Hey there, fellow travel enthusiast! Let’s be real for a second – we’re all guilty of stuffing our suitcases to the brim, aren’t we? Picture this: you’re pulling out your suitcase, getting those nifty organizer packs in order, and getting ready for an amazing trip. And guess what? I’ve got the perfect Bahamas packing list to help you pack smart and light, so you can enjoy your trip without lugging around a mountain of stuff.
Nassau Bahamas
So, let’s talk about Nassau in the Bahamas, shall we? It’s like this little slice of heaven and a hotspot for cruisers in the Caribbean. Imagine diving into waters that sparkle in every shade of blue you can think of. Whether you’re all about swimming, snorkeling, and having a blast with watersports, or just chilling on the beach soaking up some sun, Nassau’s got you covered!
Oh, and guess what? We just got back from a fantastic 10-day getaway at Sandals Royal Bahamian! (If you’re heading to a Sandals Resort and want to pack efficiently in just a carry-on, check out my carry-on packing guide for Sandals Grenada for expert tips!)
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Bahamas Packing List: November to February
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what to pack for the Bahamas, especially if you’re planning to visit between November and February. I’ve been to Nassau twice during this cooler season, once in late November and then in mid-January. Fun fact: the chilliest months in the Bahamas are usually January and February.
If you’re used to packing for warm weather but struggle with unpredictable climates, check out my guide on packing for Colorado in early spring for layering strategies that also work in the Bahamas!
Now, this time of year in the Bahamas? Totally unpredictable! You might find yourself feeling a bit chilly in the evenings, but then getting all warm and toasty by midday. And get this – there could even be a surprise cold front that has you reaching for a winter jacket, even when you’re just lounging by the pool. Yes, that actually happened to us!
So, whether you’re planning to stay at Baha Mar, experience the royal treatment at Atlantis Paradise Island, chill out at Beaches, or enjoy the all-inclusive life at Sandals, I’ve put together an essential packing list for your Bahamas adventure.
- 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 (want to learn more about paddle boards?) 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 Sandals Bahamas 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 travel 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. Protect your eyes in style with Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses – lightweight and UV-protected shades for tropical getaways. Shop them here.
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.
Worried about maintaining your curls in the tropical heat? My salon travel tips for curly hair will keep your locks looking flawless throughout your trip!
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.
A good crossbody bag is a must for any vacation. I tested several options on my trip to Italy—check out my best travel crossbody bag review to find the perfect one for your Bahamas getaway!
KINDLE WITH PRE-LOADED DIGITAL BOOKS
Pack a Kindle with pre-loaded digital books for your tropical getaway to enjoy a library’s worth of reading without the bulk. It’s perfect for reading by the pool, beach, or on your balcony, with a glare-free screen for sunny days and waterproof models for worry-free enjoyment near water. Don’t forget to download my “5 Must-Read Thrillers” for gripping tales that will keep you entertained throughout your vacation.
RELATED INFO: Packing list for unpredictable spring weather in Colorado.
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.
RELATED INFO: Travel safely with a CO Detector!
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.
Want to organize your travel gear so you can pack faster for your next trip? Check out my garage organization tips to create the ultimate travel hub!
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!
