Island Conditions

On any given day in the Bahamas the weather can be warm and sunny or cold and rainy. December is at the tail end of the rainy season, when air temperatures usually stay in the 65°-80°F range and ocean temperatures typically are between 75°F and 82°F. Don't forget that we will frequently be in and out the water. Check out the weather page for more information or try the overview of San Salvador for a better idea of the climate.

Equipment is provided for basketball and volleyball. Students should bring their own small games. Paperback literature is available in the library for pleasure reading. Sodas, candy, snacks, postcards, stamps, and souveniers are available for purchase at the Reef Club Snack Bar located on the campus of the Gerace Research Center. Three different night spots are within walking distance of the GRC.

The Bahamian dress code is more formal than the current one in the United States. For instance, islanders feel insulted if visitors attend church in working clothes (e.g. jeans or Carhartts). In respect for the Bahamian sensibilities it is necessary to require that shoes, shirts, and bathing suit coverups be worn in all public and semi-public places, including the GRC cafeteria. While the spoken language on San Salvador is English, the islanders have a very different value system and worldview than most Americans.

It is recommended that students bring personal funds in small denominations for snacks, drinks, post cards, souveniers, SCUBA rentals, and other small necessities or entertainment. There are no ATMs or banks for wire transfers on San Salvador. The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the US dollar and the two are used interchangeably on the island. Travelers checks are often accepted, but typically with a 3% surcharge to cover the associated administrative costs. A safe is available at the GRC for the safe keeping of funds, passports, airline tickets, and other valuables.

Like most tropical places, San Salvador has a wide variety of insects. The native plametto bugs, flies, and roaches are not usually a nuisance; however, San Salvador is also to twelve different species of mosquitoes. Perhaps the most disliked offender is the "no-see-um," a miniscule mosquito that can crawl through standard mosquito netting and delivers a painful bite. Some people are particularly bothered by these insects. There are also wasps and bees on the island that can sting painfully, although to date there no allergic reactions experienced even by those typically allergic to being stung.

San Salvador is in the Eastern Time Zone, the same as the eastern coast of the United States. This includes the use of standard and daylight savings time. The electricity on the island is 110 volts, 60 cycle, the same as used in the United States.

While in San Salvador we are guests of the inhabitants and the government of the Bahamas. Naturally, it is important to behave in a respectful and courteous manner. Violations of Bahamian law (which in many cases is stricter than US law) will be prosecuted in the Bahamian legal system. This includes the possession of illegal baggage such as illicit drugs, spear guns, and obscene literature or magazines.

What To Bring

A word to the wise--there is a strict 40 lb weight limit per person* on baggage going to the Bahamas, so pack light. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to leave a little room in case you need to bring back sediment samples or something you bought or Clint's extra stuff.

Clothing
Official Carleton Bahamas shirt A set of presentable clothes Undergarments Shorts Long pants T-shirts Light, long-sleeve shirts Insulation (sweater, sweatshirt, fleece) Rain jacket Bathing suit(s) -- two recommended Hat Sunglasses Sturdy walking shoes Sandals or old shoes for the beach
Important Documents
Passport Airline tickets Photo ID OCS contact sheet Lists, lists, lists Credit card and/or emergency funds in US Traveler's Cheques.
Field Gear
Water bottles (minimum of 2) Hand lens Field notebook Notebook Writing weapon(s) Daypack/backpack Calculator
Snorkeling Gear
Mask Snorkel Fins Socks/boots if fins are open-heel Wetsuit Something to carry wet stuff in Beach towel (not the same as shower towel)
Life Necessities
Two sheets and pillowcase OR sleeping bag Shower towel Laundry detergent (available on San Salvador, but very expensive) Insect repellent Sunscreen Toiletries Any specific medications necessitated by a medical condition Spare glasses/contact lenses if applicable
Optional Suggestions
Travel alarm clock Camera/underwater camera Film if camera not disposable Flashlight Knife Personal first aid (ibu, band-aids, etc.) Dramamine (for motion sickness) Anti-diarrheal (e.g. Immodium, Pepto-Bismol) Batteries (for flashlights, cameras, whatever) Bandanna Skin stuff Chapstick Games, books, music, whatever makes you tick Spending money

* Actually, they add the entire weight of all the bags together and divide by the number of people. So don't make your friends throw out that hair drier that they really, really need to survive.