The Perfect Caribbean Packing List (Checklist & Downloadable PDF)

Sometimes, the most challenging part about planning a trip, particularly to the idyllic and diverse islands in the Caribbean, is deciding what to pack and wear!

Okay, maybe it used to be.

But thanks to this Caribbean packing guide and downloadable PDF packing list, you can save time and not worry about missing anything important.

The goal? Less stress, less planning, and more packing for paradise! 🌴

You’ll want to pack various outfits to enjoy exploring the Caribbean beaches, resorts, rainforests, and coastlines (nope, not just bikinis!).

This thorough but essential packing list is ideal for spending up to a week in the Caribbean.

Whether you’re island hopping, visiting on a Caribbean cruise, or planning to soak up one island’s hidden gems on your vacation, this list will have you covered!

If you are traveling with family or kids, please note that we will leave extra notes throughout the post.

Otherwise, this Caribbean checklist is best for one female traveler and includes all the information you need before packing for a Caribbean vacation.

For country-specific packing tips, check out all of our packing list guides!

Now, let’s get to packing!

The Ultimate Caribbean Packing List Guide

Essential Documents & Info for Caribbean Vacations

First, before embarking on your dreamy Caribbean vacation, ensure all your travel documents are in order.

Before departing, double-check for:

• Visa requirements (if any)
• Passport requirements* (i.e., your passport validity, remaining available blank pages, etc.)
• Travel Advisories (e.g., recent or incoming storms, political rife, etc.)

*Most Caribbean islands require that you have two blank pages in your passport and an expiry date of no less than six months.

While there are officially 13 independent island nations in the Caribbean, some islands belong to overseas departments (e.g., Guadeloupe (France), Puerto Rico (USA), Bonaire (Netherlands), Turks and Caicos (UK)).

You will need different documentation and/or travel clothes and gear depending on where you travel.

The Caribbean subregion of the Americas is exceptionally diverse, so we will do our best to include it in your packing list!

Feel free to adjust this checklist to suit your travel lifestyle, as an all-inclusive Caribbean packing list will be different than an adventurous Caribbean packing list for active travelers.

Priority & Personal Items

We like to separate the “priority” and “personal” away from the bulk of our packing so we don’t get lost in the mess and forget to include something essential or urgent, such as passports, credit cards, or medication!

• Passport
• Wallet/credit cards and safety cash
• Medications

For personal items, no beach trip is complete without a convenient over-sized purse or bag to stuff in:

• A good book (we use a Kindle)
• Reusable water bottle (we love the Owala bottles)
• Mini-sized travel deodorants like Native or roll-on perfume
• SPF lip balm, face wipes (we’re Burt’s Bees gals)

Bonus Tip: Before you take your flight, download and install an easy Airalo Caribbean eSIM on your phone to get data/connectivity on the island (without changing your phone number or incurring roaming charges).

Clothes & Accessories

For clothes, we try to stay minimal without sacrificing comfort.

You’ll want to cover your bases for a Caribbean vacation to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.

While this heavily depends on which island you’re visiting, go prepared with a good balance between clothes and outfits ideal for beach-lounging and adventure/exploration.

For example, for spending a week in Dominica, you could go from chasing waterfalls to lounging in hot springs to snorkeling!

So, pack according to your planned travel activities.

Otherwise, here are our general recommendations for the ladies.

This clothing checklist allows for an outfit swap each day of your vacation, plus the flexibility to re-wear/mix and match outfits for evenings.

Plan at least four outfits with multiple configurations. This way, you avoid overpacking.

• 2 bathing suits
• 1-2 dresses/flowy skirts
• 1-2 shorts
• 3-5 tops
• 1 linen pants or romper set
• Rain jacket
• Active shorts or yoga set
• Walking/water shoes (we love Tropicfeel)
• Sandals (1 casual, 1 sporty for those adventure days)
• Microfiber/quick dry towel
• Hat + sunglasses

Toiletries

To save space in your suitcase (or backpack), consider not packing items such as large tubes of toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, or mosquito repellent.

Those “everywhere” items can be easily picked up once you arrive.

However, if you don’t want the hassle of shopping on the spot your first night or love your beauty products from home, you can still save space in your luggage by filling up and packing mini 3 oz travel bottles.

These leak-proof silicone squeeze bottles are our go-to!

In general, we’d recommend:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (extra crucial for protecting the Caribbean’s coastlines)
• Eco mosquito/bug repellent (this tin can by Murphy’s is the best)
• Makeup and facial sunscreen, lip balm
• Hair care you need

For sunny (and sweaty) days on the island, we love having face wipes in our bags for in-between activities!

Tech & Travel Gadgets

Up next, don’t leave your devices behind (or do, up to you!).

Based on our Caribbean vacations, adventure is always awaiting around the corner.

And documenting it is half the fun.

Whether it’s a famous dive site, a roaring waterfall, a protected rainforest, or a hidden hot spring… you will want to soak up the island’s diverse landscapes.

For that, make sure to pack a waterproof camera of some sort.

We are GoPro girls, but the DJI Osmo Actions are just as adventure-ready.

Beyond that, you should consider packing:

• A dry bag (for those water-based activities)
• GoPro (or a waterproof phone case)
• Power adaptor* (check your island’s voltage)
• Phone/chargers
• Battery pack for all-day charge
• Offline maps (download before you go)
• Airalo eSIM (select the Caribbean island you’re visiting!)

*Power outages can happen with tropical storms during the hurricane season in the Caribbean/Atlantic from June through November. Take a spare battery pack or charger, just in case.