What to Pack for Your Florida Nature Safari

ADVENTURE-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

• Due to the humid and damp conditions in the areas we will be traveling, we highly recommend bringing clothes made of synthetic, quick drying material. If wet with rain, seawater or sweat, cotton items may not always dry completely.
• While kayaking in warmer temperatures, a swimsuit, sun hat and water sandals may be all you need on the water. Some people may prefer to also wear a synthetic swim top and bottoms over their swimsuits.
• It’s helpful to have a long-sleeved synthetic top (Capilene or polypropylene) to wear while kayaking in case the weather cools down.
• While paddling, we highly recommend wearing something to cover your head and neck since they can be exposed to the sun for long periods.
• There will be multiple activities involving water. We strongly recommend bringing your own quick-dry or packable beach towel.
• Your lightweight waterproof rain jacket can double as a windbreaker on and off the water. Rain ponchos don’t work well for paddling.
• A sweater or fleece is helpful in the evening as temperatures can cool off quickly once the sun drops.
• Casual style clothing is fine for the vast majority of our trip. However, for the welcome and farewell dinners on the mainland, as well as some dinners while on the islands, you may wish to bring a nicer set of clothing such as long pants, packable dress or skirt and nice shirt.
• Bring comfortable clothing that is appropriate for hiking. Your clothing length and weight will depend on temperatures as well as the level of sun protection you require.
• Hairdryers will be available at all hotel accommodations.
  
  
  

CLOTHING

• 2 KN95 masks per person (included in your pre-departure package)
• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Useful for wearing over the KN95 masks to keep them clean and extend their use.
  —Also provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Additional cloth face coverings
  —We recommend bringing a few more face coverings of your own. 
• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera gear and other equipment during shore activities.
• Lightweight, waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket with hood 
• Waterproof rain pants (optional)
• Lightweight fleece 
  —For cooler mornings and evenings.
  
• 2 long-sleeved shirts 
  — For cooler evenings and to protect you from the sun while on excursions. 
  
• 3–4 short-sleeved shirts 
• 1–2 pairs of comfortable pants
  
• Sun hat with brim 
  —Make sure you have something to secure your hat when it is windy.
• 1 pair of nylon, zip-off pants
  —Useful for warm days and cooler mornings and evenings.
  —Please note for the swamp walk, a pair of long pants is strongly recommended as water can reach up to your thighs. You can choose to bring an additional pair or there is laundry available at the hotel that evening.
  
• 1 pair of jeans or heavier pants (optional)
  —For cooler nights on the boat or walking around towns.
  
• 2-3 pairs of shorts or skirts
  —You may not need as many pairs of shorts/skirts if you are bringing zip-off pants.
• Nice change of clothing
  —Although not required, some travelers prefer to have a nicer change of clothing, including long pants or casual packable dress/skirt and nice shirt, to wear for our welcome and farewell dinners.
  
• Swimsuit
  
• Hiking/walking shoes
  — Lightweight walking shoes with good tread are necessary during walks.
  —Please note for the swamp walk, you will need to wear a pair of closed-toed shoes. We recommend bringing an old pair of shoes along for this. If you do not have a second pair, we will do our best to dry your shoes that evening, so be sure to bring sandals or another pair of shoes for after the walk.
  
• Water-resistant sandals (i.e. Tevas, Chacos, Keens).
  —Sport sandals are a great option for kayaking and walking around on shore.
  
• Rash guard (optional) 
  — For sun protection while snorkeling.
  
• Snorkel and mask (optional)
  —Snorkeling gear (mask, fins and snorkel) will be provided. However, we recommend bringing your own gear if you already have it to ensure a better fit. If you have had issues in the past with snorkeling masks fitting your face, we highly recommend bringing your own. Also, if you wear glasses for distance, we suggest bringing disposable soft contact lenses to wear while snorkeling, or bringing your own mask with built-in prescription lenses, as it is nearly impossible to snorkel while wearing glasses under a mask.
• Chest waders and boots (optional)
  —There is an optional wet swamp walk on day 2 where waders could be useful to keep pants and shoes dry. Those without waders can pack a change of clothes and will have laundry available at the accommodation following the activity.
  
• Socks
  —Bring several thin pairs made of wool or synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended for hikes.
  
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
  
  

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use and food and beverages not included in your trip fee).
• Binoculars
  —May be helpful if looking for birds or other wildlife.
• Water bottle
  —In our continuing effort to operate adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, we will provide you with a reusable water bottle upon arrival.
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags  
  —Bring several sizes. They are very useful for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  —Although not required, you may bring them if you use them on most of your walks.
  —If you are bringing hiking poles, they must be able to fit in your check-in luggage, as you will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
• Sewing kit
• Sunglasses
  —With UV filter and secure strap.
• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Shampoo and soap will be provided at all accommodations on our itinerary.
• Quick-dry or packable beach towel
• Insect repellent & anti-itch ointment
  —Mosquitoes may be present during the adventure.
• Sunscreen & lip balm (at least SPF30)
  —We strongly encourage reef-safe sunscreens to protect the delicate underwater environment while snorkeling.
• Carabiner (to attach your water bottle to your backpack or kayak)
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  —Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Motion sickness medication
  —We use a variety of transportation during this adventure (boats and a small seaplane). If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we strongly recommend that you come prepared with preventative measures.
• Small medical kit
• Hand sanitizer (included in your pre-departure package)
• Laundry detergent
  —If you would like to hand wash any clothing during the adventure. Our accommodation on night 2, after the swamp walk, has coin operated laundry machines.
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Instant cooling scarf (such as EnduraCool)
  —Can be soaked in water and used to stay cool on hot days.