Caribbean Packing List: 8 Handy Items & 5 Everybody Forgets

Sun, salt, and turquoise water are a given in the Caribbean Islands — what you bring is the difference between a smooth trip and a sweaty scramble. This expert Caribbean packing list goes beyond socks and bikinis to highlight gear that makes island life easier.

Use this Caribbean packing list as your one-stop cheat sheet, loaded with smart travel gadgets, photo kits, family essentials, and gear you won’t find in every generic beach list. Let’s pack smarter — so your only real decision is rum punch or piña colada.

Bags & suitcases

The right bag is the backbone of every trip. Between beach days, boat rides, and flights, you’ll want a mix of practical luggage and smaller packs for day-to-day exploring.

Travel backpacks

• 70L adventure backpack – Best for island-hoppers or backpackers who move around a lot. Plenty of space for snorkel fins, clothes, and gadgets.
• 25L daypack – Ideal for hikes, boat trips, or just walking through town. Look for one that’s lightweight, water-resistant, and comfortable in the heat.
• Safety pouch / anti-theft crossbody – Keeps your passport, cash, and cards close on crowded ferries or markets.

Suitcases

• Affordable but durable – A simple hard-shell carry-on works fine if you’re mostly at a resort.
• Smart suitcase with built-in battery – Charge your phone while waiting at the airport or track your bag with GPS.
• Luxury suitcase – Sleek, durable, and Instagram-ready—because some travelers like to arrive in style.

Dry bags & waterproof protection

Tropical showers come out of nowhere, and boat rides always splash more than you expect. A good dry bag keeps your valuables safe while you island-hop.

• Roll-top dry bags – Lightweight, available in multiple sizes, and perfect for tossing your phone, towel, and wallet inside before heading out on a snorkel tour.
• Waterproof phone pouches – Transparent cases let you use your touchscreen while keeping your phone sealed. Great for pool days and snorkeling near the surface.
• Waterproof backpacks – For those who hike or move between islands, a stylish waterproof backpack doubles as your daily bag and weatherproof shield.

Must-have accessories

• Luggage scale – Avoid surprise fees at the airport.
• Mini umbrella (Baodini style) – Compact, windproof, and saves you during sudden Caribbean showers.
• TSA-approved luggage locks – Keeps your stuff safe while meeting airport security rules.
• Travel toiletry bag – A hanging, waterproof bag keeps sunscreen, shampoo, and makeup organized (and spill-free).

Snorkel gear

The Caribbean’s real magic is under the surface—coral gardens, schools of neon fish, maybe even a curious sea turtle. Renting snorkel gear from a tour operator is possible, but it’s often scratched, foggy, and not very comfortable. Bringing your own makes a huge difference.

• Traditional snorkel + mask set – Reliable, affordable, and easy to pack. Great for casual swimmers.
• Full-face snorkel mask – Covers your entire face so you can breathe normally. Many come with anti-fog coatings and panoramic views—perfect for beginners.
• High-tech snorkel masks – Some newer models include built-in walkie-talkies or even camera mounts, making snorkeling more interactive.
• Compact fins – Shorter travel fins fit in a suitcase but still give you enough propulsion for reef exploring.

Shark repellent & safety gear

Shark attacks in the Caribbean are extremely rare, but peace of mind is priceless—especially for parents. Electronic shark repellent devices create an electromagnetic field sharks dislike, letting you relax in deeper water.

• Electronic shark repellers (bracelets or anklets) – Popular models like Sharkbanz are simple, rechargeable, and can ease a lot of nerves.
• Personal safety alarm – Small keychain-style alarms are handy if you’re walking back to your hotel at night.
• Waterproof first-aid kit – Cuts and scrapes happen on reefs and boat decks. A pocket-sized, waterproof kit saves the day.

Reusable water bottles & hydration solutions

Caribbean sun + humidity = dehydration risk. Carrying a reusable bottle not only saves money but also cuts down on single-use plastic.

• Insulated stainless steel bottles – Keep water ice-cold for hours. Great for long beach days or hikes.
• Collapsible silicone bottles – Roll up into almost nothing when empty, ideal for minimal packers.
• Self-cleaning UV light bottles – These high-tech bottles use built-in UV-C light to sterilize water and the bottle interior at the push of a button. Perfect for travelers who worry about water quality.

👉 Bonus tip: Pack electrolyte powder packets and drop them into your reusable bottle when you’ve been in the sun all day.

Travel electronics & comfort tools

Long flights, humid nights, and endless beach time call for a few comfort gadgets. These don’t take much space but make your trip way smoother.

• Portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker – Ideal for a sunset picnic or a lazy afternoon on your balcony.
• Solar-powered power bank – With Caribbean sun on your side, you’ll never run out of juice for your phone or camera.
• Noise-cancelling earbuds – Essential for flights, ferries, or blocking out noisy hotel hallways.
• Waterproof e-reader (like Kindle Paperwhite) – Pack hundreds of books without adding weight, and read worry-free by the pool.
• Cooling towels – Dunk in cold water, wring out, and enjoy instant relief during a sweaty hike.
• Universal travel adapter – A lifesaver when hopping between islands with different outlet types.

Photography & creator gear

If there’s one place where photos matter, it’s the Caribbean. White-sand beaches, vibrant reefs, and glowing sunsets deserve better than your phone alone. A mini creator kit makes all the difference.

• GoPro (waterproof action cam) – Perfect for snorkeling, cliff-jumping, and capturing wide-angle underwater life.
• DJI Mini 5 drone – Small enough to slip in your backpack, yet powerful enough for cinematic coastline shots. Always check drone rules before you fly.
• Insta360 stabilizer (gimbal) – Smooths out shaky clips, whether you’re walking on the beach or filming a boat ride.
• Fujifilm Instax instant camera – Old-school fun: print and share photos instantly with friends or locals.
• Underwater iPhone housing + dome lens – Turns your phone into a mini dive cam and lets you capture those epic half-above, half-below shots.

Footwear essentials

Shoes make or break your comfort in the tropics. You need versatile options that can handle sand, saltwater, and cobblestone streets.

• Tropicfeel-style sneakers – Lightweight, breathable, and quick-dry. Perfect for moving from the beach straight into town.
• Flip-flops / waterproof sandals – A Caribbean must. Great for the pool, beach bars, and casual dinners.
• Reef shoes – Protect your feet from sharp coral and rocks when snorkeling or wading into unknown waters.

Beach & adventure gear

The Caribbean isn’t just about lounging on the sand—it’s about adventures on and off the water. A few smart items make the experience way better.

• Reef-safe sunscreen – Many islands are starting to ban chemical sunscreens that harm coral. Choose mineral-based, ocean-friendly formulas.
• Sand-proof beach blanket – No more carrying half the beach back to your hotel. These blankets shake off sand easily and dry fast.
• Portable hammock – String it between two palm trees and you’ve got instant shade and the best nap spot on the island.
• Inflatable paddleboard – Packable versions roll up into a backpack, giving you freedom to explore lagoons and quiet coves.
• Waterproof action camera dome – Creates that iconic half-above, half-below shot when snorkeling or swimming.

Health, wellness & travel safety

A Caribbean trip should be fun, not stressful. A few health-focused items in your bag can save the day when the unexpected happens.

• Motion sickness wristbands – Essential if you’re planning boat tours or ferry rides between islands.
• Reef-safe bug repellent – Mosquitoes are common in the tropics, especially at sunset. A reef-safe spray protects you and the environment.
• Aloe vera gel – The classic after-sun remedy for when you forget to reapply sunscreen.
• Electrolyte hydration packs – Replenish what the sun and saltwater take out of you. Just pour into your reusable water bottle.

Caribbean books to pack for the trip

Island time and a good book go hand in hand. Whether you’re swinging in a hammock, sunbathing on deck, or cooling off under a palm tree, the right story adds another layer to your Caribbean experience.

Pirate adventures & classics everyone knows

• “A General History of the Pyrates” by Captain Charles Johnson – The 1724 classic that gave us Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny’s legends.
• “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson – The ultimate pirate adventure; not Caribbean by geography, but inseparable from pirate lore.
• “Pirate Latitudes” by Michael Crichton – A swashbuckling adventure set in the 17th-century Caribbean, published posthumously.
• “Blackbeard: America’s Most Notorious Pirate” by Angus Konstam – A modern, accessible biography of the most infamous buccaneer.

Classic Caribbean literature

• “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys – A powerful prequel to Jane Eyre, rooted in Jamaica.
• “A House for Mr. Biswas” by V.S. Naipaul – A landmark Trinidadian novel that blends wit and struggle.
• “Annie John” by Jamaica Kincaid – A tender coming-of-age tale set in Antigua.
• “The Black Jacobins” by C.L.R. James – A must-read history of the Haitian Revolution.

Contemporary Caribbean voices

• “How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House” by Cherie Jones – Dark, modern, and set in Barbados.
• “Augustown” by Kei Miller – Jamaican magical realism with political edge.
• “Pleasantview” by Celeste Mohammed – An award-winning tapestry of Trinidadian life.
• “Everything Inside” by Edwidge Danticat – Heartfelt Haitian short stories about love and resilience.

Fun extras

Not everything in your bag has to be serious. A few fun extras can turn a good trip into a great one.

• Waterproof playing cards – Perfect for beach days or rainy evenings in your hotel room.
• Floating drink holders – Inflatable flamingos, pineapples, or palm trees keep your drinks floating while you cool off in the pool.
• Compact drone accessories – Extra propellers, ND filters, and batteries keep the fun going if you’re filming.
• Tropical-themed travel journal – Jot down your adventures or paste in those instant prints from your Instax camera.

Women’s packing list

• Beach sarong – Works as a cover-up, scarf, or even a picnic mat.
• UV-protection wide-brim hat – Shields your face and shoulders from the blazing sun.
• Travel jewelry case – Keeps necklaces and earrings untangled.
• Waterproof makeup bag – Saves your products from leaks and humidity.
• Portable handheld fan – A lifesaver during hot nights or crowded ferry rides.

Men’s packing list

• Quick-dry board shorts – You’ll wear these almost every day.
• Reef-safe body wash / shampoo – Gentle on skin and coral reefs.
• Polarized sunglasses – Cut glare off the ocean while protecting your eyes.
• Multipurpose travel tool – Compact knife, bottle opener, screwdriver—always handy.
• Lightweight travel sandals – Comfortable for exploring towns or walking to the beach.

Kids’ packing list

• UV rash guards – Keep their skin safe without reapplying sunscreen every hour.
• Swim vests / floaties – Adds peace of mind for parents.
• Kids’ snorkel sets – Smaller masks and fins make swimming fun.
• Sand toys in mesh bag – Easy to rinse and carry back from the beach.
• Child-friendly headphones / tablet – A must for flights and downtime at the hotel.

Caribbean cruise packing list

Cruises are a different beast compared to resort stays. Cabins are compact, port stops are quick, and ship amenities call for some extra gear. Here’s what to add to your Caribbean packing list if you’re heading out to sea:

• Magnetic hooks – Cruise ship walls are metal, so these are a lifesaver for hanging wet swimsuits, hats, or even day bags.
• Collapsible laundry bag – Keep dirty clothes separate in your small cabin space.
• Formal dinner outfit – Most cruise lines still have at least one “elegant night” in the dining hall.
• Motion sickness wristbands / patches – Even if you’re fine on land, a few rough nights at sea can surprise you.
• Lanyard for your cruise card – Every cruiser uses one, and it keeps your room key/ship card handy.
• Reusable water bottle – Cruise ships have water refill stations, so skip the plastic.
• Mini power strip / USB hub – Cabins have shockingly few outlets. A compact, cruise-approved hub is invaluable.
• Light jacket or cardigan – Caribbean breezes on deck at night can get surprisingly chilly.
• Waterproof daypack – For excursions at port. Toss in sunscreen, a towel, and your essentials for quick shore trips.
• Binoculars – Fun for spotting flying fish, dolphins, or other ships while at sea.