Packing

Before you fly

• Passport, in a dry pouchNeeded for The Bahamas. Keep it with you, not in the checked bag.
• Soft bag or duffelSmall planes and boats have tight cargo space. A soft bag fits where a hard case won’t.
• CashBahamian and US dollars both work; ATMs on the Out Islands can be unreliable.
• Medication, in your carry-onEnough for the trip, in original containers.
• Travel insurance with evacuation coverOn a small island the nearest full hospital can be a flight away.

Sun

• Mineral sunscreen, SPF 30+, water-resistantRead the ingredients, not the “reef safe” label. Leave oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene at home if you’re going on to the US Virgin Islands.
• Polarized sunglasses with a strapUV400 / 99–100% UV. Polarized lenses cut glare off the water.
• A hat that ties onOpen boats take hats without a chin strap.
• UPF long-sleeve layerCovers more than sunscreen and doesn’t wash off on a boat day.

Boat days

• Dry bag, 10–20 LFor the phone, wallet and camera on water taxis and dinghy rides.
• Waterproof phone pouchTake the photo from the boat without betting the phone on it.
• Packable shellSpray and wind on the ride back.
• Soft backpack coolerLighter and easier to stow than a hard cooler.
• Water shoesRocky entries and wet landings off a dinghy.

Bugs & health

• Picaridin or DEET repellentNo-see-ums are worst around calm dawn and dusk.
• Small first-aid kit with rehydration saltsHeat and salt water dry you out faster than you notice.
• Something for seasicknessTake it before you board, not once you feel it.

Water & power

• Refillable bottleRefill with RO water where it’s offered; a filter bottle is a freshwater backup, not a way to drink seawater.
• Power bankYour phone is your map, your camera and your ride home.
• Plug adapter (only for 230 V islands)The Bahamas uses 120 V and US plugs.