12/17/2025  Jomerglo

What to Pack for a Trip to the Berry Islands

INTRODUCTION

Packing for the Berry Islands is slightly different from packing for a traditional resort vacation. With nearly 30 cays spread across shallow turquoise banks and deep Atlantic waters, visitors often combine boating, beach days, fishing, snorkeling, island-hopping, and casual dining during a single trip. Because many cays have limited shopping opportunities, arriving with the right gear helps you spend more time enjoying the islands and less time searching for forgotten essentials. 

Whether you're staying on Great Harbour Cay, Chub Cay, or visiting several cays by private boat or charter, thoughtful preparation makes every excursion more comfortable. Lightweight clothing, reliable sun protection, waterproof gear, and boating safety equipment are among the most important items to bring.

For accommodations, beaches, transportation, and trip planning, continue to the Ultimate Berry Island Travel Guide.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

  • Passport

  • Government-issued identification

  • Flight confirmations

  • Hotel or marina reservations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Fishing permits (if required)

  • Boating documentation (for private vessels)

  • Copies of important documents stored digitally

Visitors arriving by private boat should also have customs documentation, vessel registration, and immigration paperwork ready before entering The Bahamas. 

LIGHTWEIGHT CLOTHING

The Berry Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate throughout the year.

Pack:

  • Lightweight T-shirts

  • Moisture-wicking shirts

  • Shorts

  • Swimsuits (2–3)

  • Rash guard or UPF shirt

  • Light long-sleeve shirt

  • Casual evening clothing

  • Lightweight rain jacket

  • Undergarments

  • Sleepwear

Quick-drying fabrics work especially well for boating and island-hopping. 

SUN PROTECTION

Strong tropical sun makes proper protection essential.

Bring:

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Wide-brim hat

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • After-sun lotion

  • UPF clothing

Polarized sunglasses are especially helpful for spotting reefs and navigating shallow waters. 

BEACH ESSENTIALS

For relaxing on beaches like Sugar Beach and Great Harbour Cay Beach, consider packing:

  • Beach towel

  • Beach bag

  • Flip-flops

  • Water shoes

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Dry bag

  • Waterproof phone case

  • Lightweight blanket

  • Snorkel mask (optional)

A dry bag helps protect electronics during boat rides and beach excursions. 

BOATING GEAR

Because boating is central to many Berry Islands vacations, boaters should pack:

  • Handheld GPS (backup if possible)

  • Navigation charts

  • VHF radio

  • Compass

  • Headlamp

  • Waterproof flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • Multi-tool

  • Dock gloves

  • Dry bags

  • Cooler

  • Reusable water bottles

The Bahamas also recommends carrying emergency signaling devices, life jackets, fire extinguishers, spare parts, first-aid supplies, and monitoring NOAA marine weather when boating. 

FISHING EQUIPMENT

The Berry Islands are renowned for offshore sport fishing.

Depending on your plans, consider bringing:

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Fishing gloves

  • Lightweight fishing shirt

  • Tackle (if using your own equipment)

  • Waterproof tackle bag

  • Fish grips

  • Camera

  • Cooler

  • Personal medications

Visitors fishing from foreign vessels must obtain the appropriate fishing permits and observe Bahamian catch limits. 

SNORKELING AND DIVING ITEMS

If exploring coral reefs or joining dive charters, pack:

  • Mask

  • Snorkel

  • Fins (if preferred)

  • Rash guard

  • Dive logbook

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Underwater camera

  • Defog solution

Most dive operators provide rental equipment, but many travelers prefer bringing their own mask and snorkel for comfort. 

HEALTH & PERSONAL ITEMS

Don't forget:

  • Prescription medications

  • Small first-aid kit

  • Motion sickness medication

  • Insect repellent

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Wet wipes

  • Aloe gel

  • Electrolyte packets

  • Personal toiletries

A compact first-aid kit is particularly useful during boating and remote island excursions. 

ELECTRONICS

Useful electronics include:

  • Phone charger

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera

  • Memory cards

  • Waterproof camera

  • Travel adapter (if needed)

  • Charging cables

  • Waterproof speaker

WHAT YOU CAN LEAVE AT HOME

Many first-time visitors overpack.

You usually don't need:

  • Heavy jackets

  • Formal clothing

  • Multiple pairs of shoes

  • Bulky luggage

  • Excessive toiletries

Comfortable, lightweight clothing is appropriate almost everywhere in the Berry Islands. 

TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION

Transportation

Pack according to how you'll travel—boat, charter, or commercial flight.

Accessibility

Supplies are available on Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay, but choices are more limited than in larger Bahamian destinations.

Best Season

Lightweight clothing is appropriate year-round, though a light rain jacket is useful during wetter months.

Family Suitability

Families should include extra sunscreen, snacks, refillable water bottles, hats, and beach toys for younger children.

Skill Level

This checklist is suitable for beachgoers, anglers, snorkelers, divers, and boaters.

FAQ SECTION

What should I pack for the Berry Islands?

Bring lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, waterproof bags, and comfortable footwear. 

Do I need boating equipment?

If traveling by private vessel, carry appropriate navigation, safety, and emergency equipment. 

Can I buy supplies on Great Harbour Cay?

Yes, but shopping options are limited compared with Nassau, so it's best to bring essential items with you. 

Are water shoes recommended?

Yes. Water shoes provide extra comfort when exploring rocky shorelines, docks, and coral-fringed beaches.

What documents should I carry?

Bring your passport, travel confirmations, identification, and, if boating, vessel documentation and customs paperwork. 

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

Most operators provide equipment, but bringing your own mask and snorkel can improve comfort and fit. 

Why is a dry bag useful?

A dry bag helps protect phones, cameras, passports, and other valuables during boat trips and beach excursions. 

EXPLORE MORE BERRY ISLANDS GUIDES

Continue exploring with:

LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT

Packing appropriately allows travelers to make the most of the Berry Islands' diverse experiences, from relaxing on Great Harbour Cay Beach and Sugar Beach to boating around Chub Cay, exploring the Tongue of the Ocean, or fishing offshore. Because the islands combine shallow banks, deep-water channels, and relatively remote cays, thoughtful preparation enhances safety, comfort, and flexibility while exploring one of The Bahamas' premier boating destinations. 

CONCLUSION

The right packing list can make your Berry Islands vacation more enjoyable, whether you're spending your days boating, fishing, snorkeling, beachcombing, or simply relaxing by the water. Bringing lightweight clothing, sun protection, waterproof gear, and essential travel documents will help you stay comfortable while exploring the islands.

For more itinerary ideas, accommodations, beaches, and local attractions, continue to the Ultimate Berry Island Travel Guide.

Berry Islands, Great Harbour Cay, Chub Cay, Sugar Beach, Great Harbour Cay Beach, Tongue of the Ocean, Great Bahama Bank, boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, travel documents, VHF radio, fishing permit, Bahamas Customs, beach gear

Updated as of July 2026.