I did a lot of research on provisioning before our first trip to the Bahamas.  To make this list I started with one I found on the Internet and kept modifying it to meet our needs.  Feel free to start with my list and adjust it, as needed.  I print out a copy before we leave and use it as an inventory.  I write down the quantity in the first column and location (where stored) in the second column.  I update the list as we use items.  It really helps to know where stuff is stored!

Moondance Provisioning List

Plentiful in the Bahamas:

  • Flour – store in airtight container. Check for bugs before using.
  • Eggs – always break in a separate container to avoid mixing a bad egg
  • Potatoes
  • Sugar
  • Yeast
  • Rice
  • Rum!
  • Ginger beer (for dark and stormies!)
  • Tonic in cans
  • Cereal – not as many varieties and we have but enough
  • Milk
  • Frozen OJ
  • Canned goods
  • Pasta
  • Cream cheese and butter

Stock up on:

  • Batteries – very expensive
  • OTC meds
  • Snacks and chips
  • Paper products
  • Ziplock bags
  • Beer – expensive in the Bahamas—even their brand
  • Sodas
  • Hair dye (if you need it!)
  • Nuts – available but expensive
  • Liquor other than rum
  • Wine – we stock up on box wine because it’s easier to store
  • White vinegar – needed for head, window cleaning and lots of other cleaning
  • Chocolate!

I found that stuff from Trader Joe’s is usually very good and keeps well. I just heard that they’re opening a TJs in West Palm.  Maybe there will be more stores in Florida soon.   We don’t refrigerate condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. They keep fine on the shelf as long as they don’t get contaminated.

Other necessities:

  • Headlamp – for grilling and nighttime excursions
  • Wet suit for snorkeling – I use a shorty suit
  • Goggles and snorkels
  • Dinghy emergency kit – Make sure you carry what you might need if your engine fails (it’s happened to us and it can be scary)
  • DVDs – we watched a lot of movies and TV shows
  • Games – we like Farkle, Quiddler, Scrabble and Dominoes
  • Dry bags for taking things ashore
  • Beach chairs – light, folding chairs are great for beach picnics
  • Sunshower
  • Collapsible water jugs
  • Good external antenna for wifi

I find that I always bring way too many clothes. Your standards of cleanliness will be in direct proportion to how easy it is to do laundry!