What to Pack & Bring: St Barthelemy

Daytime Wear

For daytime activities, pack Swimwear, cover-ups, shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.

Beach & Pool Essentials

These items suit beach excursions, poolside lounging, and casual strolls.
Wearing Rash guards is good for Sun protection during water activities.
This gives an extra layer against the strong Caribbean sun and avoids sunburn.

Evening Attire

Evenings on St. Barts often call for chic, relaxed wear.

Elegant Casual

For women: elegant sundresses, stylish skirts, or lightweight trousers.
For men: collared shirts (polo/linen) and smart shorts or lightweight trousers.
A Light shawl or cardigan is good for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors.

Footwear Guide

Casual & Daytime

Sandals, flip-flops, or espadrilles are good for beach outings and relaxed strolls.

Beach & Leisure

Walking & Hiking

Comfortable walking sandals or Sneakers give support. For hiking, Closed-toe walking shoes or Light hiking shoes for trails.

Exploration & Trails

Water Activities

Water shoes are a good choice for rocky beaches or tidal pools. They guard your feet from sea urchins and sharp rocks.

Ocean & Reefs

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Prepare documents for smooth travel to St. Barthélemy. A valid passport and any visa documentation are the foremost requirements. Check your passport's validity to be sure it extends at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area or St. Barthélemy.

Passport validity: Advised to have six months remaining.
Return/onward ticket: Proof of intent to leave the island.
Proof of funds: Bank statements or credit cards.
Accommodation confirmation: Hotel or villa reservation.

Travel insurance policy: Physical and digital copies.
International Driving Permit: Needed if your home license is not in English or French.
Vaccination records: For personal reference or medical emergency.
Emergency contacts: Family, embassy, bank fraud departments.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Prepare your devices for St. Barthélemy. The island has 220-240V at 50Hz, with Type C and Type E plugs.

Electricals & Mobile

Universal travel adapter and potential Voltage converter for non-dual voltage devices.
Mobile phone compatibility is good; check roaming or consider local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Portable chargers are good for keeping devices powered throughout the day.

Photography & Apps

Capture the island's beauty and navigate with ease using these items.

Essential Tools

A Smartphone camera is often enough; consider DSLR with Wide-angle or Telephoto lenses for enthusiasts.
A Waterproof camera or Pouch guards devices from sand and water.
Google Maps (offline), Google Translate (offline), WhatsApp, and a Currency converter app are useful.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Services like Google Drive or Dropbox are convenient for automatic photo and document backups.

External Drive

A Small external hard drive is another option for storing larger files securely.

Data Safety

This means your memories and important information remain safe even if your devices are lost or damaged.

Health & Wellness

First Aid & Medications

Pack health and wellness items for a comfortable trip to St. Barthélemy. A destination-specific First aid kit is a smart inclusion.

Kit Contents

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment for minor cuts.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), antihistamines, Anti-diarrhea medication.
Hydrocortisone cream for rashes, Motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness.

Sun & Insect Protection

Protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun and insects.

Climate-Specific Protection

Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin guards against mosquito-borne illnesses.
Water purification options are generally not necessary; bottled water is widely available.
High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen guards skin and coral reefs; pack After-sun lotion and Lip balm with SPF.

Specialty Health Items

Medications & Prescriptions

Carry prescription medications in original containers.
Include a doctor's note or copy of your prescription.
Pack over-the-counter medications for common issues.

Personal Hygiene & Safety

Pack preferred personal hygiene essentials, as specific brands might mean bringing your own.
Travel-sized toiletries are a convenient option.
These items, though small, add significantly to a pleasant and worry-free trip.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Pack equipment tailored to St. Barthélemy’s various offerings.

Bringing your own Snorkel mask and fins means a better fit and hygiene.
A personal mask often gives a more comfortable seal.
This means longer, more enjoyable underwater explorations.
Rental gear for Scuba diving is widely available.

Hiking Essentials

For hiking, a Lightweight daypack is a good item for carrying water, snacks, and sun protection.

This means you have what you need for a comfortable trek.
Good for places like Colombier Beach or the Grand Fond natural pools.
Closed-toe Walking shoes provide grip and protection.
Always bring water for any hike.

Water Sports Gear

Paddleboards, kayaks, and surfboards are readily available for rent from local operators.

These items are often bulky, making rental a practical choice.
Bringing personal snorkel masks gives comfort and hygiene.
A small Dry bag is good for beach outings.
This guards electronics and valuables from sand and water.

Equipment Decisions

Buy Pro/Con

Pros: Better fit and hygiene for personal items (e.g., snorkel mask).
Pros: Always available when you want to use it.
Pros: May save money over many trips for frequent users.
Pros: Familiarity with your own gear.

Rent Pro/Con

Cons: Bulky items like paddleboards or kayaks are difficult to travel with.
Cons: Rental costs add to overall trip expenses.
Cons: Gear may not fit perfectly or be as comfortable.
Cons: Availability may be limited during peak season.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Pack various items for a pleasant trip to St. Barthélemy.

Travel Essentials

Travel pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs are good for rest during transit.
A Money belt keeps important documents and cash safe.
A Small padlock for luggage is an extra layer of security.
An RFID-blocking wallet guards credit cards from scanning.

Sustainability & Regional Items

Contribute to sustainable travel and find convenience with these items.

Eco & Local Friendly

A reusable water bottle cuts plastic waste and means you can refill from safe water sources.
A Reusable shopping bag is good for groceries, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
Reusable utensils further cut waste from takeout meals.
A small, lightweight beach towel is useful for secluded beaches or boat trips.

Specialty Purchases

Sunglasses

A good pair is a good idea due to intense sun reflection.

Specialty Foods

Items difficult or expensive to buy locally may be worth bringing.

Specific Medications

Bring medications not commonly found on the island.

Preferred Toiletries

Bringing your own preferred brands may mean savings.

Activity-Specific Gear

Snorkeling & Diving Gear

Bring your own Snorkel mask and fins for a better fit and hygiene.
A personal mask often gives a more comfortable seal, meaning longer underwater explorations.
Scuba diving equipment is readily available for rent locally.

Hiking & Beach Accessories

A Lightweight daypack is good for carrying water, snacks, and sun protection during hikes.
A small Dry bag is good for beach outings, guarding electronics from sand and water.
A good Beach bag can carry your towel, sunscreen, and other essentials for a day by the sea.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for easy movement, especially for flights to SBH. Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Consider packing cubes for organization and to compress items. Leave extra room for duty-free purchases.

What to Pack & Bring