What to pack for a Caribbean vacation
So, you’re heading to the Caribbean! The sun, the sand, the food—it’s a place like no other, and whether it’s your first time or you’ve been a few times, packing the right gear makes a world of difference. Here’s what to pack for the ultimate Caribbean vaction, complete with some suggestions from our trips and the Weather Passport travel community.
Lightweight Clothes for Hot Days
The Caribbean can get hot—no surprise there! When it comes to packing, think breathable and light. I’m talking tank tops, shorts, flowy dresses, and loose shirts that will keep you cool even in the hottest temperatures. The key is fabric; cotton and linen are your best friends here. Trust me, lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes are a lifesaver in the heat.
Comfortable Footwear
Yes, you’ll probably be barefoot a lot in the sand, but you’ll still need a good pair of shoes for exploring. Flip-flops are perfect for the beach or poolside, but we recommend packing a pair of comfortable sandals or sneakers for excursions. A good pair of sturdy water shoes for activities like river rafting or hiking waterfalls—trust me, they’re super helpful when navigating rocky terrain. Some of the beaches can be quite shelly and rocky too.
Sunscreen (Reapply, Reapply, Reapply)
The sun in the Caribbean is intense, and you’ll want to protect your skin while you’re soaking up the tropical rays. I always opt for a reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. I also pack some lip balm with SPF—because sunburned lips are no fun! And remember, reapply throughout the day—especially after swimming or sweating.
This is a must-have if you’re heading to the Caribbean and will be in the ocean and around marine animals. It’s a mineral-based, unscented, and reef-safe product that will protect you from the harsh sun while also protecting the wildlife.
Bug Repellent
The beauty of the tropical climate comes with some unwanted guests—mosquitoes. I swear by packing a strong bug spray. It’s a small item, but it’s essential, especially if you’re heading into the jungle or going out at night. Trust me, you’ll be happy you packed it.
Waterproof Bag
Whether you’re going on a boat trip, a waterfall hike, or just strolling through the rain (which happens often during the summer), a waterproof bag is a must. I love bringing a lightweight, foldable backpack or a dry bag to keep my valuables safe and dry. This way, you don’t have to worry about your phone, camera, or wallet getting drenched.
This extra-large beach bag fits everything for your whole family (even 4-5 towels) for a day at the beach or pool. The beach bag tote interior pocket protects your valuables. Perfect for family travel
Swimwear (Multiple Pairs!)
The beaches are beyond beautiful, and you’ll be spending a lot of time in the water. A couple of swimsuits (or more, depending on how many beach days you have planned) are a must. And don’t forget a cover-up for when you’re walking to the bar or heading to lunch by the beach.
Snorkel Gear & Floats
You don’t want to go to the Caribbean and not see what’s underwater. Be sure to get a snorkel gear. We heard from several that while the full face ones are cool, they tend to leak easier. We’ve used these and they work just great. A MUST-HAVE are the hammock floats that allow you to either relax in the water and catch some rays, or float on your stomach and put your snorkel in the water so you can see the fish but not get exhausted swimming. It also keeps your feed off the coral which is extremely fragile.
This is easy to pack and inflated quickly and we used them daily while floating in the ocean and snorkeling which kept us from getting exhausted and prevented us from touching the fragile reef. Everyone was asking where we got them. Now you have the inside scoop!
Light Jacket or Cover-Up
Yes, it’s mostly warm in the Caribbean, but we’ve found that evenings can sometimes get a little cooler, especially if you’re near the coast or up in the mountains. A light jacket or a cozy cover-up will be perfect for those breezy evenings.
Sunglasses and Hat
You’ll want to protect your eyes from that Caribbean sun! I never leave home without a good pair of polarized sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat is also a great addition—not just for style, but for extra sun protection.
Binoculars
There have been so many times we have wanted to see what was happening at the beach, scoping out the perfect spot ahead of time, or honestly, finding my wife and daughter because I wanted to sleep in. A great set of travel binoculars is a great addition.
Power Bank
There’s nothing worse than running out of battery when you’re at the pool, or worse yet, when you need your phone for directions. I always make sure to pack a portable charger. It’s small but a total game-changer to staying connected. Here are a few we recommend. I’m a huge fan of Anker but the solar charger is handy too!
- Solar PowerBank Charger with Flashlight
- Anker PowerBank Charger (High-Speed Charge with USB-C)
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key when you’re out the heat. We always bring our Owala to keep our bottled water cold througout the day. It’s eco-friendly, and you can put your bottled water or your “favorite beverage” cold during the entire day at the beach.
Insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock
Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening
Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours; wide opening for cleaning and adding ice
BPA and phthalate-free; hand wash cup, dishwasher-safe lid; not for use with hot liquids
Camera and Waterproof Case
If you didn’t take a photo or video of it, did it even happen? 🙂 You’ll want to capture every amazing moment. A good camera is essential for snapping those shots of the stunning beaches, waterfalls, and vibrant culture. I’ve always been a big fan of GoPro Cameras and use them for most of my underwater (and above-water) videos while on vacation. TIP: You don’t always have to have the most recent version either. You can often get great deals on previous versions which is what I have done. Just don’t forget to add the GoPro Dual Battery Charger so you can have a battery ready to go. I also found the GoPro accessory kit helpful which has everything you need to attach the GoPro as you’re snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, or speeding across the sky on a zipline —it’s so worth it!
Personal Items & Toiletries
Lastly, I make sure I’ve got the basics: toiletries, deodorant, toothpaste, and a good moisturizer (the sun and saltwater can dry you out). And if you take any medications, don’t forget those either!
Lastly, don’t forget the most important thing: a positive attitude! The Caribbean is a place where good vibes rule.
