What to pack for Key West and Blue Flamingo Resort

Pack lightweight, beach-ready clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and swim gear for pool and ocean days at Blue Flamingo Resort Key West. Also bring a light layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes for Old Town, and all travel documents plus any pet supplies if you're bringing a dog.
In this guide
- What to bring for pool and resort days
- Beach and water activities: snorkeling, reef trips, and boats
- Clothing and footwear for Key West weather and evenings
- Rooms and what to expect in your packing
- Tech, documents, health, and practical items
- Traveling with family and pets
- Extras for events, weddings, or active stays
What to bring for pool and resort days
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West has two outdoor pools, cabanas available for rent, and The Backyard Pool & Social Club with lawn games and evening entertainment, so plan to spend time poolside. Pack at least one swimsuit and a quick-dry cover-up or rash guard for sun protection between swims.
You’ll want sun essentials and items for comfort around the pool; cabanas carry an extra charge so bring a towel or use the resort-provided towels if included with your booking.
If you plan to use the karaoke, arcade, or billiards programming included in the resort fee, bring small cash or a card for extras (food, drinks, cabana rentals, or gratuities).
- 2 swimsuits (rotate between pool and beach)
- Lightweight cover-up or rash guard
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen (see 'Water & beach' section)
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Towel / pool towel | For lounging—cabanas may be extra |
| Flip-flops or pool sandals | Protect feet on hot decking |
| Waterproof phone pouch | Use poolside and on pool-program outings |

Beach and water activities: snorkeling, reef trips, and boats
Key West organizers run reef snorkeling trips and catamaran sunset sails from nearby marinas; barrier reef snorkeling sites lie several miles offshore. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask/snorkel or confirm rentals with your excursion operator.
Water temperature varies seasonally (warmer in summer); a travel-size snorkel set, reef-safe sunscreen, and a lightweight swim shirt are useful for boat trips. If you need rental gear or guided excursions, ask the front desk or the resort activity partners for current operators and pickup details.
- Mask/snorkel (or plan to rent)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Thin swim shirt or wetsuit top for cooler months
- Small dry bag for phone, keys, wallet
| Trip type | Suggested extras |
|---|---|
| Half-day reef snorkel | Mask, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof camera |
| Sunset sail | Light jacket (evenings can be breezy), motion-sickness medicine if needed |
| Dry Tortugas day trip | Longer day—snacks, larger dry bag, comfortable shoes |
Clothing and footwear for Key West weather and evenings
Key West is warm most of the year; December–April is drier with highs typically in the 70s–80s°F, while summer is hot and humid. Pack breathable fabrics (linen, cotton) and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces or slightly cooler nights.
Bring casual daytime clothes for beach and pool, plus a slightly dressier outfit if you plan to eat at Toasted Coconut, Rum Row, or go into Old Town for dinner. There’s no formal dress code listed for on-site venues.
- Shorts, tees, sundresses
- Light sweater or thin jacket for evenings/air conditioning
- One smart-casual outfit for dinner or events
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season (Dec–Apr) | Light layers, day outfits, evening sweater |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Breathable fabrics, sun protection, lightweight rain layer |
| Shoulder months (Apr–May) | Warm-days/low-humidity packs; light jacket for evening |

Rooms and what to expect in your packing
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West offers options from Room and Room, Pool View up to Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View and Studio Suite, Ocean View—check your booking for your exact room type and included amenities. Suites and Studio Suite, Ocean View offer more space for families or longer stays.
Most rooms include basic in-room conveniences, but if you have specific needs (plug adapters, travel irons) pack those items. Bring any specialty toiletries you prefer; standard toiletries and an on-site coffee shop are available.
- Check whether you booked: Room, Room, Pool View, Room (Island View, High Floor), Room, Ocean View, Studio Suite, Ocean View, Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View, or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View
- Extra chargers and small travel power strip (if you have multiple devices)
- Added toiletries if you prefer specific brands
| Room tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Suite or Studio Suite | More space for luggage, family gear, or a kitchenette area |
| Pool View rooms | Easy access to the Backyard Pool & Social Club and cabanas |
| Ocean View rooms | Bring binoculars or sunglasses for brighter windows |

Tech, documents, health, and practical items
Carry government ID and the card used to guarantee the reservation—Blue Flamingo Resort Key West requires photo ID and a credit card at check-in, and the minimum age for the primary guest checking in is 21. Keep reservations and any excursion vouchers handy on your phone.
Bring chargers, a small power bank, and a waterproof phone pouch for beach and pool use. Pack basic first-aid items and any prescription medications; if you have mobility or accessibility needs, confirm room features in advance (the resort offers accessible facilities).
- Photo ID and credit card for check-in
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation
- Phone charger and portable battery
- Prescriptions, bandaids, motion-sickness medicine
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | A refundable security deposit is generally collected at check-in |
| Resort fee | A mandatory daily resort fee applies and includes shuttle service, entertainment, and Wi‑Fi |
| Parking | Self-parking is available for a surcharge if you drive |
Traveling with family and pets
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West is family-friendly with on-site children's amenities such as a play area and cots available on request. Bring familiar toys, a travel crib if your child needs one beyond the cots the property lists, and any child-specific sunscreen or swim gear.
The resort allows pets for a fee (a nightly charge applies and weight limits/maximums are enforced). If bringing a pet, reserve the 'Pawsome Package' or confirm pet-policy details at booking and pack your own food, waste bags, leash, and crate if needed.
- Child-friendly items: swim diapers, life vest, small travel games
- Pet items: food, bowls, leash, vaccination records
- Booking note: pets allowed with a nightly fee and limits—check your confirmation
| Family / Pet | Pack |
|---|---|
| Young children | Travel crib/cot request, snacks, sunhat |
| Pets | Pet fee applies; bring records and supplies |
| Teen/older kids | Swim gear, chargers, money for arcade/activities |
Extras for events, weddings, or active stays
If you’re attending or planning events at the resort—weddings can use outdoor lawns and The Backyard—pack appropriate attire for ceremonies and remember any extras you might need (dress shoes, light shawl). The property offers event spaces sized for small to very large gatherings.
For active travelers, the resort has a 24-hour fitness center and on-site outdoor games; bring workout clothes, running shoes, and a reusable water bottle. If you’ll rent a car or use the shuttle into Old Town, remember driving details and a light daypack for excursions.
- Event outfit and comfortable shoes
- Workout gear and swim-to-workout quick-dry items
- Daypack for excursions into Old Town or to the beach
| Activity | Smart to pack |
|---|---|
| Wedding or reception | Semi-formal outfit, comfortable dress shoes |
| Fitness / pickleball | Athletic shoes, small towel, water bottle |
| Old Town shuttle or bike trip | Small lock for bike, sunscreen, cash/card |


