Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–May
The Bahamas packing list for families
The Bahamas can be a big resort week on Paradise Island, a boat-hopping trip through the Exumas, or a few stops on a cruise. The water is the point either way, so pick your stops and the list combines them.
Photo by Nick Rickert on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on The Bahamas
- Nassau and Paradise Island are easy resort trips. The Exumas and Harbour Island usually mean small planes or ferries with tight luggage limits, so I pack soft bags for those.
- Boat days are the highlight, from sandbars to swimming pigs. I bring a properly fitted life jacket for each kid instead of counting on the boat having the right size.
- US dollars are accepted everywhere and plugs match home, so there's no adapter or currency exchange to think about.
Best timeDec–May
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyBahamian dollar, US dollars accepted
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in The Bahamas
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Your packing editLinen & Luggage · free family packing lists at linenandluggage.com
The Bahamas
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoesFor rocky cays and boat ladders.
Beach & pool16
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Hyperlite kids' life jacketKristina's pickBoat days to sandbars and the swimming pigs.
Kids' snorkel maskClear, shallow water is perfect for first-time snorkelers.
Dry bagKeeps phones and snacks dry on boats.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Mineral reef-safe sunscreenProtects the reefs you'll snorkel.
Documents & tech16
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Family basics14
Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss
Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or use the hotel's
Leakproof travel-size bottles
Deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties
Glasses, contacts and solution
Prescriptions in their original packaging
Bandages, a thermometer and hand sanitizer
Phones and chargers
Driver's licenses or IDs and health insurance cards
Credit cards and a little cash
Flight, hotel and car confirmations saved offline
A warm layer or light jacket for each person
Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
Before you go: hold the mail, set the thermostat, charge everything
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
The Bahamas weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77°F 25°C | Dry, breezy, and sunny, with cooler water | Junkanoo parades on December 26 and New Year's Day |
| February | 77°F 25°C | Dry, breezy, and sunny, with cooler water | |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Dry, breezy, and sunny, with cooler water | Spring break, the busiest weeks to book |
| April | 81°F 27°C | Warm and calm, with the water warming up | Calm, clear water for boat days in the Exumas Spring break, the busiest weeks to book |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Warm and calm, with the water warming up | Calm, clear water for boat days in the Exumas |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Warm and calm, with the water warming up | Calm, clear water for boat days in the Exumas |
| July | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid hurricane season, with afternoon showers | |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid hurricane season, with afternoon showers | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid hurricane season, with afternoon showers | |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Hot and humid hurricane season, with afternoon showers | |
| November | 82°F 28°C | Hot and humid hurricane season, with afternoon showers | |
| December | 79°F 26°C | Dry, breezy, and sunny, with cooler water | Junkanoo parades on December 26 and New Year's Day |
Questions families ask
The Bahamas with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit The Bahamas with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Warm and calm, with the water warming up
What's the weather like in The Bahamas?
Typical daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for The Bahamas?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for The Bahamas?
None. US plugs, no adapter needed.
What's your top tip for The Bahamas with kids?
Nassau and Paradise Island are easy resort trips. The Exumas and Harbour Island usually mean small planes or ferries with tight luggage limits, so I pack soft bags for those.
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Shop the edit
Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
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Swim, sun, and pool-day pieces for a beach week with kids.
Shop the edit 5 picksLuggage
The bags I'd actually buy for a family trip.
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What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
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Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.