To download a copy of the kit list, click here.
Unfortunately, working in such remote locations often involving numerous flights and forms of transport, luggage can go missing. It is best to be prepared just in case, so here is what we recommend you pack in your hand luggage.
Valuables – Passport, money, phone etc. If completing your dissertation you will most likely need to bring your laptop and this should be taken in your hand luggage.
Personal medicine – Extremely important to bring your personal medicine with your hand luggage!
Change of clothes – Including spare underwear.
Torch – Very useful for your expedition, so this is not something you want to lose.
Toiletries – Tooth brush and wet wipes.
Water bottle – Dehydration can be a real problem in Mexico so please bring a combination of leak proof bottles that hold a combined minimum of 2 litres.
Day bag/ Small rucksack – Needed for field work when carrying water, paper, pens, towel, cameras etc.
Notebook and pencil – Essential for taking notes in the dive or reef ecology courses
Laptop and project-specific equipment – You will need a laptop to work on, but also make sure that you discuss any other specific equipment that you will need for your project with your supervisor.
Marine site equipment: Below is a list of essential equipment required. With spending so much time in the water, you want to make sure that you have the correct equipment. Some of this can be hired on-site but in terms of comfort, temperature, hygiene and time on-site some of you may wish to buy your own.
If you do wish to buy any of these we strongly suggest that you call the agents that we work with directly (see purchasing advice) as they will be able to provide you with both excellent advice as well as giving you information on their best deals!
Dive Training Materials – If you’re learning to SCUBA dive on expedition, you will need dive training materials. These are now entirely online so to make things easier for you we’ve arranged them on your behalf. You’ll receive an email from us in the run up to the expedition with login details and information on how to access them. We highly recommend bringing a smartphone or tablet with you so you can then access them on expedition. If you have independently bought dive training materials please let us know as soon as possible by emailing diving@opwall.com.
PADI forms – You must complete these online via the Opwall portal (http://portal.opwall.com) at least 3 months prior to travel. It’s recommended that you bring out a printed copy of the completed form with you on expedition, particularly if you’ve had it signed by a doctor.
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.
Wetsuit or rash vest – If you wish to use one it is essential that you bring your own wetsuit. The pur-pose of a wetsuit is twofold, to keep you warm whilst underwater, and to pro-tect you from marine life that may sting you. It is for this reason you cannot dive in just your swimsuit or bikini. The water is very warm though so a rash vest and swim shorts is actually the best option. If you do wish to use a wetsuit, ensure that the neoprene is thin (3mm or below).
Dive watch or computer – This is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However, PADI allows Open Water divers to go off diving in buddy pairs on their own without a Dive Master whereas Opwall regulations require that all divers are accompanied by a Dive Master who times their dives. Under these circumstances we don’t consider it necessary but if you have a waterproof watch or dive computer please take it.
Mask, snorkel and fins – The hire costs of these items is already included in your package price to Opwall so these items will be provided for you to use onsite. You may however wish to bring your own mask & snorkel if you already have one. You will not be able to use a ‘full face’ snorkel mask, and must use one that has a separate mask and snorkel.
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(s)!
4-5 t-shirts – You will get sweaty out in the sun so it’s worth bringing plenty
1-2 Long sleeved shirts – Insects are quite prevalent so you’ll need to cover up in the evenings.
Trousers 2 pair – For insect protection. Please make sure they are light and quite loose as insects can bite through skintight fabric.
Shorts 3-4 pairs – Useful for wearing when not in the water.
Hoodie/Jumper – For flights and the air conditioned coaches.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation.
Underwear, socks and bras – Bring plenty.
Fleece top – May be nice for covering your arms from mosquitos in the evening.
Hat or Bandana – Useful to protect you from the sun.
Sunglasses – A good pair are useful to protect your eyes from the sun and glare reflected from water.
Comfortable shoes/ Flip flops/Sandals – 2 pair
Swimsuit/ trunks or bikini – 2 or 3
Additional clothes – One set of ‘regular’ style clothes for when you are at the hotel in Cancun.
There will be the chance to get clothing washed at the marine site during the expedition (this is very cheap). Just make sure you have enough of everything to allow you to still have clothes to wear while you send others off for a few days to be washed.
It is a good idea to keep one set of clothing clean for your flights to and from country, this makes your travel and the people around you more comfortable. There are quite a few biting insects in the accommodation site so you should wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when the mosquitoes come out. If your mosquito bites gets infected you may not be allowed to dive. At the marine site you will spend most of your time in and out of the water so shorts and tshirts or lightweight dresses /skirts are fine.
Label your baggage, clothes and kit; there are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you. Unfortunately valuables are very occasionally at risk, so please only take what is vital for your expedition.
Good tip to travelling light is to get into small groups to combine things like toiletries, foot powder and sun block as you don’t all need to bring a bottle each!
Toiletries – Tooth brush, tooth paste, hair and body wash. Please ensure you use biodegradable soaps to minimize impact on the environment. Most biodegradable soaps are multi-use.
Insect repellent – Malaria and dengue is extremely rare in this area but there are a lot of biting insects so for your own comfort and to protect from bites, please bring some repellant. DEET based products are very important for day to day on camp due to a natural resistance held by the local mosquitos however, if going in the ocean, you will need non DEET based repellent as DEET can pose a risk to marine wildlife.
Talcum powder/ antifungal powder – This is invaluable to help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections.
Sun cream – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.
Sanitary towels/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them as travel can disrupt your cycle.
The medical provision on site is excellent and there are medics based at all camps. However, there are some items listed below you should carry yourself (as appropriate).
Antihistamine tablets – For insect bites. It’s useful if you can bring both drowsy and non drowsy
Antihistamine cream – Bite/sting cream. Can be very beneficial for reducing itching and swelling of insect bites.
Paracetamol/aspirin – For headaches etc.
Ibuprofen – For swelling etc.
Rehydration salts – Essential! Rehydration salts kept in camp do not have the most appetising taste so please bring your own. We utilise purified water which contains a low concentration of beneficial minerals found in normal spring water. Because of this, we recommend you take a dosage of rehydration salts every day. Don’t forget to read the correct dosage to ensure you are absorbing the salts correctly
Antiseptic wipes – Cleaning cuts or grazes
Plasters (assorted sizes) – May also be worth adding a couple of blister plasters as well as normal ones.
Personal Medication – It is vital that you bring any prescribed medications.
Vitamins – If you normally take these.
Sea/travel sickness tablets – In case you need these.
Here are some items you may want to consider bringing.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case/bag for the camera
Earphones/cards/book – Coach journeys can be long so bring something to keep yourself entertained.
Language/phrase book – This is a recommendation stressed by previous volunteers. Also worth noting many translating apps allow you to download language packs you can use offline
Folding fan – You will be glad you brough one when the midday heat hits.
Earplugs/ eye mask – If you are someone that generally struggles to sleep, you may find that the lively sounds of the jungle or people walking by with their torches on keeps you awake. Also useful for a long plane and coach journey!
Nail clippers/ tweezers – If you are staying in camp for a long amount of time these will be very useful.
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