The Caribbean, packed for two
Reef-safe sun care, snorkel days and resort-elegant evenings: the 20 pieces we'd pack for the Caribbean.
Photo: Navin75, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; cropped and colour-edited.
Warm water, soft sand and evenings that call for something a little elegant. This is what we'd pack for a Caribbean escape for two, built from everything our beach trips have taught us.
Caribbean sun is strong and the air is humid, so the list starts with protection: mineral, reef-friendly sunscreen and long-sleeve rash guards for snorkelling. Several islands, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bonaire, restrict sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, so check the rules for your island.
Then there's the water. A good mask, a dry bag for the boat and water shoes for rocky entries make all the difference. In the evening, resorts lean elegant: think linen, a long skirt and a little gold.
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Travel day
- 01BÉIS The WeekenderFor twoSee at Béis
A carry-on that doubles as the beach bag once you land.
- 02Apple AirTag (2nd generation), 4 packFor twoShop on Amazon
Island hops often mean a connection. One in each bag tells you exactly where your luggage is.
Day & beach
- 03Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (zinc oxide)For twoShop on Amazon
A zinc oxide mineral sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate, for swimming over the reef.
- 04Ewedoos UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guardHersShop on Amazon
A long-sleeve UPF 50+ rash guard means less sunscreen in the water and no burnt shoulders after snorkelling.
- 05BALEAF UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guardHisShop on Amazon
The same idea for him. Light, quick-drying and easy to swim in.
- 06maamgic 5-inch quick-dry swim trunksHisShop on Amazon
Quick-dry trunks that go from the boat to the beach bar.
- 07Cressi Panoramic mask & dry snorkel kitFor twoShop on Amazon
A wide-view mask and a dry snorkel, so you're not relying on a rental set. We'd pack one each.
- 08Earth Pak Roll-top waterproof dry bagFor twoShop on Amazon
Phones, keys and a dry layer stay safe on a catamaran or kayak.
- 09SEEKWAY Quick-dry water shoesFor twoShop on Amazon
For rocky entries, coral rubble and hot sand.
- 10FURTALK Wide-brim straw sun hat with wind lanyardHersShop on Amazon
A wide brim with a chin cord, for a breezy boat day.
- 11Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer, polarizedHisShop on Amazon
Polarized lenses let you see the reef from the boat and cut beach glare.
Evenings out
- 12White chiffon pleated maxi skirtHersShop on Amazon
Resort evenings lean elegant. A white maxi skirt with a simple top is perfect.
- 13Alimens & Gentle Linen short-sleeve button-downHisShop on Amazon
Linen breathes in the humidity, and he looks ready for a candlelit dinner on the sand.
- 14Missoma Mini Mariner Chain NecklaceHersSee at Missoma
A fine gold chain against sun-warmed skin is all the jewellery you need.
Toiletries & beauty
- 15COLOR WOW Dream Coat anti-humidity sprayHersShop on Amazon
Humidity means frizz. This spray keeps hair smooth from the beach to dinner.
- 16LANEIGE Lip Sleeping MaskHersShop on Amazon
Sun and salt dry lips out. This goes on every night.
- 17Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera After Sun GelFor twoShop on Amazon
A cooling after-sun for the evening, just in case.
- 18Sawyer 20% Picaridin insect repellent lotionFor twoShop on Amazon
Picaridin repellent for dusk, when the mosquitoes come out.
Tech & photos
- 19GoPro HERO13 Black Extended Power BundleFor twoShop on Amazon
Waterproof without a case, so you can film turtles and reef fish together. This bundle includes extra batteries.
- 20Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024)For twoShop on Amazon
Waterproof and glare-free for long afternoons under a palm.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Couples photos without a photographer · our easy tips
Ready when you are
Plan your own escape for two
Our step-by-step guide, from choosing the place to the last dinner, with a printable checklist.
Plan your escape