What to bring to Raccoon Island

Essentials: water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, drinking water, dry bag, cash for tips. No feeding food. Raccoons are wild; do not bring snacks to feed them or food you will leave behind. Expect: saltwater, sun, wind, splashes (paddle tours), and no facilities on the island.

Water shoesRequired for paddle tours; strongly advised for boat tours

SunscreenReef-safe SPF 30+; reapply every 90 minutes in sun

Drinking waterBring 1–2 liters; no water on island

Dry bagProtect phone, camera, keys (splashes on water)

Cash for tips15–20% customary; $15–$20 for $74–$99 tours

Do NOT bringFood to hand-feed or leave for raccoons; they are wild

Water shoes are non-negotiable

Paddle tours: You will get wet. Water shoes protect your feet if you slip or step into mangroves or shallow rocky bottom.
Boat tours: Less essential but still smart. If the guide anchors in shallow water and you want to swim or wade, shoes protect your feet.
What to wear: Old sneakers, reef sandals, or Crocs work. Avoid bare feet or flip-flops.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Wear SPF 30+. Regular sunscreen kills coral; use reef-safe brands (check the label for "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly"). Reapply every 90 minutes if you are in the water. You reflect intense sun off the bay water; sunburn happens fast.

Drinking water and snacks

The island has no water, food, or shops. Bring 1–2 liters of drinking water (you will be thirsty in the sun). Pack snacks if the tour is 3+ hours. Do NOT bring food for the raccoons; they are wild and fed food can make them sick or aggressive. Keep all snacks sealed and take wrappers with you.

Dry bag for gear

Splashes happen on paddle tours and boat tours. Protect your phone, camera, keys and wallet in a waterproof dry bag or ziplock. Phones are expensive to replace.

Cash for tips

Tips are customary: 15–20% of tour price. For a $74 tour, $11–$15. For a $99 tour, $15–$20. Cash is preferred because guides get it immediately. Check the tour price and budget accordingly.

By tour type

SUP/kayak paddle: Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, water, dry bag, rash guard or lightweight shirt (sun + paddle chafe), hair tie if long, lip balm.
Boat tour: Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, water, light jacket (wind on open water), sunglasses with strap, camera.
All tours: Cash for tips, medication (sea-sickness if needed), sunglasses, hat or visor.

See wildlife safety rules, best conditions, and book a tour.

Frequently asked questions

Are water shoes required?

Required for paddle tours; you will paddle in shallow water and may wade. Strongly advised for boat tours in case you want to swim from an anchorpoint. Old sneakers, reef sandals, or Crocs work fine.

Can I use regular sunscreen?

Not if it harms coral. Use reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+). The label should say "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly." Regular sunscreen kills coral reefs.

How much water should I bring?

1–2 liters minimum. You are in the sun on open water; you will sweat and get thirsty. There is no water on the island, so bring what you need.

Can I feed the raccoons?

No. Raccoons are wild animals. Hand-feeding can transmit rabies (via bites/scratches). Fed food makes them sick or aggressive. Keep food sealed; take all wrappers with you.

What if I forget water shoes?

For boat tours, you might manage (though still not ideal). For paddle tours, you cannot safely paddle without them. Ask the tour operator if they have extras to rent.

Do I need sunglasses?

Not required but smart. Sun reflects off water; sunglasses protect your eyes and reduce glare for spotting wildlife.