Are you planning a trip to the Virgin Islands on a Yacht or Boat Charter? We are very excited for you and encourage you to pack wise to support your having a great time! First rule: pack less than you think. Its about packing the right items instead of over-packing with items you don’t need.
At the bottom of this text you will find a FULL packing list. To get you started, here are a few things you may not already have as they are not all needed on your previous vacations to the beach, etc. Scan through these first as you may need to buy now so you have them in time for your trip:
Sunglasses: The light intensity in the Virgin Islands may be more than you have experienced before. This writer is a seasoned boat captain in Florida and still, the Virgin Islands are lighter and brighter most days. Most sunglasses reduce light intensity by 70-90 percent with darkening gray, green, amber, or other colored lens. But know that colored lenses alone are not enough protection for boating and yachting. Look for “Polarized” lenses to filter out intense glare. They will prevent squinting (and some headaches too). The right glasses will help prevent dry-eye and lessen sun damage around your eye area. Your goal will be to look great while you block the most glare. You want to enhance your vision in bright conditions, making them great for most days on the boat or on the dinghy to your next fun adventure. The glasses should sit comfortably and secure. And we have some ideas below for securing your new shades.
Costa “Mainsail” is a long-time favorite for mariners. You will see this brand all over the Virgin Islands, it is world-favorite brand. The classic shape is updated in this frame with mini-side shields and hooding to help block light. The temple grips are also improved for a comfortable fit. Scratch-resistant and very durable with 100% UV you get the best in eye protection and style.
Sunscreen: To protect the environment in the Virgin Islands, its good to use only only mineral sun screen. (In fact, the “Safe Sunscreen Act” is the law in the US Virgin Islands.) To you as well as coral and marine life, it is recommended that you use only non-nano mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. As of March 2020, sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene are prohibited in the USVI. What sunscreen to pack? Here are a few top rated recommendations:
Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. The formula is creamy and hydrating and reminds us of a daily moisturizer thanks to its lightweight texture. It’s easy to apply and feels gentle even on sensitive skin. Made in Hawaii, the reef-friendly formula is free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, petrochemicals, and nanoparticles and includes natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and honey. We’re big fans of the hint-of-marshmallow aroma that comes from the sunscreen, as we found it to be subtle and sweet. The sunscreen is an off-white shade and left a little white cast that went away after the lotion had a few minutes to set into the skin. This one absorbs well, a bit better than many of the reef-safe sunscreens. On our last trip to the BVIs, I noticed that it didn’t rub off or sweat off easily. The brand also says it tested at 80 minutes of water resistance.
Kokua Natural Sunscreen is a suncreen and a moisturizer in one. Its non-toxic and vegan. This performance sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection. Packed with Hawaiian botanicals including kukui nut oil, macadamia nut oil, Hawaiian spirulina, noni, and plumeria. This mineral sunscreen goes on clear and smooth. NO EYE STING, RUBS IN CLEAR with minimal whitening, and is meant for all sports, including water sports and outdoor activities. Zinc is the only active ingredient and is safe for humans of all ages and skin types and sensitivities. It is gentle, baby-safe, non-comedogenic and soothing for sensitive skin.
Shoes: Generally, you need 3 kinds of shoes: comfortable shoes you can hike in, water shoes you can wear to swim and flip flops or all purpose sandals. Your water shoes and flip-flops or sandals are usually the lightest and easy to pack. So for airport travel and hiking, we suggest athletic shoes or “sneakers” as they are called in some parts. You probably already have a pair you love so you are goo there. For watershoes, our team likes the NORTIV8 for comfort and value. We find these are also great for hikes. I pack a pair of small socks in my bag for longer hikes. Click on the picture for more colors and styles.
Dry Bag: Trust us, there are many reason you want a dry bag. Buying the right one matters. It doubles as your purse or over shoulder day-bag on the airplane. In the water, in not only keeps your items dry but it also floats. If you are going to The Baths in the BVIs, we close air inside the bag to have a float to aid in swimming. If you are looking for quality but leaning more towards a better price, click on the HEETA bag below (it may come with a free water case for your phone). Our team uses the 5L for trips to a restaurant or tiki bar. For a day at the beach pick 10L as it is bigger. If you want a even- better quality bag we like the EarthPack.
Hat: Remember that every had you put on your head is subject to ocean breezes and probably will blow off at one moment or another. So let’s focus on that one hat you need above all others. Again, no under chin string? You will probably lose your hat. A wider brim that flexes in the wind is also a good find. We like hats that are also washable.
Passport: check to make sure the passport date is valid at least 6 months after your intended travel date. Make copies: Leave 1 copy with a with a friend or family member at home that can send a copy to you if you lose the original. Make a second copy, store it somewhere safe with you as you travel. If you lost the original you still have a copy with you. If you need more information please go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWFkrPK0YaEcNgGzh4bSAxOtqyODW1lohgY1id6rYKolYEe6acG8fUxoCJ38QAvD_BwE
Travel Clothing: Think through what you pack and see if you can “wear” some of the clothing or even the jacket down on your flight. The lighter you pack the better. But a wind-breaker always comes in handy after a rain.
Bathing Suits: pack 2 or more. If you are like most people, you may want to pack a few more because they are small. Roll them up tight in your bag and they take up little room. We like to put a suit on each morning and a sunshirt or a cover up.
T-shirts: pack 2-3. Great to go onshore to a restaurant. Don’t pack many if you like to buy T-shirts because you will find many for purchase.
Quick-dry long sleeve shirts: These are great for UV protection. Plus, you will not be as warm as you think wearing one (unless you are there in the heat of the summer with no wind.) The BVI seems to always have a nice natural cooling system, also know as “the wind.” Everyone wears them because it is so easy to throw one on and have an instant level of sun protection. Pack 1 or 2 until you find a place to buy more as a take home souvenir. One of the best souvenirs to buy in the BVIs is the long sleeve shirts especially at the clubs and marinas.
Shorts: 3 pairs, quick dry and light. Strongly suggest you leave denim at home. For the ladies, a sun skirts you can pull on over your swimsuit is the preference for many.
Sun Pants: if you get burned you will really appreciate having a pair of these. Why not wear them before you get burned? They are very fashionable and we want you to be the cool you.
Skirts: Skirts are an awesome cover up whether walking on the beach or going to dinner at night. We like the ones made from swimsuit material because they dry fast. Sarongs are also nice. Many can be worn as a skirt or a sundress. Finally, swimsuit cover-up pants are seen quite bit too and will keep the sun off your legs for if even a few hours.
Sundress: A few of the ladies pack these and they look great. Many ladies wear a sundress to dinner at night. Tying a long sleeve shirt (even on of your UV ones) around your shoulder serves as a little cover-up if you feel chilly. But it is rare that a restaurant will have heavy blowing Air Conditioning.
Long pants: think lightweight and quick dry. Many folks wear them on their flight down and then wash them out and hang them to dry. Things dry fast so no worries. You will probably never wear long pants while on a boat in the BVIs though.
Long sleeve sweater or performance light warmer shirt: Something a little warmer than a t-shirt. Good for flying on the plane. Good to have after a hard rain if there is a chill for a brief time.
Sandals: flip-flops that stay on your feet well, Teva-type shoes or Keen-type shoes. A little grip on the bottom is good when exiting your dinghy on shore.Note on heels: leave them at home.Pack some cute flat sandals and don’t risk turning and ankle or being unable to climb in and out of the dinghy. For The Baths: while you can push and do The Baths in flip-flops, it is better if you have a water shoe that is good for hiking or a Teva-type sandal.
Socks: 2 pairs of socks. one pair for flying as planes get chilly. Also, if you snorkel alot ear a pair under your snorkel fins to protect your feet from blisters. You will also like having them for hiking.If any of the shoes you buy are new and you are unaccustomed to them, you will be happy you have some kind of socks or ped that you can slip on underneath them to save your feet from chaffing.
Underwear! Pack fewer if you are like us and put on a swimsuit each morning. (We did not say anything here about going commando.)
Rain Gear: A lightweight durable jacket with hood is good. Some folks also pack pants, it is up to you if you get cold easily. If you are there is raining season you can get cold if the winds are heavy. In this case, look at a fabric made for sailing to keep you warm and dry.
Sailing Gloves: If you will be crewing a sail vessel, sailing gloves are always a good idea. Protect your skin from abrasion from the vessel’s ropes and gear; while you are protecting your skin from UV. If you’re on a power-CAT, skips these.
Sun Protection: You need to protect your face. You need to protect your body. And while snorkeling, tights are a great idea if you burn easily. The backs of your legs, neck and your back can burn while snorkeling. A long sleeve shirt is good if you burn easily. A neck “gaiter” like the picture below will keep the back of your neck from an ugly burn. They come in really cool designs and colors too.
Toiletries: Pack shampoo and other basic items to share with your mate. When brushing your teeth you may be able to use the water on the boat (check if it is safe) but you may not want to swallow it. Ask if your boat has a water-maker as it makes a big difference in the quality of your onboard water (brushing teeth, showering). See our Provision Guide for recommendations on what water to order.
Insect anti- itch cream: for insect bites.
Insect repellent: look for brands that have non-toxic alternatives to DEET if you like. Avon “Skin So Soft” does work for many folks against no-see-ums and gnats. But if you are a person that they like to bite and need full protection, try Ben’s.
Prescriptions and Medicines. Anti diarrhea, band-aids, Neosporin, pain reliever and Dramamine (if you get seas sick). There are also wrist bands you can wear to ward-off sea sickness. While we are lucky that we don’t deal with sea-sickness, many of our clients tell us this is the best:
Yeti-Type Bottle: Great to keep your drinks cold. Avoid all plastic and paper for many reasons. Plus, they will blow away. We highly recommend you bring one with you. Go through security with it empty. Fill it before you board the plane or while on the plane. Keep it filled on your vacay and stay hydrated. In the evening, your favorite beverage will stay chilled too.
Garbage bag and zip lock bags: 1 or just a few. Great folks packing up wet items to throw in your luggage. Us girls use them as “designer” purses to go onshore.
Soft-sided Luggage or Duffel Bag. Hardshell suitcases don’t work well on a yacht, they are hard to store. Think soft-sided bags. Remember they may be stored down a hatch or jammed to store somewhere in your cabin.
Oversize Clothespins: We use these daily to dry clothing and beach towels. Anything you hang outside on the boat is subject to blowing away. Really.
Batteries, Memory Cards, Chargers: all are expensive and some hard to find.
Ear Plugs: So little, just trust us and pack them in case. If you are easily awakened, you may hear your “mate” at night when they flush.
Paper back book: You will have time to read.
Pajamas: lightweight.
Preferred Tea or Coffee: Not all brands are available. So light so you might as well pack a few bags. Good for hot or iced tea. Ever try “Wild Child” Blueberry? Its good hot or cold. We top it with a bit of honey or stevia.
Wet-suit: Most people are fine without a wet-suit to snorkel. If you are diving, you know what you need to do. The water is at least 80-83 degrees (or more).
What Not to Pack: Many boats don’t have the power for a hair dryer so check in advance. (And many do.) I have actually done it with a round brush. Again, no heels on your shoes. And rubber bottomed shoes are best on the boat. Avoid dark or black bottomed shoes as you will scuff the boat floor. If you pack a wind-breaker type jacket you can leave the bulky sweaters at home.
Items you can rent for use while in paradise:
Mask Fins & Snorkel: There are several companies you can rent these from, check with your charter company. We do pack our snorkel and mask because we prefer our own but this is not necessary.
LOST LUGGAGE ALERT: It happens, but you can plan to make sure you still have a good trip. Pack the following in the bag or backpack you carry on the plane: 1 pair of shorts, 1 t-shirt, flip-flops, bathing suit, 1 long sleeve shirt, camera, sunscreen, essential toiletries, prescriptions and medications. Wear a rain-type jacket and long sleeve shirt and lightweight pants to travel on plane. Shoes with socks. It’s enough clothes to get your started until you hit a shop to buy what you need.
GPS: Plotting your itinerary on GPS in advance makes for an amazing adventure. You can follow your trip “live” as you head out. (It also is fun to use on the airplane to know what you are flying over at any given time.) We have reviewed and ranked some of the best GPS hand-helds and apps for you here:
Books: Before you fly, on the trip down or just any lazy morning when you need a good reference book here are some suggestions:
Personalize Your Yacht and Dinghy: after all, it gets dark at night with the stars above as your only light. Your boat itself will have utility lights to provide support for you to see at night. But how do you find your dinghy when you leave restaurant when there are 50 or more at the dock. And pulling up to the :moored mirage of more than 50 boats when coming back at night: how do you make your boat stand out or at least have a attribute that grabs your attention? Consider some of these options:
Maps: Preview before your trip with with excellent maps. Lay out for your adventure in advance and get familiar with the amazing places you will visit. You may love it so much you may even mark the map up with notes to remind you for your next trip.
