Hit the Caribbean islands fully prepared for sun, sand, and sea. Covers beachwear, water activity gear, evening resort wear, and tropical health protection.
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Beachwear & Swim
Swimsuits (3 sets for rotation)
Chlorine and salt water degrade elastic fibers fast. Rotating between 3 suits gives each 48 hours to fully dry and recover stretch between wears, extending their life significantly.
Lightweight sarong or beach cover-up
A sarong doubles as a beach towel, picnic blanket, and cover-up for walking between the pool and restaurant. Choose a fast-drying microfiber blend that weighs under 200 grams.
Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+
Many Caribbean marine parks ban chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Zinc oxide formulas protect coral while delivering SPF 50+ coverage that lasts 80 minutes in water.
Water shoes or reef walkers
Rocky Caribbean beaches and coral shorelines will shred bare feet. Neoprene reef shoes with 3mm soles grip wet surfaces and protect against sea urchin spines in shallow water.
Wide-brim straw or packable sun hat
Casual & Evening Wear
Lightweight linen or cotton shorts (3-4 pairs)
Breathable button-up shirts for resort dinners (2-3)
Many Caribbean resorts enforce a smart-casual dress code at dinner. Linen or rayon short-sleeve button-ups look polished while staying cool in 28-32C evening humidity.
Sundress or resort evening outfit
A wrinkle-resistant jersey or bamboo-blend dress rolls into a packing cube without creasing. One versatile piece handles beach bars, sunset cruises, and restaurant dinners all week.
Comfortable leather sandals for evening wear
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Tropical showers hit fast and dump 20-30mm in 15 minutes, then vanish. A packable jacket that compresses to fist-size stays in your day bag and dries in under an hour afterward.
Water Activities
Snorkel mask and dry-top snorkel
Rental gear at island shops often has foggy lenses and leaky seals. Your own mask fitted to your face prevents water entry and the dry-top valve blocks waves from flooding the snorkel tube.
Waterproof dry bag (10-15L)
A roll-top dry bag rated IP66 keeps your phone, wallet, and towel bone-dry during boat transfers and kayak trips. The 10L size holds a full day kit and clips to any backpack.
Rash guard for extended sun and water exposure
Snorkeling sessions of 2+ hours leave your back exposed to direct overhead sun. A UPF 50+ rash guard blocks 98% of UV while reducing jellyfish sting risk on your torso.
Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
Biodegradable reef-safe after-sun aloe gel
Health & Protection
DEET or picaridin insect repellent (30%+ concentration)
Mosquitoes in the Caribbean carry dengue and chikungunya. A 30% DEET spray provides 8 hours of protection. Apply at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity peaks and reapply after swimming.
Motion sickness medication for boat excursions
Caribbean catamaran and snorkel boat trips cross open water with 1-2 meter swells. Take medication 30-60 minutes before boarding for full effect. Wristbands alone rarely prevent seasickness in choppy conditions.
Basic first aid kit with hydrocortisone cream
Reusable water bottle with filter
Tap water quality varies between islands. A bottle with a built-in carbon filter removes bacteria and chlorine taste, saving -5 per day versus buying plastic bottles at resort prices.
Polarized sunglasses with UV400 protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What SPF sunscreen should I use for tropical travel?
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98% so the difference is minimal above 30. Reef-safe mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are required by law in Hawaii, Bonaire, Palau, and parts of Mexico. Reapply every 80 minutes when swimming and every 2 hours on land, regardless of the SPF number.
Should I bring a waterproof phone case?
A $10-15 waterproof pouch rated IPX8 protects your phone to 30 meters and still allows touchscreen and photo use. Phone water damage from salt water is not covered by standard warranties or AppleCare. The pouch doubles as a sand-proof case on the beach since sand scratches screens and clogs charging ports.
How many swimsuits should I pack?
Bring at least two so one can dry while you wear the other. Quick-dry synthetic fabric dries overnight in tropical humidity; cotton blends can take 24+ hours. Board shorts or a rash guard double as casual streetwear in most beach towns, reducing overall clothing count.
Do I need water shoes for the beach?
Rocky beaches, coral reef entries, and tide pool areas can cut unprotected feet badly so water shoes or reef walkers prevent this. Sea urchin spines and broken shells are common hazards at non-sandy beaches throughout the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. A lightweight pair takes minimal suitcase space and prevents a vacation-ruining foot injury.
What medications should I bring to a tropical destination?
Pack anti-diarrheal (loperamide), oral rehydration salts, antihistamines for insect bites, and hydrocortisone cream for skin irritation. Pharmacies in tropical destinations may carry different brands or formulations than you are used to. Bring a full course of any prescription medication in original packaging plus a copy of the prescription for customs.