STT · Packing Guide

The Packing List

What to Bring, What to Skip

What to pack for boat days, beach days, hikes and a few things you should leave at home.

St. Thomas doesn't require a complicated packing list — it's still the U.S., so you're not chasing plug adapters or currency exchange. But there are a handful of island-specific things that make the difference between a smooth trip and a Walgreens run on day two. Here's everything, broken down by what you're actually doing that day.

01 · What the Weather Actually Does

St. Thomas runs warm and humid year-round — there's no real "cold" season, just a dry stretch (December–April) and a wetter, more hurricane-prone stretch (June–November). Afternoon showers can pop up fast even in dry season, so rain isn't a reason to overpack, it's a reason to pack smart. If you're planning a visit during the winter months, you may want to pack a light jacket for those cooler breezy evenings.

02 · Travel Documents

This is the one category where forgetting something can actually end your trip before it starts — and it's easy to assume you don't need anything since St. Thomas is a U.S. territory.

A REAL ID-compliant license (or passport)

Flights to St. Thomas are domestic, but TSA still requires REAL ID Act–compliant identification at the checkpoint. If your driver's license doesn't have the star marking in the corner, a passport works instead — but a standard, non-compliant state ID will get you held up at security.

A passport for any BVI day trip

The British Virgin Islands are a separate country, even though they're visible from St. Thomas and only a short ferry or boat ride away. A valid passport is required to enter — this applies to every member of your group, including kids, and it applies even for a same-day trip with no overnight stay.

03 · The Non-Negotiables

Pack these no matter what kind of trip you're taking:

Reef-safe sunscreen

The USVI banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate back in 2020 to protect the coral reefs — so if you buy sunscreen once you land, your options are limited and pricier. Bring reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) from home.

👉 Shop reef-safe sunscreen →

A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch

Between boat spray, sudden rain, and beach sand, this is the single most useful thing you can pack. Doesn't need to be expensive — just sealed.

👉 Shop waterproof phone pouches →

Bug spray with picaridin

Mosquitoes and no-see-ums show up most around dusk and after rain, especially near vegetation. Reapply after swimming.

👉 Shop insect repellent →

A quick-dry towel

While most villas and resorts provide beach towels, regular towels stay damp and musty in island humidity. A compact microfiber towel dries fast, doesn't bring the whole beach home in your bag, and takes up a fraction of the suitcase space.

👉 Shop quick-dry towels →

Small bills

Taxi fares are per-person and drivers appreciate exact change or close to it. Tipping for boat crews, tour guides, and RedCaps at the airport ($5/bag + $2–5 tip) also runs smoother with cash on hand.

04 · Boat Day Bag

If a boat charter or catamaran day is on the itinerary, pack light and pack waterproof:

• Dry bag (see above — this is where it earns its keep)
• Snacks! Especially if you're traveling with kids. Long days swimming make for hungry kiddos.
• Non-marking, grippy water shoes or sandals — most boats ask guests to remove hard-soled shoes anyway
• Rash guard or swim shirt for sun protection during long stretches on deck
• A hat - just make sure you hold on to it when the boat starts moving. Many captains will not turn around to rescue a hat overboard.
• Snorkel mask if you have your own — most operators provide gear, but a mask you know fits well is worth the space
• Motion sickness tablets or wristbands if you're prone to seasickness — St. Thomas boat days often include open-water crossings

👉 Shop motion sickness bands →

05 · Beach Day Bag

• Beach mat or sand-proof towel — regular beach towels drag half the beach home with you
• Dry bag or sand-proof beach bag. The dry bag will be your go-to accessory during your whole vacation
• Reusable water bottle — most beach spots don't have easy water refill access, so bring it full
• Lightweight cover-up or sarong for the walk to lunch after
• Flip-flops or water sandals — St. Thomas beach sand and rocky entry points aren't always barefoot-friendly
• Snorkel gear if visiting reef spots like Coki Point — rentals are available, but owning your own mask means you know it doesn't leak
• Snacks - some beaches have concessions, but many do not, and if there are kids in your group, you'll want to have a few of their favorite snacks on hand.

👉 Shop waterproof dry bags →

06 · Hiking & Trail Gear

Planning a St. John National Park hike or one of St. Thomas's own trails? Pack differently than for the beach:

• Closed-toe hiking shoes or trail sneakers — flip-flops don't hold up on rocky, root-covered trails. A bloody toe on a long hike is no fun.
• A daypack with a hydration bladder or bottle sleeve or a reusable water bottle
• A dry bag for your phone and camera — trails often end at the water
• Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers — humidity makes cotton miserable fast. Wear your swim suit under if you plan on taking a dip at the end of the trail.
• A hat and extra sunscreen — tree cover is inconsistent on most VI trails

👉 Shop hydration daypacks →

07 · Camping Gear

If Cinnamon Bay Campground on St. John is part of the plan, a few extras matter:

• Lightweight tent or confirm your eco-tent/cottage rental includes bedding
• A cooler or soft-sided cooler bag for perishables — island grocery runs take planning
• A bug net or extra-strength repellent for evenings
• A headlamp or lantern — campground lighting is minimal by design
• Cash for the camp store and any gear rentals on-site

👉 Shop cooler backpacks →

08 · What to Leave at Home