What to Pack
Essential gear for your Bahamas trip
Clothing
General Approach
The Bahamas has a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C). Light, breathable clothing is the default. Layers are only needed for air-conditioned restaurants and hotels, which are often aggressively cooled in summer.
- Fabrics: Linen, lightweight cotton, and moisture-wicking synthetics work well. Heavy fabrics are unnecessary and uncomfortable.
- Volume: A compact wardrobe suits island travel. Laundry facilities exist at most hotels; packing light is practical, especially for island-hopping where luggage weight limits on inter-island flights are strict.
Swimwear
Pack more swimwear than you think you need. Multiple bathing suits allow rotation without relying on resort laundry for quick turnarounds between beach days and water activities.
Rash guards provide sun protection during snorkeling and extended water time and are worth including, particularly for children and fair-skinned travelers.
Evening and Dining
Casual resort wear is the standard for most Bahamas dining. Some Nassau and Paradise Island restaurants at higher-end properties have smart-casual dress codes (no sleeveless shirts or beachwear). Formal attire is rarely if ever required outside very high-end resort restaurants.
Modesty in Local Areas
Away from resort beaches and tourist areas, modest dress is appropriate and respected. Swimwear is for beaches and pools — covering up when walking through towns, markets, or local businesses is standard practice and shows cultural respect.
Rain Layer
June through November is the rainy season. Rain tends to come in short intense downpours rather than prolonged drizzle. A lightweight packable rain jacket or waterproof layer is useful; a full raincoat is overkill. Quick-dry fabrics for all clothing are an advantage.
Footwear
- Flip flops / sandals: Essential. You will wear them constantly at the beach, by the pool, and for casual walking.
- Walking shoes / trainers: Useful for exploring towns, walking longer distances, or hiking in the Exumas or Eleuthera.
- Water shoes: Highly recommended for reef snorkeling, rocky beach entries, and wading in areas with sea urchins or coral rubble.
- Dress shoes (optional): Only if attending a formal event; unnecessary for most itineraries.
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen: High-SPF (50+) reef-safe sunscreen is essential. The Bahamas bans reef-toxic chemicals including oxybenzone and octinoxate. Look for mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.†
- Sun hat: A wide-brimmed hat provides meaningful protection during beach time and walking in direct sun.
- Sunglasses: Polarised lenses are particularly useful around water; they reduce glare and allow better visibility of underwater features while snorkeling or on a boat.
- After-sun: Aloe vera gel or similar after-sun lotion is worth including.
Snorkeling and Water Gear
Whether to bring your own snorkel gear depends on the itinerary. Rental gear is available at most resorts and through tour operators, but quality and fit can be inconsistent.
- Mask and snorkel: A properly fitting mask is much better than a generic rental. If snorkeling is central to your trip, bring your own.
- Fins: Optional for casual snorkeling; useful for swimming against current or covering distance on reef dives. Often available for rental.
- Underwater camera / waterproof case: For documenting reef life, swimming pigs, and marine encounters. A basic waterproof case for a smartphone works for most purposes.
- Dry bag: Protects phone, documents, and electronics on boats and water taxis.
Health and Pharmacy
- Prescription medications: Bring a full supply plus a few days' extra. Specific brands may not be available on Family Islands and can be difficult to source quickly.
- Insect repellent: DEET-based repellent (30%+ concentration) or picaridin for mosquitoes and no-see-ums, particularly in summer and at dusk.
- Basic first aid: Antiseptic, bandages, and blister treatment are useful. Medical facilities are limited on remote islands.
- Anti-nausea medication: If any part of the itinerary involves boat travel, sea-sickness medication is worth having, particularly on smaller vessels in choppier conditions.
- Oral rehydration salts: Useful for recovery from dehydration due to sun, heat, or stomach issues.
Documents and Money
- Passport: Required for all international arrivals. See entry-requirements for full details. Passport must be valid for the duration of the stay.
- Return ticket: May be requested on arrival; ensure it is accessible.
- Travel insurance documents: Keep policy number and emergency contact information accessible both digitally and on paper.
- Cash (USD): US dollars are accepted everywhere. Family Islands and small local businesses often prefer or require cash; withdraw sufficient amounts in Nassau before departing for remote islands. See money-budget for ATM availability detail.
- Credit cards: Useful in Nassau and larger properties; less reliable in remote areas.
Electronics
- Power adapters: The Bahamas uses the same electrical sockets as the United States (Type A/B, 120V/60Hz). US devices require no adapter.
- Portable charger: Useful for long boat days, beach days, or remote island stays where power access is limited.
- Waterproof cases: For protecting devices during water activities and on boats.
For Specific Itineraries
Diving
Bring your own wetsuit or skin suit (reef dives) if you have one; rental wetsuits vary in quality. Dive computers and regulators are available for rental at most dive operators but bringing your own ensures familiarity.
Sailing / Extended Boating
Add a windbreaker for offshore passages, even in summer — wind chill at sea is significant. Boat shoes with non-marking soles are appreciated by charter captains.
Out Islands / Remote Travel
Self-reliance increases on remote islands. Consider bringing extra medications, a portable water filter, and more cash than you think you need. Power outages and supply limitations are more likely off the main islands.
See also: health-safety · when-to-go · entry-requirements · getting-around