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Packing Guide: Warm Weather Ocean Safari

  • Aly LeBlanc
  • Jun 9
  • 5 min read

Whether you're swimming with whales in French Polynesia, searching for mobulas in Baja, or exploring the remote waters of Indonesia, packing for an ocean expedition is a little different than packing for a typical vacation.


Most of your days will be spent on the water. You'll be moving between boats, ocean swims, wildlife encounters, and long hours under the sun. We always recommend packing light and being smart with the items you choose to bring.


After years of running expeditions around the world, these are the things we recommend bringing to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for whatever the ocean decides to offer.


Before you start packing


A mistake we often see on our trips is packing like you’re going on a resort trip. There are definitely a few moments where a nicer outfit is welcome. However, most of our time is spent in swimwear, rash guards, and comfortable clothing.


Travel documents 


Before even thinking about gear and clothing, make sure all of your travel documents are sorted. No one wants that last minute stress of realizing your passport is about to expire or scrambling at the airport trying to find visa information at the airport. 


We recommend making digital and physical copies of all important documents. Keep the digital copies in a folder on your phone that's easy to access. Keep physical copies in your carry on. 


  • Valid Passport that doesn't expire within 6 months after the date of arrival

  • Copies of your passport

  • Copy of your travel insurance 

  • Any vaccine requirements 

  • Return flight information to show customs 

  • Any visa requirements 

  • Credit cards/ cash in the local currency


Ocean gear


A well-fitting mask can completely change your experience in the water. The same goes for fins and that you're comfortable using for extended periods. For our expeditions, we also recommend bringing a wetsuit, shorty wetsuit, rashguard or wetsuit top. Even in warm destinations, spending hours in and out of the water can leave you feeling surprisingly cold. A wetsuit not only provides warmth but also provides additional sun protection and makes longer days on the water more comfortable.



If you freedive regularly, you may also want to bring your own weight belt. While it's not necessary for most guests, many experienced freedivers prefer using equipment they're already familiar with. Just make sure the trip you choose allows freediving, as some experiences have restrictions. For example, on certain whale-swimming trips, freediving with the whales is not permitted, while other expeditions offer more opportunities to get in the water and freedive.

If possible, bring gear you've already used before. The middle of a whale encounter is not the ideal time to discover your mask leaks, your fins cause blisters, or your wetsuit doesn't fit quite 

right. You can also bring a mask defog and seasickness medication. 



Sun protection


Even on cloudy days, the tropical sun and reflection off the water can be intense. Long days on boats often mean more sun exposure than people experience during an entire beach vacation. The last thing you want to be dealing with is a sunburn. 



Reef safe sunscreen 


Important information to know about reef safe sunscreen as not all labels are correct.


Unfortunately the term “reef friendly” is not regulated, so you can’t always trust products with this description. It's important to actually check the “active ingredients” label on the back of your sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included. The size of minerals can also have an impact. Be sure to use micro-sized (or non-nano) mineral sunscreens to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic in high concentrations. It’s also advised to stick with lotions and avoid spray or misting sunscreens, especially those that contain titanium dioxide as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled. Finally, it's always good to use products that cut back on single use plastic packaging, either by using containers that are reusable, have high recycled content or are made out of biodegradable plant-based materials like cardboard.


Check the label! Make sure your sunscreen does not contain the following harmful substances on the "HEL list:

  • Oxybenzone

  • Octinoxate

  • Octocrylene

  • Homosalate

  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor

  • PABA

  • Parabens

  • Triclosan

  • Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized)

  • Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”


Everyday items 


Life on expedition is pretty casual, and most guests find themselves rotating through the same comfortable clothing throughout the week. We recommend lightweight, breathable clothes that are easy to throw on after a swim or a day on the water. While you'll spend plenty of time in swimwear and ocean gear, it's nice to have comfortable clothes for meals, relaxing between activities, and exploring on shore.


We also recommend bringing a nicer outfit for group dinners, local restaurants, or evenings out, depending on the destination. 


Don't forget your usual toiletries and any personal items you use daily. If you take prescription medications, make sure you bring enough for the duration of the trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. It's also a good idea to keep medications and other essentials in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.


  • Everyday clothing

  • Undergarments

  • Sleepwear

  • Light rain jacket or windbreaker

  • Sandals or casual footwear

  • A few nicer outfits

  • Toiletries 

  • Prescription medication

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small daypack or drybag 


Health and comfort 


The best expedition gear is often the stuff you hope you never need.


Seasickness medication, personal medications, basic first aid items, and a few comfort essentials can make a huge difference if conditions change.


Everyone reacts differently to life on the water, so it's worth bringing anything that helps you feel your best.


Tech and camera gear


Whether you're bringing a professional camera setup or just using your phone, you'll likely be taking more photos and videos than you expect. 


If you plan on photographing or filming in the water, make sure any housings, action cameras, or accessories have been tested before your trip. We also recommend bringing extra memory cards and charging cables, as these are some of the most commonly forgotten items.


A portable charger or power bank is one of the most useful things you can pack. Long days on the water, travel days, and constant photo-taking can drain batteries quickly, and it's always nice to have a backup source of power when you need it.


Depending on your destination, you may also need a travel adapter for local outlets. We recommend checking the plug type and voltage requirements before departure so you can keep all of your devices charged throughout the trip. Another small item we recommend putting in every bag is an Airtag. More times than not, people arrive at their destination without their luggage. The airtags are helpful to keep track of where it got left behind.


  • Camera

  • Underwater camera or action camera (optional)

  • Phone

  • Camera batteries

  • Memory cards

  • Battery charger

  • Charging cables

  • Portable charger / power bank

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Laptop or hard drive for photo backup (optional)

  • Waterproof phone case or dry pouch (optional)

  • Airtags for luggage



Common packing mistakes


After hundreds of guests, the same themes come up again and again:


  • Packing too many clothes

  • Forgetting extra swimwear

  • Bringing brand new ocean gear

  • Not packing seasickness medication

  • Running out of camera storage

  • Forgetting a power bank

  • Underestimating the tropical sun


No matter which expedition you're joining, we've found that comfort and simplicity win every time. The less time you spend digging through your luggage, the more time you can spend enjoying the experience.

 
 
 

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