A Reliable Beach Bag

A spacious beach bag or tote is one of the most important things you'll bring.

Since you'll likely be walking between your accommodation and the beach several times throughout the day, choose a bag that is:

• Lightweight

• Easy to clean

• Water-resistant

• Large enough for towels, snacks, and personal items

Many visitors to San Felipe spend hours on the beach, especially during sunset, so having everything in one bag is convenient.

Sunscreen is a Must

The Zambales sun can be intense, especially from March to May.

Bring:

• SPF 50 sunscreen

• Lip balm with SPF

• Sunglasses

• A hat or cap

Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can still be high.

If you're planning to surf at Liwliwa Beach or spend hours swimming, reapply sunscreen regularly.

Quick-Dry Beach Towels

A quick-drying microfiber towel is ideal for San Felipe.

Unlike regular towels, microfiber towels:

• Dry faster

• Take up less space

• Don't collect as much sand

They're especially useful if you're hopping between the beach, river attractions, and your accommodation.

Plenty of Drinking Water

Beach days can be surprisingly dehydrating.

While stores are available around town, bringing your own reusable water bottle helps keep you hydrated throughout the day.

This is especially important if you're:

• Surfing

• Playing beach volleyball

• Walking along the shoreline

• Exploring nearby attractions

Beach Toys and Entertainment

If you’re visiting the beach with kids (or you just like having fun yourself), don’t forget to pack some entertainment. This could include beach toys, a Frisbee, or a volleyball. If you’re looking for relaxation, bring a book or a pair of headphones to listen to music or podcasts.

Beach Fun Ideas:

• Beach ball: Lightweight and easy to toss around.

• Sandcastle building kit: Perfect for kids or adults with a playful spirit.

• Snorkeling gear: If you’re feeling adventurous, bring goggles and a snorkel to explore the ocean.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

A portable Bluetooth speaker can make your beach day even more enjoyable, especially if you're visiting with family or friends.

Whether you're:

• Watching the sunset

• Having a beach picnic

• Enjoying a barbecue

• Relaxing at your accommodation after a swim

A speaker can help set the mood with your favorite playlist.

Waterproof Phone Protection

The combination of sand, saltwater, and phones isn't always a good mix.

A waterproof phone pouch helps protect your device while still allowing you to take photos and videos.

You'll definitely want photos of:

• San Felipe sunsets

• Surf sessions

• Beach walks

• Family and barkada moments

Extra Clothes

After swimming, you'll appreciate having a dry set of clothes.

Pack:

• Extra shirt

• Shorts

• Undergarments

• Light jacket for evening sea breeze

While San Felipe is warm year-round, evenings can occasionally feel cooler during the Amihan season.

First-Aid Kit

A small first-aid kit doesn't take much space but can be incredibly useful.

Include:

• Band-aids

• Antiseptic wipes

• Pain relievers

• Aloe vera gel

• Motion sickness medication if you're planning island hopping

Beach Footwear

San Felipe's beach areas are generally easy to walk around, but comfortable footwear still matters.

Bring:

• Flip-flops

• Sandals

• Water shoes if exploring rivers or rocky areas

If you're visiting nearby attractions such as Anghalo Falls, proper footwear becomes

Power Bank

One of the most commonly forgotten beach essentials is a power bank.

Between taking photos, recording videos, using GPS navigation, and scrolling through social media, your phone battery can drain surprisingly fast.

A power bank becomes even more important if you're:

• Using your phone for directions

• Taking sunset photos

• Booking activities online

• Coordinating with friends or family

There's nothing worse than having your battery die just before sunset—the most photogenic time of the day in San Felipe.

Insect Repellent

While the beach itself is usually breezy, mosquitoes and other insects can become active during the early morning and evening hours.

If you're:

• Staying near gardens or vegetation

• Having a beach bonfire

• Dining outdoors

• Exploring rivers and waterfalls

A small bottle of insect repellent can save you from itchy bites and discomfort.

Reusable Shopping Bag

A foldable reusable shopping bag takes almost no space but can be incredibly useful during your trip.

Use it for:

• Wet towels

• Extra groceries

• Souvenir shopping

• Beach finds such as shells or driftwood

• Carrying snacks and drinks

Many local stores are reducing plastic bag use, so having your own bag is both convenient and environmentally friendly.

Dry Bag for Valuables

If you're planning to swim, surf, or join island-hopping activities, a dry bag is one of the smartest things you can bring.

It helps protect:

• Phones

• Wallets

• Car keys

• Passports

• Cameras

• Power banks

Even a small splash of saltwater can damage electronics, so keeping valuables sealed and dry gives extra peace of mind.