Sea Base Packing List: Essentials for Embarking on Your Aquatic Adventure

Embarking on a Sea Base adventure is an exciting prospect; however, ensuring you have everything you need before beginning your expedition in the ocean is essential.

Sea Base began taking kids and adults on water adventures in the 1970s. It was initially a local program called the Florida Gateway to High Adventure in the Florida Keys, which mainly offered sailing programs at the time.

Over the following decades, which saw the scouting program being renamed the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base (now more popularly known as Sea Base), it boasts 18 exciting activities across five locations.

Each location offers a unique set of expeditions, dividing the activities across Florida, The Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands. Based on the program and location you choose, you receive a participant guide that helps you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Each Sea Base participant guide specifies numerous things to consider, including the age requirements and the essential packing list. Below is a brief breakdown of each program, its age requirements, and packing list.

Florida Sea Base Sailing in Islamorada

Activities: Coral Reef Sailing, Eco Sailing, Sea Exploring

Age requirements: Must be aged 12 and above (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

According to this program's equipment and packing list, Sea Base provides "meals, eating utensils, cooking equipment, and fishing gear, along with nearly everything else a participant might need on their adventure."

Although participants are required to bring their own snorkel gear, Sea Base will provide swim fins, snorkel vests, and snorkel equipment bags on base upon request. As for more personal items, it is recommended to limit them to what is listed below:

• 2 UPF +30
• long-sleeved shirts
• prescription medication
• wide-brimmed hat
• polarized sunglasses
• buff
• water bottle
• biodegradable sunscreen (no sprays)
• toiletry kit
• 1 pair of regular shorts
• headlamp
• 1 pair of swimming shorts
• 2 towels
• 2 pairs of regular socks
• lightweight sleeping pad
• 1 carabiner- for water bottle
• lightweight sleeping cover
• 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of water shoes
• small pillow
• raingear
• spending money ($150- $200)
• mask and snorkel

Florida Sea Base Multi-Adventure in Islamorada

Activities: Keys Adventure Sailing, Island Adventure Expedition

Age requirements: Must be aged 12 and above (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

The participant guide for this program lists the same items as the ones above.

Brighton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, Florida

Activities: Keys Adventure, Out Island Adventure, Florida Fishing Adventure, Marine Eco Expedition

Age Requirements: Must be aged 13 or older (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

According to this program's participant guide, each of its four activities has its own packing list.

Sea Base Scuba Programs in Islamorada

Activities: Scuba Adventure, Scuba Certification, Scuba Live Abroad, Scuba Advanced Marine Exploration

Age Requirements: Must be aged 13 or older (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

Similar to the Brighton Environmental Center program, the Sea Base Scuba Program has packing lists for each activity it offers.

Sea Base St. Thomas in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Activities: St. Thomas Sailing (6-8 crew members), St. Thomas Sailing (10-12 crew members)

Age Requirement: Must be aged 13 or older (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

The packing list for the St. Thomas adventures is similar to the first two programs discussed above; however, there are a few additions:

• a pair of jogging or hiking shoes
• spending money of $200-250 instead of $150-$200
• a Government-issued photo ID and Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
• proper swimming attire

Sea Base Bahamas in Marsh Harbour

Age Requirement: must be 13 or older (no exceptions)

Gear and Packing List:

The packing list for the Sea Base Bahamas program is similar to the first two programs discussed above, but there are a few additions: Instead of one pair of swimming shorts, bring two and a pair of Neoprene socks.

What Not to Bring to Sea Base

The participant guides specify each participant's limits in their packing list and also what not to bring. One former participant shared that electronic devices, including phones, handheld videogame devices, or iPods, are "strongly discouraged."

Another former participant wrote about her experience on her blog and detailed the essential items for women looking to visit any of the Sea Base locations.

She included two sports bras, face wipes, micellar toner and cotton pads, feminine hygiene products, a prescription for Diflucan or Fluconazole, SPF 50 sunscreen for the face, and lip balm with SPF.

This list of Most Forgotten Camping Items to Pack might also help to prepare for your journey.