Exumas and Harbour Island packing list for families
The Out Islands of the Bahamas are all about boats, sandbars, and small planes, so packing light and waterproof makes everything easier. Here is what our family brings for Exumas boat days and Harbour Island golf cart afternoons.
Photo by Nick Rickert on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island
- Most of the Exumas magic happens on a boat day: sandbars, the swimming pigs, and the cays in between. Pack each child a dry bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen, because the spray reaches everyone.
- Getting to Harbour Island means flying into North Eleuthera and taking a short water taxi, then getting around by golf cart. Soft bags are much easier to hand down onto a boat than big hard-shell suitcases.
- Winter can surprise people. A cold front in January or February can make evenings and boat rides breezy, so I pack a light sweater or windbreaker for each kid.
Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Clothing5
Shoes2
Beach & pool10
Little ones4
Health & toiletries4
Documents & tech2
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For the grown-ups
- Linen shirt or linen set
- A white cover-up dress
- Leather slides for dinner
For the kids
- Seersucker or linen shorts
- Matching-print swimsuits
- Soft cotton sundress
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island 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 and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days | Junkanoo celebrations on Boxing Day and New Year's Day |
| February | 77°F 25°C | Dry and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days | |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Dry and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days | Spring break crowds, so book boat charters well ahead |
| April | 81°F 27°C | Dry and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days | National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma, usually in April Spring break crowds, so book boat charters well ahead |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Warm and mostly dry, with calm water and fewer crowds | Glassy, calm seas that make boat days and sandbar picnics easy |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Hot and humid with brief afternoon showers; start of hurricane season | Glassy, calm seas that make boat days and sandbar picnics easy |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with brief afternoon showers; start of hurricane season | Glassy, calm seas that make boat days and sandbar picnics easy |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid with brief afternoon showers; start of hurricane season | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk, the hottest water, and the quietest resorts | |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Peak hurricane risk, the hottest water, and the quietest resorts | |
| November | 82°F 28°C | Peak hurricane risk, the hottest water, and the quietest resorts | |
| December | 79°F 26°C | Dry and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days | Junkanoo celebrations on Boxing Day and New Year's Day |
Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Dry and sunny with pleasant warmth; occasional cool fronts bring breezy days
What's the weather like in Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island?
Typical daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island?
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 Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island?
None. Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Bahamas: Exumas & Harbour Island with kids?
Most of the Exumas magic happens on a boat day: sandbars, the swimming pigs, and the cays in between. Pack each child a dry bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen, because the spray reaches everyone.
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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.