What to pack for a BVI charter? Below is our list to get you started. Check out the links for items that we have purchased and like.
Your Packing Checklist:
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.
Travel Clothing: Think through what you pack and see if you can “wear” some of it down on your flight. The lighter you pack the better.
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.
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.
Shoes: Pack what is comfortable for a light hike. You can also wear them while flying. Remember that toe is a plus if you are a hiker. Sturdy sneakers or water shoe. Some of the new boat shoes work. Note: when I pack sneakers, I usually only wear them when flying.
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.
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.
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. See our Provision Guide for recommendations on what water to order.
Sunscreen: please pack only coral safe sun screens.
Sunglasses: Polarized are suggested, Pack a leash too.
Hat: Pack at lease one hat with a wide brim and strap to secure it on your head. Lots and lots of wind If you feel you don’t want to heed this recommendation, may we suggest you pack several hats? (giggle)
Sun neck-guard or Bandana: wear it as a dew-rag or a rash to protect your neck from the sun. Or use it to tie your hair up to go to dinner.
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.
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.
Dry bags: they come in all sizes. Some folks like a small one for camera and wallet only. Some like a larger bag that not only stores your items; but if you close it right it floats too.
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.
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.
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. For us, we just go top deck and let the wind dry it. 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.