Suggestions For what to Bring

     Clothing: bring at least two changes of clothes (more than two is reccomended); one that you can keep dry to wear on Mirage, the other for paddling. Quick drying clothes made of synthetic fabric are best for paddling. Bring rain gear for the occasional rain you may experience as well as for wind protection. For evenings on Mirage, layers of insulation are best. You may even want insulated head gear in the winter. The coldest winter weather you will need to prepare for will be breezy conditions in the 40’s or 50’s during early morning and evening hours. It rarely gets this cold though. 

     Sun protection: bring a wide brim hat or cap with a chin strap or tether to keep from losing it in the wind. Wearing long sleeved shirts and leggings are best in the middle of the day. Bring sunglasses (with a tether) and sunscreen for exposed skin. Look for small containers to transfer liquid into if you are traveling with carry-on baggage only. 

     Footwear: bring nonskid and non-marking shoes to wear on Mirage. Deck shoes, sneakers or sports sandals work fine. Bare feet or flip- flops are unsafe on Mirage or for paddling. Footwear for paddling must offer good protection for walking on shore and shallow water. They must be secure on your feet so that they will stay on in thick mud. Ankle high booties or sneakers work perfectly.

      Immersion clothing: optional of course. If you have immersion clothing, feel free to bring it. It may be nice to have in the winter and early spring if you want to practice rolling, reentry or just snorkel and swim for an extended period of time. Water temperatures in the winter range from low 60’s to low 70’s in Florida and upper 60’s to mid 70’s in The Bahamas. Nose plugs and ear plugs are helpful if you intend on doing rolling or reentry practice. 

     Personal items: we suggest you bring: flashlight or head lamp, bug repellent, 110 volt or 12 volt chargers for any electronic gear, floats and tethers for any gear taken on the water (glasses, camera, ect.), dry bags for gear while paddling. If you suspect that you may have problems with your hands blistering, bring a pair of gloves. We try to keep a supply of mole skin, but that is never better than prevention.  

     The following is provided on every tour: meals, snacks and drinks, linen, blankets, pillows and towels. For paddling gear: sea kayak, paddle, spray skirt, sponge, water bottle, safety gear (PFD, pump, paddle float, whistle), deck compass and snorkeling gear. On Mirage, we have binoculars, a library of books and DVD’s, television for viewing DVD’s, games and cards. Each cabin has a 110 volt outlet for charging electronics. You will also have access to a 12 volt outlet in the galley for charging if you need it.

     Communications: We will be in range of a cell phone signal most of the time. We have a broadband connection that we use for logistical support on the tour and emergencies. We have a limited amount of data to share. If you will need to call or text from Mirage you should check with your cell service carrier to see if they offer an international travel data package in The Bahamas. Most do.