What to Bring to a Nude Beach: The Packing List
By Reto Pascal Wyss, NudistMap · Updated
Pack for a nude beach the way you would for a remote beach with no shade: two towels, high-factor sunscreen for skin that has never seen the sun, a hat, a shade or umbrella, water, shoes for the path in and a dry bag for your valuables while you swim. The one thing you do not need is a swimsuit, though many people bring one for the walk.
What do I need at a nude beach?
In order of how much you will regret forgetting it:
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, water resistant, and more than you think. Reapply every two hours and after swimming. The places that burn are the ones that have never been exposed.
- Two towels: one to lie on, one to dry off and to sit on when you visit someone else's spot. The towel rule applies on any shared surface.
- Shade. Many nude beaches have none; a beach umbrella, a pop-up tent or a sarong rigged on sticks saves the afternoon.
- A wide hat and sunglasses.
- Water and food. Nude beaches are usually at the far end of the coast with no kiosk.
- Shoes you can walk a cliff path or rocks in, and sandals for hot sand.
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for phone, keys and cards so they come swimming with you.
- A sarong, kaftan or light shirt for the walk through the textile section and for when the wind turns.
- A bag for rubbish. Tolerated beaches stay tolerated because they stay clean.
What should I leave at home?
A camera you intend to point at the beach; see the photography rules. Glass bottles. Valuables you cannot carry into the water. A drone. Expectations: there is no dress code, no body type requirement and nobody checking. If you are nervous, read our guide to a first visit and then just go.
What is different at a naturist resort or campground?
Add a bathrobe or sarong for the restaurant and evenings, as most resorts expect clothes at meals, and a second pair of sandals for the pool deck. At campgrounds the normal camping kit applies. Bring your federation card if you have one for the discount. Resorts sell forgotten sunscreen at resort prices. The resort rules guide explains what to expect at the gate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a swimsuit at a nude beach?
No, but many people pack one for the walk from the car park through the clothed section, or for cool weather. At a clothing-optional beach you can wear it the whole time.
What sunscreen is best for nude sunbathing?
Any broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you will actually reapply. Mineral sunscreens are kinder to sensitive skin that has never been exposed.
How do I keep my valuables safe while swimming?
A waterproof pouch on a lanyard, or a dry bag that floats, so the phone and keys swim with you. Otherwise ask a neighbour to watch your things; at nude beaches people say yes.
Should I bring a chair?
If you can carry it down the path, yes, with a towel over it. Shade matters more than seating.