Let’s admit it. We all overpack. Roll out one suitcase and get your organizer packs ready. Here’s a Bahamas packing list to help you travel with less AND be prepared.
Nassau Bahamas
Nassau is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean region. It’s a tropical paradise with crystal clear waters in every color blue imaginable. A travel destination for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports. Or, for those looking to lounge on the beach and get some sun!
We just returned from a 10 day trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian. It was our first international travel since the pandemic. (See all our local Northeast Road Trips to Wentworth by the Sea in Portsmouth, NH, Kennebunkport, Maine, plus Cape Cod.)
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Bahamas Packing List: November to February
Our two trips to Nassau have been in the cooler season. Specifically, late November and mid-January. Historically, the coldest months in the Bahamas are January and February.
This season in the Bahamas can be unpredictable! Evenings are chilly. However, midday can be quite warm. There might even be a cold front that blows in and have you wearing a winter jacket at the pool. (True story!)
Whether you are staying at Baha Mar, the Royal at Atlantis Paradise Island, Beaches or Sandals All Inclusive Resort, here is an essential Bahamas packing list:
- Jean jacket
- Linen pants
- Linen dress
- Light sweatshirt
- Birkenstocks
- Scarf
- Hat
- Bathing Suit
- Packable Down Jacket
- Sunglasses
Bahamas Packing List for 7 Days at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Accessories + Essentials
Sun Hat – Pack 2
I packed two sun hats for this tropical vacation. A fedora straw hat to wear with sundresses and linen pants. Plus, a Columbia trucker hat for time in the pool, standup paddle boarding and other water sports where I needed it to stay in place.
Minimum jewelry
Pack a few water-safe items to accessorize your bathing suits and cover-ups. For me, it was gold hoop earrings, a simple ear cuff, seashell pendant choker, ENSO rubber rings and a Casio waterproof watch. Wear a watch when enjoying water sports so you know how long you’ve been out on the ocean.
For evening attire, pack one statement necklace and earrings that go with everything. My favorite is a layered turquoise necklace purchased from this Etsy shop. She no longer carries it. However, I’ve linked to a similar design for you.
Beach Tote Bag – Pack 1
After reading several negative reviews on the quality of woven straw bags, I decided on a sturdy, cotton bag by SCOUT. It served as my plane carry-on, a day bag for the private island excursion and a beach bag for toting our towels, sunscreen, cameras and more. SCOUT has multiple patterns that easily match your bathing suits. My striped pool bag went with everything!
Scarf – Pack 1
A light scarf in your clothing color scheme is a must pack. I wear mine on the plane or on a cool, tropical evening to keep me warm.
Sunglasses – Pack 2
Vacationing in the Caribbean requires sunglasses. Pack two pairs to mix and match. I wear an older pair to participate in water sports (in case I lose them) and save my new Ray-Ban Erikas for the pool.
Sunscreen
This is one item I overpack. My husband burns easily and I’d rather be overprepared. I pack reef safe sunscreen in SPF 50.
Purse or Clutch – Pack 1
Pack a purse or clutch that matches and fits the items you might need in the evenings. I pack my royal blue clutch with my valuables and place in my airplane carry-on for safekeeping.
Outfits
Pants – Pack 3
A pair of linen pants, white skinny jeans and chinos always find their way into my luggage. The flowy, linen pants work perfect for breakfast attire, as a swimsuit cover-up or for day-tripping on the island.
White skinny jeans and J.Crew high-rise girlfriend chinos in navy look cute with wedges or heels. Plus, they pair well with bright colored tops. My go-to for dinners at the resort.
Shorts – pack 2
Black workout shorts and cutoff jean shorts are multi-functional. They work as swimsuit coverups, daytrip outfits and more.
Tops – pack 5
Pack a mixture of tops. I’m a sucker for ribbed, sleeveless tank tops (mine are from Banana Republic Factory) as I can pair them with all my pants AND shorts. Finish your packing with two dressy tops for those special dinners.
Sundresses – pack 2
Sandals Resorts requires evening attire at it’s fancier restaurants. Sundresses are perfect. Pick items that pack easily and don’t require much pressing or dry cleaning. For instance, a ribbed, sleeveless midi ribbed dress like mine!
Beach or Pool Coverups – Pack 2
Kaftans, linen overalls, or rompers make for stylish swimsuit coverups. Sandals Resorts requires full coverage when eating breakfast or lunch at their indoor restaurants.
Sweatshirt – Pack 1
A wide button-collar pullover sweatshirt in navy blue gives you a classic coastal look when paired with white skinny jeans or linen. I packed a J.Crew Factory design in antique blue.
Bikinis and Swimwear
Athletic Swimsuits – Pack 3
If you prefer to be active, pack athletic swimsuits. For this Nassau trip, I found the perfect fit from Athleta (Maldives Bikini Cerulean) and Carve Designs. They stayed put while I sailed, kayaked and paddle boarded.
Bikini – Pack 2
I always pack a fun bikini for a lounge day at the pool. Typically, this is our first day where we do absolutely nothing. Sounds amazing, right?
Shoes
Sneakers – Pack 1
A casual workout sneaker that you can wear to the gym, day trip and on the airplane. Personally, I love my black, Hoka Cliftons. Real life review…while out photographing the sunrise, the ocean tide crept up on me soaking my sneakers. I left them to dry in the sun and they are good as new!
Pool Sandals – Pack 1
Pack a pair of waterproof pool sandals that are comfortable for walking. You’ll find you make several trips to the bar, restroom, food trucks and your hotel room throughout the day.
Normally, I pack two pairs. However, for this Bahamas trip, I invested in Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA in white. My feet loved them and they looked great with every swimsuit I wore.
Wedges – Pack 1
Wedge sandals look great with pants, sundresses and shorts alike. I wore these TOMS Diana sandals every night to dinner.
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Outerwear
Jean Jacket – Pack 1
A cropped, jean jacket pairs with everything AND keeps you warm on cool evenings. Wear as a layer on the airplane trip to Nassau.
Travel Rain Jacket – Pack 1
On both vacations to Nassau, Bahamas, it’s rained. November had the worst storm with winds and flooding. The North Face and Columbia make a light jacket that rolls up nicely to fit into your luggage.
Packable Down Jacket – Pack 1
This is specifically for the cool season in the Bahamas. During our stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian (Sandals Bahamas Review Here), a severe cold front came through creating highs of 50 degree Fahrenheit days. I wore my down jacket with linen pants all day. It was a lifesaver!
What’s Left On Your Bahamas Packing List?
What I packed and wore for a 9 night stay in the Bahamas does not include what I brought for toiletries, travel documentation, camera equipment or other miscellaneous electronics. These items differ from traveler to traveler.
Leave a comment if you’d like to know what I packed for my husband. We traveled with one checked suitcase and two carry-ons!
