Ceremonial Gray Whale Retreat Packing List

Packing List What to Pack for the Ceremonial Gray Whale Retreat of Baja

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a Baja adventure.

Adventure Guidelines

• Weather during the adventure can be highly unpredictable and it is often cold and windy. We recommend a waterproof rain jacket and pants in addition to layers to wear underneath them, if necessary. Many people think that because they are traveling to Mexico it will be warm and sunny, but this is not typically the case on this adventure.

•  When departing from Loreto at the end of the adventure, we recommend that you do not pack any loose batteries in your carry-on luggage as airport security may confiscate them.

Important Items needed to be in Mexico:

• Passport

• Phone card for Mexico

• Pesos - Bring with you or get at airport - Tipping on Snorkeling tours important

• 2 hard copies of travel insurance -

  • Give one copy to John 

Essential Gear

• Lightweight neck gaiter -

  • Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.

  • This is the number one important item because on the boat and wind is blowing or it is sunny it is helpful to pull up and cover face all except eyes.
    

• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket and rain pants 
  —These items are essential should we experience inclement weather, and it is very important they are completely waterproof, not just water resistant. The jacket should have a hood.

• Windproof fleece

• Light down jacket

• Warm hat and gloves 
  —Helpful in the mornings should we experience cooler temperatures.

•  Tennis shoes or your favorite walking shoes

• Water-resistant sport sandals, closed-toed aqua shoes or rubber boots for wet landings

  • Please note that you may need to walk in the water when getting into the whale-watching boats, thus, sport sandals or closed-toed aqua shoes are highly recommended. On my last trip we only had to walk in the water once due to the tide and not being able to get the boats close to landing.

  • For anyone highly concerned about being cold, we recommend wearing your sport sandals or closed-toed aqua shoes, and bringing tennis shoes and socks in your day pack to change on the panga. For the easiest and sturdiest footwear, we recommend KEEN® shoes, which provide the best over foot coverage and traction while still allowing water and sand to flow through them. Hiking boots will not be necessary during the adventure.

•  2 pairs of thermal undergarments (pants and shirt)

  • To wear while sleeping and to layer under your clothing and rain gear should we experience cooler temperatures.

•  Neoprene socks

  • To keep your feet warm during boat excursions.

  • This is optional - the trip I was on we did not have water in the boat at all.

•  Warm socks

• Lightweight Warm beanie - mine went under my sun hat

•  Headlamp or small flashlight

  •  A flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries) is essential for navigating around the whale camp at night. Each traveler should bring his or her own.

•  Waterproof dry bag 

  • To protect your camera gear or phone and personal items during boat excursions.

  • I suggest also have a lanyard and waterproof covering for your phone so it does not drop into the water

•  Biodegradable sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)

• Back jack for back support on boat

  • If desired

• Sun hat 
  —With brim and string to secure it while on the boats.

• Handkerchief for the windy boat rides

  Clothing

• 2 pairs of lightweight pants

• 1 pair of shorts

• 2 long-sleeved cotton shirts

• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 

• Undergarments

• Swimsuit (optional)
  —There is a swimming pool at the hotel in Loreto.

Additional Gear

• Wet suit - if wanting to jump in Sea at Loreto Hotel has beach access. For the snorkeling the snorkel company will provide a wet suit 

• Reusable water bottle
  —In an effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, bring reusable water bottle to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.

• Binoculars 

• Sunglasses
  —With UV filter and strap to secure them. Polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life. Most sunglasses are not polarized, and it can be worth purchasing them in order to get the most out of your wildlife adventure. 

• Shower shoes or flip flops
  —To wear in the bathing facilities while at the whale camp. Can be the same as your water shoes.

•  Washcloth and/or hand towel
  —Larger towels will be provided, but hand towels are good to have for drying off in the boats during whale watching excursions or for use at the sink basin in camp. If you would like to use a washcloth, you will need to bring your own
  —For convenience when using the bathing facilities and sink basin in camp.

•  Lightweight, water-resistant daypack 

•  Earplugs

•  Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment

• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
  —Not provided at the whale camp.

• Hand sanitizer

• Prescription glasses/contact lenses

• Portable battery charger
  —For overnight charging in the cabana, as the only charging outlets are in the main palapa.

•  Reusable waterproof bags 
  —Several sizes, for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.

•  Spanish/English dictionary - optional

•  Eye drops and nose spray (for dust irritation)

Bring anything you need for your ultimate comfort and well being - the below is just suggestions

• Snacks

  • I bring Kind bars for each day for my energy well being.

• Hot water Bottle 

  • This is an example that I bring wherever I travel because I get cold and love to have a warm hot water bottle.

• Tea

  • There are specific teas I enjoy