This packing list should serve you well if you are glamping on a tropical island!
Earplugs:
It’s windy on the side of the island where the tents are, especially at night. I can sleep through wind just fine, but while the tents are extremely sturdy, they are NOISY! The heavy vinyl is creaky and the poles that form the frame of the tent snap in the wind. A lot. I suggest you find earplugs that work well for you prior to your trip. I have small ear canals and the generic foam plugs don’t work for me. These Fitciz Small Size Ear Plugs work well and they are budget friendly!
Sunscreen:
The sun is no joke in Belize. You can burn more quickly than you would in the U.S., so you want to be protected at all times. It is also really, really important to protect the reef with reef safe sunscreen. Some are reef friendly, but reef safe is the more stringent rating. My favorite brand is Sun Bum, and I found out this year that not all of their products are reef safe. Look for their Sun Bum Mineral products, which protect with a physical barrier rather than chemicals. I buy the 3oz tubes and will go through 2-3 tubes on a one week trip.
Long sleeve swim shirts/rashguards
I use these for snorkeling, boat rides and just protecting myself from sun on the island. While you shouldn’t touch anything in the reef, there’s always the chance of brushing against something, especially in a current, and a shirt will protect you. They are also better for the reef and your wallet since you don’t have to wear sunscreen under them. I take one tightly fitted shirt that stays in place for snorkeling and two with a looser fit for general sun and boat purposes. The looser ones can be worn for snorkeling but I either tie a knot in the hem to make them more snug or tuck them into my bikini bottoms so they don’t ride up and leave my lower back uncovered. I learned this the hard way on one trip with one strip of sunburn across my lower back that unfortunately also outlined a tag sticking out of my bikini. It was a lovely look to wear for the rest of the summer season! You can get by with just two shirts since they dry so quickly on the outdoor line in the wind. I swear by the Lands’ End Long Sleeve Rash Guard for general wear and I love all the colors and patterns!
Swim leggings or capris:
Some people choose to wear these on every snorkel, and you can’t go wrong with that. Like the shirts, these protect you from accidental brushes on the reef and with no need for sunscreen. They can also keep you warm when the water is chilly. I definitely recommend them for two-snorkel trips, such as when you go to the Blue Hole and the Aquarium. Your sunscreen will rub off in the boat and also in the water on your first snorkel, so you are very likely to get burned on the second snorkel. Also, if you do a night snorkel, it can be harder to avoid the reef and it’s also chillier. You can use leggings made for water, regular leggings, or even long underwear. Here are the ones I have used for warm weather.
Heavier weight snorkeling wear:
The water is colder in December and January so I take some thicker UV wear. I’ve bought this jacket and leggings and they worked great. I also liked that I could remove the jacket after the snorkel and replace it with a dry swim shirt and that would keep me warmer for the boat ride back. When I last in January, I also took this wet suit jacket and I did not regret it.
Buff:
A buff is a game changer. It can keep the sun off your neck, keep your hat on during a boat ride, and also protect your face from sun. But the game it changed for me was snorkeling. I have long hair and a very forward hairline, and the buff keeps your hair back as you put on your mask. Once your mask is on, you pull the buff out of your mask and you are ready! It also keeps the strap from tangling your hair and your hair out of your face while you snorkel.
Shorts:
I take three pair of shorts, including one pair that can double as swim shorts. Patagonia is my favorite brant, but you may prefer some with the swim bottoms built-in.
Tank tops and t-shirts:
I get by with two tank tops because I wear the swim shirts so much. I’ll wear tanks on my morning walks or doing yoga when the trip includes an instructor. I wear one t-shirt on the plane out and wear the same one on the way back.
Wicking sundresses:
While you definitely don’t need to wear dresses, I swear by Toad & Co. dresses for travel. They wick sweat and wrinkles shake out of them. I take two on every trip. Note, you can wear anything you want to dinner, shorts, tanks, whatever.
Swimsuits:
I take two bikinis, I find the 2 piece is a lot easier to put on if you are wet or sweaty.
Swim coverup
I take one, but don’t really need it since most of the time I’m wearing a swim shirt. I do swear by a Rip Skirt, either the long or midi length so that I can cover my legs during boat trips. When you go fishing, your legs are exposed for a while and using a skirt or a towel to protect your legs is a good idea.
Jacket:
I take one hoodie for nights when the wind gets chilly. I take a very lightweight one, but if you tend to get cold, you may prefer a fleece.
Pants:
I have never put on a pair of pants on this trip, but lot of people do find the wind at night chilly enough. I wear my Athleta tuxedo stripe pants on the plane so I have them if needed.
Travel towels:
Pac towels are amazing! They are super-thin, very absorbent, and they dry very quickly. I take one large beach towel size and another smaller one that I wrap my hair in after a shower. Sometimes I pack a third large one that can double as a light blanket if needed, but isn’t really necessary. I also like using one of the large towels to create a changing area in my tent so that I don’t have put down the privacy flaps.
Water bottles:
I take a lightweight Camelback bottle as well as a quart size bottle to use on boat trips or longer kayak trips. You need to drink a LOT of water to prevent dehydration that can lead to sun problems and also cause cramps in the water. To maximize packing space, I use the quart bottle to pack underwear and socks and put it in the bottom of my backpack. A neoprene sleeve is a good idea and a carabiner is important so that you can attach it to your kayak, paddleboard, etc. and not lose it.
Shoes:
You need 1 pair of tennis shoes or light hiking shoes and 1 pair of water shoes. I always think closed toe is safest, but lots of people wear water sandals. Other than that, you might want a pair of flip flops or sandals for walking around the island, or your water shoes may suffice. I have an issue with fallen arches, so sandals can be problematic for me. I have solved this with a semi-enclosed water shoe with a foam Dr. Scholl’s insert. Dansko has some good sandals with serious arches, here are my favorites. The sandals will get trashed from salt and sand, so I always take an older pair that I’ve been using on land for awhile.
Sunglasses:
These must be polarized to give you good vision on the water and allow you to see the fish stealing your bait while you are fishing. A pair of crocs to hold them is a great idea. I m extremely good at losing sunglasses, so I always take a cheap back-up pair as well.
Hats:
You absolutely need a wide brim hat that ties under the chin and won’t get ruined by water and salt. I swear by OP. A ball cap is also a good idea for situations that the wide brim isn’t practical. You do not need a pretty straw beach hat as much as you might want to think you do!
Underwear:
You may need fewer pair than you think if you put on your swimsuit first thing every morning.
Dry bag:
You can get by without one but it’s really handy for kayaking or boating. I I have loved having this one because it’s a backpack but light enough that I’m confident it would float.
Headlamp and small flashlight:
The headlamp is a necessity. The island is dark at night and the hands free makes it much easier to get yourself to the bathroom in the middle of the night without tripping on the “speed bumps” (aka hermit crabs!) I like having a small flashlight as well.
Mesh bag for snorkel gear:
This is really handy especially for the walk-in snorkels. My bag packs into itself and has a zippered pocket. I don’t love the thinness of the straps because they dig in when using it cross body. This Velcro strap helps some, but I’d love to find a similar bag with a more comfortable strap.
Snorkel gear:
It’s not necessary to take your own as it will be provided for you. I have a small face and tiny feet, so it was best for me to invest in my own. My fins are child-sized so they fit in a carry-on.
Swim goggles:
Only needed if you want to do some on your own swimming and like to see underwater (like two nurse sharks resting in the sea grass near you.)
Socks:
One pair for snorkeling- this is another game changer. Socks can prevent blisters and chafing and can also add a bit of protection on some entries where there are rocks or rubble. I can get by with 1-2 other pair for longer walks around the resort.
Small notebook for journalling:
Even if you just write down what you did, what you ate, and who said funny things, you will appreciate having the written memories.
Reading material:
Obviously a matter of preference. If you have books that you finish on the trip, there is a library where you can leave them for future travelers. If you use an ereader, make sure that you actually download the books so they are fully available offline before boardign the boat to the island.
Chargers:
You will have electricity from the generator from 5-10 in the evening. Ther eare plenty of outlets. Make sure you bring the electrical part of your charger as the USB ports on the charging stations tend to not work due to sand and salt. You do NOT need an adapter in Belize traveling from the US.
Cash
Please read the tipping guidelines on the Island Expeditions website and know that your staff will be workign incredibly hard for you. you will likely want to tip more than you think. They will accept tips on credit cards, but there is always a fee for the company, so cash is best. If you want sodas or beer outside happy hour time, you can run a tab and pay at the end of your trip.
Snacks and Beverages:
Typically, coffee is available at 6:00am, breafast is at 8:00am, lunch is 12:30, happy hour with very substantial snacks and a beverage of choice (sometimes beer, sometimes wine, sometimes rum with mixers) is at 5:30pm, and dinner around 7:00. You will be taken to a grocery store just prior to boarding the boat to buy anything you want personally, including beer, wine, or alcohol. Obviously, personal preference. I will buy beer, a bottle of wine, some plantain chips and some Belizean chocolate. I also bring Cliff bars from home as I need protein every few hours. All meals are VERY substantial and delicious, so you don’t need to supplement much. There is drinking water available at all times, juice mix concentrates. Soft drinks and beer are available in a cooler for $2 and $3 usd, repectedly.
Camera:
I use my phone for camera and video on land and this knock-off go pro for water activities. It’s not great for distance and the light has to be right for underwater, but it has served me well on many trips.
I think that’s all the packing tips I have that are specific to Half Moon Caye. Please check out my general packing tips for packing toiletries, etc.