Helpful Tips: What to Pack

Mini season is only a week away, are you ready? It’s time to gather your supplies if you haven’t started already. Check your dive gear and make sure everything is in working order. Make sure you have proper clothing, and essential household items!

Clothing: Keys weather is hot and humid. Bring clothing that is breathable, cool and comfortable. Expect to sweat a lot, so pack extra shirts. SPF protection clothing is definitely worth the investment, especially if you are sun sensitive. If you get cool in air conditioning, bring a sweater to wear when indoors.

If you’re planning on doing  a lot of boating, bring several swim suits and cover ups. It can get windy and cool on boat. Wind breakers or warmer clothing are good to keep on hand in the dry dock. Long sleeve SPF protection shirts are good to wear when dragging for lobster spots. They help to prevent sunburn as well as offer some protection from seaweed and jellyfish.

Bright colored clothing with bold patterns are easier to see when in the water. This is helpful for spotters trying to keep an eye on divers from the boat. Avoid black or darkly colored swim wear, it’s almost impossible to see once in the ocean. Polarized sunglasses are helpful to see into the water and are recommended. Hats help with sun glare and ones with ties are less likely to be blown overboard!

Household items: Rentals can be unpredictable on how well they are supplied. If you want to avoid doing a lot of shopping, bring some essentials with you. These may include paper towels, toilet paper, dish and laundry soaps, plastic wrap, aluminum foil and plastic storage bags. You’ll need gallon size freezer bags if you plan on bringing fish or lobster home! Bring a good kitchen knife with you. I’ve yet to find an adequate sharp knife in a rental home! Grocery shopping in the Keys during mini season is an adventure in itself. The stores are busy, crowded, and often run out of essentials. To avoid some of this stress, bring as much food/supplies with you as you can. Shop as early as you can upon arrival. The busiest store times are Saturday evening and Sunday( all day). By Sunday night the shelves will begin to look bare and popular items will be in short supply. Plan accordingly and prepare to bring patience with you to the store. Don’t forget to get ice early! It sells out daily.

Boat: Make sure your boat is stocked with necessary life vests, safety gear and a dive flag! The coast guard is out in full force during the season and they will be checking boats. If you are renting a boat you should bring your own life vests for young children. The life vests on rental boats may not properly fit children. Make sure you brush up on boating regulations and common rules of boating with everyone on board, if pulled over by the Coast Guard, they will question some about proper boating regulations of what is on board the boat.

Once all of the above is properly gotten together, you should be ready for your Keys trip!

If you need a little more help, see our How-to: Planning a Keys Trip! Link is here.

-HL