Bahamian Reef Survey Teleconference Q&A
Bahamian Reef Survey
Other teleconference Q&A's
What was the best part about this expedition?
San Salvador is a remote part of the Bahamas, and the area is unspoiled by tourism. The reefs are beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and you don't get the noise you do on more developed islands.
What about the bugs?
In the summer, there are a lot of bugs, so bring a bug repellant that is high in DEET. At night, you can deflect the bugs by putting oil (olive oil, baby oil, etc.) on your skin: they get caught in the oil before they get to your skin. If you burn easily, be sure to wash off the oil before going into the sun. Bed netting is also helpful at night, and--in the summer months--are well worth the price. Bring some string to hold it up and you'll be all set. Bugs aren't as much of a problem in the winter, but a good bug repellant is always handy.
What is the temperature like in the Bahamas?
The summer months are the rainy season, and it can get very hot. In November, the temperature is comfortable. Bring a fleece for the nights in case it gets cooler, but during the day you can wear shorts and a t-shirt comfortably. The best advice is to dress in layers. For snorkeling, you should be comfortable in the summer without a wet suit. You may need a wet suit in November, and February is colder than that. It all depends on what you'll feel comfortable in: If you know you get cold easily, you may like to wear a wetsuit. If you run hot, you may not need one. It's best to be prepared.
Is there anything you wish you knew before you got there?
The facility is pretty remote. There's no television or clubs, so bring something to keep you busy: knitting, a deck of cards, a good book, etc. There are only 1,000 people living on the island, so there isn't much to do in town, either. Also, the food is substantial but basic. Some people like to bring hot sauce or seasonings to liven the food. Bring any special treats from home: chocolate, granola, etc. Some people like to bring their own coffee and French press it.
What recommendations do you have about snorkeling?
The most important thing is to have a good-fitting mask. If you wear fins, wear socks too, to prevent blisters. Also, if you have the chance, go night-snorkeling. It's incredible.
What can you tell us about the work we'll be doing on this expedition?
You'll be taking measurements of three different reefs to compare with measurements taken over the last 15 years. The reefs are fairly close to shore, and you'll be in the water for 2-3 hours at a time. Some tasks require surface dives to 10-12 feet, but there are a lot of tasks to do out there, so you don't have to dive if you're not comfortable with it. Weight belts are available for volunteers diving in wet suits. You don't have to have any prior knowledge of reefs or coral beforehand; John Rollino, the PI, gives you plenty of training before you even get in the water.
What is the currency situation on the island?
The Bahamas takes U.S. Dollars. There are no ATMs on San Salvador, so get all the cash you'll need before you get there. The few stores on the island don't take credit cards, either.
Do I need a passport and visa to get to the Bahamas?
You need a passport to get into the Bahamas and back into the U.S. No visa is required. Make sure your passport doesn't expire within six months of your trip, or you could spend hours at customs on the way back into the U.S.
Do you have any other tips for volunteers on this expedition?
Bring sunblock, and reapply it often. The reflection off the water is strong, and you don't want to roll around in a wetsuit with salt and sand if you have a bad sunburn. Plus, bugs biting your sunburned skin would be very uncomfortable. The facility has first aid supplies, but if you have something that you know works best for you, bring it along. Don't take the chance that the facility doesn't have it in their first aid kit. Also, you'll ride from the research facility to the reef in a truck with hard benches over rough roads. If your back gives you trouble, bring a pillow to sit on in the truck.