Dominican Republic Packing List

🎒 Ultimate Packing List for Dominican Republic Adventures: What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)

You've booked your flights. Your excursions are ready. Now comes the question every traveler asks:

"What do I actually pack?"

The Dominican Republic isn't your typical beach vacation. Sure, there are beaches — but there are also jungle waterfalls, horseback trails, ziplines, and boat rides. Pack wrong, and you'll be uncomfortable. Pack right, and you're ready for anything.

Here's your complete packing list, broken down by adventure type, from someone who lives here and leads these tours every week.

🌴 The Essentials — Everyone Needs These

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Caribbean sun is no joke. Even on cloudy days, you'll burn.
Pro tip: Reef-safe sunscreen if you're snorkeling. Regular sunscreen damages coral.

Swimsuits (2-3)
You'll be wet most days. Having backups while one dries is clutch.

Quick-Dry Towel
Hotels provide towels, but a compact microfiber one is perfect for excursions.

Water Shoes
Rocky beaches, riverbeds, boat docks — these save your feet. Cheap flip-flops won't cut it.

Hat & Sunglasses
Sun protection + style. Wide-brim hats work best.

Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag
You'll want photos at waterfalls and on boats. Protect your phone or camera.

Bug Spray
Mosquitoes love tourists. Bring DEET-based repellent for jungle tours.

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Lightweight sneakers or hiking sandals for city tours and light trails.

Light, Breathable Clothes
Cotton and linen > heavy fabrics. It's 85°F+ most days.

Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated. Most tours provide water, but having your own bottle helps.

💦 For Water Adventures (Waterfalls, Snorkeling, Isla Bonita)

Rash Guard or Swim Shirt
Extra sun protection when you're in the water for hours. Way better than sunscreen alone.

Secure Sandals (Like Chacos or Tevas)
For tours like Waterfalls Adventure where you're jumping and sliding. Must stay on your feet.

Underwater Camera or GoPro
If you have one, bring it. Snorkeling at Isla Bonita is stunning underwater.

Waterproof Bag
For valuables when you're swimming. Small dry bags are lifesavers.

Extra Swimsuit
Waterfalls = soaking wet all day. Change into dry clothes after.

🏞️ For Adventure Tours (Zipline, Buggies, Horseback)

Closed-Toe Shoes
Required for Zipline and Buggies. Sneakers or hiking shoes work.

Long Pants or Leggings (Optional)
For buggies — you'll get muddy. Long pants protect your legs.

Hair Tie
Long hair + zipline helmet = tangled mess. Tie it back.

Small Backpack
To carry your stuff during tours. Keep it light.

Change of Clothes
Buggies get muddy. Waterfalls get you soaked. Fresh clothes for the ride back = comfort.

🏖️ For Beach & Island Days

Beach Bag
Lightweight tote for towel, sunscreen, book, snacks.

Flip-Flops
Easy on/off for sand. Not for hiking — just beach lounging.

Snorkel Gear (Optional)
Tours like Isla Bonita provide gear, but some people prefer their own.

Beach Cover-Up
For walking to/from beach or grabbing lunch.

🏙️ For Cultural Tours (Puerto Plata City Tour)

Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking cobblestone streets and historic sites on the City Tour.

Light Jacket or Shawl
For air-conditioned cable car. Sounds weird, but you'll thank us.

Camera
Views from Mount Isabel de Torres are epic. Don't miss it.

Small Cash (USD or Pesos)
For souvenirs, tips, street snacks.

🎣 For Deep Sea Fishing

Sunglasses with Strap
Sun glare on water is intense. You don't want to lose them overboard.

Motion Sickness Meds
If you're prone to seasickness, take it 30 mins before departure.

Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sun protection for hours on open water.

Want to catch dinner? Book Deep Sea Fishing and we'll help you cook it local-style.

❌ What NOT to Pack

Heavy Jackets or Sweaters
It's the tropics. You won't need them. Maybe a light hoodie for AC on flights, max.

Expensive Jewelry
Leave it home. You're going to the beach, not a gala.

Too Many Shoes
3 pairs max: sneakers, water shoes, flip-flops. That's it.

Books (Physical)
Kindle or phone apps weigh nothing. Physical books take space.

💡 Pro Tips from Locals

✅ Pack light. You'll buy souvenirs. Leave room in your bag.

✅ Bring a small first-aid kit. Band-aids, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal meds. Just in case.

✅ Ziplock bags. Keep phone, wallet, documents dry. Old-school but works.

✅ Download offline maps. Google Maps works offline if you download the area first.

✅ Bring a portable charger. Your phone will die from photos. Guarantee it.

✅ Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Saves luggage space.

✅ Pack a "day bag." Small backpack for daily excursions keeps hands free.

🧳 Sample Packing List for 7-Day Trip

Clothes:

• 3 swimsuits
• 5 t-shirts / tank tops
• 2 pairs shorts
• 1 pair long pants
• 1 light dress / collared shirt (for nicer dinners)
• 7 pairs underwear / socks
• 1 light jacket or hoodie

Shoes:

• Sneakers
• Water shoes
• Flip-flops

Gear:

• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses & hat
• Waterproof phone case
• Reusable water bottle
• Quick-dry towel
• Small backpack

Toiletries:

• Travel-size everything
• Prescription meds
• First-aid basics

Tech:

• Phone & charger
• Portable battery
• Camera (optional)
• Earbuds

Documents:

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Printed hotel/tour confirmations
• Travel insurance info
• Credit cards & some cash

🌞 Packing by Season

December–April (Dry Season):
Standard packing list above works perfectly.

May–November (Rainy Season):
Add: Lightweight rain jacket (brief showers), extra ziplock bags, quick-dry everything.

Want to know the best time to visit? Check out our complete weather guide.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveling with Kids?

Add:

• Extra snacks (picky eaters insurance)
• Kid-size life jacket (if you have a small child under 5)
• Favorite comfort items
• Tablet with downloaded shows (for travel days)
• Children's pain reliever / motion sickness meds

Full guide: Dominican Republic with Kids

🎒 Final Checklist Before You Leave

Two days before departure, ask yourself:

☐ Passport valid 6+ months?
☐ Travel insurance purchased?
☐ Tours booked and confirmed?
☐ Sunscreen packed?
☐ Water shoes in bag?
☐ Phone fully charged?
☐ Medications packed?
☐ Hotel address saved offline?

If yes to all → you're ready for adventure.

🌴 Ready to Pack Smart and Adventure Hard?

The right gear makes the difference between "that was uncomfortable" and "that was AMAZING."

Pack light. Pack smart. And get ready for waterfalls, beaches, ziplines, and memories you'll never forget.

👉 Browse all adventures: excursionsdominicana.com
📩 Questions about specific tours? Contact us — we'll tell you exactly what to bring.

See you in paradise. 🌴