Packing for trips is usually my least favorite thing to do, but at the end of the day, your bags aren’t going to pack themselves, am I right?! Luckily, with Belize, I found packing to be pretty straightforward.
That’s why I’ve put together this San Pedro, Ambergris Caye packing list to help you know what essential things you will need during your trip and what can stay at home. This post will make packing for your trip easy and stress-free and, more importantly, avoid making the same mistakes as I did.
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This is the fourth post in the Belize travel series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Belize Travel Series
For The Culture: 9 Ways to Experience Garifuna Culture
Food: 10 Delicious Foods To Try in Belize
Travel Guide: The Complete Ambergris Caye Guide: What To Do, See & Eat
Packing Tips: The Complete Packing List for Ambergris Caye
Travel Tips: 12 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Ambergris Caye
Inspiration: 21 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Belize
Snorkeling Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Ambergris Caye Bucket List: 17 Best Things To Do in Ambergris Caye
Belize City: How to Spend 48 Hours in Belize, City: 7 Best Things To Do
San Pedro: 9 Ridiculously Cheap or Free Things To Do in San Pedro
What To Pack For Your San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Vacation
Clothing & Shoes
The weather in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is warm, tropical, and sometimes humid, depending on the time of year. That said, I recommend packing lightweight and airy clothing.
Belize is a chill and laid-back country; you don’t need to go all out and stunt in your Sunday best. That would be calling too much attention to yourself!
Like every warm climate destination I visit, I like to pack a variety of colorful dresses, tops, shirts, and lots of swimwear! I’m a sucker for bathing suit options!
We stayed in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for four nights. Depending on your stay, you can decide how much or how little to pack, but remember, packing light and repurposing outfits go a long way!
Here’s a breakdown of outfits and shoes for you to consider when packing for your trip.
- 3-4 t-shirts and one long-sleeve t-shirt in case you decide to go hiking or want to protect yourself from the sun
- 2-3 pairs of shorts – I recommend sticking to cotton or linen shorts. I brought a pair of lightweight jeans shorts that were perfect for the weather.
- 2-3 dresses – I packed two lightweight cotton dresses and one semi-but not-so-fancy dress for dinner
- 2-3 bathing suits – Depending on your stay, three bathing suits should be sufficient. I told you that I like options initially, so if you think you can get away with bringing two swimsuits, then more power to you!
- 1 Sarong – they come in handy and are multipurpose! You can use a sarong to dry yourself off, as a cover-up or napkin; you name it! If you don’t have a sarong, not to worry, there are plenty of shops in San Pedro with colorful options for you to choose from.
- A beach cover-up – if you don’t have a sarong, beach cover-ups are a great alternative.
- Cotton or linen pants can come in handy, especially at night when the temperature drops.
- Underwear, bras, socks – This goes without saying, but make sure you pack enough for your needs.
- Pjs – I usually pack a tank top and shorts – easy and lightweight.
- Lightweight jacket or raincoat – We were in Ambergris Caye in June, during the wet season, and while we lucked out with the rain (mostly), I wished I had brought something waterproof to keep dry.
- A rain poncho – This reusable waterproof poncho can easily fit into your pocket or purse, making it perfect for taking it on the go!
- Flip flops or sandals – I packed a pair of flip-flops for the beach and one pair of comfortable sandals for walking around.
- Sneakers – I usually travel with a pair of comfortable sneakers for walking around.
- Water shoes – Especially if you plan on doing a lot of water activities, they will come in handy.
Accessories
- Sunglasses – Always necessary to have at least 2 pairs just in case.
- A beach hat or baseball cap is always handy, especially at the beach when you want to keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Umbrella – just in case. I didn’t pack an umbrella, and well, let’s say I regretted it one night when we got caught in a downpour!
Toiletries
For ease and convenience, I recommend packing your toiletries, but if you do forget anything, do not worry, as you’ll be able to find what you need at the local pharmacies.
Here is the list of suggested toiletries:
- Travel-sized bottles for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc
- Face wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shower gel or a bar of soap
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties
- Sunscreen – (Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 ) You want to bring reef-safe sunscreen as chemicals from regular sunscreen can hurt the corals. Swimming with reef-safe sunscreen will not harm the environment. You always want to protect your skin from the sun! I recommend choosing a water-resistant one!
- Body and face lotion – I opt for lightweight creams with SPF sun protection.
- Shea butter – It’s an excellent alternative to sunscreen!
- Makeup remover wipes
- Facial tissues
- Chapstick/lip balm
- Makeup – mascara, lipstick/lipgloss, a light foundation, or concealer. Most of the time during my holiday, I go make-up-less.
- Satin bonnet or pillowcase – I like to bring both if my bonnet slips off at night. Double protection!
- Bug spray – I’ve started using this plant-based bug repellent. It smells great and isn’t greasy like other bug sprays.
- Feminine products
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper – I always pack a roll with me; you never know when you’ll need it!
- First aid kit – Safety first!
- Personal medication
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial hand wipes
Miscellaneous
- Snorkeling or diving gear (optional)- I recommend bringing it with you if you have your equipment!
- Underwater camera (optional) – if you’re into snorkeling or diving, then I recommend getting an underwater camera like a GoPro.
- LifeStraw – a water bottle with a built-in purifier or Nomader – a collapsible water bottle. Stick to bottled water or one of the water bottle options listed above. The tap water in Ambergris Caye is relatively safe, but I wouldn’t chance it.
- Lightweight sand-free microfiber towel – You will thank me later; this towel also comes in handy for the beach!
- A combination lock in case you want to use it for your luggage, backpack, or anything else!
- Earplugs
- Zip-lock bags
- Laundry bag (for dirty/wet clothing)
- Snacks – When it’s late at night and you have a craving, you’ll be glad you packed a few of your favorite snacks!
- Packing cubes – ideal for keeping items in your suitcase organized.
- A small flashlight
- Daypack for activities
- Waterproof bag – I absolutely love my waterproof bag, it’s come in handy for so many water activities!
- Laundry detergent (travel size)
Luggage
I’m a former over-packer and have learned less is more. Traveling with a carry-on has saved me from a lot of unnecessary headaches. I always use my trusty Herschel Little America Backpack to pack my accessories, clothing, toiletries, books, medication, electronics, and essential travel documents.
I recently invested in a small suitcase with wheels because it makes life a lot easier when zipping through airports. My go-to carry-on is this Samsonite spinner with wheels. I love this suitcase because it’s expandable and durable and I can fit everything in here without worrying that airport officials will stop me! I usually pack most of my clothes, shoes, towels, and whatever did not fit in my backpack.
While I am out and about, I always go with a small plain black purse that goes with everything. My purse is big enough to carry my phone, portable charger, mints, chapstick, sanitizer, and tissues.
Important Travel Documents
Before leaving home, be sure to check if it’s not expired or is close to the expiration date. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your passport doesn’t expire within the next eight months of your travels.
Passport
Also, make copies of your passport, leave one at home with friends and family, and take the other copies with you.
Electronics and Entertainment
Ambergris Caye is a great place to unwind, relax and recharge. While the internet is readily accessible, I chose not to go crazy with connecting to wifi everywhere I went. Ambergris Caye is beautiful, and you’ll find yourself appreciating everything that mother nature has to offer!
Here’s what you will need:
- Phone – To take pictures, use offline maps, and listen to music.
- Universal charger/adaptor – The power outlets in Belize are the same as in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. You’ll need an adaptor if you’re traveling from outside of North America. This is my go-to adaptor when traveling outside of North America. Best of all, this adaptor works in 150 countries!
- Portable charger with built-in cords– I never leave home without my portable charger! Having multiple ports is perfect for charging multiple devices.
- Headphones – Perfect for in-flight entertainment, on the go, and while on day trips. Get noise-canceling headphones here.
- Speakers – I don’t leave home without my JBL 4 speakers. These speakers are small enough to travel with and loud enough to keep the party going! Oh, and the speakers are waterproof, making them perfect for bringing to the beach!
- Camera and memory card – I use my phone to take pictures. I plan to get a camera next year, so let me know if you have any recommendations!
- Kindle
- Book(s) – I prefer having physical copies of the book.
- Travel notebook – to log your travels or important contacts numbers
What Should You Not Bring To Ambergris Caye?
Here’s a list of a few items I would recommend leaving at home:
- Expensive jewelry or anything important you wouldn’t want to lose
- Heels – I guarantee you won’t even want to wear them!
- Formal/fancy clothing
- Designer handbags
Packing Tips
1. Pack the essentials
I like listing everything I need and leaving everything else at home.
If you forget anything non-essential, you can find it in San Pedro, but keep in mind that something relatively cheap at home may cost more on the island.
Depending on your stay, you can always find a local laundromat to wash your clothes, and voila, you have clean outfits to rock for the remainder of your visit.
2. Embrace the rolling method
The roll method will be your best friend! By rolling your clothes, you will maximize the amount of clothing that can fit in your suitcase or have space for bulkier items like shoes. I swear by the roll method, and if you’ve never tried it, give it a go and come and tell me if it’s changed your life!
3. Pack for the season
The dry seasons in Belize are from December to May. Warmer weather attracts many visitors looking to escape the colder weather back home. The weather gets pretty hot and humid, so pack appropriately.
The rainy season in Belize is from June to November. We visited during the rainy season in June, and we did experience a few short downpours of rain, but it didn’t ruin our time.
4. Don’t overpack
In the past, overpacking for trips has been my downfall. It’s easier said than done but try not to pack everything you own just to bring it. I’ve regretted lugging around clothing that I don’t even wear! I’ve also realized that I can always buy whatever I need at my destination if I feel like I can’t go; X; how many days without it.
If you’re looking for ways to avoid overpacking, I highly recommend sticking with a carry-on that fits your essential items!
I’ve learned from my hoarder ways and now travel with a carry-on, limiting the amount of stuff I can take with me, and best of all, I save money on paying for luggage, and I don’t have to wait for my luggage at baggage claim. I am free to walk off the plane and get my adventure started!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
When it comes to packing, it’s always about striking the right balance, which looks different for everyone. I’ve had my fair share of tragic packing situations to know that I need to pack light for my sanity.
If packing is a challenge for you, try making lists of what you need while away and plan your outfits ahead of time. Keep in mind you can pack two tops and wear the same bottoms so that you have two outfits right there with only three pieces of clothing! Try out these packing recommendations above, and let me know how everything works out!
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