Why You Brought Too Much

The Golden Rules

1. Soft Bags Only: Duffel bags can be rolled up and stuffed into a locker. Hard luggage cannot.
2. The Halving Rule: Put everything you think you need on the bed. Put half of it back in the closet. You will spend 90% of your time in a swimsuit.
3. The Shoe Ban: You are barefoot on the boat. You need one pair of water shoes/sandals for dinghy landings, and maybe one pair of sneakers if you plan to hike. Nothing with hard marking soles.

The "Do Not Bring" List

• Hair Dryers: The inverter likely cannot handle 1500W, and even if the generator is running, it's a waste of fuel. Let the trades dry it.
• Jeans: They are heavy, hot, and will never dry once exposed to salt air.
• Fancy Clothes: The nicest restaurant in the BVI requires a collared shirt. That is the ceiling.
• Excessive Toiletries: Bring reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone), but leave the massive shampoo bottles. The boat showers are cramped.

The High-Value Adds

These take up little space but save the trip:

• Headlamp with Red Light: For checking the anchor at 2 AM without blinding the crew.
• 12V USB Car Charger: Cabins usually have a 12V cigarette lighter plug. Bring a dual-USB plug for it.
• Dry Bag (10L): For taking phones and wallets ashore in the dinghy. You *will* get splashed.
• Clothespins: The base gives you 5. You need 20 to hang swimsuits on the lifelines.