Must-Have Items for Beach and Island Adventures
Because paradise is better when you’re prepared.
Let’s be honest: we’re all about throwing a bag in the back of the truck and chasing down the next shoreline. Whether it’s a tropical island in the South Pacific or a wild, windy beach off the Alaskan coast (yes, they exist and yes, they’re epic), beach and island adventures are our version of hitting reset.
But after enough sandy mishaps, sunburnt hikes, and leaky dry bags, we’ve learned that packing smart can make or break a day in paradise.
Here are the essential items we never hit the beach or boat without — tested, trusted, and wildly helpful for anyone chasing sun, surf, and salty air.
Quick-Dry Towel (That Doesn’t Feel Like a Tarp)
Let’s face it — hotel towels are clunky, take forever to dry, and are not great at keeping sand out of your bag. Microfiber towels like the ones from Nomadix are a beach day essential: lightweight, fast-drying, and somehow never gross after multiple uses.
Why we love it:
This towel has doubled as a beach blanket, emergency shawl on windy ferry rides, yoga mat in the sand, and even a rain shield in a pinch. It dries fast, packs tiny, and doesn’t trap that damp smell like cotton towels. Once you travel with one, you’ll never go back.
Shop Here: Best quick-dry travel towel for beach
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Packable Snorkel Gear
If you’re heading somewhere tropical, trust us: renting snorkel gear gets old real fast. And you never really know when the water will be clear and calling. A compact, travel-friendly snorkel set means you’re always ready to jump in — and avoid using worn-out rental gear that tastes like regret.
Why we love it:
Not only does it save money on rentals, but it means we control the fit and cleanliness. Plus, it fits easily in our daypack, and we’ve pulled it out in some unexpectedly awesome places — like reefy tide pools and random jungle swimming holes.
Shop Here: Best snorkel set for travel
Packable Snorkel Gear
If you’re heading somewhere tropical, trust us: renting snorkel gear gets old real fast. And you never really know when the water will be clear and calling. A compact, travel-friendly snorkel set means you’re always ready to jump in — and avoid using worn-out rental gear that tastes like regret.
Why we love it:
Not only does it save money on rentals, but it means we control the fit and cleanliness. Plus, it fits easily in our daypack, and we’ve pulled it out in some unexpectedly awesome places — like reefy tide pools and random jungle swimming holes.
Shop Here: Best snorkel set for travel
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Sunburns suck. Coral reef damage sucks more. That’s why we always carry a reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen — something that works in water, doesn’t burn our eyes, and protects both us and the fragile ecosystems we’re lucky to swim through.
Why we love it:
We’ve tested a lot, and our favorite formulas feel good on the skin without turning us ghost-white or melting off mid-snorkel. Plus, we care about leaving beaches and reefs better than we found them — this is a simple way to do just that.
Shop Here: Reef safe sunscreen for snorkeling and swimming
Polarized Sunglasses
If you’re anywhere near water, polarized sunglasses aren’t optional — they’re essential. Polarized lenses cut through glare, protect your eyes from UV, and make everything from spotting dolphins to reading your phone screen easier.
Why we love it:
We’ve used them to spot reef sharks from a cliffside in Moorea, track birds above sea stacks in Oregon, and even check surf conditions from the ferry deck. Throw on a retainer strap and you’re golden — no overboard heartbreak.
Shop Here: Best polarized sunglasses for travel and beach
Polarized Sunglasses
If you’re anywhere near water, polarized sunglasses aren’t optional — they’re essential. Polarized lenses cut through glare, protect your eyes from UV, and make everything from spotting dolphins to reading your phone screen easier.
Why we love it:
We’ve used them to spot reef sharks from a cliffside in Moorea, track birds above sea stacks in Oregon, and even check surf conditions from the ferry deck. Throw on a retainer strap and you’re golden — no overboard heartbreak.
Shop Here: Best polarized sunglasses for travel and beach
Collapsible Cooler Bag
Beach snacks hit different. Whether it’s ice-cold fruit, sandwich fixings, or a few celebratory beers, a good cooler bag keeps everything fresh. Look for one that folds down small in your luggage but holds its shape when loaded up.
Why we love it:
It’s saved our beach days more than once — ferry snacks? Check. Island hop picnics? Check. Post-hike hydration? Yep. Packs down when not in use and keeps everything deliciously chilled.
Shop Here: Travel-friendly beach cooler
Dry Bag (That Actually Keeps Water Out)
Between boat rides, beach landings, sudden squalls, and rogue waves, a dry bag is non-negotiable. This isn’t just for gear junkies — it’s for anyone bringing a phone, camera, dry clothes, or snacks anywhere near the sea.
Why we love it:
We’ve used this to keep camera gear dry in monsoon rain, ferry our phones to remote beaches, and even pack out soggy swimsuits. Skog Å Kust’s DrySåk is our top pick — totally waterproof, built to last, and just rugged enough to look cool on deck.
Shop Here: Best dry bag for island adventures
Sun Shirt or Rash Guard
Even the best sunscreen wears off. A lightweight rash guard or UPF sun shirt gives full-coverage protection — perfect for long paddles, midday hikes, and boat days under full sun.
Why we love it:
They dry quickly, breathe well, and save us from the dreaded back-of-the-shoulder burn. Ours go on in the morning and rarely come off until happy hour.
Shop Here: Best sun shirt for beach adventures
Sun Shirt or Rash Guard
Even the best sunscreen wears off. A lightweight rash guard or UPF sun shirt gives full-coverage protection — perfect for long paddles, midday hikes, and boat days under full sun.
Why we love it:
They dry quickly, breathe well, and save us from the dreaded back-of-the-shoulder burn. Ours go on in the morning and rarely come off until happy hour.
Shop Here: Best sun shirt for beach adventures
Chaco Sandals
Not all beaches are soft and sandy. From tidepool scrambling to jungle paths, we count on rugged sandals like Chacos to handle everything we throw at them. They’re waterproof, ultra-grippy, and supportive enough for miles of exploring.
Why we love it:
They’re the MVP of island travel — good in water, good on trail, and sturdy enough for a surprise hike when your beach day turns into a waterfall mission.
Shop Here: Best sandals for beach hiking and water travel
GoPro Camera
You can’t take your DSLR into the ocean — but a GoPro? That thing lives for this. Whether it’s snorkeling with sea turtles, sunset paddles, or beach bonfires, a waterproof action cam captures it all without breaking a sweat (or your budget).
Why we love it:
It’s tiny, tough, and has filmed some of our favorite memories — from reef dives to cliff jumps. Pro tip: add a floating strap unless you want to make an offering to Poseidon.
Shop Here: Best waterproof camera for travel and snorkeling
GoPro Camera
You can’t take your DSLR into the ocean — but a GoPro? That thing lives for this. Whether it’s snorkeling with sea turtles, sunset paddles, or beach bonfires, a waterproof action cam captures it all without breaking a sweat (or your budget).
Why we love it:
It’s tiny, tough, and has filmed some of our favorite memories — from reef dives to cliff jumps. Pro tip: add a floating strap unless you want to make an offering to Poseidon.
Shop Here: Best waterproof camera for travel and snorkeling
Lightweight Hammock
There’s always a better view between two palm trees. A packable hammock lets you relax in all the right places — beachside, cliffside, or in the shade of a jungle trail.
Why we love it:
It weighs almost nothing, sets up in minutes, and has turned average viewpoints into full-on nap spots. A total vibe upgrade.
Shop Here: Best packable hammock for travel
Ballast Travel Pillow
Designed specifically for the beach, this pillow is a game-changer. It’s weighted, water-resistant, and windproof — no more chasing your pillow across the sand. Inflate it, set it down, and relax.
Why we love it:
We were skeptical… then we took one to the beach. Now it comes everywhere. It’s like upgrading from coach to first class, beach edition.
Shop Here: Best travel pillow for beach lounging
Ballast Travel Pillow
Designed specifically for the beach, this pillow is a game-changer. It’s weighted, water-resistant, and windproof — no more chasing your pillow across the sand. Inflate it, set it down, and relax.
Why we love it:
We were skeptical… then we took one to the beach. Now it comes everywhere. It’s like upgrading from coach to first class, beach edition.
Shop Here: Best travel pillow for beach lounging
Final Thoughts
Island time hits different — but smart packing makes it even better. These are the items we’ve hauled across ferry docks, jungle paths, outrigger canoes, and back again. From rugged coastlines to pristine lagoons, they’ve helped us travel lighter, stay drier, and chill harder.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach week or an off-grid island adventure, these must-haves will keep you prepped for the unexpected — and ready to soak up every salty second.
Got a favorite piece of beach gear we missed? Drop us a comment — we’re always down to test something new.
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