Puerto Rico Packing List (23 Things People Forget to Bring)

While many people exclusively pack swimwear, sandals, and t-shirts while prepping for the island, the truth is you’ll need a little more than that on your checklist of what to pack for Puerto Rico. 

I’m a San Juan local and I constantly see visitors scrambling to buy essential things they didn’t think to bring. But though you can get almost anything on the island, they will come at a premium price in Old San Juan. 

Since I want to save you from that, I’ve summed up the essential items you should include in your packing list for Puerto Rico.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• 🧳 Puerto Rico Packing List
• 👙 Clothing to Pack
• 💡 Packing Tips
• ❓ FAQs About What to Pack

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Puerto Rico Packing Checklist

Water Filtration Bottle

If you feel uneasy about drinking tap water in Puerto Rico, then I recommend bringing a water filtration bottle instead of spending your money on water bottles. The Grayl GeoPress water purifier bottle can purify up to 24 oz of water. It’s super easy to use and you can fill up your water from pretty much anywhere — making it the perfect reusable water bottle.

Travel Backpack

Dragging a big, uncomfortable suitcase around Puerto Rico isn’t very much fun. From the streets of Old San Juan to beachy towns, choosing to bring a backpack will be a literal load off.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets airlines’ standards for carry-on luggage, but it can still fit your week’s packing list. It features a back harness to distribute the weight, a patted back with a laptop sleeve and a front pocket for easy access.

Day Bag

If you’re heading off on a day trip and don’t want to bring your entire backpack or suitcase, then this is the item for you. The Osprey Daylite folds down small so you can carry it in your luggage until you’re ready to use it for an excursion. Not only is it comfortable, but it’s also resistant to the rainy weather of Puerto Rico.

Eco-Friendly Sunblock

It’s common knowledge that sunscreen helps to protect the skin against UV rays, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Not all are safe for the environment and some may contain chemicals that harm marine life. The Sun Bum sunscreen lotion is great because it’s SPF 50 and reef friendly.

Aloe Vera Gel

It’s a small thing, but forgetting it could mean the difference between overpaying for aloe vera in your resort’s convenience store or not.

This Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel is one of the most highly-concentrated aloe gels on the market. It’s the perfect way to lock in moisture to your skin and comes in an airplane-friendly size.

Snorkeling Gear

If you’re an experienced snorkeler and are looking forward to exploring the waters of Puerto Rico, then you should definitely pack your own snorkeling gear. There are places you can rent snorkeling gear, but it’ll be more expensive. The SwimStar snorkel set fits any type of face and features a single anti-fog front crystal.

👉 Do you love snorkeling? Check out other best adventures you can enjoy in Puerto Rico.

Power Bank

After Hurricane Maria in 2017, blackouts and power shortages have occurred, so you should include a portable charger on your Puerto Rico packing list. The Anker portable charger is slim and charges your electronics quickly. In fact, this small power bank can charge your phone up to 3 times.

LED Headlamp

From caves to forests and the bioluminescent beaches, if you plan on exploring Puerto Rico by night, then you’re going to want a hands-free light.

The Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp is the best solution. It’s weatherproof, has multiple lighting options, and comes in a few fun colors.

Tablet

If you don’t want to lug around your laptop but want something more than your phone to entertain you on your trip, then opt for a Tablet.

The Apple iPad Mini is a standout product and will sync to your other apple devices. It has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Wide back camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, and has up to 256GB storage. Oh, and it comes in four fun colors to suit your personality!

Quick Dry Towel

A quick-dry towel is essential in your Puerto Rico packing list, since not every hotel or apartment offers a beach towel. The Rainleaf microfiber towel won’t take up much space in your bag, is absorbent, and it dries fast so packing it back up won’t be a problem.

Honestly, it’s an essential thing to pack for any beach vacation, whether you are packing for Mexico, Puerto Rico, or anywhere else with a shoreline. 

Hand Sanitizer

After 2020, it’s clear that hand sanitizer is something you should always carry with you, but small sanitizer bottles easily get lost. This travel-size hand sanitizer holder features a safe harness hook so you can attach it to your backpack or pants. The design makes it super easy to refill the bottle.

Wrinkle Release Spray

Linen and cotton are great lightweight clothing options for Puerto Rico’s hot weather. But as anyone who’s ever shoved these fabrics into a suitcase knows, they wrinkle pretty easily.

The Bounce Rapid Touch-Up wrinkle release spray is the best solution. In addition to releasing wrinkles, they also get rid of static. Plus, they’re travel-sized and will give musty-smelling clothes a fresh, clean scent.

Leave-In Hair Conditioner

Besides taking care of your skin, you should also take care of your hair when you’re visiting Puerto Rico, especially if you’re planning to spend your days on the beach.  The Moroccanoil leave-in is travel size and it’s great to hydrate your hair and detangle it after a day of sun, breeze, and saltwater.

Travel Umbrella

Puerto Rico features a rainy season from June to November characterized by frequent short evening showers. Having a good travel umbrella on hand will save you from getting soaked. This umbrella is almost the size of your palm, but it’s windproof and has a 50 SPF to protect you from UV rays.

Headphones

If you’re staying in San Juan, then you’ll notice nights are quite noisy. Noise-canceling headphones are great to keep unwanted noises out. These JBL headphones work up to 50 hours on a single charge, are noise-canceling, and use a voice assistant to let you know about the battery status.

Motion Sickness Medicine

If you’re considering taking a catamaran to Icacos or the ferry to Vieques and Culebra, then you’ll want to have motion sickness medicine ready. Dramamine is a great motion sickness medicine that prevents nausea and won’t make you drowsy.

Waterproof Bag

Your Puerto Rico packing list should include a waterproof bag if you’re visiting rivers, waterfalls, or any beach. With a dry bag, you can keep your extra clothes and electronics with you at all times, even in the water. The Heeta waterproof bag is made of a water resistant material with seamless technology. It also includes a free waterproof phone case.

First Aid Kit

You never know what can happen while you’re out hiking or on the beach, and a first aid kit can come in handy. This small and compact first aid kit offers 85 supplies in a water resistant hard case you can throw in your suitcase or backpack.

Portable Action Camera

For your visit to Puerto Rico, you’ll want to include in your packing list a camera that can record your precious memories. The GoPro HERO 10 is a top favorite action camera because it can record 5.3k60 Ultra HD video and take 23mpx photos on the beach, underwater, and while ziplining. 

👉 Love to record beautiful destinations? Don’t miss the most beautiful places you should visit in Puerto Rico.

Mosquito Repellent

Puerto Rico is a tropical island with lots of mosquitoes. If you’re sensitive to bites or you aren’t used to them, then make sure to add mosquito repellent to that packing list. The OFF Deep Woods repellent doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin and it also repels mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies.

Waterproof Phone Case

If you’re visiting the bioluminescent lagoons, the beaches, or any of the rivers of Puerto Rico, then you’ll want a waterproof phone case. This Pelican waterproof pouch stores your phone safely with a clear window so you can still use it and take pictures if you need to.

Packing Cubes

For your Puerto Rico trip, you’ll want to keep your bag as organized as possible. This amazing set of packing cubes separates and organizes your items with bags for your shoes, underwear, and clothes. It even brings a toiletry bag and a string bag perfect for your dirty laundry.

Travel Insurance

While planning your trip to Puerto Rico, consider if travel insurance makes sense for you. Besides all the incidents that could happen while you enjoy an adventure like hiking in El Yunque, Puerto Rico also has a hurricane season that can change your vacation plans at the last minute.

You can easily compare dozens of quotes in minutes through the handy VisitorsCoverage website.

Other Puerto Rico Essentials to Pack

• Eye mask
• Toothbrush
• Facemasks 
• Facial sunscreen
• Vaccination card plus card protector
• Passport, if you aren’t coming from the USA (see my guide to Puerto Rico passport rules)
• Driver’s license or Photo ID
• Proof of insurance cover if you’re getting a rental car
• Cash – US Dollar
• Sunglasses
• Prescribed medicines

Clothing to Pack for Puerto Rico

Unless you get easily cold, you won’t need your winter clothes in Puerto Rico, not even during the winter! The island features hot weather the whole year, and most of what you’ll wear in Puerto Rico will be light and comfortable.

So what clothing should you pack? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Puerto Rico: 

• 2-3 denim shorts
• 3-4 t-shirts
• 1-2 tank tops
• 1-3 bathing suits
• 1 beach cover up
• 1 light rain jacket
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1-2 casual dresses
• 1-2 blouses
• 7-9 pairs of underwear
• 5-7 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of sneakers or hiking boots
• 1 pair of water shoes
• 1 sunhat

That’s my general Puerto Rico packing list. Now, let’s look at some specific clothing items you’ll need for your tropical vacation.

Beach Cover Up

Unlike other destinations around the world, Puerto Ricans do not wear bathing suits in restaurants or shopping malls. This is why a light comfortable cotton cover up like this one is useful and easy to throw on.

📚 Related Reading: Top Puerto Rico Beaches

Water Shoes

If you’re planning to visit the waterfalls in Puerto Rico, then common water shoes won’t help you get there — many of the island’s best waterfalls are at the end of Puerto Rico’s many hiking trails.

The Water Lves water shoes offer a rubber sole with arch support, thick to protect your feet but light enough to dry quickly.

Sun Hat

To avoid skin damage from sun exposure, you’ll want to use additional coverage besides sunblock. The Columbia sun hat blocks out UVA and UVB rays, plus it sports an adjustable string to keep it in place during your windy beach day trips.

Money Belt

Pickpocketing is one of the most common crimes in Puerto Rico. But you can carry your cards safely and protect them from thieves and identity theft with this RFID-protected money belt. It will fit your passport in a breathable and discreet bag. Check out my Puerto Rico safety guide to learn more.

Rain Jacket

If you’re planning to hike El Yunque during the rainy season, then you should include a light rain jacket in your suitcase. These Baleaf raincoats are great for men and women with waterproof material, a warm interior, a back pocket, and adjustable strings to make your jacket fit the best.

Hiking Boots

Puerto Rico features amazing hiking trails any outdoor adventurer will love to explore. Your common walking shoes might not take you far, so you should opt for a good pair of hiking boots. The Columbia hiking boots are waterproof and lightweight perfect both for men and women.

See our full guide to what to bring hiking if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.

Puerto Rico Packing Tips

Pack Light

You won’t need winter clothes when you pack for Puerto Rico. And since you’ll be spending a lot of your time on Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, you really don’t need to overload your luggage. Instead, just bring a few swimsuits, light clothes, toiletries, and necessary travel accessories. 

Consider What You’ll Be Doing

If you’re planning to go to conventions, restaurants, clubs, and Puerto Rico’s museums, then your bag will look different than the bag of a beach lover. Keep in mind the dress code for restaurants, shopping malls, and museums — it will require different clothing than walking around Old San Juan or visiting the beach.

🧳 Read Next: Colorado Packing List

Choose a Backpack

It’s very frustrating to see tourists dragging their luggage through the steep streets of Old San Juan. If you’re only visiting for a few days and you won’t be attending any particular event, then a good travel backpack is more practical than a suitcase for your trip and it will fit all that you’ll wear in Puerto Rico.

Do Laundry for Longer Periods

If you are only visiting for a Puerto Rico weekend getaway, this won’t be a problem. But if you’re staying more than two weeks, then you might want to consider staying in a rental apartment with a washing machine, using a local laundromat, or using your hotel’s laundry service. Being able to wash and reuse your clothes is invaluable on a longer trip.

A Scrubba Portable Wash Bag is a nifty way to wash clothes without a washing machine.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Puerto Rico’s weather is quite warm all year, but June to November is the rainy season and your vacation will be frequently interrupted by showers. You can bring a light rain jacket if you’re spending time in El Yunque or hiking in the mountainous interior. You can also bring a light jacket during the winter if you get cold easily. 

👉 For more planning tips, check out my guide to the best time to visit Puerto Rico for the best weather and fewest crowds.

FAQs About Packing for Puerto Rico

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That is the complete list of things you need to pack for Puerto Rico!

Whether you’re visiting El Yunque, the historic cities, or the sandy beaches, your packing list will probably consist of the same things.

Keep planning with my guide to the top things you can do on the island.