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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Out Islands, The Bahamas

Clothing Comfort

The Exumas boast a consistently warm to hot and humid climate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics excel here, such as cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials dry quickly and allow air circulation, keeping you cool. Pack plenty of shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and Swimsuits.

Layering Guidance

  • Daytime: Light-colored clothing helps reflect heat. Multiple Swimwear options prove useful.
  • Evenings (Winter): A light sweater or long-sleeved shirt offers comfort and mosquito protection.
  • Evenings (Summer): A light cover-up or long-sleeved shirt for air-conditioned spaces or mosquito protection.

Cultural & Activity Attire

The Exumas maintain a relatively casual atmosphere, but respect for local customs gains appreciation. Wear swimsuits only at the beach or pool. Cover-ups over swimwear appear appropriate when walking through towns or visiting local shops. Modest attire suits visits to churches or upscale restaurants. For hiking, lightweight activewear that breathes and wicks moisture will keep you comfortable.

Specific Dress Considerations

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered. A Light scarf or sarong can aid impromptu visits.
  • Formal Dining: Resort casual to smart casual (collared shirts/slacks for men; dresses/skirts/nice trousers for women).
  • Water Activities: Multiple swimsuits, Rash guards for sun protection, quick-drying clothing.

Footwear Focus

Beach & Pool

Flip-flops or sandals serve as your main footwear for beaches and casual resort areas.

Easy On/Off

Water Activities

Water shoes gain high recommendation. They protect your feet from rocky beaches, sharp coral, sea urchins, or other marine life. Also useful for sandbars.

Town & Travel

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers suit exploring towns like Georgetown, light hikes, or travel days.

Document Readiness

Critical Papers Checklist

Careful organization of your documents prevents travel disruptions. Keep both physical and digital copies of your important papers.

  • Passport & Visa Documentation: Valid passport (6 months validity beyond departure); printed visa copy if needed.
  • Travel Insurance: Printed and digital policy details, including emergency contacts.
  • Driving Permit: Valid national driver's license sufficient for up to 3 months; International Driving Permit (IDP) helpful for non-English licenses.
  • Health Documentation: Vaccination records, medical conditions, medication list.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of all flight, accommodation, car rental, and tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family/friends, local emergency numbers (919/911), embassy/consulate info.
  • ID for Discounts: Student/senior/press IDs, though discounts are less common here.
  • Copies: Keep physical copies of critical documents in a separate bag from originals.

Electronic Essentials

Power & Connectivity

Plan for power needs and local compatibility. The Bahamas employs Type A and Type B electrical outlets, mirroring those in the United States and Canada (120V at 60Hz). Travelers from North America require no adapter or voltage converter. Others need a Travel adapter and potentially a Voltage converter.

Staying Connected

Camera Gear & Apps

Capture the stunning beauty of the Exumas with appropriate camera equipment. A Waterproof camera proves indispensable for underwater adventures.

Essential Tech & Apps

Data & Security

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/videos. Save critical documents to an External hard drive or USB drive as a backup.

Device Protection

A Waterproof phone case (Universal Phone Pouch) protects your device during water activities.

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN enhance online security, particularly on public Wi-Fi.

Wellness & Well-being

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health and wellness kit supports preparedness for minor issues and specific health needs.

Essential Supplies

Sun & Bug Protection

The Bahamian sun shows intensity. High DEET content (20-30%) or picaridin repellent finds recommendation for mosquitoes and sandflies ("no-see-ums"), especially for evenings and shaded areas.

Climate-Specific Protection

Special Health Concerns

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness occurs for boat excursions to the Exuma Cays.
  • Bring over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or Bonine.
  • Consider Motion sickness bands (acupressure).

Water & Hygiene

Activity Gear

Snorkel & Dive

Bringing your own Mask and snorkel ensures a good fit and hygiene. Fins often arrive with tours or are available for rent. For certified divers, a personal Dive computer. Dive shops rent BCDs, regulators, and tanks.

  • Rent: Bulky items like full dive gear.
  • Bring: Personal mask, snorkel, water shoes.

Fishing

Deep-sea fishing charter operators typically furnish all necessary gear. For shore or casual fishing, a compact Travel fishing rod and tackle may find use. Check local fishing regulations for catch limits and protected species.

  • Rent: Large fishing rods/reels.
  • Bring: Compact travel rod for casual fishing.

Kayaking/Paddleboarding

If you plan extended unguided trips, consider bringing a small dry bag for electronics, sun protection, and a water bottle. Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes suit hiking.

  • Rent: Kayaks, paddleboards.
  • Bring: Small dry bag, sun protection, water bottle.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

When to Rent

  • Bulky items like dive gear (BCDs, regulators, tanks).
  • Large fishing rods or specialized equipment.
  • Kayaks or paddleboards (unless you own inflatable versions).
  • Local operators typically make these items available.

When to Bring

  • Personal Snorkel mask and snorkel for fit and hygiene.
  • Water shoes for foot protection.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and UV clothing.
  • A small dry bag and a waterproof camera.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items enhance your comfort and security. Flights to the Exumas can be long. A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs assist in resting during transit. Use TSA-approved locks for checked bags. A Money belt or neck wallet offers discreet and secure carrying for passport, cash, and credit cards.

Smart Security Measures

Reusable Items & Local Considerations

A Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask) stands as an important item to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated. Many accommodations offer water refill stations. A Reusable shopping bag serves as a useful item for groceries or souvenirs, as many stores charge for plastic bags. Reusable utensils/straws for eco-conscious travelers further reduce single-use plastics from takeaway food.

Exumas Specific Items

  • Cash: Smaller establishments and local vendors often prefer cash. ATMs appear limited.
  • Small Dry Bag: Essential for day trips on boats to protect electronics and valuables.
  • Binoculars: Useful for birdwatching or spotting distant cays and boats.
  • Reading material or entertainment for downtime, as local options appear limited.

Sustainable Travel

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Reusable Utensils

Minimize single-use plastic from takeaway.

Reef-Safe Products

Protect marine ecosystems.

Local Shopping Insights

Items Difficult to Find

  • Specialty sunscreens, especially reef-safe ones.
  • Specific brands of medications or toiletries.
  • High-quality snorkel gear or water shoes.

Expensive Local Purchases

  • Good quality insect repellent.
  • Reading material or entertainment items.
  • General groceries and imported goods.

Packing Pro Tip

Layering your clothing makes adapting to temperature changes easy, specifically between daytime heat and cooler evenings.

Opt for quick-drying materials to manage humidity and frequent water activities.