Isla Fuerte is remote, so what you bring matters, and what you leave behind matters just as much. Bring exactly what you need and leave single-use plastics on the mainland, because everything that arrives on a small island eventually has to be dealt with here. The good news is that we provide all the dive gear, so your bag can stay light. This is a practical packing guide for a comfortable, low-impact trip.
The essentials
The core list is short and mostly about sun, water and comfort:
- Reef-safe sunscreen, ideally mineral based
- Insect repellent for dawn and dusk
- A refillable water bottle to avoid plastic
- Swimsuit, towel and light, breathable clothes
- A hat, sunglasses and a light rain layer
Pack it all in a soft bag rather than a hard case, since boats and small rooms reward things that squash down.
Bring your personal dive kit
We supply all the dive gear, but a few personal pieces make every dive better. If you own them, bring your own mask so the fit is perfect, and your dive computer so you can follow your own profiles.
A comfortable, familiar mask alone can transform a trip, since nothing ruins a dive faster than a leak. Everything else, from tanks to fins to BCDs, is ready and waiting for you.
Leave the plastic behind
Single-use plastic is the last thing a healthy reef needs. Swap disposable bottles for a refillable one, skip individually wrapped snacks and choose bar soap and shampoo over travel-size bottles.
These are small choices that add up fast when hundreds of divers make them. As a PADI AWARE center, protecting the reef starts before you even get in the water. Learn more in our experiences.
Getting it all there
Remember that the last stretch is by boat from Paso Nuevo, so keep your essentials in a dry bag or a sealable pouch. Phones, cameras, documents and a change of clothes should stay protected from spray.
Traveling via Montería, Cartagena or Medellín means one more transfer, so lighter luggage is genuinely easier. See what is already provided on our courses and dives page and pack accordingly.
The things people forget
Beyond the basics, a handful of small items save the day on a remote island. Think about what is hard to buy once you leave the mainland:
- Any personal medication, plus basic seasickness tablets
- A power bank and charging cables
- A dry bag for the boat transfer from Paso Nuevo
- Cash, since card payments can be limited
None of it is dramatic, but each one is far easier to pack than to find here.
