Visit The Coqui » Travel Gear

Take Underwater Photos with the SeaLife EcoShot Digital Camera

Coqui — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:59:37 +0000

If you are coming here to Puerto Rico to do some snorkeling or scuba diving, then having an underwater camera to capture the amazing underwater scenes is a must. There are plenty of disposable cameras that you can take down a few feet and of course you could buy a waterproof case for your existing camera.
But what if you are diving a little deeper?
Today, I came across the Sealife SL321 EcoShot that the manufacturers claim can be taken down as deep as 75 feet; which (as a none diver) sounds like a lot to me. The camera does not have an optical zoom, but does offer a 4 X digital zoom and 6 megapixels.

I have not used the camera, but here are some of its features;

6.0 mp CCD Sensor – For sharp images
Depth Rated to 75ft / 23m
Shockproof Tested to 6ft/2m
Large 2″ LCD for easy viewing and aiming
Land & Sea – Exposure Modes for vivid colors on land or underwater
Video mode with audio
Spy Mode – Takes continuous pictures at set time intervals
Fast start-up time and shutter response so you don’t miss the action
Long battery life powered by 2 AA Batteries
Instant Focus – from 2ft / 60cm to Infinity
Fully rubber armored for sure grip and extra shock protection
SD Card Expanded Memory up to 1 GB
4X progressive digital zoom (no optical zoom with this camera)

The SeaLife SL321 EcoShot is available at Amazon for $192 (affiliate link)

If 75 feet is not deep enough, SeaLife also offer the ReefMaster Mini (good for 130 feet) and the DC600 with 4X digital zoom (good for 200 feet)

Cheak out Amazon for more SeaLife Underwater Camera’s (affiliate link)

Monitor your UV Exposure with SolarSafe Wristband

Coqui — Mon, 28 May 2007 15:24:21 +0000

Are you concerned about how much sun exposure you or your children get when on vacation? This simple wristband claims to be able to alert you when it is time to apply more sunscreen or when it is time to get out of the sun.

You simply place the adjustable wristband on your wrist and apply your sunscreen to your exposed skin and also to the wristband. Then as you are exposed to the sun, the wristband will slowly change color to alert you to apply more sunscreen or to get out of the sun. This is certainly worth checking out if you intend to spend a lot of time in the sun.

Source: The Gadget Grapevine via Solarsafe

Reef Stash Sandals Provide Storage Solution

Coqui — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:17:30 +0000

So where do you put your cash, credit cards and car keys when you just want to head to the beach without carrying any bags etc. Well, you can always ask your partner to look after your stuff or you can get a pair of Reef Stash Sandals and place your cash, credit cards and car keys in the removal compartment hidden in the heal of the sandal.
The Stash sandals are another addition to the Reef range (see Drink in a Sandal), that just make being on the beach that much more ‘hassle free’.

There is not much space, but you should be able to store a credit card, some money and your car key. I don’t think the compartment will be waterproof, so you might want to be careful if you are close to the water.
Maybe Reef should combine the two versions of the sandals, so that you can have a drink the right sandal and your cash and keys in the left; just a thought…

Priced around $45.99. They are available at Amazon, plus other retailers

Source: The Gadget Grapevine

You may also be interested in:
Drink from a sandal
Essential Travel Gear 1
Essential Travel Gear 2

Puerto Rico Essential Travel Gear Part 2

Coqui — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:03:11 +0000

Following on from ‘Essential Gear Part 1’ where I talked about having a good digital camera when you come to Puerto Rico; another essential item that I believe you should have with you in Puerto Rico, is an mp3 player (portable music player). Why do I believe this should be high on your list of essential travel gear? There are several reasons.

1. For most of you, flying to Puerto Rico will involve a flight of more than 2 hours and in some cases more than one flight. The choice of entertainment on these flights will be limited and that is assuming that you can actually view the television screens from your seat. From my own personal experiences it is not always possible to see the television from a window seat. If you are flying with one of the so-called ‘low cost’ airlines, there may be no in-flight entertainment. So for these situations having your own personal entertainment is essential. Either a simple mp3 player or one that shows video would fit the bill perfectly

2. If you decide to rent a car and drive your self around Puerto Rico, you will find that the majority of the radio stations will be in Spanish with a couple of exceptions (try 105.7 for Alpha Rock). So if you feel the need to indulge yourself in your own personal music while driving; an mp3 player with a digital radio transmitter accessorym will allow you that pleasure. These accessories attach to your mp3 player and may even charge your mp3 player. Music from the mp3 player is then played through the cars radio.

3. While you are relaxing on the beach or just strolling around; having your own music to listen to is a great way to relax

4. Finally, not all hotel rooms come equipped with a cd player or mp3 player, so having your own mp3 player and a set of travel speakers means that you can enjoy your favorite music even in your hotel room.

Drink in a Sandal

Coqui — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:53:33 +0000

The other day I came across these sandals from the manufacturer Reef. From the outside they look like normal Reef sandals, but on closer inspection of the Reef Dram Sandal, you will see that they have the added bonus of a small drinks container in the heel of the sandal. Yes, you read correctly, these sandals come with a built in drinks container.

So when you are feeling thirsty while on the beach or just walking around; grab yourself a glass of ice (I recommend the ice as, I’m sure the drink will become warm as you walk around), open the sandal and pour out your favorite drink.

The Reef Dram Sandals are available at Amazon and other fine retailers

Source: Reef

Puerto Rico – Essential Gear Part 1

Coqui — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 13:07:29 +0000

What are some of the must have items when you are on vacation (or business) in Puerto Rico? From my own personal perspective the following would be on the top of my list of items to bring:

Digital camera: This goes without saying, you need to have a camera with you at all times when you are in Puerto Rico.

The reason; there is some much to see and do. The island is so vibrant and colorful, you will want that digital camera to capture all of your memories. Digital cameras are exceptional value for money these days and you can easily buy a 5 or 6 megapixel camera for around $250 – $350. Most cameras in this range will also have the ability to capture video, so you might want to research the length of video that can be captured. Some limit the amount to a specific time limit, while others are limited only to the size of available memory. From what I have seen the Sony Cyber-shot range (my current camera) and the Canon Powershot SD range are worth considering. If you prefer the SLR type camera then the Canon Digital Rebel XT or XTi and Nikon D40 are the main contenders. Which ever camera you choose, you are certain to bring back awesome images from around Puerto Rico

Memory cards are another essential item to have along with your digital camera when you are here in Puerto Rico. I always have at least one extra memory card when I go on vacation. This way, I do not have to rely on deleting or downloading images to create more space on the memory card. If you only have one card and it becomes full, you can always take advantage of the many stores that allow you to order prints in-store and obtain a CD with the images. My personal preference is to have spare memory sticks; as you never know when you are going to fill up the stick. If you are in the middle of the El Yunque rainforest and you only have one memory stick, your only option is to delete images to create more space.

More essential gear tips will be posted in the coming weeks…