Leaving valuables on the beach?
 

I would like to bring my camera with us when we go to the lovely beaches on Maui, but am afraid of leaving my things on the sand if I want to take a swim. I have a large digital camera and I've looked for a waterproof container that I might be able to put it in and take with me while I swim, but nothing is big enough or handy enough to tie to me. I've considered getting an underwater disposable camera, but the quality is nothing as good as a digital, and I want to capture the beautiful scenery of the beaches.<BR><BR>Any suggestions? I'll need to leave my towel, beach slippers, etc. on the sand, but I don't know what to do with my valuables (camera, keys, wallet).<BR><BR>Are the beaches safe?

Do not leave your valuables on the beach anywhere--they will be gone when you return. Go to REI or comparable sporting goods store and get a waterproof container or at the very least, tuck a zip-lock bag in to your suit.<BR><BR>Forget the digital--really.

why not buy one of these cheap underwater cameras and take that to the beach. Leave the good one in the hotel for sightseeing times. Best of both worlds then!

I locate myself on a part of the beach where there are other people around. When you go in the water cover your camera with a towel or something. Don't put it in a beach bag because the bag is the first thing someone will grab. I also park myself close to the water so I can see my stuff from the water. I have been going to beaches for years and I have never had a problem. Use common sense. Taking a camera in the water for security makes no sense and detracts from the enjoyment of the swim. If you are so nervous that you feel you have to take a camera or other valuables in the water then you are better off not bringing them to the beach.

I wouldn't leave the camera on the beach at all. We thought we were being so careful a couple of years ago when we were vacationing along the Northern California coast. We were right with our belongings, they never left our sight, and poof--our camera was gone. We checked all over the place because we were sure we must have just dropped it somewhere. We were later told by the Bed and Breakfast owners where we were staying that this happens to people along the beach all the time. Underwater disposable cameras work pretty well, we've used them before.

Never ever trust anyone. On a cruise a few years ago, I left my book and walkman under a pile of towels on my chaise while I took a dip in the pool. Both were taken. I was more upset over losing my disk of Les Miz. The book later turned up at the Purser's office. <BR><BR>P.S. The cruiseline was of totally no use with helping me.

Definitely leave the camera behind. Use an underwater disposable for underwater pictures (up close, the best distance range is only a few feet) and a regular disposable for beach shots. I like Fuji myself. Then set aside a shooting day and know that you definitely won't go in the water, you'll bring the digital.

You might try to find a waterproof container for your drivers license, etc. I got a small approx 3" by 4" flat plastic container with an o ring seal that is on a cord to put around your neck. It's big enough for a key, card or 2 and a few bills. I think I actually got it at a grocery store (on O'ahu).

I'd go with the waterproof container for a minimum of valuables, in combination with the disposable underwater camera. You want to relax, not worry about belongings. Buy the camera at home, or you'll pay top dollar at a resort.

You can buy an underwater camera pretty cheap. And it can double as your beach camera. Won't have zoom features, but more dependable than disposables.<BR><BR>REI also sells a water proof snorkeling fanny pack.

If you travel alot to "water" destinations, why not buy a waterproof camera? We have one, and it takes great photos (land or water!). I think it was just over $100 or so. It's a 35 mm point and shoot, a Canon Sure Shot, I beleive. It comes in very handy! It comes with a strap and you can wear it around your neck in the water.

I also vote for a disposable or waterproof, and have a different reason why. Being on the beach means sand, sunscreen and tanning oil -- none of which I want anywhere near a good camera.<BR>

I would bet money that you people have fanny packs at home.

Several years ago a survey was done by a college class.<BR><BR>They went to the beach and left radio and other valuables on their towel. Then they went for a walk on the beach.<BR>Other students then went to their towel and "stole" their things. Most people, nearby said nothing as the things were stolen.<BR><BR>Then the changed the experiment. Before going for a walk, they asked the person next to them to "keep an eye on their things" while they were gone.<BR>Surpsingly, most of the people that were asked to watch..spoke up when the other students tried to "steal" the items.<BR><BR>They determined that when someone. nearby is aksed to watch the items...they were entrusted and drawn into the job of watching the items....they perform admirably. But when they aren't asked it becomes "none of their business".<BR><BR>Tell someone nearby, before you leave your possessions.<BR>

Yes, xxx, but would they be considered a carry-on. Oh, and let me check mine to see how much I can afford to bet.

I used to be a big fan of fanny packs but this past summer I just left most stuff in the condo. <BR><BR>I would say take waterproof cameras to the beach anyway. Wind and sand are one of the two worst enemies of your camera. <BR><BR>While on Kauai, a clerk in the camera department of Wal-Mart told me that 800mm film was the best film to use on Kauai. I did not give him much credibility because we were in Wal-Mart but I did pick up a disposable film for other purposes that coincidentally had 800 mm film, when I got home I found the riches pictures coming off of my disposable. My regular camera is a Canon A-E 1. When ever I take it to a shop Camera techies want to buy it. I was shocked to get better pictures from the disposable.<BR><BR>So back to your point I was never worried about loosing a disposable and brought cash for snacks that is it!<BR><BR>If you feel like you will need cash beyond snacks then yes go to Magellian.com and by a fanny pack. Safes are always available in better hotels.

PS Dick puts that survey on there every time this question is raised. Few are suning all day in Hawaii. They are stopping for a quick swim and then moving on to the next beach. <BR><BR>You will quickly notice this even in Hanalei where people are renting houses right next to the water. It actually is something that makes the area attractive you don't have to race to the beach to grab a spot and loud groups leave shortly after they arrive. <BR><BR>While we were never asked on this trip about watching bags. Some parents expect that they could leave their kids with us as we had a child with us. This happened twice. They did not ask they just assumed and took off. I would not want to watch someone elses things either.<BR><BR>The few times in my life I have asked others to do this I was told we are in and out of the water, or we won't be here for long.

Sarah is right that most people don't sun all day. But that also means that they are usually not away from their belongings very long either( quick dips, etc).<BR><BR>Some beaches are so big and so secluded(like Secret Beach) that theft isn't a problem.<BR><BR>For other beaches, like in Mauai, we always ask someone to keep an eye on things if we go in the water or take a short walk. We try not to imopse anything more than a brief period of being away. For long walks we just take our things with us.<BR><BR>Never put valuables in your car while parked at the beach. Local kids hide and theft is common.

We went to Myrtle Beach last summer and my boyfriend who is a photographer has a very expensive camera. First, he kept the camera in a ziploc bag inside the regular case just to make sure it didn't get wet. (He keeps one tucked in an extra pocket at all times just in case.) Secondly, we had designated picture-taking times. We stayed in a hotel just across from the beach so when we were through taking pictures, one of us would run back to the room to return the camera. We left all our other items that the OP metioned on the beach but never any valuables, especially a photographer's camera!

wouldn't it have been easier to buy a disposable camera as mentioned abover? They are about $8.

Kathy, the quality of a good camera far exceeds the picture quality of a disposable. Besides, disposable have fixed settings.<BR><BR>It may not matter to the average person on vacation , but to anyone that takes photography seriously...it does make difference

Like I said I have an award winning Canon AE 1 and Hawaii's colors came out more brilliantly on the disposable underwater.

Sarah, I'm confused.<BR><BR>The AE-1 isn't meant for underwater....but you are comparing it to a disposable underwater camera.<BR><BR>Are you saying that the underwater disposable is taking better pics (out of the water) than your AE-1?<BR><BR>If that is the case, you might be having a problem with your AE-1.<BR><BR>

No I keep regular maintenance on the AE 1. I was talking about the 800-speed film, it is brilliant for taking sunsets. Also on bright day shots taken in but not under the water with the green Mountains in the distance the greens were not washed out. This was a problem with the 400-speed film from the AE 1 and I had them developed at several different professional color labs in NYC. I just did not want to be bothered with a heavy camera outside of hiking. I found out by accident that it took wonderful pictures in all types of light. I like to have both save the good camera for road trips and hikes. <BR><BR>I am sure the AE 1 would have taken the same with 800 speed film and I do have some great photos captured with 400 speed film ( but also some faded or too dark). I just don't see the need to carry it to the beach if I can buy a disposable that will produce equally beautiful pictures. Reluctant to tell you to keep the good camera at home for the entire trip as I only saw this with one roll of film. <BR><BR>I thought the 800 would not perform in bright light, they are supposed to be grainer. I did not see this.<BR>

Of all the things I packed for our recent trip to Kauai and Maui the most useless was the special waterproof pouch I purchased for the trip. We never needed it once.

PS I did not take any pictures underwater and that is the beauty of of my discovery!!! These cameras work great everywhere outside.<BR><BR>I would buy them in Hawaii in Wal-Mart or K-mart I would think they would move too slowly in mainland stores and you might get older cameras.

Sarah, thnaks for the explanation.<BR><BR>I've had pretty good luck uisng a polarizer at the beach and using filters to enhance sunsets.<BR><BR>I hadn't thought of using 800 speed in bright light, but wil try it. By increasing the speed, you increase the shutter speed so that contributes to a clearer pic.

Thanks Dick what does the polarizer do?<BR><BR>

Sarah,<BR><BR>In my opinion, if you get only one filter..it should be a polarizer.<BR><BR>The polarizer can reduce glare and incres color intensity in bright light situations.<BR><BR>Check out this site for a more complete explanation.<BR>http://photographytips.com/page.cfm/34<BR>

Please listen. I learned the hard way. On Cocoa Beach in Florida I turned around for literally 1 second, and my bag with everything was gone. I'm embarassed to say just how much cash I had on me and all my credit cards etc. They even stole our clothes!<BR>One of the local police drove us back to the hotel. My son (8 at the time ) liked the police car.<BR>The worst part though, was that there were prescription medincines in the bag and we're Canadian. So it was a bit of a nightmare!

I don't know if it just me but I cannot fathom why any sensible person would even ask this sort of question. I mean, it just makes plain sense (to me at least) that any items of value that you take with you to the beach would stay on your person at all times and if that is not possible, they would be left in your hotel room (in the safe if necessary) or in your rental car locked up (if you have one). Why someone would think about leaving an expensive camera in the sand while in the water is beyond me...anything can happen - even if you asked someone to watch them for you. The idea of using a disposable camera at places such as the beach is a good one - the bottom line is they do take very good pictures. That said, I have left small items such as my watch wrapped up in clothing on the sand or in a beach chair at beaches on islands such as the British Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands without incident. I guess some of it ultimately depends on where you are. But on crowded beaches in Hawaii I would think twice about doing something like that.

Nicole,<BR>Though I don't live in one, I'm sure there are still places in this country where people don't lock their cars or homes. It's sad that we would think of those people as not sensible.<BR>

I don't think that anybody is calling people unsensible who live in safe areas and leave their doors unlocked at night - those people know their surroundings and know which precautions are necesary and which aren't. I would guess that in those areas where people don't lock their doors, they know everyone around and strangers are rare. <BR><BR>On the beach in Hawaii there are thousands of strangers. It seems obvious to me that leaving your stuff unattended amoung strangers is a bad idea. I would think it would be obvious to others as well.

Saddened, I am not sure I understand your point. I am sure that there are places, though not alot, in the US and elsewhere, where you can leave your house/car unlocked and rest reasonably sure that all will be well. But my comment was speaking specifically of the beaches in Hawaii and elsewhere! That I think it is somewhat foolhardy to leave your valuables in the sand on a crowded (or even uncrowded) beach (ie, a public place in open view) in Hawaii and hope to come back and find them there. My point was that it would be safer to leave an expensive camera in your hotel room or in a locked car and use a disposable camera instead. That's it!

It is NOT at all a good idea to leave valuables in a locked car parked at a beach, trailhead, etc in Hawai'i. Car break-ins are frequent.

Wow. I grew up in Southern California and always left my stuff on the beach when I went for a walk or dip in the water. When I moved to Miami, I did the same. On vacation in Hawaii, I didn't think twice about leaving my nice camera behind - along with my wallet, car keys, etc - while i went snorkelling. <BR> <BR>Have I just been lucky my whole life?

Hey Traveller, let me know when and where you will be on the beach next. I'm in the market for a new camera. I could also use a little extra cash - do you carry cash or traveller's checks?