ecology course. If possible, slates should be A4 and pencils should be lead only.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m (not that you will be going any deeper than 18 metres – however they are more reliable) for approximately £15 on Amazon.
PADI Crew Pack: If you’re undertaking dive training on your expedition you will see that we have also added Dive Training Materials to your internal travel invoice (if on an RA or Dissertation program) – this is the pack needed by anyone learning to SCUBA dive with us. In the past we have asked students to buy these independently, which takes time and effort, and so we are now arranging this on your behalf. You will be emailed with electronic access to your dive training materials closer to your expedition start date.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
Dive Slate and Pencils – If possible, slates should be A4 and pencils should be lead only.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m for approximately £15 on Amazon.
Dive training materials – You should purchase your Divemaster training crew pack before arrival. You can buy it here.
Proof of dive qualification – You need to be a PADI qualified rescue diver and have 40 dives logged when you start the course.
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 2 pairs
Flip flops/sandals – 2 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs
T-shirts – 5. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Long sleeved shirt – 1
Swim suit/bikini/board shorts – 2 or 3
Rash vest – A good alternative to a wetsuit when it is warm (or if you are snorkelling), and can also be worn under a wetsuit when it is cold.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks
Sunglasses – A good pair are important to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
Smart Clothes – It is possible that you will have the opportunity to go into town for dinner at some point, so you may want to bring a slightly smarter shirt or dress.
All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the exception of a wetsuit). For hire costs check the “costs to consider” section of the expedition description.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel
Wetsuit or Rash Vest – Honduran waters are generally very warm and the majority of students do not wear wetsuits during in water activities. However, for those of you that feel the cold, we do recommend bringing a 3mm short-sleeved wetsuit. If you choose not to use a wetsuit, please bring a rash vest (or old t-shirt) with you in order to protect yourself against the sun and equipment rub.
*A note for Divemaster training students (and potentially marine only dissertation students) – whilst you can hire your dive equipment on site, we would recommend divemaster students buy second-hand dive equipment (even if it may just be fins and mask and snorkel) to save on the cost of hiring whilst on site with us. If you go on to work as a Divemaster you will need to have your own set of equipment.
Dive torch – It won’t get much use as we rarely do night dives, but you may want to consider bringing one if you have one.
*Please note that as our dives will take place within the marine protected area (MPA), diving with gloves or dive knives is not permitted. Line cutters are permitted however are not essential.
Main bag – You will need a rucksack, 50 litre minimum capacity ideally with a waterproof cover. You need to be able to carry it on your back comfortably when hiking through the forest with several days’ worth of supplies.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproof rucksack cover – It’s good to be prepared in the rainforest as sudden downpours can
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Roll mat or thermarest – Necessary for both warmth and comfort in the forest. Roll mats can be purchased cheaply, whereas Thermarests are more of an investment (be sure to buy a repair kit).
Sleeping bag – A warm, 2-3 season sleeping bag is recommended as it can get down to around 10 degrees at night time.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the strong headlamps. Please note that the small headlamp models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents. Please bring personal soap such as lifestyles or mountain suds as unfortunately, biodegradable soap is not available in Honduras.
Insect repellant – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.
Talcum powder – This can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Latin American/Spanish phrase book or dictionary –
Binoculars – These are really useful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8 X 40 are the best to bring
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera
For the forest you should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Synthetic (wicking) fabric is the best as it is quick drying, but cotton is kinder to the skin. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Hiking boots/Jungle boots – Should be comfortable, quick drying, and have ankle support.
Wellington/rubber boots – Not essential but useful for walking around camp and on short treks
Flip flops/sandals – 1 pair
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 3 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs. Most useful during your marine component- one could be board shorts.
T-shirts – 5
Fleece top – 1
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Thermal underwear – 1 pair
Warm Hat – 1
Swim suit/bikini/board shorts – 1
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for long treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks
Sunglasses – A good pair are useful on the marine site and during your transfer to and from the forest and for hikes in more open areas of forest.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
Laptop – We highly recommend that Research Assistants progressing on to data collection after completing the Reef Ecology course should also bring a laptop with them. For students spending 1 or 2 weeks on a marine site a laptop may be useful but it is not as important.
Dive Slate and Pencils – This is highly recommended for Research Assistants, particularly if you will be progressing on to data collection after completing the Reef Ecology course. If possible, slates should be A4 and pencils should be lead only.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m (not that you will be going any deeper than 18 metres – however they are more reliable) for approximately £15 on Amazon.
PADI Crew Pack: If you’re undertaking dive training on your expedition you will see that we have also added Dive Training Materials to your internal travel invoice (if on an RA or Dissertation program) or final balance invoice (if on a school program) – this is the pack needed by anyone learning to SCUBA dive with us. In the past we have asked students to buy these independently, which takes time and effort, and so we are now arranging this on your behalf. You will be emailed with electronic access to your dive training materials closer to your expedition start date.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the the exception of a wetsuit).For hire costs check the “costs to consider” section of the expedition description.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel
Wetsuit or Rash Vest – Honduran waters are generally very warm and the majority of students do not wear wetsuits during in water activities. However, for those of you that feel the cold, we do recommend bringing a 3mm short-sleeved wetsuit. If you choose not to use a wetsuit, please bring a rash vest (or old t-shirt) with you in order to protect yourself against the sun and equipment rub.
Download your relevant kit list at the links below:
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