Our bus usually arrives ON OR BEFORE 7:45 a.m. and leaves PROMPTLY at 8:00am. The coach leaves from Walmart on Route 466 (near Rt. 301) on the Garden Center side near Oxford, Florida. Please park golf carts and autos in the Garden Center area using ONLY the perimeter spaces facing 466/Arby’s or facing the side street (Oxford side). Do NOT park in the center spaces as per Walmart’s directive! Sharing rides is always appreciated by Walmart and makes it more likely we will be able to use this lot for future trips.
Trip leaders arrive 7:30am and begin the check-in process. We are currently using a first come first board process. It has worked smoothly for the last several years.
KEEP all gear with you. When the bus arrives and the storage bays have been opened bring your gear up to the driver. Do not load your own gear unless the bus driver indicates that it is OK. Many people have hit their heads on the bay doors when loading their own. BE AWARE!
What can I bring on the bus?: All beverages must be in a container that can be sealed to avoid spills. No glass bottles or cans. Alcohol is permitted on the bus however no public drunkenness will be tolerated. Food and snacks are allowed with the following exceptions: no pizza, ice cream, gum, popcorn, or nuts with shells on the bus.
Other info: Small individual SOFT SIDE lunch packs are allowed in the passenger compartment. All hard side coolers (even small ones) must be stored under the bus!
We always request WI-FI equipped coaches, however, we have no control over the coach assigned to us on any particular trip. Some busses have USB charging ports.
While unlikely, always keep in mind we may have to change plans rapidly due to weather or other unforeseen conditions! Alternatives to spending the day on the beach differ by area, but an emergency could mean we may have to choose in- door attractions such as a museum, shopping mall, or other available activity.
A restroom stop may be an option depending on the trip. If there is a convenient rest stop on our route we will stop for 10-15 minutes only. Please use the rest stop instead of the bus when possible. The return trip will be much nicer smelling. Our stops are rest areas with a wide variety of vending machines, but no fast food restaurants.
Driver(s) prefer members stay on the bus while the driver and designated volunteers ONLY empty the storage bins and lay out your beach equipment. PLEASE exit the bus when trip leaders let you know this task has been completed. Please exit the bus and pick up your items in an orderly and friendly manor. THANK YOU!
Bus drivers receive a nice tip from the club but feel free to hand them a couple dollars at the end of the trip. It is highly appreciated.
Please CLEARLY MARK (with your name) your beach chairs, noodles, umbrellas, coolers, etc. This will avoid any confrontations among members who have the same style of equipment.
CHECKLIST √ Always come prepared for alternate trip activities (museum, mall, etc. in the event of unforeseen circumstances) This would include items such as clothing, shoes, credit card/cash, etc. √ Double check for the correct date and time √ Picnic basket or plans to purchase lunch √ Chair/ BEACH BUGGY ( HAS TO BE ABLE TO FOLD, IF NECESSARY) √ Umbrella and beach "toys", noodles, etc., labeled please. √ Suntan lotion & sunglasses (non-glare very handy!) √ Towel(s) √ Book, magazine, newspaper Beach cover up/change of clothes √ Flipflops/beach shoes/water shoes √ Cell phone √ iPad or android tablet - We request buses with WiFi. Buses will be locked should you want to leave such items on the bus while you are at the beach. Reef Rovers is not responsible for lost or stolen items. √ Snacks and beverages for the ride and at the beach.