Looking for tips on how to pack efficiently for your adventure in Belize? Here are our Top 10 Packing Tips, compiled with input from our guests and guides - and from over thirty seasons leading trips into Belize.
1. Don’t Bring More Than You Can Carry
Packing lightly and efficiently will help ensure smooth and efficient transfers in airports, customs, hotels and loading vans. Soft luggage such as a backpack or duffle bag is preferred over hard-cased luggage. Carry a daypack to keep things handy that you will need during each day.
We provide Personal Equipment & Packing Lists for each of our trips and recommend that you follow the Packing Check List as closely as possible.
2. Bring a Small Dry Bag and Extra Ziplock Bags
Trying to figure out how to keep your camera waterproof in a kayak? Bring a small personal dry bag (5-10 liter) for your camera, electronic equipment and personal items. Another handy tip is to pack the small items in the dry bag into Ziplock bags. This makes it easy to find your sunscreen or lip balm when you are paddling. You can carry the dry bag in the cockpit of your kayak or keep it handy on motorboat trips.
3. Long Underwear in Belize?
If you have reviewed the trip-packing list you will see a note to pack long underwear, which seems like a strange request for a trip to the tropics. Not just for the ski slopes, long underwear can help do the job of a wetsuit. It is also quick drying and very light to pack.
Capilene, polypropylene or silk light-weight long underwear is great for snorkeling. As well as keeping you warm (water temperatures in December and January can be cooler) the long underwear offers great sun protection. It also reduces the need for full body application of sun- screen in the water, as residues sunscreens are known to harm corals.
4. The Right Footwear
We recommend packing one pair of light running shoes for around camp and one pair of watersport sandals or water shoes ( Teva’s or Keens are a good choice).
5. A Headlamp and Spare Batteries
A good quality headlamp (and of course spare batteries) is a must have. This is indispensible for exploring and getting around the Basecamps after the sun has set. Headlamps are also great when cave tubing, allowing you to leave your hands free while maneuvering through the caves. For those of you who have not used a headlamp while camping, it is hard to go back after you try it. Checkout the headlamp range at MEC or REI .
6. Sunglasses – With A Strap
Be sure to pack sunglasses with a strap! When you are kayaking the clear turquoise waters , it is hard not to look down and admire the amazing reef life below. Don’t let your day be ruined by watching your sunglasses float away. We recommend Chums or Croakies for eyewear retainers.
7. Bring a Buff
Many of our guests recommend bringing a Buff . This seamless, multifunctional headwear provides protection from the sun and elements while paddling on the ocean. Buffs can be worn as a neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hairband, balaclava, scarf, hair scrunchy, sahariane, beanie, bandana, pirate cap….
8. Diaper Cream
It may have been many years since you last used diaper cream, but this is a great item to pack. We have found that baby diaper rash creams are very useful to protect the nose and lips from the sun when paddling on the water. It is also an inexpensive alternative.
9. Biodegradable Sunscreen
We highly recommend the use of environmental sunscreen products. Biodegradable sun-block is environmentally friendly sunscreen that lacks the harmful ingredients that are destroying the world's coral reefs. These sunscreens are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, and eco-friendly, meaning that they minimize damage to the environment. For more information, review our Biodegradable Sunscreen & Soap page.
10. The Right Sunhat
Some of the main concerns while on the water are protection from sun (both above and reflected off the water), dehydration and the effects of salt. Protection from the sun and dehydration are easily managed by wearing a wide brimmed hat and using a good waterproof biodegradable sunscreen.
A wide brimmed sunhat keeps the sun off your face and neck. Be sure to get one with a chin strap so your hat stays on when the wind blows!
