Bahamas Packing Guide
What to pack for a warm-weather, beach-heavy itinerary — and what you can leave at home.
Bahamas cruises are warm year-round, so packing leans light and beach-focused. Here’s what actually gets used on a typical 3-7 night sailing.
Beach & Pool
- 2-3 swimsuits (one is always drying out)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required at some excursion sites and private islands)
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes for rocky beach areas and excursions
- A packable beach bag or dry bag
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable daywear (shorts, sundresses, linen shirts)
- One or two dressier outfits for formal/elegant nights, if your line offers them
- A light layer or wrap for air-conditioned interiors and evening breeze
- Comfortable walking shoes for port excursions
Documents & Money
- Passport book (recommended even for closed-loop sailings)
- Cruise documents/boarding pass and government-issued ID
- A small amount of cash in small bills for vendors and tips
- A copy of travel insurance details
Extras Worth Bringing
- A portable phone charger for excursion days
- Motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to it, even on short itineraries
- A refillable water bottle
- Ziploc bags to keep phones/documents dry on tender or beach days
Skip: Heavy jackets, formal shoes beyond one pair, and large amounts of cash — USD is accepted everywhere and most spending happens onboard or by card.
Heading to specific beaches? Check the Best Beaches in Nassau guide for what to bring by location.