Imagine soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and exploring tropical landscapes — but only if you've packed the right essentials. Here’s a list of the items that you need to pack for your vacation to the US Virgin Islands.
1. Essential Clothing for Tropical Weather
Light and Breathable Fabrics: Why cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials are your best friends. The temperature in St. John ranges from 70-88 year-round. Pack moisture-wicking shirts if you’re going to enjoy the beaches or a hike, some trails can be quite steep. Pack a light sweater if you’re going to enjoy a sunset on the water in the “winter” months.
“Island Fancy” Attire: St. John has some incredible dining options, and, great news, you don’t need to pack a dinner jacket! Ladies bring a cute sun dress and gents bring a nice pair of shorts and a button-down shirt. Flip-flops and sandals are completely acceptable footwear.
Comfortable Footwear: Flip-flops and casual sneakers for exploring and relaxing. Ladies, please leave your heels and wedges at home. Unfortunately, our sidewalks (where they exist) are a bit on the “rustic” side. Heels are a surefire way to twist an ankle, instead, pack a cute pair of strappy sandals. Also, if you’re planning on exploring any of the amazing hiking trails St. John has to offer, definitely pack a pair of sneakers.
Swimwear: There are so many stunning beaches on St. John, you’ll be playing in and around the water daily, so make sure you pack more than one swimsuit. I usually pack 3-4, that way you have a dry suit to start your day.
2. Sun Protection Essentials
Sunscreen: High SPF for skin protection and reef-safe sunscreen. There are some chemicals in sunscreen that can harm the coral reef, the two worst offenders are oxybenzone and octinoxate. In the US Virgin Islands, we are not allowed to sell sunscreen with these chemicals in them, so you can purchase sunscreen once you’ve arrived or do a little research before traveling here. Also, if you are planning on taking a boat trip, please do NOT bring spray sunscreen. There is some chemical in the aerosol that will discolor the fabric of the boat seats. (This will make your captain grumpy; you don’t want a grumpy captain).
UV-Protective Clothing: Shirts, hats, and accessories that block harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes and reduce glare.
Hats & Cover-Ups: Wide-brimmed hats and lightweight cover-ups for additional sun protection.
3. Beach and Water Adventure Gear
Snorkeling Gear: Masks, snorkels, and fins for underwater exploration. If you have a set that you love, then definitely bring them. I would recommend against buying a “cheap set” from the internet for your trip. Many boat companies (like ours) provide snorkel gear and there are companies on the island that will rent gear for the week that you’re on-island. I like Beach Bum (they have an excellent selection for kids) and Low Key Watersports.
Waterproof Bags: Keep your electronics and valuables safe with dry bags or waterproof pouches.
Beach Towels and Chairs: Towels and compact chairs for a comfortable beach day. Most of the villas have towels and chairs for you to use, so you don’t have to pack those through the airport. Make sure you take them on your beach days and grab a towel for your boat day.
4. Health and Safety Kit
First-Aid Supplies: Band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medications.
Insect Repellent: Keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums (tiny sand flies) at bay, especially during the evening. An “island-hack” is to use cooking oil (I like coconut oil) or Skin-So-Soft and put it on thick if you’re on the beach as the sun is setting. The no-see-ums are not deterred by Deet, and if you’re using cooking oil, it’s safe for the environment and your loved ones.
5. Electronics and Power Gear
Camera/GoPro: Capture memories of your island adventure.
Chargers: Don’t forget the chargers for your phone, cameras, GoPro, drone, etc.
Portable Power Bank: Keep your devices charged while out on excursions.
6. Documents and Money Essentials
Travel Documents: Passport (if going to the British Virgin Islands), ID, travel insurance, and reservation confirmations. You must have your passport if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands, they’re just a quick boat ride away.
Credit Cards & Cash: A combination of cards and cash for shopping and dining. Pack more cash than you were thinking about bringing. We occasionally have power outages and not all restaurants will be able to accept credit cards. Also, we don’t have Uber or Lyft down here; our taxis only accept cash. (If you are taking a taxi from the airport to Red Hook, to take the ferry to St. John, expect to pay ~$23/person plus a few dollars for your bags, cash).
Emergency Contacts: A written list of important numbers in case of an emergency.
7. Miscellaneous Items for Comfort and Convenience
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trip, especially in the hot tropical climate.
Small Backpack/Day Pack: For day trips, hikes, or sightseeing excursions.
Books, Journals, or e-Readers: For relaxing on the beach or unwinding after a day of adventure.
Plastic Trash Bags: For keeping wet clothes or items from the beach separate from the rest of your luggage.
8. Packing Tips and Travel Hacks
Pack Light: Wherever you end up staying you will most likely have laundry facilities. Pack 4-5 outfits and then run a load.
Special Dietary Needs: You should be able to find great food that will meet your needs at most restaurants and grocery stores, however the kitchens close in most restaurants at 9:00pm and same goes for the grocery stores. It’s not a bad idea to pack food for your first night, especially if your flight gets delayed.
Cooler Backpacks: There are some soft coolers that have backpack straps. I’ve seen several clever travelers use that as their carry-on bag, and then for the rest of their trip, it was their cooler!
Remember, this is your tropical vacation, so the sun and the elements should always be forefront in your thoughts. The temperature doesn’t vary much throughout the day (or year) and while we do have a few rainier months (September-November), a few passing showers won’t typically disrupt your day. What you should check the weather for is the wind, that’s what will kick up waves once it reaches 15mph. During hurricane season (June – November), we can get some extreme weather, but if it gets a name, we usually have a week before it gets here. If you’re traveling during this hurricane season, you should consider getting travel insurance. I strongly recommend booking a boat charter towards the beginning of your trip in case any weather events pop up, you will have backup days to reschedule your trip.
If you have a great travel hack, we’d love to hear about it; you can leave a comment below or tell us on your boat day! Save the list for future reference and share with friends traveling to the USVI. We’re looking forward to spending a day on the water with you!
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