Out Islands, The Bahamas
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.
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.
Flip-flops or sandals serve as your main footwear for beaches and casual resort areas.
Water shoes gain high recommendation. They protect your feet from rocky beaches, sharp coral, sea urchins, or other marine life. Also useful for sandbars.
Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers suit exploring towns like Georgetown, light hikes, or travel days.
Careful organization of your documents prevents travel disruptions. Keep both physical and digital copies of your important papers.
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.
Capture the stunning beauty of the Exumas with appropriate camera equipment. A Waterproof camera proves indispensable for underwater adventures.
Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/videos. Save critical documents to an External hard drive or USB drive as a backup.
A Waterproof phone case (Universal Phone Pouch) protects your device during water activities.
NordVPN or ExpressVPN enhance online security, particularly on public Wi-Fi.
A well-stocked personal health and wellness kit supports preparedness for minor issues and specific health needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.
For groceries and souvenirs.
Minimize single-use plastic from takeaway.
Protect marine ecosystems.
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.