Choose your island above
We’ll show you exactly what to pack — curated specifically for your destination, from reef-safe sunscreen to the right hiking boots. In the meantime, here is how our packing lists come together.
How we choose what to recommend
Every list starts with the island itself. We look at the terrain and the activities that destination is actually known for — whether that is reef snorkeling, rainforest hiking, long beach days, or boat trips between cays — and work backward to the gear that genuinely earns a place in your bag. We favor versatile, durable items you will reach for again, flag the few things that are hard to buy once you arrive, and sort everything into clear Must-Have and Nice-to-Have tiers so you can pack light without second-guessing.
Some links are affiliate links, which means My Island Compass may earn a small commission when you shop through them — at no extra cost to you. We only include gear we would genuinely pack ourselves, and a commission never buys a spot on the list.
Why reef-safe sunscreen matters
The Caribbean’s coral reefs are one of the main reasons people travel here, and the sunscreen you wear in the water affects them. Common chemical filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to coral damage, and several destinations — including the US Virgin Islands and Bonaire — have restricted or banned sunscreens that contain them. Arriving with the wrong bottle can mean having it turned away or simply being asked not to use it.
That is why a reef-safe mineral sunscreen — one that protects with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead — sits near the top of nearly every list we build. It keeps you covered under strong tropical sun and keeps you on the right side of local rules and the reefs you came to see.
What almost every Caribbean trip needs
A handful of essentials show up on practically every island, no matter where you are headed. Pack these and you are most of the way there:
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for relentless midday sun.
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat and cut down on plastic.
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky entries, boat decks, and hot sand.
- A lightweight rain layer — tropical showers pass quickly but arrive without warning.
- A dry bag to keep your phone and valuables safe on boats and at the beach.
- Insect repellent for evenings, rainforest walks, and quiet stretches of coast.
Choose your island above and we will turn these foundations into a complete, destination-specific packing list.
Questions? [email protected]
My Island Compass earns a commission when a traveller books with a listed partner. Partner placement is paid for, labelled as such, and never presented as an independent editorial ranking. Ratings are not for sale.