Tribe of Zen Tropical Packing List

So you have decided to come along with Tribe of Zen as we vacation or surf and yoga camp, or you’re looking into it and want to get an idea of what to expect. One of the big questions that you may be wondering as you plan your tropical vacation is — what should I pack?

So here is the official Tribe of Zen Packing list, which I will break into two parts: mandatory and suggested. 

What to take on your retreat to the tropics

Mandatory

  • Bathing suits. Guys: comfortable board shorts, at least two pairs. Girls: there’s so much more to be said about acquiring a good surf bathing suit.
  • Hat. The sun here is much stronger than in other parts of the world, and a wearing a hat diligently while out in the sun will help to prevent sunburns, heatstroke, and dehydration. If you are very concerned about burning, we suggest a waterproof hat with a chin strap to wear while surfing.
  • Sunglasses. The sun and saltwater can do a number on the eyes, so bring your sunglasses! If your eyes are sensitive, polarized are always recommended for sun protection. If you’re worried about losing or damaging your sunglasses, it may be a good idea to bring a cheapie pair for the beach and other activities.
  • Sandals. Flip flops are the Tribe of Zen favorite for going to the beach.
  • Shirts. Bring a variety of t-shirts and tank tops.
  • Shorts. Bring several pairs. 
  • Comfortable yoga clothes. Breathable fabrics are highly recommended as sweating is unavoidable!
  • Waterproof Sunscreen. If you can get your hands on it I highly suggest SurfYogis. It's a natural sunscreen that is essentially an extension of everything we believe in. Complete Conscious Culture.
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Suggested

  • Reusable water bottle. The water here is potable (and delicious)! We at Tribe of Zen care greatly about the environment and thus try to reduce our plastic consumption, and we hope you will join us in this effort.
  • Running or hiking shoes. There are many worthwhile places to see in the area which involve walking or hiking, and paths can be anywhere from in perfect condition to mildly treacherous, therefore we highly recommend a closed-toe shoe with good grip.
  • Day backpack. Great for the beach, hikes/walks, and other tours.
  • Camera. It’s a beautiful area, and you’ll probably want to brag about your trip when you go home. GoPros with durable casings and waterproof/breakproof cameras are recommended if you want action shots (Plus we will have our own photographer with us.)
  • Books or magazines. There are plenty of comfy areas to lounge around and read! We have a small library here, but you may want to use this time to power through your personal reading list.
  • Personal rash guard. Tribe of Zen provides rash guards, but most people who are surfing more than once like to bring their own (to ensure a good fit and to prevent rashes). Ladies with sensitive skin: rashes on the knees are quite common, so we recommend that you look into rash guard pants (or simply bring some tight yoga pants that cover the knees).
  • Yoga mat & towel. If you already practice yoga and have your own gear, it is recommended that you bring your own yoga mat and especially your towel as those are an important part of your yoga practice. If you don’t have your own gear or don’t have space to bring it, not a big deal — we have yoga mats!
  • Natural insect repellant. This usually isn’t a huge issue, but sometimes it’s nice to have for evenings on the beach when there are sometimes biting bugs.
  • Some cash. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are several ATMs in town, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand at the beginning of your trip.
  • Toiletries & medications. Again, most things can be found here but just in case, best to bring your own!
  • Earplugs & eye mask. Only if you have issues sleeping. We are located within the community and there are certain sounds associated with that: birds, dogs, music, weed whackers, etc. Also, keep in mind that it gets light between 5-6am.
  • Dressy outfit. There are several nice places to go out for dinner if you feel like treating yourself; there is no dress code at most of the beaches we stay at but you may feel like getting dressy at least once during your stay! Keep in mind, dressy here is actually pretty casual: sun-dresses for girls and short-sleeved button up shirts/non-sport shorts for guys.

If you have any other specific questions, you can email us by clicking here. If you have already done a yoga and surf trip and see any items that are missing that you found indispensable, we’d love to hear what they are!