Baha Mar Packing List: What We Brought, What Worked, and What We’d Do Again
If you’re planning a trip to Baha Mar in Nassau, you’ve probably already seen how stunning the resort is: the most beautiful turquoise water, super fun pools, and a water park that kids (and adults) never seem to want to leave.
We usually travel as a carry-on-only family, but for this trip, checking a bag made life significantly easier (and the trip less costly…seriously…even with the checked bag fee). Between pool days, water park adventures, and restaurant dinners, having a bit more space for “extras” was absolutely worth it.
Below is our real-life packing list: what we brought, what we used constantly, and a few things we were very glad we didn’t forget.
Pool & Water Park Essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen (bring your own)
Yes, you can buy sunscreen on property, but expect resort pricing (we saw around $40 a bottle). While there ARE towel huts that offer sunscreen, we found it difficult to rub in (super fun when putting lotion on kids) and it seemed to wash off quickly.
The one day we relied on it was also the only day we got sunburned. Lesson learned: bring your own reliable reef-safe sunscreen.
Sunglasses straps
If you plan on spending time at the water park, these are surprisingly important. Slides, wave pools, and constant movement = lost sunglasses risk. We use these all the time, they float in the water in case you lose your glasses!
Waterproof phone case
If you want your phone with you on rides, in the lazy river, or at the beach, this is a game changer. Bonus: it keeps it secured so you’re not constantly worrying about drops or splashes. These have worked well for us, the kids also like using them to take pictures under water with our phones.
Cooler bag + insulated drink container
A soft cooler bag made it easy to bring drinks down to the pool and keep them cold.
We also loved having stainless steel insulated tumblers. Whether we bought drinks on property or brought our own, everything stayed cold way longer (and less watery).
Ziploc bags, chip clips or clothes pins, and small storage hacks
Not glamorous, but incredibly useful.
We used them for:
Leftover snacks
Opened chips
Ice (as a makeshift cooler pack)
Packing small grab-and-go snacks for pool days
Packable beach bags (one per kid = freedom)
Our kids are older now, so giving them their own small packable beach bags (this one, this one, and Meg carried this one) was a win. They could carry sunscreen, goggles, towels, and snacks without relying on us.
We actually turned these into part of an Easter-style “trip surprise bag” with this cute SPF bag that had sunscreen, SPF lip balm and other fun little travel items. I also have this larger one to carry more sunscreen and use it all summer in our big pool bag.
Food & In-Room Convenience Items
One of the biggest surprises at Baha Mar is how helpful it is to have a few simple food items in your room…especially with kids or early mornings.
Microwaveable oatmeal cups (or mac & cheese)
We requested a microwave through the Baha Mar app once we arrived, and it made breakfasts and quick snacks so much easier.
Peanut butter
This was one of our MVP items. It worked for:
Quick peanut butter sandwiches
Stirring into oatmeal for a more filling breakfast
Emergency snack moments before heading out
Plastic cutlery + paper plates
We did a fair amount of takeout, and plates weren’t always provided. Having our own made sharing take out meals much easier.
Tupperware (especially for bread)
This might sound oddly specific, but this tupperware worked beautifully for keeping a loaf of bread from getting smashed in transit and in the room.
Powdered drink mixes
Think lemonade or gatorade. We packed them in a zip-top bag with a scoop so the kids could easily mix their own drinks in the room, I also just found these ‘on the go’ packets.
Wine essentials
If you’re already checking a bag, this is your sign.
We brought:
A bottle or two of wine and packed them in these wine angel packages. We also used them to bring a bottle of rum home!
A wine opener (important unless you stick to screw tops)
It made evenings on the balcony with take out or an after dinner drink feel extra relaxed without having to overthink it.
Clothing & Gear
Resort wear for out to dinner
This is what we wore to Marcus, some people are more dressed up, some people are more casual (I’m wearing flat sandals)
Casual resort wear + dinner outfits
Daytime at Baha Mar is very relaxed: shorts, swimsuits, cover-ups, and easy outfits are perfect.
For dinners, we packed:
Sundresses
Easy resort outfits
One “nicer” option for higher-end restaurants
We noticed a wide range of attire, but sundresses and simple elevated casual wear felt just right for us.
Multiple bathing suits (more than you think)
We recommend at least 3 swimsuits per person (minimum).
Why:
Suits stay damp longer in humid conditions
Hooks are limited in bathrooms
Many people go from pool → room → pool again
Good walking shoes
If you plan to explore Nassau or do a walking tour, bring real sneakers. We were glad we did, there’s more walking than you might expect.
Rain layer or disposable poncho
Island weather changes quickly. A light rain jacket or disposable ponchos came in handy for pop-up showers.
What You Can Skip
Water bottles
Baha Mar provides reusable stainless steel water bottles (24 oz) for guests. This may change, so it’s worth confirming before you go. And they make great souveniers!
Final Thoughts
Packing for Baha Mar is less about “bringing everything” and more about setting yourself up for easy pool days, flexible meals, and fewer small frustrations once you arrive.
The resort is designed for ease…but a few thoughtful extras (like sunscreen, snacks, and drink containers) make it feel even more seamless, especially for families. It can also be a great way to save some money.
If you’re heading there soon, think of this list as a way to reduce the small friction points so you can spend more time doing what matters most: pool time, beach time, and making memories that stick.
