What We Pack — The Carry-On Only System

We do not check bags. Ever. This includes fins, snorkels, masks, a GoPro, three beach towels, and enough clothes for ten days. Here is exactly how and why every item earned its place.

The Philosophy

No checked bags means no waiting at baggage claim, no risk of luggage going somewhere we are not, and no extra fees. It requires a system. The system is worth it.

The Bags

We each carry a backpack and a duffle bag. The Under Armour sackpack specifically because it was chosen for sand — it shakes clean in a way structured backpacks never do. The front zip pouch is lined in soft fabric and fits phones, passports, and cards perfectly. We pull it out at every ferry terminal and water taxi dock without opening the main compartment.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK — Under Armour sackpack]

The Hydroflask

Our St. John Hydroflasks came from Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay. They have carried morning drinks made from Red Hook grocery store rum across every beach in St. Thomas and St. John. They carried raw milk in Jacksonville before a cruise. At this point these bottles have traveled more of the Caribbean than most people.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK — Hydroflask]

The Gear

Fins, mask, and snorkel pack in the duffle. Yes they fit. This is non-negotiable because the snorkeling is the point. Waterlemon Cay stingrays. The manta ray at Water Key in Utila. The wall dive in St. Lucia where you jump in and there is no bottom. You need your own gear for these moments.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS — fins, mask, snorkel]

The GoPro

The manta ray at Water Key. Sea turtles hatching with Glen Peterson. Junior's mangrove tour. Every underwater moment worth keeping requires a camera that goes underwater.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK — GoPro]

The Flashlight

Not optional. We learned this at the Turtle Beach Sanctuary in Utila. Glen Peterson did not tell us to bring one. We figured it out.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK — quality flashlight]

The Clothes

Polyester everything. Pack tight. Dries fast. Zero wrinkles pulled out of a duffle on a ferry. We each bring enough for five to six days and use laundry facilities for longer trips. Margaritaville St. Thomas has on-site laundry. In Utila we brought a collapsible rubber tote and handled it ourselves.

[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS — polyester travel clothes, collapsible laundry tote]

The Practical Items

• Dramamine — the ferry to Utila is beautiful and honest. Half the boat was seasick when the dolphins appeared. [AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]
• Waterproof phone case — Junior's mangrove tour gets splashy. [AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]
• Offline Google Maps and Google Translate downloaded before departure.
• WhatsApp installed before you leave home — it is how the Caribbean communicates.

[FULL PACKING LIST TABLE PLACEHOLDER — to be formatted as a table with item, story, and Amazon link columns]

Note: This page links to the full blog post version for the complete stories behind every item.