Should I bring a hard suitcase to Sea Base?

No. Soft-sided duffel bags are strongly recommended because storage space aboard sailboats is extremely limited.

What shoes work best for Sea Base Islamorada sailing?

Quick-drying sandals, water shoes, or deck shoes with good grip work best for Sea Base sailing adventures.

Do I need seasickness medication for Sea Base?

Many participants benefit from bringing seasickness medication, especially during the first day on the water.

Should I bring my own snorkel gear to Sea Base?

Participants are generally expected to bring their own mask and snorkel. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed.

Sea Base Islamorada Dorms and Glamping Tents - Photos and Info!

Islamorada dorms There is so much to know about the Sea Base Islamorada base camp, the dorms, the "glamping tents", laundry, the snack shop and the adventures that depart from there... that isn't in the BSA guides. Here it is, gleaned and gathered from many recent participants' experiences!

What are the dorms like at Islamorada base camp?

You can see an example in the photos. Crews spend at least some nights in the dorms (except for Coral Reef adventures which spend nights on the boat).

When you arrive, you won't receive much instruction, but assuming you are put in the dorms rather than the "Glamping tents" (see below), you pick a vacant cubical (there are just plywood separators and cloth curtains) and move the clothes pin on the outside of it to "adult" or "youth", as appropriate.
Inside each cubical are 2 bunk beds. All you need is pillow and sleeping bag, and some people put a fitted twin sheet on it, but if you have sleeping bag or bag liners, that's not vital.
Crews report the AC makes the rooms cold, so you will want some form of blanket or light sleeping bag. This lightweight Mylar emergency sleeping bag would be perfect to bring along as a emergency blanket for the cold dorms,, rain tarp on the boat, etc.
They also say the mattress is very thin, so you may also want to put your air mattress on top of it. Islamorada Dorm Bunks

There are electrical outlets in the dorms, but they very are few in number; bring a 8 power outlet plus 4 USB connector power strip and/or a USB hub!

The snack shop that has icees ($5) and milk shakes ($8) (2026 prices). There is one ice machine station.

There are coffee, hot water and tea packets available 24-7 in the Galley. There is often sugar, Equal and Splenda they DO run out of the popular items, like Splenda and creamers, so they put out powdered creamer. They do not provide cups, so you must bring your own coffee cup, although you can buy an expensive cup in the shop.

Bring a Nalgene 32 oz BAP-Free Wide Mouth Water Bottle to make filling it with ice easier and faster (as everyone is trying to fill up their bottles before they leave after breakfast).

An insulated matching insulated carrier / coozy keeps it insulated and cooler much longer. And a carabiner to clip it to the lines!

Some people like the Nalgene wide mouth to drinking spout adapter so you're not likely to spill on a rocking boat.

Many people bring Gatorade flavoring packets to keep hydrated.

The dorm balcony has rope to hang wet items. Don't hang wet items on anything made of wood!

Glamping Tents???

Yep, you heard right. Instead of dorms, you may be staying in tents on Islamorada.

The Glamping tents are canvas tents on a wooden platform with a window AC unit in it.

There are 4 metal bunks, with so-so mattresses that accommodate 8 people.

Some tents get really cold at night from the AC units... while other tents have older air conditioners and don't really get the tents cold or even cool, until about an hour before it's time to wake up.

Electrical outlets are very limited: bring a power strip and/or a USB hub with additional USB charging ports. Some tents have a power strip.

Laundry at Islamorada

There are laundry facilities at the dorms at Islamorada (in the room with the crew lockers) and they are free to use and have free detergent.

What are the bathrooms and toilets like at the Islamorada base camp

Islamorada dorms have a regular bathroom with several toilets. Obviously, you have to take turns between adults and scout use. The showers are separate shower rooms with pull string and curtains. There are 4 separate shower rooms (each with 5-10 showers) for adult male or adult female or youth male or youth female.
There are also individual bathrooms with toilet and showers. These are intended for the boat captains or those in the camping in tents.