You’re going to Puerto Rico! Yessss! 🙌 If you’re wondering what to take to these beautiful islands, this list is for you. Here’s a guide to exactly what to pack for Puerto Rico.
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If it’s your first time in Puerto Rico, you’re going to have the time of your life. As someone who has been lucky enough to go to these gorgeous islands many times over the last 10 years, I’ve got all the insider info on exactly what needs to be included in a Puerto Rico packing list.
This guide won’t go over regular packing basics…like socks and a toothbrush. But it will go over the Puerto Rico essentials you need to pack, including some things you haven’t even thought about!
Puerto Rico is gorgeous, and full of adventure! From the historic streets of Old San Juan to the dense rainforest of El Yunque to the stunning white sand beach of Culebra, it’s a paradise that widely varies!
👉Still planning your Puerto Rico vacation? Get the complete Puerto Rico Travel Guide for everything you need to see and do in Puerto Rico!
What to pack for Puerto Rico
In order to decide what to pack for Puerto Rico, here are a few things to think about…
- What’s on your itinerary? What you do during your time in Puerto Rico will help you determine what to pack.
- Are you bringing carry-on luggage only, or do you plan to check bags? There could be extra fees associated with checked baggage, so consider that!
- Which island(s) are you headed to? If you’re planning a longer stay or are visiting multiple islands (like Vieques and Puerto Rico), consider the fact that you’ll have to pack and re-pack during your trip, which takes up precious vacation time.
- What to wear in Puerto Rico? You’ll want comfortable clothing and be able to accommodate your activities, but resist the urge to overpack!
Quick – download the free packing checklist for Puerto Rico:
Puerto Rico packing list (how to pack based on your itinerary)
The very first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what each day brings and pack based on your itinerary.
Consider these common activities in Puerto Rico:
- Beaching
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Taking tours (on the island and from the water)
- Shopping and dining
Whether you’re looking for fun walking tour in Old San Juan, gorgeous day trip to Icacos Island or the famous Flamenco Beach, seeing waterfalls in El Yunque, there’s so much to fill your time!
Once you have an idea of what you’ll be doing on vacation, it makes it much easier for packing for Puerto Rico!
Packing list for Puerto Rico – beach essentials
We’ll get into details on clothing, hiking and beach gear in a bit. But what are the best things to pack for Puerto Rico? Well these are the practical items you’ll need for a perfect vacation to paradise!
Mineral sunscreen (an essential when packing for Puerto Rico)
Not-so-fun-fact: traditional sunblock kills reef systems and marine life. After traveling to reefs all over the world, including Coral Island Phuket, the best beaches in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica and many other places, it’s devastating to witness bleached reef systems.
You can tell the difference in vibrant reefs versus the bleached ones, including right in Puerto Rico. Using mineral sunscreen will help to restore our oceans!
Mineral sunscreen an essential item in this Puerto Rico packing list. This is my favorite reef-safe sunblock and it works great!
Pro tip: when applying mineral sunscreen, it doesn’t take much! Rub it in thoroughly to prevent white marks on your skin.
👉Still finalizing plans? Here’s the best food tour of Old San Juan and the best catamaran tour of Icacos Island, which is a full day trip including lunch and snorkeling.
Sun hat
There’s some places to buy sun hats on the islands, but if you want a variety, purchase it online before hand.
Curious how to pack a beach hat and keep its shape? You can stuff the inside with small items like socks or swimming suit, then lay it flat on the bottom of your suitcase and add your packing cubes of clothes and other items around it.
Alternatively, you can just wear your beach hat on the plane.
Water shoes
This is one of my top recommendations for Puerto Rico! Because the beaches are majestic and beautiful, but not all are so soft under toe. These are my favorite water shoes that have literally traveled the world with me, including multiple trips to Puerto Rico.
Note: if you’re planning to visit El Yunque, these are hardy enough for hiking but allow you to dip into the waterfall pools, without swapping out shoes! Water shoes are the most basic of items for your Puerto Rico packing list.
Dry bag and beach bag
Whether you’re exploring the Black Sand Beach in Vieques or the world-famous Flamenco Beach, you’ll want the proper beach gear!
Don’t forget a dry bag and a beach bag when packing for Puerto Rico! Use a dry bag for anything you want to keep sand-free or dry. Think power bank, medications, or anything else that needs to stay dry.
A beach bag can hold your towels, snacks, water, sunblock, etc. So handy when visiting Puerto Rico, or any other beach for that matter!
Beach towel with hidden zipper pocket (a must-have on this packing list for Puerto Rico)
The towel with the secret pocket hides valuables on the beach, like phone, keys, etc.
I first bought this towel for my trip to Belize, and it quickly turned into one of the most-used items for any trip! It’s accompanied me to the best beaches in 30A Florida, on an escape to the Exumas Bahamas and so many more places!
Your beach towel with pocket can double as a blanket on the plane then transfers right over to the beach. The hidden pocket allows you to swim away from your towel knowing your valuables are hidden inside!
One of the best items on this packing list for Puerto Rico, and other beach vacations, for that matter!
Bug repellent
Well, I hate to tell you. But Puerto Rico has mosquitos. Lots of them!
My first trip to the islands, I was dramatically underprepared and was eaten alive. I smartened up after that! These are my favorite ways to handle the pesky bugs:
- Natural bug spray. For a spray, this works great! Just re-apply after swimming.
- Picardin insect repellent lotion. This is my favorite thing to fight bugs. Put the lotion on your exposed skin and you’ll be glad you did!
- Bug Bite Thing. If you do get bitten by a mosquito, you can use this handy device to remove the venom. It sounds crazy, but it works! I’ve found if I catch the bug bit soon enough – in the first 6 or so hours, the bite will never itch again.
Pro tip: for the lotion and spray, if you’re doing carry-on only, transfer a small amount to these carry-on size liquids containers. It allows you to keep within the liquids requirement while still bringing these essentials with you!
Reusable water bottles
You’ll want one for each person traveling with you, reusable water bottles are an essential item on this packing list. Helpful for the plane ride, but also for hiking, beaching and boat tours.
These are my favorite water bottles that keep water cold (for what feels like forever).
♻️Puerto Rico struggles with over-tourism and an abundance of waste for these small islands. Always consider refilling your water bottle over buying bottled water. Try to reduce waste in other ways, too, in Puerto Rico and elsewhere!
Collapsible cooler (a handy item on this list of what to bring to Puerto Rico)
When considering what to bring to Puerto Rico, this needs to be on your checklist! A collapsible cooler is easiest for squeezing into a suitcase.
Taking a cooler full of beverages to the beach or just even while driving to the other side of the island is so convenient. I’ll never go on another beach vacation without one!
Oh, and by the way – renting a car in Puerto Rico can be pricey! I love using Discover Cars, since I typically save 10-30% with them. They search top car carriers to find the best deals at no extra price to you. So search cheap rental cars now.
Pack for Puerto Rico: more on your checklist
There’s so much to consider when packing for a trip to these gorgeous island. Let’s keep going with this checklist. Up next, something you maybe haven’t considered…
Body Glide
This is for sticky or sweaty skin that likes to rub together (hello thighs!). I find Body Glide useful for beach days, especially in the humidity of Puerto Rico.
It’s been a game changer since I discovered it years ago. Oh, and there’s male and female versions of it!
Packing cubes
One of the top travel essentials I recommend for every trip are packing cubes! They seriously save so much space in your suitcase.
If you’re carry-on only kind of person, use one smaller pouch in your carry-on bag for a few items and squeeze the rest of your clothing and essentials inside packing cubes.
A large set of packing cubes is essential for traveling to Puerto Rico. My family uses ours every time we travel, and it’s nice to have a variety of sizes for adults and kids.
Note: I’ve had many brands of packing cubes over the years, but the Well Traveled packing cubes are my absolute favorite! I love that there are several sizes in a set, but also that they’re adjustable, making it super convenient to fit any suitcase size. It also leaves room for souvenirs while traveling.
My favorite luggage
One of my favorite luggage companies – and the luggage set I recommend to every traveler going anywhere (including Puerto Rico) is from Level8. Upgrading to hard shell luggage has been a game changer for me!
I now have several pieces from the company, but my favorite is the 20″ Voyager, perfect for carry-on size luggage. The wheels roll like a breeze, and it’s like a little piece of luxury is making a vacation that much better.
Shop with this link and use the code SSST for 10% off your purchase!
Travel insurance
Literally anything can happen while you’re on vacation to anywhere! And while everyone thinks ‘it won’t happen to me’ well, sometimes it just does. Pack travel insurance just in case!
GoPro for underwater photos
This is a must-have on any adventurer’s packing list! It’s especially critical on a trip to Puerto Rico! This GoPro allows you to take photos and videos underwater. Or hang it out the window while someone else is driving or on a boat to get cool moving footage!
The key to using this GoPro in Puerto Rico is to get the float strap and mount. You’ll be able to attach it to your wrist without the fear of it falling, all while holding it while snorkeling.
Don’t forget a few extra batteries so you can take photos all day without worrying about it. A GoPro is one of my very favorite essentials on this Puerto Rico packing list!
What to wear in Puerto Rico
The weather in Puerto Rico is basically hot, all the time. So that makes it easier to pack in a sense because it’s all warm weather clothing.
It can be hard to decide what to wear in Puerto Rico. So what activities will you be doing again? Pack based on that!
Clothing basics for what to pack for Puerto Rico – weeklong vacation:
- Swimsuits (2)
- Swimsuit cover ups or komono (2)
- Rash guard or long-sleeve swimming suit
- Outfits for tours (like shorts and a top or a sundress) (1-2)
- Nicer outfit/dress for fancy dinners or night out in San Juan (1-2)
- Beach sandals
- Water shoes
- *Athletic shoes only as needed
- Breathable athletic clothes for hiking trails or working out (1 or more outfits)
- 1 cardigan or pull-over for layers (the wind and rain can be chilly)
- Pajamas (1)
Last thing before we move on – don’t forget bras, undies and socks. I won’t give you advice on how many pair here, it’s up to you on that one.
Be sure to use packing cubes to save space and condense your clothes into a small space!
Wondering about accessories? Number of shoes to take? Things you’ll want for the flight to Puerto Rico?
Download a beach checklist for a week-long vacation here:
What NOT to forget for your trip
- Photo ID
- Cash. Make sure to take plenty of 1’s for tips! Also, many places on Vieques and Culebra don’t take cards, so keep that in mind.
- Printed tickets, confirmations or transfer info (especially if traveling international)
- Medications, including motion sickness and/or essential oils
- Anti-nausea wristband. Ever since my cruise on Aegean Sea and Mediterranean, this has been a life saver! For me, it works great on planes, boats and even while RVing, too.
- Insurance card & travel insurance
- Phone charging cord and portable charger – charge this for the plane ride, too!
- Noise cancelling headphones. I didn’t think they were worth it until I borrowed a pair. Now I can’t travel without them!
- Neck pillow and eye mask for long flights
- Small purse or wristlet
- Pull over or denim jacket. Wear it on the plane so you don’t have to pack it!
- Personal hygiene items
- Makeup. Simple is better here. Lots of makeup is not a good beach look.
- Hair products. Keep it minimal to avoid overpacking. #BeachHairDontCare
- Snacks! For the plane and for the vacation. Packing trail mix or protein bars will save you money on your trip.
What NOT to pack
The last thing you want to do is carry around a bunch of luggage, and spend a bunch of time on the last day of your trip packing everything up.
Don’t bring these on your trip to the islands…
- Excessive accessories. Keep jewelry and accessories minimal. You don’t want to be flashy or a target for robbery. Also, losing something expensive on vacation is never fun!
- High heels. Comfortable shoes all the way. Those cute wedges will take up a ton of space in your luggage and chances are, you won’t wear them for more than a few hours.
- A bunch of fancy clothes. There’s not a whole lot of places in Puerto Rico that you’ll need to dress fancy. If you’re coming for a special event, like a wedding, that’s a good reason to dress up. Otherwise, beach dresses for women are easy for day and night, or linen pants for men are perfect.
- Minimalism is key! Even if you’re planing a longer trip, you’ll likely be wearing some thing a few hours at a time, and it can be re-worn a few times.
- Jeans. Simply put, they aren’t necessary in Puerto Rico! Between the humidity and the year-round temperatures, jeans just aren’t necessary.
Remember that most of your clothes will probably only be worn a few hours at time, and can be re-worn. Plus beach gear usually dries overnight, so you don’t need a swimsuit for every day.
Pro tip for packing: lay out everything you think you’ll need. Then re-evaluate before you put it into your suitcase.
Ask yourself these questions as you pack:
- Does this item feel good when you wear it? (Do you love it?) If not, take it out of the pile.
- Am I packing something similar to this item that can work instead?
- Can I eliminate the ‘just in case items’ by using a laundry service (is laundry available at your accommodations?)
- If there are 3 things that I could live without on this trip, what would they be?
Packing list for a beach vacation – printable
If you didn’t grab it yet, here’s your downloadable Puerto Rico packing checklist. Just customize it based on your activities, and your length of beach vacation.
And remember not to overpack!
I hope you have an absolutely amazing time on your beach getaway! Enjoy Puerto Rico – it’s so amazing!
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