Logistics

Logistics

When to meet?

Once your week is set, CRP will notify you what time to meet and what time you will return the following Saturday. The boat journey to Wassaw Island is dependent on when the high tide is each Saturday, which is different each week. All boat trips occur between 7am and 6pm, so unless you're local it's not a bad idea to arrive in Savannah the Friday before.

Where to meet?

Participants are responsible for securing their own transportation to and from the port of departure, Landings Harbor Marina. Click the link or the map below to navigate via Google Maps on your smartphone, or go old school and download/print the driving directions to Landings Harbor Marina from either Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport or the Savannah Historic District.

Upon arriving at the North Gate of The Landings community, tell the security guard that you are "volunteering with the sea turtle project on Wassaw out of Landings Harbor Marina (NOT DELEGAL CREEK MARINA)". If you will be parking for the week, please note that there is now a fee to park. Please contact Kris before your week to make arrangements.

At least one CRP Staff or Board member will meet you and the rest of your fellow volunteers at the Marina, where you will start your boat journey to Wassaw Island.

What to bring?

Packing Tips

No special gear is needed, but here are a few tips to keep in mind while packing:

  1. Please bring a mask that covers your nose and mouth, and an ample supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
  2. Georgia summers are hot and sleeping during the day can be a sweaty affair. However, nights spent driving on a windy beach can get chilly, so extra layers are good to have. 
  3. Biting insects are ever-present. Long-sleeve layers and a bandana or buff are nice to have on nights when the wind dies and the bugs are out. Insect repellent may help too.  
  4. Boats and cabins are small. Please limit your gear to a manageable amount; one duffel bag and one backpack should hold everything one person needs.
  5. Wassaw is where nice things go to die. Fine luggage, nice clothes and shoes, and expensive electronics (except your camera!) should be left at home.
  6. NO store on Wassaw. Make sure to pack sufficient supplies of all medications, personal items, bug spray, sunscreen, batteries, camera cards, etc.

Your sweat glands may get a workout, you may get a few bug bites, and you may miss your Coach purse and beloved MacBook, but the tradeoff is the experience of a lifetime while living on a remote island and studying sea turtles!

Packing List (PDF)

Clothes:

  • 7-8 T-shirts (moisture-wicking)
  • 2-3 long-sleeve shirts (one sweatshirt)
  • Waterproof rain gear (top and bottoms)
  • Windbreaker
  • 2-3 pair shorts
  • 2 pair pants
  • Bathing suit
  • Underwear (moisture-wicking)
  • Socks (lots, including tall pairs)
  • Bandana or buff
  • Beanie (May)

Footwear:

  •  2 pair close-toed shoes or sandals with solid soles (ones that can get wet AND protect your feet)
  •  Sandals (flipflops or opened-toed Chacos/Tevas)

Boat ride and/or daytime turtle work:

  • Large plastic/waterproof bag (inside liner for duffle bag in case rain and/or salt spray soak baggage)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Hat with visor
  • Water bottle

Nighttime turtle work:

  • Wristwatch
  • RED flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
  • Insect repellent
  • Bug face net

Sleeping:

  • 1 set of twin sheets and 1 pillowcase
  • Light sleeping bag/blanket (May)
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid, if familiar with the medication
  • USB rechargeable fan (preferred) or battery operated fan and extra batteries
  • If you use a CPAP, please discuss this with Kris when you make your reservation

Personal Items:

  • 2 towels (beach and shower)
  • Toiletries (tooth brush/paste, contact lenses/solutions, deodorant, soap, shampoo, feminine products)
  • Anti-itch cream and/or powder
  • Rx Medications
  • Eye glasses (plus a spare set)
  • Face mask

Other (non-essential, recommended):

  • Phone plus charging cord
  • Portable power bank
  • Camera plus accessories and protection
  • IPod or mp3 player and ear buds
  • Off-time entertainment (books, e-reader, compact art materials
    and games)
  • ‍Binoculars