What to Pack for Staniel Cay: Essentials for Your Island Escape
Packing for a tropical getaway should be easy, right? But when it comes to island life on Staniel Cay, a few key points will help you prepare . . .
1. Light, Breathable Clothing
Think cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking fabrics. The sun is strong, and the tropical breeze is (usually) warm, so lightweight, comfortable clothes are a must. Pack a few casual outfits for daytime adventures, and a couple of nicer pieces for dinner if you want to dress up just a bit—nothing too fancy though!
Pro Tip: Swimsuits are your best friend. You’ll be in and out of the water—whether beach-hopping on a boat, swimming with pigs, snorkeling Thunderball or the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, or simply lounging on one of Staniel Cay’s beaches.
2. Comfortable Shoes
Flip-flops are great for lounging, strolling the Village or hitting one of the main beaches on the Cay. But if you want to hike along the Ocean ridge (or exercise, of course), go for something with more support. On the water, if you will be exploring other beaches–or you’re unsure where your tour is going– water shoes are beneficial. Some beaches are rocky or (happily) full of shells. And take it from yours truly, sea urchins are in some areas and your bare feet do not want to encounter one of them!
If you’re going “out on the town” for dinner, flip flops are still fine everywhere (although most men opt for a deck shoe or similar for a dinner reservation at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club). I even have “daytime” flip flops (comfort, water-friendly) and “night-time” flip-flops (with some sparkle)! For visiting women, any of your favorite sandals will be fine. I do suggest avoiding stiletto heels–unless it is a special event, they are just not necessary. Plus, you’ll have to subject them to rocky areas and sand, even along the roads and golf cart parking lots. If you want a high heel, go with a wedge!
3. Sun Protection
The Bahamian sun is no joke. Make sure you pack good-quality waterproof sunscreen (reef-safe is a must, as we’re all about preserving the beautiful marine life here), a hat, and polarized sunglasses. You’ll be thankful for the protection when you’re out on the water or lounging under the palm trees.
Sunblock is sold in the local stores, but if you are particular, bring plenty of your favorite. Remember to reapply often! Rashguards, UPF-protected coverups, and long sleeves are helpful too. And don’t forget to hydrate—drink lots of water. Seek shade on occasion!
4. Bug Repellent
Like many tropical spots, mosquitoes and no-see-ums can make an appearance in the evenings and early mornings. We feel them most in the summer/fall rainy season (they hatch after a rain!), but if you’re sensitive, they can find you year-round. Bring bug spray with DEET (or a natural alternative) if you're prone to bites--it will help you focus on the sunsets instead of scratching! If you’re packing light and prefer to skip it, no worries: local stores do carry it (unless sold out!) if you decide you need some after you arrive.
5. Light Sweater or Jacket
Nights in the Bahamas are usually warm, but it can cool down a bit, especially on the water or a windy winter day. A light sweater or jacket is always a good idea for those cool island nights under the stars, an air-conditioned restaurant dining room or on your flight. (Pro Tip for your flight: prepare mentally to be very hot when you are on the ground in summer months until your plane cranks the A/C or ascends to a cooler high altitude).
6. Dress Code Tips
Staniel Cay is laid-back and casual, but there are a few things to keep in mind depending on how “local” you want to be on your vacation.
Daytime
Village/Local Restaurants, Bars & Shops:
While still very casual, local Bahamians are traditionally more conservative. That is changing a bit with younger generations, but it’s still a good idea to be a bit more “respectful” in your dress when strolling through the Village or local areas. Most local businesses—restaurants, bars, and shops—have a simple shirt and shoes policy. Flip-flops and a T-shirt are perfectly acceptable for men, and women can wear a cover-up over their swimsuits if they’re stopping by the shops or walking through the Village.Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC):
SCYC is a bit of a tourist bubble with its all-inclusive packages and marina environment, so swimsuits, “bareback” men, and bare feet or flip-flops are pretty common here during the day on property and at the bar (with the typical “shirt & shoes” policy for dining room meals). However, by 5:00 pm, it’s time to cover up or put on a T-shirt and shoes. (And, I have to say, while we see it all the time and nobody will reproach you, who really wants to sit on a bar stool after someone in a thong bikini or a dripping wet swimsuit just left? So, please just be considerate.)
Nighttime
Village/Local Restaurants & Bars:
Easy breezy. A fresh t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops are fine for men, or you can dress it up a bit with a collared shirt and nice shorts. Women wear a range of casual sundresses or shorts/slacks outfits.Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC):
If you’re just hanging at the bar or in the casual dining areas, the same as Village/Local applies. But if you have a dinner reservation at the Sea Level dining room:Men: Nice shorts and a collared shirt are fine. Many men do wear slacks with a nice shirt, but long pants are not required.
Women: Opt for a dressy-casual sundress or pants outfit. Sparkly flats or a wedged heel are great choices for footwear. Unless it is a very special event, stilettos are impractical for the island terrain.
Special Events:
When SCYC and Embrace Resort host special events, the dress code is often a festive costume/theme or just dressier attire for fun. Check the event details. Most community events and parties remain casual unless stated otherwise.Church Attire:
If you're visiting the local church (and everyone is welcome!), it’s good to dress a bit more modestly than the rest of your vacation. For context, many older Bahamian women will show up in suit-style dresses, with pantyhose, heels and fancy hats! Visitors (and younger generations) don’t stick to that same standard–but it’s still nice to be respectful. For men, slacks are the more traditional choice. No tank tops, as covered shoulders are the norm. For women, nothing too sexy or skimpy. If you have an otherwise appropriate sundress with bare shoulders, bring a light wrap—or go with the flow of younger women and visitors who attend with shoulders uncovered. The church is (usually) air-conditioned these days. All this guidance is just if you really want to live like a local. Everyone is truly welcome and will not be turned away for a pair of shorts or flip-flops! Especially our boater friends coming by dinghy in water shoes and quick-dry clothes, welcome!
7. Laundry Service
If you’re trying to pack light, there’s an excellent local laundry on the island where you can drop off your clothes or use the self-serve option. It’s a great way to keep your luggage light and still have fresh clothes throughout your stay.
8. Bring Cash—No ATM on the Island
In an increasingly cashless world, cash is still king on Staniel Cay. While some businesses accept credit cards, Staniel Cay does not have an ATM or bank, so be sure to bring enough cash with you.
Credit Card Fees: While many businesses accept credit cards, some do not, and those that do may charge a processing fee. International credit card fees may also apply depending on your bank. American Express is almost never accepted on the island–bring Visa or MasterCard.
Why Cash? For smaller shops, pop-up food vendors, or just in case, cash is essential. Plan ahead and bring some bills with you, so you’re never caught without a way to pay. US Dollars are accepted on a 1:1 with Bahamian dollars—USD and BSD are used interchangeably on Staniel Cay.
9. Chargers and Electronics—No Target or Best Buy on the Island!
Staniel Cay is fabulous, but it’s still a remote island—meaning electronics and tech accessories are hard to come by. Be sure to pack chargers for your devices (phones, cameras, tablets, etc.) and any backup batteries you might need. No Target or Best Buy here, so anything you forget to pack may be a little tricky to replace.
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but it can be spotty at times, so don't rely on it for any critical work-related tasks. It’s the perfect excuse to unplug and truly relax!
10. Towels and Linens
There’s no need to pack towels, linens or beach towels—most accommodations provide these. But do check with your hotel or host to be sure!
11. Skip the toiletries
No need to weigh down your baggage with hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Embrace Resort, and our featured properties all provide these. (Check with your host if staying elsewhere.) One caveat: if you have long hair like me, you might want to bring a small portion of your best detangler for those boat days!
12. No Keurig Pods
If your rental has a Keurig coffee maker, be aware that Keurig pods are not sold locally. If you are a Keurig die-hard, bring your own supply or order ahead. Otherwise, you’ll find drip coffee available in local shops. Check with your accommodations host to learn what they provide for your morning fix.
13. A Good Camera (or Smartphone)
With its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and fascinating wildlife like swimming pigs, iguanas, turtles and rays, Staniel Cay is a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to pack a camera (or at least a smartphone) to capture the magic. But also be vigilant about being around so much water! If your phone or camera is not TRULY waterproof (and remember this is SALT water!), bring a protector, drybag or at least a Ziplock.
14. A Positive Attitude & Sense of Adventure!
Above all, bring your curiosity, your sense of humor, and your relaxed island vibes. While Staniel Cay is stunning, it’s also a small, laid-back place—sometimes things move at their own pace here, and sometimes things just go awry. But that’s part of the charm. Relax, get back to basics and go with the flow. Be open, be patient, and enjoy every moment!