What to Pack for the Marshall Islands: The Marshall Islands Packing List

The Marshall Islands has consistently warm, tropical weather, so light clothing is the way to go when packing for the Marshall Islands. Think breathable tops, shorts, light dresses, swimwear and something to cover up from the sun.

Also, note that there are local customs when it comes to clothing, i.e. not wearing anything way too revealing away from the beach or resort areas, which is why we have included clothing items to “cover up” in the below packing list.

Learn more about the local customs regarding clothing in Marshallese Etiquette: Marshall Islands Customs & Traditions.

What Should I Pack for 5 Days, 1 Week or 2 Weeks in the Marshall Islands?

If staying in the Marshall Islands for less than a week (see the Marshall Islands Itinerary: 5 Days), we recommend packing enough clothes for each day. If in the Marshall Islands for more than a week, then pack a week’s worth of clothes and make use of the laundry facilities at your accommodation.

If there are no laundry facilities available, or your accommodation charges per laundry item, you can pack some handwashing detergent for lighter items. This is especially useful if you’re staying outside the main accommodation options in Majuro or planning to visit outer atolls where services are more limited.

Marshall Islands Casual Clothing

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts to cover the shoulders for church or keep the sun off your shoulders
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short so you can enjoy wearing them at both your accommodation and when out exploring
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church, going to town or meetings, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong (nuknuk) will be your best friend for hitting the beach and covering your swimwear in between swimming.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you’re against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Sports shorts/Leggings for active activities
• 1 Sports T-shirt/Singlet for active activities
• 1 Outfit to travel between the Marshall Islands and home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks.

Marshall Islands Swimwear

• 1 Bikini that's not ultra revealing (no thongs)
• 1 One-piece for active swimming
• 2 Boardshorts for guys
• 1 Rash vest (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies).

Marshall Islands Protective Clothing

• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light shirt to cover arms and back
• Light rain jacket.

Marshall Islands Footwear

• Flip-flops/Sandals
• Walking shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes.

From the essential travel documents to the not-so-essential-but-good-to-have e-reader, this list of travel accessories has something for everyone but not necessarily everything for everyone.

While we all have our preferences, here are some ideas on what travel accessories to pack for the Marshall Islands. Pick and choose what applies to you!

Marshall Islands Travel Essentials and Paperwork

• Passport
• Boarding pass/booking paperwork
• Travel ticket/booking paperwork for travel out of the Marshall Islands
• Any applicable visas for your return or onward travel
• Accommodation contact details
• Credit/debit card
• US Dollars
• Driver’s license (if renting a car)
• Medical prescription
• Travel insurance policy (optional)
• Dive certification (optional).

Head to What Documents Do I Need to Travel to the Marshall Islands? for all the details on this all-essential paperwork.

Marshall Islands Travel Accessories and Electronics

• Snorkelling gear (limited rentals available)
• Beach/Travel towel
• Waterproof camera
• Books/e-reader
• Phone
• Chargers for electronic devices
• Type A or Type B travel adapter
• Lifestraw water bottle

Also, check out our guide What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and healthy trip.

Marshall Islands Travel Accessories for Kids

• Baby mosquito net
• Waterproof kids camera
• Go!: Kids Interactive Travel Diary
• Reusable Swim Diaper Training Pants
• GPS tracker/child locator
• Travel games
• Baby carrier
• Portable steriliser
• Baby formula
• Inflatables

See the 25 Tips for Your Family the Marshall Islands Vacation with Kids for more information on some of the items mentioned.

Marshall Islands Food Packing List

While we don’t generally recommend that you pack food for the Marshall Islands, if you have dietary needs that are often hard to cater for abroad, then you may want to bring a few essential ingredients. Check out Marshall Islands for Vegans & Vegetarians + 5 Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to the Marshall Islands to learn more about what to expect in the shops.

Just note that fruit, plants, birds and animals are restricted and need certification from the Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Resources and Development before arrival, so always check what you can bring before packing food. More information on the subject can be found in our guide, Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Quarantine & Arrival Process.

Everyone has their own morning routine and different toiletries they use, so this list may well have a few things you don’t use, as well as a few things missing.

If you’re trying to pack light and are staying in hotels or resorts, some accommodation in the Marshall Islands may provide basic toiletries, such as shampoo and soap, in ensuite bathrooms. Still, it’s best to bring your own essentials, especially if you’re travelling beyond Majuro where shops and supplies are more limited.

A first aid kit is also important to address medical problems that commonly occur when holidaying in the Marshall Islands, such as sunburn, heatstroke and mosquito bites.

For more information on packing your own first aid kit, see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands First Aid Kit

• Travel vaccine passport (vaccination record)
• Paracetamol
• Antihistamine pills or cream
• Oral rehydration sachets (medical electrolytes)
• Baby electrolytes
• Antacids
• Antidiarrhoeal pills e.g. loperamide
• Nasal drops
• Band-aids/plasters
• Butterfly closures
• Disinfectant wipes
• Gauzes
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Elastic wraps
• Flight socks
• Antisceptic cream/spray
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Aloe vera soothing cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Multivitamins
• A reminder of the emergency number in the Marshall Islands: 911
• Antibiotics if recommended by your GP.

For information on what each medication is for, again, check out What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands Toiletries and Other Medication

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Seasickness pills
• Prescription medication
• Shampoo/conditioner (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap (if not staying in a resort/hotel)
• Razor/hair removal
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Hairbrush/comb
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Deodorant.

For more health tips for travelling, see Marshall Islands Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to the Marshall Islands?

Finally, what are you going to pack it all into? Everyone has their preferences for luggage, but for the Marshall Islands, a suitcase with wheels tends to work well if you’re staying in Majuro or sticking to hotel-style accommodation.

But if you prefer travelling with a backpack, we don’t need to convince you how versatile they are. They’ll certainly work in the Marshall Islands too, especially if you’re travelling between islands, staying somewhere simple or carrying your bags over sand, docks or uneven ground.

Luggage to Take to the Marshall Islands

• Beach bag/day pack that fits within the carry-on allowance of your chosen airline (usually 21 x 15 x 9 in / 55 x 40 x 23 cm), or...
• Drypack to protect from heavy downpours and seaspray on boats - we like these from Sharkskin
• Suitcase/backpack
• Small purse/camera bag
• Packing cubes