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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Puerto Rico

General Attire

Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, or quick-dry synthetics. These materials contribute to comfort in high humidity and warm temperatures. Pack an ample supply of shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and light skirts for daytime.

Layering for Evenings & Rain

  • Evenings can feel slightly cooler, especially during the dry season or indoors. Pack a light long-sleeved shirt, a Light jacket, or a cardigan.
  • Tropical showers occur, especially May-November. A Lightweight, packable rain jacket or Compact umbrella will serve you well.
  • Opt for light colors to reflect sunlight and stay cooler. Consider UPF 50+ Rash guards for sun protection during water activities.

Activity & Cultural Attire

Beachwear suits beaches and immediate coastal areas. For venturing into town, stores, or restaurants, wearing cover-ups over Swimwear remains appropriate. Modesty applies in more formal establishments or religious sites.

Specific Dress Needs

Footwear for Your Adventures

Beach & Water Shoes

Flip-flops and Sandals suit beach lounging. For rocky beaches, tide pools, or coral snorkeling, Water shoes are important for foot protection.

Beach essentials

Walking & Exploration Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers remain important for exploring town, boardwalks, or general sightseeing.

Urban and casual comfort

Hiking Footwear

For hiking trails (like Survival Beach), sturdy closed-toe shoes or Light hiking boots have our recommendation. Trails can present uneven, muddy, or rocky surfaces.

Trail adventure ready

Travel Documents Checklist

Your Papers

Organized and accessible documents prevent travel complications. Carry both printed and digital copies for backup.

  • Passport & Visa Documentation (for foreign nationals).
  • Government-issued Photo ID (for U.S. Citizens).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information (with emergency contacts).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed for rental car.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documentation (especially for prescriptions).
  • Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations (flights, accommodation, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information (family, doctor, bank hotlines).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs (if applicable, for potential discounts).

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Mobile Access

Puerto Rico uses 120V, 60Hz electricity, identical to the continental U.S. Outlets use Type A and B plugs. U.S. Mobile carriers typically operate without roaming charges. International travelers should ensure unlocked phones for local SIM cards.

Tech Accessories

Photography Gear

Capture your memories with the right equipment. Humidity and sea spray can quickly affect image quality, so Microfiber cleaning cloths for lenses are useful.

Camera Choices

  • A Waterproof camera (GoPro or Action camera) excels at water activities.
  • A lightweight Mirrorless or DSLR camera provides better image quality for general photography. B&H Photo has options.
  • If bringing a drone, check local regulations, especially near BQN airport and protected natural areas.

Apps & Data Management

Recommended Apps

Google Maps/Waze for navigation (download offline maps). Uber for ride-sharing. Google Translate for Spanish (offline language pack). Weather apps for planning outdoor activities. NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Data Backup

Regularly back up photos and important documents to cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox). Consider bringing an External hard drive or USB stick for redundant backups of your photos and videos.

Travel Security

TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags. A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for cash, cards, and passport.

Health & Comfort Kit

Travel First Aid

A prepared health kit adds comfort and addresses minor issues quickly. Customize your First aid kit for destination-specific needs.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

The tropical environment of Aguadilla calls for diligent protection from sun and insects to ensure a comfortable journey.

Climate-Specific Protection

Health Comforts

Water Hydration

  • Tap water in urban areas is generally safe.
  • A Personal water filter bottle is a useful item for very rural areas or sensitive stomachs.
  • Always prioritize staying well-hydrated throughout your trip.

Personal Hygiene

  • Most common personal hygiene brands are available locally.
  • Bring preferred travel-sized favorites or specialty items you use regularly.
  • A Travel-sized toiletries kit adds convenience.

Activity Gear

Snorkeling & Diving

While rental gear is available, bringing your own Snorkeling mask and snorkel ensures a comfortable fit and better hygiene. Fins can typically be rented locally.

Surfing & Watersports

If you are an experienced surfer bringing your own board, a good quality board bag appears essential. Otherwise, surfboards and paddleboards remain readily available for rent from local shops.

  • Bring your own board for experienced surfers.
  • Board rentals save luggage space.
  • Paddleboard rentals also an option.
  • Quick-dry beach towel is practical.

Hiking & Beach Day

For hiking, a daypack for water, snacks, and personal items. A reusable water bottle remains a must. For beach days, protect your electronics from water and sand.

Rent vs. Bring Gear

Items to Rent Saves space & fees

  • Surfboards.
  • Paddleboards.
  • Full scuba diving gear.
  • Kayaks.

Items to Bring Personal comfort & hygiene

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Small items that add comfort and security to your trip can make a big difference. Plan for comfortable journeys and secure your valuables.

Essential Comforts

Sustainable Travel Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices with these reusable essentials. Minimizing waste contributes positively to the local environment.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Packing Efficiency Tips

Roll Your Clothes

Saves space and minimizes wrinkles.

Packing Cubes

Organizes items and compresses space.

Check Weight Limits

Avoids unexpected airline fees.

Layer Smartly

Bring versatile items that layer well.

Local Availability vs. Bringing Your Own

Items Readily Available Locally

  • Most common personal items: toiletries, snacks, general clothing.
  • Surfboard and paddleboard rentals.
  • Over-the-counter medications and basic first aid supplies.

Items to Bring Specialty or Personal Preference

  • Specialized hiking or diving gear might have limited availability or be expensive.
  • Specific brands of Sun hats, swimwear, or activewear.
  • Preferred camera equipment and unique tech accessories.

Packing Smartly

Opt for versatile clothing and multi-purpose items to minimize luggage while maximizing options for different situations.