What to Pack & Bring: Bequia

Season-Specific Clothing

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or quick-dry synthetics are ideal for the warm temperatures and humidity. These materials circulate air and dry quickly.

Items

Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, casual dresses, Swimwear, and cover-ups for daytime.
Light trousers or skirts and casual shirts/blouses for evenings.
Lightweight Packable rain jacket or Small umbrella for the rainy season (June-Nov).

Cultural Dress Code

Bequia maintains a laid-back atmosphere, but modesty appreciated away from beach or pool areas.

Dress Guidelines

Wear a cover-up over swimwear when walking through Port Elizabeth or other local communities.
Conservative attire (shoulders and knees covered) for religious sites or formal events.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for hiking.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Comfortable Sandals, flip-flops, or casual Walking shoes.

Suitable for everyday use and town exploration.

Beach & Water

Water shoes highly recommended for protection from coral, urchins, rocky areas.

Essential for walking on beaches or in shallow water.

Hiking & Exploring

Sturdy Sneakers or closed-toe shoes with good grip needed for hilly, uneven trails.

Offers safety on Bequia's diverse terrain.

Essential Documents

Your Records

Carefully prepare and organize all your travel documents for a smooth entry and stay.

Passport valid for 6+ months beyond stay, plus visa documentation (if needed).
RFID-blocking travel wallet or secure organizer.
Vaccination records (Yellow Fever if required) and health documentation.
List of prescription medications, generic names, doctor's note for controlled substances.

International Driving Permit (if driving).
Travel insurance policy information (physical & digital copies, emergency contacts).
Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, tour, and car rental reservations.
Emergency contact information (family, friends, embassy).

Tech & Connectivity

Your Gadget Checklist

Ensure your devices stand ready for your island adventure.

Electronics to Bring

Camera and accessories (B&H Photo for gear).
Universal power adapter (Type G) and portable power bank.
Unlocked smartphone for local SIM or ESIM (Airalo).

Stay Connected

Internet access and secure browsing hold importance.

Connectivity Tools

Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or local SIM card.
NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure public Wi-Fi.
Noise-canceling headphones for travel ease.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Backup

Store important documents and photos on cloud services.

Physical Backup

Consider a portable hard drive for extra copies of photos.

Device Security

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Medications & First Aid

Be prepared for minor ailments and personal health needs.

Medical Supplies

Prescription medications (with doctor's note).
Basic First aid kit (Amazon for general supplies).
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, motion sickness medication.

Sun & Insect Protection

The Caribbean sun and mosquitoes require attention.

Protection Gear

High-SPF Reef-safe sunscreen.
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (LifeStraw for some outdoor gear).
Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

If susceptible to seasickness, bring medication.
Bequia's hilly roads can be winding; car sickness possible.
Consider ginger candies or pressure bands.

Hydration

Stay well-hydrated to prevent heat-related issues.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Replenish electrolytes if sweating heavily.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Diving & Snorkeling

Gear for exploring Bequia's underwater world.

Snorkel mask and fins
Dive computer (if certified)
Underwater camera
Rash guard or wetsuit (optional)

Hiking & Exploration

Essentials for walking Bequia's scenic paths.

Daypack
Reusable water bottle
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Lightweight binoculars

Beach Day Essentials

Items for enjoying Bequia's beautiful shores.

Beach towel
Flip-flops/sandals
Book or e-reader
Small portable speaker

Rent vs. Buy Equipment

Benefits of Renting

Avoids bulk luggage and airline fees.
Access to well-maintained, current equipment.
No hassle of transport or storage post-trip.
Often more cost-effective for short trips.

When to Consider Buying

Frequent travel or specific, personalized gear needs.
Ensures perfect fit and familiarity with your own equipment.
Longer stays where daily rental costs add up.
If hygiene a main concern for personal items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

General Comforts

Small items that yield a big difference.

Comfort Essentials

Travel pillow and sleep mask.
Books or entertainment for downtime.
Small gifts for hosts or local friends.
Pen and small notebook.

Navigation & Security

Tools for finding your way and keeping belongings secure.

Navigation & Security Tools

Offline maps downloaded to your phone.
Small padlock for luggage or lockers (Pacsafe for anti-theft bags).
Headphones for music or podcasts.
Small flashlight or headlamp.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For local markets.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine life.

Solid Toiletries

Minimize liquid waste.

Destination-Specific Items

Island Exploration

Binoculars for bird watching or boat spotting.
Fishing gear if you plan to fish.
Camera with extra batteries/memory for views.

Relaxation & Local Life

A good book for beach relaxation.
Portable music player for personal use.
Small notebook for journaling or notes.

Packing Pro Tip

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and compression.

Consider a half-empty suitcase for souvenirs!

What to Pack & Bring