TIP: You will spend little time in your cabin as we keep you busy with wildlife, but we suggest you pack very lightly. Searcher is a 95-foot sportfishing boat–the cabins are small and storage is limited.
Clothes
Choose clothes and shoes that will dry easily and can be worn several times. There are no laundry facilities aboard. Attire is very casual. Daytime air temperatures are 60-75 degrees F.
- Long-and short-sleeved shirts: choose lightweight ones for layering, when needed
- Warm jacket with wind protection
- Rain gear: Lightweight pants and jacket with waterproof hat or hood (Even an inexpensive set is strongly advised for whalewatching in pangas.)
- Pants and shorts: lightweight fabrics
- Socks and underclothes
- Sleeping attire and/or sweats for lounging
- Water sandals, aqua socks, or booties for beach landings/wet conditions
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Hat with wide brim or visor for sun protection
Personal Items
It’s helpful to have items in a toilet kit for transport to/from the bathrooms. Two medium-size towels are provided for each passenger.
- Medications (Include a seasickness prevention such as Dramamine, Bonine, or Meclizine. Check with your doctor for prescribed remedies such as the Scopalamine patch and the newer, oral form Scopace.)
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- Lip balm with sun block and sun block (SPF 30 or higher). You should apply this several times a day
- Minor first aid items: pain reliever, antihistamine, bandages, antiseptic
- Toothbrush and paste; hair products/brush
- Shampoo and soap. Please consider using unscented products for the comfort of those who may be allergic.
- Shaving items
- Disposable, one-time use wipes or towels may be useful
Equipment
- Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit or rash guard. We recommend you bring your own snorkeling equipment and practice with any equipment before the trip. However we will supply a variety of masks, snorkels, and fins for shared use. Water temperatures vary from high 60’s to low 70’s (degrees F). We recommend a wetsuit for prolonged snorkeling enjoyment and sun protection.
- Binoculars (You will use these every day.)
- Field guides/Baja map (Searcher carries a library of Baja and whale books but your own map helps you keep track of the itinerary.)
- Backpack–day pack or fanny pack (bum bag) style
- Sunglasses with straps (Polarized lenses are great on the water.)
- Camera and accessories (including battery charger)
Miscellaneous
- US dollars for Searcher souvenirs and crew gratuity. (10% of the trip cost is an average tip.) Traveller’s checks or US personal checks are acceptable for this as well. Cash for airport shuttle ($15 per person) and a meal in Cabo, if you wish.
- Reading material, note pad, journal, pencil
- Ear plugs and a sleep-aid if you are sensitive to noise (Engines run at night during travel.)
- Repair kits (glasses, sewing, camera)
- Passport and air travel documents
Cabin Notes
Your cabin will be small but adequate for sleeping and gear storage if you pack reasonably. If possible, use soft luggage which stores away easier, plus a day pack since you’ll use that on the trip. There are storage shelves, a mirror, and sink in each cabin. Most people choose to relax or read in the indoor salon or outdoors on deck, and use their cabin for just sleeping and changing.
Bedding (pillow, case, sheets, and blanket) is provided as are two medium-size towels. There is an electrical outlet (conventional US style) in each cabin for recharging batteries, cameras, laptops, and other electrical devices.
Please do not count on using your cell phone or having an internet connection for your laptop. Roaming costs are very high, access is limited, and your fellow travellers may wish to enjoy the remote wildlife experience WITHOUT hearing phones or conversations.
