Bahamas Packing List: What to Pack for Your Trip to the Islands

Packing for a trip to the Bahamas? Pack your swimsuit and tropical outfits and settle in for some island relaxation.

Even in winter, the coolest time of year, temperatures in the Bahamas only dip into the low 70s, making comfortable, breathable clothing essential. But to do this vacation destination justice, you’ll also want to explore the beaches and historic sites, hike the stunning terrain, take part in water sports, and even swim with wild boars, all of which require the right clothing and gear.

We know you don’t want to come home with a sunburn or sit around in wet clothes on your vacation. Find out what to pack for a Bahamas Cruise So you’re ready to have some fun in the sun.

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What to Pack for a Bahamas Trip

The weather doesn’t vary much between the islands of the Bahamas, making it easy to pack for a trip to multiple Bahamian ports. The average daily temperature year-round is between 77 and 90 degrees.

The weather does not change abruptly throughout the day as it might on any given day. Alaska CruiseBut mornings can be windy in the Bahamas. Pack an extra layer, like a light cotton sweater or jean jacket, to take off at lunchtime. Just make sure it can easily fit into a pocket or purse when the sun starts to shine.

Thin and breathable clothing

Showers in the Bahamas are short and over before you know it. But since you’re living out of a suitcase, you want clothes that dry quickly. Opt for polyester, cotton, and linen for your cruise wardrobe. While you may be tempted to pack your favorite thick cardigan to keep you warm, don’t. It will take a long time to dry, and sitting in a wet sweater can be uncomfortable.

When in doubt, opt for thin, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing over tight, clingy clothing. Your body will appreciate clothes that don’t cling to you as you climb the 66 steep limestone steps of the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau or explore Lucayan National Park in the stifling humidity. Pack a shirt or dress that you can wear over your swimsuit, if a day in port means heading into town for a post-beach lunch.

Related: What to Wear on a Cruise: Cruise Attire and Cruise Line Dress Codes

Sturdy footwear

Not all sidewalks or roads in the Bahamas are paved like they are in the US. Keep your flip flops for the beach and cute but uncomfortable shoes for the boat.

For travel, opt for sturdy shoes like Keen, Chaco, or Teva sandals—all of which are waterproof and comfortable, whether on land or in the water. Pack shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. In other words, those brand-new white sneakers you packed should probably be considered “deck shoes” and only worn on the boat.

Sleepwear

Most cruise lines will have one or two formal night or “fancy evening” where formal dress is encouraged, although not required.

Instead of velvet dresses or dark suits, the trend for warm-weather sailing is lighter colors. For men, this means a tan suit or a tan sport coat over trousers (even better if it’s linen, which is more breathable). Women should skip the usual shift dress for something more elegant while honoring the coastal-influenced color palette. (That said, little black dresses never go out of style on board.)

Accessories and equipment

If you don’t take a lot of photos, is the trip even worth it? While a smartphone camera is fine, so is a camera you can pack in a dry bag and take with you on shore excursions. Just don’t forget to bring a portable charger or power bank if you know you’ll be draining your phone. It’s hard to find outlets for charging cables at the beach.

The sun shines brightly in the Bahamas, which is exactly why 7.25 million tourists flock there each year. Pack sunscreen in your backpack; apply generously and often. You’re more likely to get sunburned when you spend your days in the sun on a cruise ship’s private island. Use waterproof sunscreen for days in the water.

Related: Cruise Packing List: The Complete Guide to What to Pack for a Cruise

Take the stress out of packing

You will sweat through your clothes, so be prepared to change your outfit several times a day. Keep in mind that your ship may have self-service laundry facilities or provide laundry service. That means you can pack less when you plan to wear the same outfit multiple times.

Ports in the Bahamas have plenty of stores that sell clothing, medicine, and toiletries. There are some things you may have left at home that you won’t find in Nassau or Freeport; your cruise ship will also sell a limited number of groceries. However, if your ship only visits islands operated by the cruise line, you may want to bring extra toiletries and medicine, just in case.

Related: 7 Cruise Ship Packing Mistakes You Want to Avoid at All Costs

Bahamas Cruise Packing List

Here is a helpful checklist to use when packing for your Bahamas cruise.

• Some lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, or other casual shirts (like those made of quick-drying material) to wear during the day
• Two or three pairs of shorts, leggings or skirts to wear during the day
• One swimsuit or swimming trunks, and a spare while the other is drying (since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the ship’s pool and on the country’s beaches)
• Protective vest or shirt can be wet so your back doesn’t get burned when snorkeling or playing in the waves
• A robe (consider a stylish robe for beach selfies)
• A light waterproof jacket or raincoat
• A light fleece jacket or sweater for cold mornings (and flying)
• A large backpack or beach bag to carry into port or onto the ship’s pool deck
• Two pairs of pants or skirts (or dresses) or two button-down shirts and a suit jacket for dinner on the train
• Cardigan, scarf or light sweater for air-conditioned restaurants on board
• One or two pairs of good, breathable walking shoes, such as ankle-strap sandals or ankle-cut hiking, walking, or running shoes
• A classy pair of shoes for dinner on the train
• Sun protection: sunglasses, baseball cap or floppy straw hat, and sunscreen (plus aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the inevitable sunburn)
• Umbrella
• A reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated while in port and on board)
• Gym clothes (in case you want to burn off those calories in the onboard gym or go for a run in port)
• Personal toiletries and prescriptions (pack in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost)
• Underwear, sleepwear and socks
• Your cell phone or camera (and charger so you don’t miss a great shot)
• Dry bags or Ziploc bags to protect your phone, camera and wallet during shore or beach excursions
• Entertainment for the beach, on the ship, and in the plane (if you’re flying to a port of embarkation), such as an e-reader or book, deck of cards, handheld video games, tablet, sketchbook, adult coloring book, or crossword puzzle
• Packable beach toys for kids, such as inflatable beach balls, arm floats, flying discs and collapsible buckets with shovels

Last line

With the exception of formal nights (which, again, are optional), casual attire is the preferred choice for warm-weather sailing. So go ahead and pack your Hawaiian shirt or favorite tropical-colored outfit. Then, hop on board and make some great memories in comfort and style.

Have questions about Bahamas cruises? TPG has the answers.