What to Pack (and Not Pack) for a Puerto Rico Beach Vacation

Preparing for a beach getaway to Puerto Rico? Whether you’re traveling with a baby or just packing for yourself, it’s important to bring the right things – and avoid overpacking stuff you don’t need. 

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Airlines have luggage limits (and fees!), and you don’t want to lug unnecessary items when you could be enjoying piña coladas on the sand. 

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Here’s a handy guide on what to pack and not pack for a Puerto Rico beach vacation:

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What to Pack (Essentials to Bring)

• Travel Documents & Wallet: If you’re a U.S. citizen, Puerto Rico is domestic travel (no passport needed), but bring a government ID.  If traveling with a baby, pack their birth certificate or passport.  Don’t forget your driver’s license if you plan to rent a car, and bring credit cards/cash (ATMs are widely available on the island).

• Sun Protection Gear: The tropical sun is strong, so come prepared. Pack a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll use lots of it). Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat for each traveler, including baby, are must-haves. Toss in some aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion just in case of minor sunburns.  If you have a baby older than 6 months, bring baby-specific sunscreen and a couple of lightweight long-sleeve rash guards for extra sun protection during beach days.

• Beachwear & Clothing: Swimsuits (bring at least two per person so one can dry while you wear the other), comfortable flip-flops or sandals, and a cover-up or beach dress for quick transitions from beach to town. For the rest of your trip, pack lightweight casual clothes – shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and other breathable items. Don’t overpack fancy outfits; Puerto Rico is laid-back. Just one nicer outfit for a special night out is enough. And for baby, bring plenty of warm-weather outfits (onesies, rompers) and maybe a light jacket or blanket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned places.

• Baby Essentials: If you’re traveling with an infant or toddler, make a checklist of their needs. Bring enough diapers and wipes for the first day or two (you can buy more on the island easily). If your baby uses formula or particular baby food, pack what you’ll need for the journey and a bit extra – most formula brands are available in PR, but if you have a specific favorite, it’s safer to bring it. Don’t forget bottles, a bottle brush, pacifiers, and some favorite baby snacks. A compact changing pad and a few plastic bags for used diapers will help with changes on the go.

• Toiletries & Medications: Pack travel-size toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc., or plan to buy upon arrival. Include any personal medications (and baby medicines like infant Tylenol, gas drops, teething gel if needed). It’s wise to bring a basic first-aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc. Mosquito repellent is also smart to pack – Puerto Rico’s evenings can bring out mosquitoes, especially near water or greenery.

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What Not to Pack (Leave These at Home)

• Bulky Baby Gear: You don’t need to bring the entire nursery. Leave the pack ’n play, full-size stroller, high chair, and car seat at home if you can. Instead, rent baby gear in Puerto Rico. Island Butler can provide cribs, strollers, car seats, and more through.

• Driver Delivery & Return or Self-Pickup services. This saves you baggage headaches (and potential damage to your gear in transit). If your hotel offers a crib, take advantage of it and skip bringing one. Bring a lightweight travel stroller only if you really need it for the airport – otherwise, consider using a baby carrier or renting a stroller when you arrive.

• Beach Equipment: Don’t stuff your suitcase with beach chairs, umbrellas, or snorkel gear. These can be rented or borrowed at your destination. Many hotels lend beach towels and even have chairs or umbrellas for guests. You can rent umbrellas, coolers, and beach chairs from local services (Island Butler’s beach equipment rentals have you covered). Snorkel sets can be rented from tour operators or beach kiosks if you need them. Unless you have a special snorkel mask you love, it’s not worth the luggage space. 

• Too Many Clothes: It’s tempting to pack an outfit for every day of the trip (plus extras), but you’ll likely re-wear items on a beach vacation. Most accommodations have laundry facilities or services if you truly need them. Focus on versatile, comfortable pieces. Remember, you’ll spend a lot of time in swimwear or casual clothes. For babies, pack a few extra outfits for spills, but you can always do a quick wash of baby clothes in the sink or laundry if needed.

• (Most) Valuables: It’s best to leave expensive jewelry or unnecessary gadgets at home. You’ll feel more at ease not worrying about them on the beach or in your hotel room.  Bring the electronics you need (phone, camera, maybe a tablet), but you can probably skip a laptop if you’re in vacation mode. Fewer valuables mean fewer things to lose or keep track of while you’re relaxing.

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By packing smart and skipping the bulky stuff, you’ll make your Puerto Rico beach vacation so much easier. You’ll breeze through the airport with lighter bags and have everything you truly need to enjoy the sun and sand. 

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And if you do find you’re missing something, don’t fret – the island’s stores and Island Butler’s rental services are there to help. 

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¡Buen viaje y disfruta la playa! (Have a great trip and enjoy the beach!)