Dominica Packing List and Women’s Outfit Ideas
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Are you planning to visit Dominica, West Indies soon? This post breaks down what you’ll need to pack (and what you can leave at home) based on my Dominica packing list and what I wore when traveling in the late spring.
And if you enjoy this article, you’ll love my detailed Dominica travel guide + itinerary, too!
What You Need to Know About the Weather
Dominica is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean and abounds in activities like free diving, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Folks here do lots of fishing, farming, and walking and climbing steep hills and mountains at high elevations so attire is generally casual and functional outside of financial and business centers.
I first traveled to Dominica in May but the weather is warm year-round and can get very humid and balmy so I recommend packing natural fabrics like cotton and linen or blends of them. Opt for relaxed-fitting clothes and items you don’t mind getting wet or even dirty as Dominica is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Your gear needs to be on point to experience all the amazing things to do in Dominica.
Like many other tropical destinations, Dominica has two seasons: wet and dry, with rainy season running from June through November and coinciding with hurricane season. If you’re visiting during the rainy season or even the shoulder season, like I did, pack a poncho!
Packing Checklist
What to pack for a week in Dominica: I packed 12 outfits, including four casual dresses, two rompers, six tops, three pairs of shorts, three pairs of leggings, and three bathing suits. With lots of active and underwater excursions, multiple outfit changes happened most days.
Bug Repellant – Despite the tropical climate, the island’s abundance of growing herbs like lemongrass and citronella provided a natural repellant and I didn’t need to use any sprays. I finished seven days in Dominica with maybe two bug bites! If you want to take some eco-friendly protection just in case, these citronella stickers have worked wonders for me at keeping flies and mosquitoes away.
Casual daytime clothes like shorts or skorts and tops, dresses, rompers. I recommend packing things you can mix and match and, again, breathable natural fabrics will be your best bet in the heat and humidity.
Comfortable walking shoes because the terrain is often uneven with lots of climbing. This is the time to pull out your sturdy, broken-in shoes. I mostly wore my black and white Tevas because they go with almost anything.
Diving or snorkeling gear, if you have it. Most excursions and tours will provide these things but if you prefer to use your own, plan ahead with your suitcase space.
Hiking Gear including hiking shoes, boots, or sandals with good grip, stretchy pants or leggings, a backpack or fanny pack, and a hat.
Packable tote for shopping and souvenirs. I like this reusable shopping tote because it folds up very small and weighs next to nothing so it won’t take up space in your luggage.
Reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin AND the ecosystem. I used this sensitive mineral sunscreen that blended in well with my melanated skin and didn’t leave a ghostly white cast.
Small handbag or bum bag for day-to-day and sightseeing. I recommend carrying a water-resistant bag because it can go from sun to rain real quick.
Swimsuits with cover-ups for pool days, hot springs, and ocean dips. Bathing suits are for the beach only so be sure to bring a cover up or change of clothes if you plan to go directly to any other places.
Swim cap or turban if you want to keep your hair dry and minimize washes. I almost always do braids for traveling so I didn’t not bring either of these.
Visor or sun hat because the bright, hot sunshine is no joke! Instead of an aesthetic straw hat, I packed my giant visor that protects my whole face, neck, and decolletage.
Water shoes are a must for water-based activities like snorkeling Champagne Reef, diving, and kayaking. Even if you just plan on beach bumming it up, many of Dominica’s beaches are pebbly so I still recommend. Grab my favorite water shoes for $20!
Essentials & Tips
Cash because not every place will take cards, especially if you plan to visit towns smaller towns beyond Portsmouth and Roseau (which you absolutely should). Use the local currency, Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD), for the best prices.
Credit card or debit card for larger purchases and emergencies. I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa for travel perks like free flights and highly recommend it.
Power bank for those half-day and full-day tours where you won’t be in one place long enough to charge. I like this compact power bank because it plugs directly into the wall for easy charging. By the way, you won’t need a plug converter if you’re coming from the United States.
Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated because you will most certainly be sweating in the hot weather. And to keep Dominica beautiful! I had no problem finding clean water and even scooped some right from a pure mountain stream but if you are not comfortable with that, I recommend this self-filtering water bottle I’ve used in other countries.
Toiletries, cosmetics, and haircare–preferably travel-sized products if you’re on a budget or visiting via cruise ship and packing light!
Here’s my best advice for traveling with just a carry-on bag and personal item to any destination.
What not to Pack for Dominica
Camouflage is illegal to wear in Dominica unless you are a member of their military. This is also the case in several other Caribbean island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica.
High heels are not needed. And as a proud strutter, it takes a lot for me to say that! If you want to get a bit dressy for a vacay date night or romantic honeymoon dinner, pack a cute pair of flat sandals and thank me later.
Jeans aren’t taboo or off-limits, but it’s not generally not cold enough to need them and they offer enough flexibility for outdoorsy activities or lounging–my two main things on this trip!
What to Wear for Ladies
My favorite part of preparing for vacation is planning my outfits. I like the challenge of creatively putting together looks that marry my personal style with local customs and unique experiences of a destination.
But if that’s not your thing, here are some done-for-you outfit ideas to inspire your Dominica travel wardrobe!
I wore this simple, colorful romper to explore the Dominican town of Soufriere. Here’s my list of things to do in Soufriere for travelers.
This outfit was everything I needed to hike the Perdu Temps Trail in Dominica–minus the lung capacity and Megan Thee Stallion knees!
There’s a pair of cutoff shorts under my peplum belt, I promise! And here’s my review of staying at Jungle Bay Resort.
Read all about my visit to Dominica’s Roseau Old Market.
Speaking of lunch, check out the best foods to eat in Dominica!
I hope this guide to what to wear in Dominica makes you feel comfortable and prepared and even stylish on your Dominica vacation. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
