Bring of sand back from islands

Are you allowed to bring back sand from the islands? A small amount idk a baby jar. I'm thinking of doing a craft with them.

My wife does, whether it's OK or not

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I am sure you'll get mixed answers...some people will let it thru and others will not, but I can tell you on my cruise last year that they literally made two little girls (probably like 8 years old) go dump their pails of sand / shells and not let them bring it back on ship....it made me sad...them too lol.....

Our experience has been on carnival they let you, but on ncl they are fierce and take it away from you.

We have a teen who collects sand from every beach. Or tries to.

Our experience has been on carnival they let you, but on ncl they are fierce and take it away from you.

We have a teen who collects sand from every beach. Or tries to.

Last years cruise was with RCCL so maybe Carnival won't be the same.....

I dumped mine after DH said it’s a $300 fine from Customs.

People do it all the time despite it being illegal in a number of countries and not allowed into the US. If the law doesn't move one, consider the environmental impact of millions of cruise visitors taking a teaspoon or two each year.

I brought sand home from my favorite Island, Half Moon Cay in an empty water bottle. Had no issues on the ship, but the airport actually had to test it to be sure it wasn’t drugs!! Oh that beautiful white powdery sand...

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People do it all the time despite it being illegal in a number of countries and not allowed into the US. If the law doesn't move one, consider the environmental impact of millions of cruise visitors taking a teaspoon or two each year.

LOL, I bring more than that back onto the ship inadvertently in my swimsuit and in my shoes.

oops, wrong thread.

I bring sand home in my shoes every cruise.

I dumped mine after DH said it’s a $300 fine from Customs.

Your husband just made this up, no validity

What if everyone took sand? Give it a few hundred years and those islands won't be there anymore. :confused:

I took stones home from Mykonos. Now, they don't look any different than pebbles and stones found anywhere in the states. But I KNOW this little bag (bag that sunglasses came in) of stones with a piece of clay pottery came from Mykonos. And that is the only value that it has. Either it wasn't seen in the scanner or it wasn't worth the bother. There may be 6 little stones in the bag.

Are you allowed to bring back sand from the islands? A small amount idk a baby jar. I'm thinking of doing a craft with them.

How about a ziploc bag and not glass that might break. And a smaller amount than a full baby jar full. ???

Technically I would say no, it falls under the soil clause, however, it probably will not be noticed. Many people unknowingly bring illegal items home. I'm not talking drugs, but shells, some open food, and other items. When departing a ship customs is fairly loose as they have to process so many people.

If EVERYONE were to bring part of the island back, where will we all go for vacations in about 30 years????

Technically I would say no, it falls under the soil clause, however, it probably will not be noticed. Many people unknowingly bring illegal items home. I'm not talking drugs, but shells, some open food, and other items. When departing a ship customs is fairly loose as they have to process so many people.

Soil, Sand and Minerals

Soil-borne organisms threaten both plants and animals. If you visited a farm or ranch in a foreign country, agricultural specialists may have to examine and disinfect your shoes or clothing. Vehicles must also be cleaned of any soil. No soil or earth of any kind is allowed into the United States without a permit issued in advance by USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit. Pure sand, such as a small container of decorative beach sand, is usually allowed. Always check with the permit unit in advance for details.

If you collect it, I would advise you to put it and any shells you may take in your pockets going back on board instead of the stuff that is x-rayed as I have seen different scanners take both away.

Soil, Sand and Minerals

Soil-borne organisms threaten both plants and animals. If you visited a farm or ranch in a foreign country, agricultural specialists may have to examine and disinfect your shoes or clothing. Vehicles must also be cleaned of any soil. No soil or earth of any kind is allowed into the United States without a permit issued in advance by USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit. Pure sand, such as a small container of decorative beach sand, is usually allowed. Always check with the permit unit in advance for details.

Sand is inert. It is not soil. I have mailed it all over the world, identified as sand for customs. It has never been rejected.

I've done it and have them proudly displaying on my shelf. Very small tightly sealed jars . And we had to get through the San Juan PR airport.

They sell sand in many island trinket shops, not a big deal

Just roll around on the beach. There will be plenty to take home hiding in all your nooks and crannies. :D

P.S. Sand police are out in full force tonight. No, millions of people aren't taking jars of sand from tropical beaches. Oy vey.

Never fails, it's breaking the law when someone else does it. Quite ok when I do it as I know better than those setting the regulations. :rolleyes:

I went to the black sand beach of Punalu'u on the Big Island of Hawaii years ago. They warned us under severe penalty NOT to bring back any sand, don't scoop it up and put it in anything don't get caught picking up a rock... but our tour guide said, if you happen to get some sand in your shoes, just leave it there! Empty it out on the bus after the stop!

There were people with cupsful of sand pouring it into bottles and baggies after we got back on the bus!