What to Bring to Cayo Icacos: Packing Checklist

By the Isla Icacos Guide Editorial Team

Cayo Icacos is an uninhabited cay with no shops, shade buildings, or facilities. Packing right makes the difference between a great day and a rough one.

Quick Answer: Bring reef safe sunscreen, a rash guard, water shoes, more water than you expect and a dry bag. There is no shop on the cay, so whatever you did not bring, you do without. On an all inclusive boat like the Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran, Snorkel, and Picnic Cruise (from $138, 4.8 stars, 2,362 reviews), food, drinks and snorkel gear are already covered.

TL;DR

Duration: pack for five to seven hours away from any shop, shade or tap
Included: snorkel gear and food on all inclusive boats. Towels, sunscreen and dry bags are never included
Best for: light packing, since everything has to come off the boat and back on again
Book ahead: nothing to book here, but buy reef safe sunscreen before you reach the marina
Practical warning: the cay is a protected reserve, so everything you bring has to leave with you, including fruit peel

Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran, Snorkel, and Picnic CruiseFrom $138

★ 4.8 · 2,362 reviews

The all inclusive format covers food, drinks and gear, which is most of the packing problem solved.

Check Availability →

Prices are indicative starting prices and can change.

The essentials

Reef safe sunscreen, the cay is in a marine reserve
Water shoes for the rocky beach and coral entry
A hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard for sun on the open cay
Plenty of water, there is nowhere to buy any
A waterproof phone case for photos in the water

Food and drinks

There are no shops on Icacos. If your tour does not include lunch, pack your own and ask if a cooler is allowed. All inclusive tours handle this for you.

Comfort items

Bring a beach towel, a dry bag for valuables, and cash for crew tips. A light cover up helps on the boat ride back as you dry off.

For snorkeling

Tours usually provide gear, but your own mask fits best. Add a defog solution so you can actually see the reef.

What to leave behind

Skip heavy jewelry and anything you cannot lose in the water. Leave non reef safe sunscreen at the hotel since it is discouraged in the reserve.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to Cayo Icacos?▾

Reef safe sunscreen, a rash guard, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, water shoes, a towel, a dry bag, cash for tips and more water than you think you need.

Do I need water shoes?▾

They help. The beach entry has scattered rocks and coral fragments in places, and the boarding ladder is easier with something on your feet.

Should I bring my own snorkel gear?▾

Only if you wear a prescription mask or have had fit problems. Almost every organised boat includes mask, snorkel, fins and a vest.

Is there anywhere to buy food or water on the cay?▾

No. There are no shops, no vendors and no drinking water. Whatever is on your boat is the entire supply for the visit.

Isla Icacos Team

Travel editors covering this destination. We compare operators, check schedules and prices against official sources and operator listings, and update these guides as conditions change.