Daytime beach & pool

• Breathable tank tops, t-shirts, or linen button-downs
• Casual shorts, sundresses, or lightweight pants
• Beach cover-ups or lightweight kaftans
• Comfortable walking sandals (you'll walk between pools and beach)

Resort dining & evenings

• 3–4 resort-casual dinner outfits (sundresses, polo shirts, khakis/nice shorts)
• Closed-toe shoes or dressier sandals for restaurants
• Light cardigan or wrap for air-conditioned dining rooms
• Men: collared shirts (required at some specialty restaurants)

Downtown & evening walks

• Comfortable walking shoes for Malecón and downtown Puerto Vallarta
• Crossbody bag for phone, wallet, and purchases
• Light layers for ocean breezes after sunset
• Versatile pieces that work for both resort and town

For younger kids

• Kid-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe mineral formula)
• Rash guards or UV swim shirts for extended sun protection
• Swim diapers if needed for pool use
• Floaties or puddle jumpers (if your child uses them)
• Small beach toys (buckets, shovels) for the beach
• Baby monitor if staying in a suite with separate rooms
• Lightweight stroller for walking the resort property

For teens & tweens

• Waterproof camera or GoPro for waterslides and ocean memories
• Portable Bluetooth speaker (use respectfully in your room)
• Card games or travel games for downtime
• Extra phone charging cables and power banks
• Comfortable athletic wear for beach volleyball and activities
• Sunglasses and hats they'll actually wear

Water & adventure essentials

• Water shoes or aqua socks (useful for rocky beach areas and boat trips)
• Dry bag (10-20L) for boat excursions and beach transfers
• Personal snorkel mask if you prefer your own fit
• Quick-dry microfiber towel for off-resort excursions
• Underwater camera or GoPro for snorkeling at Los Arcos
• Seasickness tablets if you're sensitive to boat motion on Banderas Bay

Downtown & day-trip comfort

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets downtown
• Cash in pesos (small bills) for local vendors, taxis, and tips
• Lightweight backpack or tote for shopping and souvenirs
• Compact rain jacket (especially during rainy season)
• Bug spray with DEET for jungle tours and botanical gardens
• Extra sunscreen (you'll reapply more on all-day excursions)

Dry season (November–May)

This is peak season with warm days, comfortable humidity, minimal rain, and cooler evenings—ideal beach weather.

• Bring a light sweater or cardigan for ocean breezes and evening air conditioning
• Pack long pants or maxi dresses for cooler nights (especially December–February)
• Sun protection remains critical—Pacific coast UV is intense year-round
• Water temperature is perfect for swimming (mid-70s to low 80s°F)

Rainy season (June–October)

Expect higher humidity, warmer temperatures, and afternoon/evening showers—but rain typically doesn't last all day.

• Pack breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics (linen, cotton blends, quick-dry athletic wear)
• Add a lightweight rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers
• Bring water-resistant sandals that dry quickly
• Anti-frizz hair products and extra after-sun lotion for humidity
• Insect repellent becomes more important with increased mosquito activity