SeaBase Planning

SeaBase Budget
This is our draft budget that can be modified each year as needed.

There are many different options for your experience at
SeaBase.  First decide on which trip you
wish to do.  There are pros and cons to
each trip.  Then decide on the dates you
wish to be there and submit your request. 
I suggest submitting it as early as possible to increase your chances of
getting your first choice.  Certain times
of the year fill up quickly, others never fill.

Planning:

Depending upon your trip, you may need a passport.  Expect 6-12 weeks to receive.

Transportation:

You can drive down, but expect 2 days travel.

Flights – many options to fly from but you end up in Miami or Fort
Lauderdale. 
Either works, but Fort
Lauderdale is slightly smaller and travel time is
about 30 minutes more.

Get your tickets early and watch for sales.

Hotels:

Again many options. 
The Days Inn by the Fort
Lauderdale Airport
is one good option.  We also have used
the Travel Lodge in Florida
City.  Both are recommended.

Travel to SeaBase

Expect
about 2 ½ -3 hours.

Car rental
through National Rental works well.  We
used 2 large vans on the way down and 3 minivans on the way back (this held 16
easily + gear).  The cars can be dropped
off at the Marathon
Airport the day you
arrive at SeaBase and picked up the day you return.  Staff at SeaBase will transport you to drop
off and pick up the vehiclesat this location. 
Watch as rental prices vary greatly. 
However, there are only a few large vans, so reserve these early if
needed.

There also are companies that will transport you from the
airport to SeaBase and back.  These
prices vary per company, but are another good option.

Physical Forms

They have their own form. 
Use it, any other BSA physical form will not be accepted.

Have someone review all of the physical forms to be sure
everything is filled out.  There is a
line for the scout and parent signature. 
Be sure these are signed, they are easy to miss.

Gear

Follow their gear list. 
You have a small duffel bag to keep all of your gear in on the
boat.  Pack conservatively as space is
limited.

 

 

Crew

8 people + the captain on a 40 foot ship does not leave a
lot of personal space.  Put together
crews that can live and work together well. 
If you have a crew consisting of scouts from multiple troops, or scouts
that have not worked together very often, 
I would suggest at least 1 or 2 team building activities before leaving
for your trip.

On the way down,
several things to consider:

After you pass through Key Largo, there are no places to eat
unless you go to Marathon (about 25 minutes
beyond SeaBase).

There is a great Sports Shop to visit just outside of Key Largo.

Across the street is the 1935 Hurricane Memorial.  It is worth checking out.

Be organized.  Have
all of your forms easily accessible and organized.  This will make your check in at Seabase
easier and smoother.

Read through the planning guide for SeaBase, there is a lot
of good information.

Above all, go with the expectation that you will have
fun.  Be enthusiastic, flexible and have
a great trip!