SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: TONGA

Think Light! One checked bag not to exceed 44lbs and one carry on at 11 lbs

___ Passport

___ Rain gear (durable, not a flimsy thin plastic style--bring both a top and bottom )

___ 1-2 Bathing suits

___ 3-4 T-Shirts (at least two that are loose fitting short sleeved t-shirts, no shirts that reveal the midriff or tight fitting tank tops)

___ 1 Long-sleeved shirt (quick dry and light weight; cotton is ok)

___ 2-3 Pairs of shorts (quick dry and light weight; at least one pair that does not go above the knees and no "short" shorts as they may be considered offensive).

___ 1-2 Pairs of long pants lightweight cotton pants; another pair should be loose fitting causal wear for cultural outings, jeans are heavy and add weight

___ Pajamas- Flannel PJS are nice in the event that part of our stay is during a rare but possible cold snap and lightweight boxers or equivalent for sleeping on warm nights

___ One Skirt, Dress or Sarong for church or othercultural activities ( dress should come to knee or lower, if dress is sleeveless

plan to wear something over dress such as a sarong or long sleeve shirt that covers shoulders) a sarong may be used as a skirt for church

___ 1 Medium Fleece sweater that keeps the body warm even when wet

___ 1 Pair of hiking shoes (either a sturdy tennis shoe with good tread or lightweight hiking boot )

___ 1 Pair of water shoes: old tennis shoes, Aqua socks/ surf bootys or sandals with a back strap for support -- any style is fine but they will get wet;

we don't recommend Crocs as they offer little support; We do recommend Keens (such as the Newport H2) that provide toe protection

___ 1-2 Pairs of socks (for hiking and to use with fins if needed)

___ Bandana or Buff (very versatile item; can be used as a "do rag" among other things)

___ Windbreaker --or you may use your rain gear as a windbreaker

___ Clothes for travel days

___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe, etc,)

___ Sunscreen ( 20 strength or stronger) & lip balm with sunscreen

___ Sunglasses with leash

___Convertor Plug, plugs are the heavy, angled type used in Australia and New Zealand found at hardware stores. More details under Electrical Outlets online

___ Hat with visor or wide rim

___ Ski Cap or beanie for warmth will help warm us up if we get chilled on boat trips

___ Insect repellent (non aerosol pump --small amount 3oz with Anti- itch cream

(i.e. benedral) - for insect bites

___ Personal medicines ( anti diarrhea, band aids,neosporine, pain reliever; keep prescriptions in their original bottle with RX number labeled)

___ Sea sickness prevention medicine - if you are prone to sea sickness; enough to last for 7 boat excursions and 1 charter flight in small plane

___ Small amount of laundry soap or you may drop off laundry at the hotel, we may also purchase laundry soap in Tonga

___ Day pack or small dry bag to protect personal gear such as camera, extra clothing and binoculars while boating, line the inside of a day pack with a garbage bag

we like heavy style compressor bags for waterproofing our daypacks

___ Quart size water bottle

___ Personal Snacks that pack easily to supplement the three meals provided; we have limited space so we will not be brining our usual supply of snacks

___ Wetsuit - 3mm long sleeve with short pants or full body wetsuit for comfort while snorkeling see more details at Wetsuits at our More info link online

___ Duffel bag for your clothing and other personal gear -- lined on the inside with a garbage bag to waterproof; duffel with rollers is acceptable but wheels add

___ Mask fins & snorkel - check with a local dive shop for proper fit, some fins require booties and a dive shop can help with that.

___ 2 Garbage bags & a few gallon ziplocs for organizing stuff

___ Flashlight or head lamp and extra batteries

OPTIONAL GEAR

___ Fishing gear- compact

___ Camera/film- we like the Olympus Tough Underwater Camera with the round lens rather than square, the TG 4 series

___ Extra Camera Battery and memory card; camera battery charger

and adaptor if you plan to charge in your hotel room with international adapter (see Electrical Outlets at More info link)

___ Binoculars

___ Favorite Coffee Mug

___ Journal and several pens/pencils

___ Mesh dive bag

___ Favorite adult beverage-you may re supply along way or purchase in Duty Free while in New Zealand

___ Favorite Tea or instant Starbuck Coffee packages to add additional strength to coffee provided on trip

___ Baby powder--great during travel in the tropics for removing sand and treating heat rash

___ One small camp towel purchased at outdoor stores to take on boat rides

___ Ear plugs

___ Waterproof flashlight or dive light-we may offer a night snorkel or night walk among the intertidal if conditions permit

___ Waterproof watch

___ 1-2 Sarongs

___ Paperback book -- we will carry a small library of field guides

___1 Pair of flip flops

___1 Rash Guard --can be purchased at surf shops, Kayak Connection or REI; provides sun protection and warmth in water;

we like Mysterioso rash guard tops that arelightweight and provide extra warmth

___ Scuba Certification Card for certified divers; gear can be rented in Tonga

LOST LUGGAGE: Just in case your luggage is misplaced during airplane transfers,consider packing in a carry on bag: mask & snorkel, 1 pair of shorts, 1 t-shirt, bathing suit, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 pair of pants, dress, camera, personal medications.