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Going to the beach can be relaxing until you need to step away from your valuables. Thankfully, TFG readers share their solutions on how to protect your belongings when going to the beach alone!
How to Protect Belongings at the Beach
Table Of Contents
Solo travel can be a truly freeing experience. There’s no one besides you to decide what you’re going to spend your time doing, but that comes with a downside. There’s also no one to watch your things so that may leave you stuck on what to do at the beach alone.
Ways to Keep Valuables Safe at Beach Excursions
Chances are at some point during your beach trip you’ll need to step away from your things, and you might not want to pack up your belongings each time. So, we asked readers to share their thoughts on how to hide valuables at the beach.
Check out their recommendations!
Carry a Locking Beach Bag
WaterSeals Locking Backpack + Waterproof Bag
WaterSeals Locking Backpack
Carrying a waterproof bag for beach time that locks is a smart option to keep your valuables safe while you’re at the beach. They’re lightweight and versatile, and the lock on the top of the bag helps add a layer of security to your things, so no one is rooting around in them while you’re enjoying the sun.
These bags are handy if you want to add a layer of security, but they’re not going to be as heavy-duty as some of the other products on this list
An example of one of these is the WaterSeals Backpack, an anti theft beach bag. This handy backpack locks closed so no one can easily slip a hand in, but the lock can also be put around something like a chair or umbrella to make sure it doesn’t wander off.
Get the hang of how to wear a neck wallet!
LOCTOTE Flak Sack Anti Theft Drawstring Bag
LOCTOTE Theft Resistant Drawstring Bag
For a casual locking beach bag, the LOCTOTE might do. It’s a cute, toughest ever small anti-theft drawstring bag with ANSI cut rating A9 fabric, the best cut-resistant material there is. With a steel-reinforced locking strap allows you to secure your bag to any stationary object with the heavy-duty combination lock included.
That said, many TFG readers use this bag and recommend it for when you are going to the beach by yourself. One shares that she always travels with this bag, while another says this “works great” for her adventures. Easy to use, the drawstring closes and you simply engage the lock so your things stay inside and safe.
Read our top ten tried and tested anti-theft travel tips and how to properly use these items!
FlexSafe by AquaVault Anti-Theft Portable Vault and Travel Safe
FlexSafe by AquaVault Portable Vault
The Flex Safe Aqua Vault is a solid pick by TFG readers as a portable and lock money bag solution. Featured on Shark Tank, it has five-layer slash proof and RFID blocking materials to keep cash or credit cards away from snoopers. One reader says, “I have this one, It has a cable that you can lock onto a lounge chair. It’s great by the pool or beach.”
Besides the locking cable, there’s a sturdy carrying handle and a belt loop for hands-free use. To store belongings, use the zippered pouch and if you want to grab things easily that you don’t need to lock up, the side mesh pockets will do ya! Another reader says of this solution, “This is the best one we have found.”
CoolBag Gen 2 Locking Anti-Theft Travel Tote With Insulated Cooler Compartment
CoolBag Gen 2 Anti-Theft Tote
You are going to the beach after all, so why not consider a lockable beach bag with something extra? Readers recommend the CoolBag Gen 2, for an anti theft beach bag. Not only is there a lock to make sure your belongings stay secure, but it also has a cooler compartment so you can pack a snack or two, and it has a luggage sleeve.
This bag works well for a resort vacation or when you plan to stay a few hours at the beach. You can even use it as a personal carry on, then convert it into a beach bag with ease!
Please note: you should not carry around your passport while in the beach. Learn how to keep your passport safe!
Bring Along a Beach Safe
Lewis N. Clark Safebox Portable Safe
Lewis N. Clark Portable Safebox
Beach security bag options might not work if you plan on swimming a lot or maybe you just want something more heavy-duty, then a beach safe box might be your best bet. These are a safe lock box that you can clip to a chair, umbrella, table or any other built-in surface by the beach or the pool.
TFG readers recommend the Lewis N. Clark Safebox. It’s portable size and secure locking system comes in really handy on solo trips.
You simply secure it to any non-moving object like a park bench, fence or cemented-in beach chair, and your items will remain safe until you get back. This locking box is water and sand-proof with a roll-top enclosure to lock things up tight. And it’s reasonably priced, so it won’t break the bank.
Tip: these portable containers can also be used in a number of travel situations such as a pool, water park, or natural water site.
Find out why cross body purses work well to discourage theft during travel!
SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe
SAFEGO Portable Lock Box Safe
The SAFEGO is one of the highest rated beach chair safe containers out there. One reader shares, “I brought this for when I travel solo to a beach and you get in the water for a swim and it works like a charm.”
It’s lightweight, has 88-cubic inches to store your things, and is water, salt and sand-resistant. It has both a combination and key lock included so you can get your valuables out but no one else can. Bonus feature too, this beach lock box has earphone and charger access so you can listen to your music while your device is safely locked away.
Check out our review on the Travelon packable backpack!
Pacsafe Travelsafe GII Portable Safe
Pacsafe Travelsafe
When you purchase a beach safe for valuables, make sure that it fits what you need in it—many of these are built for phones and wallets, not laptops. You also want to make sure that it’s slash-proof and sturdy to prevent beach theft.
A popular reader choice is the Pacsafe Travelsafe. One reader says she can easily fit a Kindle and has been able to even fit a Nikon DSLR in it before. Another shares, “I locked my Pacsafe to chairs in Hawaii and felt safer going into the ocean from the pool.”
The Pacsafe lock bag is nicely small and can be stored flat during your travels. You can secure this while you run to the bathroom, jump in the ocean, or replenish your drink.
Read this post on how to avoid hand bag theft!
Keep a Waterproof Pouch With You
Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Dry Sack
Sea to Summit Dry Sack
While the other two recommendations are smaller and fit things like phones, cards, and keys, you can also use large waterproof bags for beach trips to keep belongings safe and dry. Something that can not only handle your valuables while you’re there but can turn into a wet bag for your swimsuit after.
TFG readers recommend taking the Sea to Summit as a solid waterproof valuables bag. One shares, “For years I have used a small dry bag that hooks around my waist like a fanny pack. I put everything in a Ziploc bag before putting it in a dry bag. Works great and I’m not constantly worrying.”
This handy bag comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so it can fit what you need and it can fit your style. The best part about all of these waterproof bag options is that they’re inexpensive and work for many situations you might encounter at the beach, so pick one that works for you and enjoy yourself!
You might want to consider wearing silicone rings while on the beach instead of your normal ring!
HEETA Waterproof Pouch for Swimming
HEETA Waterproof Pouch
Beach safety doesn’t need terribly fancy or expensive gadgets. In fact, there’s a chance you don’t want to leave your things behind even if they are in one of those beach safe containers. If that’s the case, then a waterproof pouch for swimming is both economical and useful for when you want to be in and out of the water.
One such product is the HEETA.This waterproof bag for swimming has three zipper locks and a foldable velcro top. It protects your phone, wallet, and other valuables from getting drenched. It’s lightweight and comfortable with an adjustable strap, and designed specifically for water-related adventures.
One TFG reader shares, “I just bought these for an upcoming trip to a waterpark and hope to use it for a cruise as well. I placed a paper towel in one and submerged in my bath tub for about two hours and the paper towel was dry. Hoping it will withstand the wave pools!”
These are the best day packs for travel to beaches and outdoor adventures!
JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch Phone Dry Bag
JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch
One of the most popular types of waterproof pouch for beach trips is a phone pouch. They’re small and can fit other items besides your smartphone, such as rings and credit cards And you can wear it as a necklace and enjoy the day without having to worry too much..
You could try out the JOTO Universal pouch. One reader reports that they wore it around their neck while swimming at the beach, another shares that it made it safely through a kayaking trip.
You can even still use your phone while it’s in the waterproof phone bag as there’s a clear window on both sides, perfect to take photos with. These bags are inexpensive, easy to use, and perfect for a solo beach trip.
Read our top tips for women staying in hostels!
Product Comparison Chart
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Watch this video for more tips on how to keep your stuff safe while traveling!
Anti-Theft Tips
Travel is an enjoyable, fun exploration but sometimes we lose items or sadly get pickpocketed. Check out Editor-in-Chief Alex’s tips in the video above or in this post to keeping your belongings safe not just on the beach, but for other situations.
After all, she does have nine+ years of travel under her belt (and counting!) and learned from the ONE and only time she had something stolen while traveling!
What are your tips on how to protect your belongings when going to the beach alone? Share and comment below!
For more anti-theft options for travel, please read:
- Best Money Belts and Anti-theft Travel Accessories
- Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Phone Purse Review
- Anti-theft Travelon Packable Backpack Review
- Best Anti-theft Travel Bags for Women
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thank you so much for the suggestions. I am leaving in three weeks so I’ll order on Amazon today!
So glad we could help Lynn, have an amazing time on your travels!
These are great ideas! It’s hard to enjoy yourself at the beach when you have to keep an eye on your belongings.
Hi Diane, These are great ideas for my elderly mother who is always security conscious at the beach. She loves to go on long walks along the gulf side of Florida and needs some of these lightweight ideas. ⛱️
We use our waterproof phone case to hold drivers’ licenses, money, key cards, etc. The one thing we can’t seem to do with ours anymore is actually take pictures or videos! But I’m going to pack out waterproof bag for our next beach trip, this is a great tip!
Even though I travel with my husband, I appreciate this because we usually take turns going in the water so one of us can watch our belongings! We will try out some of these on our Sicily trip to figure out what works best for us!
This is great info. Appreciate the suggestions and links
As a solo traveler, I appreciate these suggestions! I’m going shopping!!
Thank you!
I did not know of these options and we have worried about what to do.
We are going to try one.
WaterSeal
Flexsafe
Joto
Are in the running
Now to decide
I might be able to relax at the beach if I get one of these! Didn’t know it was an option until I read this blog.
I was just contemplating this the other day! I wanted to travel to the beach with my DSLR (hate my phone shots!) but was afraid to leave it on shore while I was in the water. My favorite bag is the blue insulated one because it doesn’t immediately stand out as a security bag.
I had no idea there were locking beach bags! What a genius idea for when you’re at the beach all day and in and out of the water.
I’m learning so much from this site! So many great tips. I personally use the Joto cell phone dry bag regularly for paddle boarding and it works well. It will fit a phone, key fob, and a couple credit cards or ID. When I don’t want to wear it around my neck (ew, tan lines) I take a small carabiner and clip through the plastic loop on the dry bag and attach it to the D rings on my board or life vest. Some styles of board shorts also have D rings you can clip it to.
That is so lovely of you Heather, thank you!!! ❤️ Thank you for also sharing how you like to keep your belongs safe with us.
Research common beach theft tactics in the destination. Lock up your passport in the hotel. Limit your exposure. I always carry a few ziplock bags to protect my valuables from sand, humidity and water. A quart size ziploc storage bag is a perfect fit for the iPad mini, and the touchscreen still works. A sandwich size works for my phone, or a Lifeproof case. Consider a swim buoy to keep your things with you while snorkeling and swimming.
https://www.amazon.com/Garberiel-Waterproof-Swimmers-Triathletes-Snorkelers/dp/B07QS33Q7B/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=swim+buoy+dry+bag+open+water&qid=1592875774&sprefix=swim+buoy&sr=8-13
Hi Diane, thank you for sharing how you like to protect your belongs with us!