Packing List
Necessary Items
Bug Protection - covering up is best! Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (button-down cotton or quick dry work best) and long trousers with zip off shorts. These will be for inland activities, canoeing, walking and hiking.
Recommended environmentally safe bug spray brands: Body Belize Apothecary “Jungle Oil”, Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent, Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme.
Mosquitoes can bite through yoga pants. Lightweight loose clothing is a MUST!
Reef Safe Sunscreen *required if visiting Tobacco Caye Marine Station* Acceptable brands: Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen, Stream2Sea Biodegradable & Reef Safe Sun, Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen, and Body Belize Apothecary “Pearl” Sunscreen which can be purchased at Tobacco Caye.
Reef Safe and Reef Friendly are NOT the same thing!
Lightweight sleeping bag or lightweight blanket - especially during the winter months and rainy season.
Sheets and pillows are provided at Monkey Bay.
If visiting Las Cuevas Research Station in the mountains, bringing you own blanket is necessary year round.
Bath and swim towel The light absorbent travel towels are useful and dry quickly.
Monkey Bay does not provide towels to students staying in dorms. Guests staying in cabins will received a bath towel.
Towels available for rent at Front Desk
Flashlight and spare batteries. headlamps are ideal and leave hands free. Useful for walking around Mbay campus at night.
Quart size refillable water bottle that can be carried in day packs.
Shoes - Comfortable above-the-ankle hiking for jungle activities and strap on sandals for river and beach.
Be sure to wear long socks with your hiking boots to prevent rubbing.
Sun Protection (Dry Season: January 1st - May 31th) - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (see above for best brands).
Rain Protection (Wet Season: June 1st - December 31th) - Lightweight rain jacket, waterproof pant covers, hiking boot covers.
Beachwear - Swimsuits, shorts and Rashguard.
Personal toiletry items - biodegradable soap is encouraged.
General First Aid - waterproof band aids, general antibiotic, antihistamine tablets and/or crème, hydrocortisone to relieve bug bites; motion sickness tablets for those who are prone to seasickness; any prescription or allergy medications.
Highly Recommended
Camera - waterproof to be considered if engaging in lots of water activities. Dry bag for phones or other electronics.
Binoculars - for anyone interested in identifying bird species, seeing howler monkeys, and getting a closer look at interesting plant species.
‘Memories’ notebook for keeping a daily journal.
Water shoes for water activities - Monkey Bay can provide water shoes for rent.
Mosquito Net - to hang over your bed.
Personal Snorkel and Fins - for marine activities. Snorkel and Fins are provided by Tobacco Caye Marine Station as well.