What to Pack for Exuma: Sun, Water, Boats, Photos & Drones
Packing for Exuma requires more planning than a typical Caribbean vacation. The Exuma Cays are famous for glowing turquoise waters, bright sunshine, sandbars, wildlife encounters, and full-day boat tours. That means travelers must prepare for intense sun exposure, water activities, salt spray on electronics, and opportunities for incredible photography and drone footage. Whether you’re visiting for beaches, Pig Beach tours, sandbars, or a week of relaxation, this packing guide ensures you bring exactly what you need—and avoid what will only weigh you down.
Below is the complete list of what to pack for Exuma, broken into categories designed for real-world island conditions.
1. Sun Protection: The Most Important Category
The sun in the Exumas is stronger than many travelers expect. The combination of shallow water and white sand reflects UV rays from multiple angles. Sunburns happen fast—especially on full-day boat tours.
Must-Pack Sun Protection
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Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Many tours encourage or require reef-safe products to protect marine life.
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Broad-brim hat
Baseball caps do not provide adequate neck or ear protection.
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Polarized sunglasses
Essential for reducing glare and seeing into the water.
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SPF rash guards
Critical for boat days and snorkeling to avoid mid-day sunburn.
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Lip balm with SPF
The Exuma sun dries lips quickly.
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Aloe vera gel
Helpful in case of accidental overexposure.
Optional but Very Useful
Sun protection is the one category travelers underestimate the most—bringing the right gear ensures comfort from day one.
2. Clothing & Footwear for Island Living
Exuma is casual, warm, breezy, and comfortable. Most travelers pack too much clothing.
Recommended Clothing
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Swimwear (2–4 sets)
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SPF shirts or rash guards
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Lightweight shorts
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Cotton or linen tops
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Sundresses or casual evening outfits
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Flip-flops or sandals
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Water shoes (for rocky areas or boat ladders)
For Cooling Evenings
Footwear to Consider
High heels and heavy shoes are rarely needed.
3. Boat-Day Essentials (Required for 90% of Visitors)
Nearly every traveler to Exuma joins at least one boat tour—Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, sandbars, or turtle encounters. These trips require their own gear.
Boat-Day Packing List
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Dry bag
Protects phones, wallets, and cameras from salt spray.
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Waterproof phone pouch
Ideal for boat ladders, swimming pigs, and grotto snorkeling.
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Microfiber towel
Dries quickly and packs small.
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Reusable water bottle
Many tours provide water but encourage eco-friendly containers.
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Snorkel gear (optional)
Tours normally provide gear, but bringing your own ensures fit and quality.
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Motion-sickness tablets
Especially important for younger travelers.
Pro Tips
4. Water Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Exuma’s water clarity is exceptional, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and shallow-water exploration.
Must-Bring Items
Optional
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Underwater GoPro or action camera
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Float strap to keep cameras from sinking
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Anti-fog spray for snorkel masks
Bringing your own gear is highly recommended if planning multiple water days.
5. Photography Gear for Exuma’s Turquoise Blues
Exuma is one of the world’s most photogenic destinations. The bright sun and turquoise water create ideal lighting almost all day, but also require planning.
Best Items to Pack
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Smartphone with a good camera (modern iPhone, Pixel, Samsung)
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Polarizing lens filter (dramatically enhances watercolors)
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GoPro or waterproof camera
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Portable power bank
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Lens cloths (salt spray is constant)
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Extra SD cards
Optional Gear for Photography Enthusiasts
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DSLR or mirrorless camera
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Wide-angle lens for sandbars and cliffs
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Dry bag designed for cameras
Drone users should read the next section.
6. Drone Packing Guide for Exuma
Exuma is a dream location for drone pilots, with vibrant sandbars, remote cays, and mirror-flat water. However, there are rules.
Required Drone Items
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Fully charged batteries (2+ recommended)
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ND filters for bright sunlight
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Hard-shell case
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Extra propellers
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Landing pad (prevents sand damage)
Drone Filming Considerations
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Avoid flying near wildlife such as pigs, iguanas, or turtles.
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Respect private islands and boats.
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Some areas in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park have restrictions.
Legal Reminder
Drone registration may be required depending on nationality and equipment type.
7. Tech & Travel Essentials
Must-Pack
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Portable charger
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International power adapter (most outlets are standard North American, but check accommodations)
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Waterproof watch or dive watch
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Bluetooth speaker for villas
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Zip-top bags for electronics
For Navigation
8. Health, Safety & Comfort Items
Recommended
Useful Extras
9. What NOT to Pack for Exuma
Travelers often bring unnecessary items.
Leave These at Home
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Heavy clothing
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High heels
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Large coolers (rent locally if needed)
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Snorkel fins if not planning multiple water days
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Expensive jewelry not needed for casual island dining
Exuma is stylish but relaxed.
Final Thoughts
Packing strategically for Exuma ensures you fully enjoy the island’s sun, sandbars, boat tours, and photography opportunities without discomfort or inconvenience. With brilliant sunshine, shallow turquoise water, and unforgettable marine experiences, the right gear enhances safety, comfort, and the ability to capture Exuma’s beauty. From SPF clothing and dry bags to polarizing filters and underwater cameras, preparing well in advance transforms a good trip into an exceptional one. Exuma rewards those who arrive ready for sun, sea, and exploration.