The Ultimate Beach Bag Essentials for La Punta
You've booked your Glide tour. You're excited. You're picturing yourself paddling through calm waters with sea lions watching from nearby rocks.
But what should you actually bring?
After years of welcoming visitors to La Punta, we've seen every level of preparation — from the guest who arrived with nothing but their phone to the one who packed for a week-long expedition. Let us help you find the sweet spot.
Here's your ultimate packing guide for a perfect day in La Punta.
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The Essentials: Don't Leave Home Without These
1. Sunscreen (Reef-Safe, SPF 50+)
Peru's coastal sun is no joke. Even on cloudy days, UV rays punch through the marine layer. And once you're on the water, reflection doubles your exposure.
What to bring:- •Reef-safe formula (avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate)
- •SPF 50+ for strong protection
- •Water-resistant version
- •Small enough to reapply during the tour
2. Sunglasses (With a Strap!)
The glare off the water is intense. You'll want good sunglasses, but you'll also want them attached to your face.
What to bring:- •Polarized lenses (reduces water glare significantly)
- •Floating strap (they exist and they're worth it)
- •Or a secure glasses strap so they don't sink
3. Hat or Cap
Your face will thank you. A hat provides crucial shade, especially during midday sessions.
What to bring:- •Wide-brimmed hat for maximum protection
- •Or baseball cap with neck coverage
- •Strap or tight fit (wind happens)
4. Water Bottle (At Least 750ml)
You're exercising. It's sunny. You're surrounded by salt water you can't drink. Hydration matters.
What to bring:- •Reusable water bottle (we're trying to protect this beautiful bay)
- •At least 750ml, ideally 1 liter
- •Insulated keeps it cold longer
5. Change of Clothes
You might get wet. You will get sweaty. You'll want to change before heading to lunch or home.
What to bring:- •Dry shirt
- •Shorts or light pants
- •Underwear (trust us)
- •Light jacket for the evening (Lima gets cool)
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For Your Glide Tour Specifically
What We Provide:
- •Paddle board and paddle
- •Life jacket
- •Basic safety instruction
- •Guide throughout the experience
- •Waterproof bag for phones (on request)
What You Should Wear:
- •Swimsuit (under clothes is fine)
- •Quick-dry clothing (athletic wear, board shorts)
- •Water shoes or sandals with straps (flip-flops fall off)
- •Rash guard (optional but great for sun protection)
What to Leave Behind:
- •Jewelry (salt water damages, things fall off)
- •Expensive watches
- •Anything you'd cry over losing
- •Heavy cotton clothing (gets wet and stays wet)
The "Might Need It" Category
These aren't essential, but many guests are glad they brought them:
Phone Protection
You'll want photos. The bay is beautiful. Sea lions are photogenic.
Options:- •Waterproof phone pouch (universal ones work well)
- •GoPro or action camera with float attachment
- •Or ask us to take photos (we're happy to help)
Towel (Microfiber)
Quick-drying microfiber towels pack small and dry fast.
Use for:- •Drying off before changing
- •Sitting on the beach
- •Emergency sun cover
Cash (Small Bills)
La Punta has amazing street food and small vendors. Not all accept cards.
Bring:- •S/50-100 in small bills
- •For pan con pejerrey (S/10-15)
- •Fresh juice and snacks
- •Tips (if you want to)
Snacks
Your tour might not include food, and you'll be hungry after paddling.
Good options:- •Energy bars
- •Trail mix
- •Fruit (bananas travel well)
- •Nothing too messy or melt-prone
The Full Day Trip Packing List
Planning to spend the whole day? Here's your complete checklist:
The Bag (Choose Wisely)
- •[ ] Waterproof or water-resistant bag
- •[ ] Comfortable to carry
- •[ ] Not too big (you'll be hauling it around)
Sun Protection
- •[ ] Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe)
- •[ ] Sunglasses with strap
- •[ ] Hat or cap
- •[ ] Lip balm with SPF
Clothing (Wearing + Packed)
- •[ ] Swimsuit
- •[ ] Quick-dry shirt
- •[ ] Board shorts / athletic shorts
- •[ ] Water shoes or sport sandals
- •[ ] Rash guard (optional)
- •[ ] Change of clothes in plastic bag
- •[ ] Light jacket for evening
Hydration & Snacks
- •[ ] Water bottle (1 liter)
- •[ ] Energy snacks
- •[ ] Cash for local food
Tech & Valuables
- •[ ] Phone in waterproof pouch
- •[ ] Camera (optional)
- •[ ] Small amount of cash
- •[ ] ID (leave passport at hotel)
Comfort Items
- •[ ] Microfiber towel
- •[ ] Wet wipes
- •[ ] Hair ties (if needed)
- •[ ] Plastic bag for wet items
What NOT to Bring
Some things are better left at home:
❌ Passport — Bring a copy or photo on your phone. Leave the original secure.
❌ Expensive jewelry — Salt water, physical activity, potential for loss. Bad combo.
❌ Large amounts of cash — You don't need it and it's a worry.
❌ Laptop or tablet — No outlets at the beach. Sand and electronics don't mix.
❌ Heavy cotton clothes — They get wet, stay wet, and weigh you down.
❌ Hard-sided coolers — Overkill for a day trip. Just buy cold drinks locally.
❌ Your best clothes — This is a beach day. Dress for adventure, not Instagram.
❌ Glass containers — Break risk. Bad for everyone.
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Bag Organization Tips
The Layering Method:
1. Bottom: Things you won't need until later (change of clothes)
2. Middle: Things you might need (snacks, towel)
3. Top: Things you'll need frequently (sunscreen, water, phone)
The Plastic Bag Strategy:
- •Put dry clothes in one plastic bag
- •Put wet items in another after the tour
- •Never let them mix
The Waterproof Inner Bag:
If your main bag isn't waterproof, put valuables in a waterproof pouch inside. Double protection.
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Weather-Specific Additions
Summer (December - March):
- •Extra sunscreen
- •More water (1.5 liters)
- •Light cover-up for hottest hours
- •Cooling towel (game changer)
Winter (June - September):
- •Light jacket or windbreaker
- •Long-sleeve rash guard
- •Warmer change of clothes
- •Hand towel (it's colder getting out)
Shoulder Seasons:
- •Layers (weather changes quickly)
- •Both sunscreen AND a jacket
- •Flexibility mindset
The "I Forgot Something" Guide
Don't panic. La Punta has you covered:
| Forgot This | Get It Here |
|-------------|-------------|
| Sunscreen | Small shops near the malecón |
| Water | Vendors everywhere |
| Snacks | Street food vendors |
| Towel | Beach vendor |
| Sunglasses | Mall Real Plaza (nearby) |
| Change of clothes | Also Real Plaza |
Our office: We keep basic sunscreen available for emergencies. Just ask.---
Post-Tour: What to Have Ready
After your paddle boarding session, you'll want:
1. Dry towel — To wipe down before changing
2. Plastic bag — For wet swimsuit and clothes
3. Fresh clothes — Because putting on dry clothes after water sports is the best feeling
4. Snack — Paddling burns calories
5. Phone — For photos of your achievement
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The Minimalist Packing Option
Want to travel light? Here's the absolute minimum:
1. Sunscreen (borrow everything else)
2. Water bottle
3. Cash (S/50)
4. Phone in pocket
5. Clothes you can get wet
That's it. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, paddle, dry in the sun, head home. It works.
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A Note on Sustainability
La Punta's bay is precious. Help us protect it:
- •Use reef-safe sunscreen
- •Bring reusable water bottles
- •Take all trash with you
- •Avoid single-use plastics when possible
- •Say no to plastic straws at restaurants
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Your Perfect Day Awaits
You don't need much to have an incredible day in La Punta. The ocean provides most of the magic. But a little preparation makes everything smoother.
Pack smart. Travel light. Leave room in your bag for memories (and maybe some pan con pejerrey for the ride home).
See you on the water! 🌊☀️🎒