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 Information You Should Know!

There is so much to know about the Sea Base Islamorada base camp 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!

Other related pages:

FAQs : Sea Base frequently asked questions - the constantly growing FAQs page is here.
Keys Islamorada Sailing Adventure packing list - and here is the complete Keys Islamorada Sailing Adventure guidebook
This covers: Coral Reef Sailing, Eco Sailing, Sea Exploring, Keys Adventure Sailing, and Keys Adventure Islamorada
What can you do after finishing at Sea Base plenty of fun stuff nearby or on the way to the airport.
The Unofficial Sea Base page with loads more information about Sea Base.
Underwater Cameras, underwater and action cameras, GoPro's etc all options from $40 - $700
Florida Keys Fishing Tips

Merit badge requirements you can complete while on a Sea Base Adventure!
Sea Base Forms, and tips to organizing them for a speedy check-in!

Tell me about...

Ground transportation:

Many crews use Blue Sky for ground transportation, which included all costs for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) airport pickup and transfer to hotel, dinner at the hotel, hotel rooms, transportation to Sea Base Islamorada, with stops at an alligator farm with an airboat ride and Robbies to feed the tarpon, and then transport back to the airport.

2026 reported costs are around $500 per person and they have been highly recommended.
Sleeping on boats
Here's the type of sailboat that you will likely be sleeping on - if you are doing the sailing adventure or other overnight on a boat:

OK, first thing to know is, to say that there is not a lot of space on the deck for sleeping is the understatement of the trip. The boats used are typically a Morgan 41 sailboat and this is a typical deck from that boat. As you can see from this photo, it's pretty much less than 24 inches wide most places, which means your air mattress is going to bend and fold between some crevice and you're going to be crammed in that. So, you also have to look for anything sharp and avoid putting it against that if it's inflatable .
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.
Ummm, okay... and what are the bathrooms and toilets like on the boats?

TThere are no showers on the boats. Get used to smelling like a fish. Or at least, the ocean.
The toilets are marine "heads" (pump action small toilets) or composting toilets. You ONLY put poop and pee in the toilet. Anything else (like toilet paper) must going in a doggie poop bag in the toilet paper waste receptacle. Then you pump a foot pump or hand pump handle 10 - 15 times to pump ocean water through the toilet to flush the contents... out of the boat. Instead, most people choose to pee in the ocean or off the back of the boat. Hey, you think 50 ton mammals, like whales use a toilet? If you've ever wondered what the water suddenly got real warm... you probably swam into whale pee. (yeah, you're gonna Google that aren't you! )
Why do they say to bring a Hawaiian luau shirt?

The Sea Base page says: "On the last night of your Florida Sea Base Adventure your crew will participate in a Conch LUAU. This is a special dinner festival complete with fun, music and games. Dress for the Conch LUAU should be Keys- Hawaiian style. Floral shirts are available for purchase onsite at the Ships’ Store."
They are available online for FAR less: Conch Luau Shirt, so get it online and don't waste your money for a shirt you will likely only ever wear once.
Souvenirs
At the Luau, they will have a branding station, so if you want to get your favorite cup/bottle branded with the sea base logo make sure to bring it.
Bring pennies for crushed penny souvenir machine - it takes 1 quarter, plus a penny, and there are NO pennies in the gift shop.
Things NOT to do at Islamorada
As is usual there are things you're expected to know, but they don't tell you or write them down, and you will get yelled at if you do them or fail to do them. Here's the list, as best we know it, of the secret double probation things you're not supposed to do :
- Don't walk on the grass, (although they have flag ceremony there),
- Don't hang anything wet on anything wood
- Undoubtedly, more to come...
Best snorkeling locations

Map followed by descriptions below:

You'll see reef sharks, nurse sharks, vibrant corals, rays, barracudas galore, rainbow parrot fish, midnight parrot fish and sea turtles. Here are some of the top locations that Sera Base crews often visit. And there's even an Interactive Keys Snorkeling Map on NOAA.
1. Alligator Reef was named after the sunken USS Alligator and is located 4 miles off Islamorada. In November 1822, the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner on patrol to suppress piracy and protect merchant convoys in the Caribbean, ran aground on a shallow reef four miles off what is now Islamorada. Unable to free the ship, the crew burned and sank her deliberately. The Alligator Reef Lighthouse, a 136-foot iron skeleton structure, was completed in 1873. The shallow 10-to-20-foot living coral barrier reef boasts over 500 marine species! It is located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
2. Cheeca Rocks - Located one mile directly off Upper Matecumbe (Islamorada area)5” to 25” deep and 100 yards in diameter. The Donut Hole at Cheeca Rocks: The reef is shaped like a doughnut and is easy to navigate due to its circular shape. There are beautiful coral formations at this reef.
3. Looe Key Reef - an AMAZING reef for snorkeling which immense diversity of life.
Fishing

Fishing licenses: None needed for the Keys Adventure Islamorada Adventure, since the fishing is done on the boats, not on land. Sea Base, responding to a question on Facebook said (May 2026): "Participants do not need to purchase their own individual fishing licenses for any program except for BEC Keys Adventure, Fishing Adventure, and Out Island Adventure, all of which take place at the Brinton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, FL. More information and specific details are here. Please find the most recent fishing license update for Brinton Environmental Center programs here.
Fishing Equipment: All fishing tackle and equipment is provided by Sea Base. Please do not bring personal fishing gear (other than lures, which you may bring).
Should I bring a hard suitcase?
No. Soft duffel bags ,especially the waterproof bags above, work much better aboard sailboats.
Do I need seasickness medication?
Many participants benefit from Dramamine or Bonine similar medication on the first day, and less so after that, as they adjust. See this page for much more avoiding sea sickness information, including natural methods!! Generally, take Dramamine the night before and the morning of each day's activities.
Pizza? Did you say pizza?

I heard they have pizza at the Sea Base Islamorada cafe?
Yes, see the ordering form at right. You need to order 24 hours in advance! Having said that... people report that it's just "okay". Most prefer to order from South Island Pizza and that it was really good. If you say "Quirky Conch" when you order, you get a 10% discount, too! In addition to pizza, they have Appetizers, Salads, Burgers, Hot Subs, Sides, Drinks, and Specials. Even a Meatball Parmesan sub for $15 (2026 price).