What to Pack for Turks and Caicos (2025): Your Complete Beach Trip Checklist

Planning a trip to Turks and Caicos? Whether you’re staying in a beachfront resort on Grace Bay or exploring hidden coves around Providenciales, this complete packing list will make sure you’re covered. From bikinis and breezy cover-ups to reef-safe sunscreen and dinner outfits, here’s everything you’ll need for a relaxing, photo-worthy island escape.

What’s the Vibe in Turks and Caicos?

Think relaxed: flowy fabrics, beach hair, bare feet until dinner. Most of your time will be spent by the water or at casual, upscale beach restaurants. You’ll want lightweight, breathable outfits that look effortlessly polished – even if you’re just wearing sandals and salty beach hair.

Turks and Caicos Travel Essentials

• Passport (must be valid + not expiring soon)
• Credit cards + some USD cash (Turks uses U.S. dollars!)
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated in that island heat
• Packing cubes – especially if you’re splitting time between islands or hotels
• Soft-sided beach tote – easy to fold in your luggage and carry around daily

Clothing to Pack

Beach & Pool Essentials

• 3–4 swimsuits (mix bikinis and one-pieces)
• 2–3 breezy cover-ups
• Wide-brimmed hat or bucket hat
• Sunglasses (polarized if possible)
• Flip flops or slide sandals
• Beach bag or woven tote
• Quick-dry beach towel or Turkish towel
• Waterproof phone case or pouch
• Refillable water bottle
• SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen

Daytime Outfits

• 2–3 lightweight matching sets or sundresses
• 1 pair of linen shorts
• Tank tops and cropped tees
• Comfortable sandals or espadrilles
• Light cardigan or button-down shirt (for AC or ferry rides)

Dinner & Evenings Out

• 2–3 nicer dresses or flowy jumpsuits
• Heeled sandals or cute flats
• Statement earrings or accessories
• Small clutch or mini crossbody bag
• Light wrap or shawl

Toiletries & Beauty Musts

• Reef-safe sunscreen (face + body)
• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
• Tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF
• Waterproof mascara
• Lip balm with SPF
• Bug spray or wipes
• Mini dry shampoo
• Razor, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.
• Hair oil or leave-in conditioner

Pro tip: If you have curly or frizz-prone hair, bring your go-to anti-humidity product – it gets steamy here.

Travel Day & Carry-On Must-Haves

• 1 comfy airport outfit (matching set or leggings + tee)
• Sneakers or comfy slip-ons
• Travel backpack or crossbody bag
• Passport + printed confirmations
• Headphones + downloaded playlists
• Snacks or protein bars
• Electrolyte packets (great after flying!)

Optional Extras (but you’ll thank yourself)

• Waterproof phone case
• Portable charger
• Foldable beach mat
• Book or Kindle
• GoPro or waterproof camera
• Mini first aid kit (bandaids, Advil, motion sickness tabs, etc.)

Leave Room in Your Suitcase!

Trust me – you’ll want space for souvenirs. Between local markets, boutique shops, and surprisingly good hotel gift shops, you’ll likely come home with something unexpected (like a “Turks” hoodie or home decor piece).

Heading out soon? Don’t miss my full Turks and Caicos Shopping Guide (2025) for where to browse and buy while you’re there.

What Not to Pack

• Less is more. Most travelers wear swimsuits and breezy dresses 80% of the time.
• Leave heels at home. Choose cute, walkable sandals instead.
• Bring cash. Some beach bars and excursions prefer USD cash over cards.
• Use packing cubes. Especially helpful when organizing outfits for 3–5 days.

Turks and Caicos Packing FAQ

Ready to Pack?

Save this Turks and Caicos packing list and feel free to copy it into your Notes app. For more island tips, check out my Turks and Caicos Travel Guide and Restaurant Guide for all my go-to recs.