This packing list should serve you well if you are traveling anywhere to be close to the sun and sea! I know it seems long with a lot of investment, but most of these items accompany me on every single adventure trip I take.
Please note that this list is based on my own experience and is not the Island Expeditions packing list. You should read that official packing list thoroughly!
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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!
Shorts:
I take three pair of shorts, including one pair that can double as swim shorts. Patagonia and Columbia both have great styles. I prefer to buy the ones without swim bottoms build in for versatility, like these Rugged Water Shorts from Columbia
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.
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 a gauzy swim coverup, but I don’t use it much since I wear long sleeve swim shirts so much of the time. I do take a velcro wrap skirt by Rip Skirt Hawaii so that I can cover my legs during boat trips. Especially when you go fishing, your legs will be exposed for a while and the skirt will protect your legs from the sun. They are awesome in that they are adjustable using velcro, they pull right off, and they dry quickly. I use the midi RipSkirt Length 3, but if you are taller, you may want the maxi RipSkirt Length 4. but using a skirt or a towel to protect your legs is a good idea.
Wicking sundresses:
While you can wear shorts or anything you want to dinner on Half Moon, I swear by these Toad & Co. sundresses. They wick sweat and wrinkles shake out of them. I take two on every trip I go on. I have some older ones that I still love, but my favorite styles that are still available are the Rosemary with cap sleeves and the Rosemary Sleeveless and Note, you can wear anything you want to dinner, shorts, tanks, whatever.
Pants:
I have never put on a pair of pants on this trip, but some people do find the wind at night chilly enough. I recommend wearing lightweight active wear pants on the plane so that you have a pair if needed.
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. You should also have a rain jacket for sudden storms. I found out the hard way that there is a difference between waterproof and water repellent. A jacket that is waterproof, packable into it’s own pocket, and also breathable is going to cost more but it’s a good investment, like this one from Columbia Pouration.
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. I like these Ubestyle UPF 50+ for warm weather.
Heavier weight snorkeling wear:
The water is colder in December and January so I take some thicker UV wear. I like the UV Skinz brand and I have used this UPF 50+ Water Jacket and really liked it. The full zip makes it easy to remove after a snorkel and replace it with a dry swim shirt for the walk or boat ride back to camp. It can also double as a light land jacket when dry. I also bought the full length leggings for colder weather snorkeling. UV Skinz is pricier but the quality makes it worth it. When visited Half Moon in January, I also took this Goldfin Wet Suit Jacket and I did not regret it.
Shoes:
I take 1 pair of tennis 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 water shoes can be problematic for me. I have solved this with the Dannto Closed Toe Sandal combined with a foam Dr. Scholl’s insert.
Hats:
You absolutely need a wide brim hat that ties under the chin and won’t get ruined by water and salt. I have a couple of the Women’s Oasis style from Outdoor Research. 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, but if you insist, this Sun Hat from Furtalk rolls up for packing and comes with a removable chin strap. I’ve had it for 5 years and it hasn’t lost it’s shape !
Underwear:
You may need fewer pair than you think if you put on your swimsuit first thing every morning. I have no other advice, you do you 🙂
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. For a facial sunscreen, I recommend this 100% Mineral UV by UltaMD. They have both a tinted and non-tinted option.
Buff:
Pro Tip! A buff. or neck gaiter, 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. I got mine at Half Moon, but I like these colorful buffs from Amazon.
Socks:
One pair for snorkeling–this is another Pro Tip! Not only do they help prevent blisters, they also provide protection crossing the coral rubble on some snorkel site entry and exit points. I can get by with 1-2 other pair. Feetures Tab Ankle are my favorite for regular sports shoes and the Invisible Anti-Slip are best for low sneakers like Chucks.
Sunglasses:
You need polarized sunglasses for good vision on the water so you can see the fish stealing your bait while you are fishing! A floating strap 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.
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!
Water bottles:
You need to drink a LOT of water in Belize to prevent dehydration. Make sure you have a quart size water bottle for longer boat or kayak trips. A carabiner clip is also important to attach the bottle to your kayak or paddle board.
Mesh bag for snorkel gear:
This is really handy especially for the walk-in snorkels. I like one that can be used cross body so it’s more comfortable for walking a short distance. The bag I have is no longer available but this WANDF bag is similar. To see a plethora of other choices, click here.
Snorkel gear:
It’s not necessary to take your own as it will be provided for you. I have invested in my own because I have a small face and tiny feet and masks tend to leak on me. I’ve been using a Phantom Aquatics snorkel for a couple of years and I’m happy with it. Same with the Tusa Kleio II mask, which is made for small faces. If you are going to get your own mask, invest the money to get high quality, otherwise you’ll likely be dealing with leaks! My fins are child-sized so they fit in my carry-on. I won’t tell you how old they are! You really don’t need to take your own fins as Island Expeditions will hook you up. I suggest you take a pair of sock to wear while snorkeling. Not only do they help prevent blisters, they also provide protection crossing the coral rubble on some snorkel site entry and exit points.
Travel towels:
PackTowls are amazing! They are super-thin microfiber, very absorbent, and they dry very quickly. I take one beach size and one body size 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.
Dry bag:
You can get by without one but it’s really handy for kayaking or boating. I have the Exped Splash 15 and I love it because for the backpack style but light enough that I’m confident it would float. If you haven’t used a dry bag before, the purpose is to keep your stuff dry and also to float if it falls in the water. To ensure floatability, you must capture the air inside and roll the top at least 3 times before securing. This bag is not meant to be submersed for an extended time, but it will do it’s job!
Headlamp and small flashlight:
This 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.
Paddling gloves
These will help prevent blisters when you are kayaking and they also are needed for line fishing. You don’t need super heavy duty, just a padded palm and I like the fingerless or 1/2 or 3/4 finger gloves. Mine are super old but you have a ton of options on Amazon for sailing gloves.
Swim goggles:
Only needed if you want to do some swimming on your own and like to see underwater (like two nurse sharks resting in the sea grass near you ;)!) Don’t get child size in these even if you have a small face. They likely won’t fit. Speedo googles are my go to.
Small notebook for journaling:
Even if you just write down what you did, what you ate, and who said funny things, you will appreciate having the written memories. Especially if you decide to start your own blog!
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 e-reader, make sure that you actually download the books so they are fully available offline before boarding the boat to the island.
Chargers:
You will have electricity from the generator from 5-10 in the evening. There are plenty of outlets. Make sure you bring the adapter for your charger cord as the USB ports on the charging stations tend to not work due to sand and salt. You do NOT need an AC 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 working incredibly hard for you. It’s likely you will 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 with cash or credit card.
Snacks and Beverages:
Typically, coffee is available at 6:00am, breakfast is at 8:00am, lunch is 12:30ish, happy hour with very substantial snacks and a beverage of choice (sometimes beer, sometimes wine, sometimes rum with mixers) is @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. I will buy beer, a bottle of wine, some plantain chips and some Belizean chocolate. I also bring the non-meltable 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, as well as juice mix concentrates. Soft drinks and beer are available in a cooler for purchase outside happy hours.
Camera:
I use my phone for camera and video on land and this Akaso Brave 7E for water activities. It has served me well on many trips, however, there are also less expensive Akaso Underwater Cameras that will likely suit your needs. If the kit that comes with it does not include a floating handle, you absolutely must get one.!
You are now all set for your reef glamping adventure!