Madagascar Kit List - Expedition Whale Shark

The list below provides a guide on what kit you should bring with you on this trip. It is your responsibility to ensure this kit is fit for purpose: serviceable, suitable for the environment and an appropriate fit.

Ideally you should bring a duffel bag rather than a hard case as this will be far easier to transport on our boats.

Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding kit. We can recommend quality brands at different price points, as well as good rental options.

Required kit

  • Walking boots or comfortable trainers

  • Flipflops or sandals

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun hat

  • Around 3 tops, one of which should be long sleeved for sun protection

  • A jumper

  • Shorts

  • Swimming gear - bikinis, trunks. We strongly recommend you bring at least one rash vest to protect yourself from the sun. Those that feel the cold might want to bring a 2-3mm wetsuit top as well.

  • Bras, pants and socks as required

  • A day backpack or dry bag of around 15 litres

  • At least x1 1l water bottle

  • Personal first aid kit - for example, painkillers, wound dressings, blister plasters, tweezers, zinc oxide tape, antiseptic spray/wound wash, antiseptic cream, support bandages, anti-diarrhoea pills, rehydration sachets, any medication you regularly take

  • Wash kit – for example, toothbrush, toothpaste, antibacterial hand gel, sunscreen, insect repellent, sanitary products as needed, contact lenses as needed. Please ensure your products, such as soap, are fully biodegradable.

Recommended kit

  • Water shoes

  • Snorkel and goggles - these can also be borrowed free of charge in-country

  • Sarong

  • Battery pack, spare batteries for equipment and relevant cables

  • Large packets of silica gel to protect electronics against humidity

  • Dry bags - we recommend fully submersible dry bags

  • Notebook and pen

  • Socket converter (ideally one that is surge-protected)

  • Comfortable town/travel day clothing

Camera equipment

Camera kit is a personal choice, especially underwater. Beginners should start with an action cam like a GoPro, and you can even buy underwater housings for your iPhone.

For photographers seeking larger systems, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. We supply washing-up liquid for your domes and weight belts to help with buoyancy. However, we don’t supply camera weights, so check your system’s requirements before departure. While there’s ample storage on board, a protective bag for transit is advisable.

We’ll mostly be at sea, but will also have opportunities for land excursions where you might spot lemurs and chameleons. Feel free to bring your preferred kit, but be mindful of flight weight restrictions. Nosy Be has no camera shops, so pack everything you need.

Here’s a list of useful, optional items:

  • Underwater camera - GoPro or action cam

  • ⁠Action camera body mounts or grips

  • ⁠Underwater housing and camera of choice

  • ⁠Weights for housing if needed to check buoyancy

  • ⁠Housing cleaning equipment such as cloth, blower

  • Memory cards

  • Spare batteries

  • Camera bag for transport (check weight and size restrictions)

  • Drone - although your use will be restricted to land-based flights

  • Tripod for land-based photography

  • ⁠Spare lenses

  • ND filters

Return to the expedition here.