Charging stations and power cuts on islands
You rely on phones and cameras and want to keep them charged when power is limited.
On a small island, power may be on for fewer hours than at home, or it may stop without notice. Public pages seldom list sockets, hours or backup. Ask the resort, then plan a charging routine so that a phone, a camera or a drone does not die on the best day of the trip.
If you are still choosing a resort, our guide on how to choose an island resort is a good start. The island packing checklist includes a list for chargers and cables.
Why do power and charging need planning on an island?
Many islands make their own electricity or receive it from a limited supply. A resort may limit hours at night, or switch off air-conditioning at set times, and a storm can stop everything.
None of this is guaranteed to happen. It means a plan costs little and a surprise costs a day. Our guide on hot water and electricity hours covers the same topic from the room’s point of view.
What should you ask about sockets and hours?
Ask about the room, the restaurant and shared areas.
- What hours is power on in the room?
- How many sockets are there, and what type?
- Is there a socket by the bed, or only near the door?
- Where can guests charge during the day?
- Is there a backup generator, and does it cover the room?
- How are guests told about planned power cuts?
Our guide on air-conditioning hours and fans tells you what else may follow the same hours.
How should you build a charging routine?
A routine matters most when you use a camera or drone.
- Charge everything fully on the mainland the night before.
- Charge a power bank before you charge anything else.
- Charge camera batteries when you are in the room and power is on.
- Rotate batteries: one in use, one charged, one charging.
- Plug the least important device in last.
- Check that every charger and cable is packed.
If you are a keen photographer, our guide on photography as the activity on an island trip gives ideas for pacing the day.
What should you carry as backup?
A small set solves most problems.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Power bank, one per person | Phones and small devices |
| Spare camera batteries | A full day of shooting |
| Plug adaptor and power strip | One socket for several devices |
| Short cable and a spare | Fewer tangles and failures |
| Small torch | Light if the power stops |
| Waterproof pouch | Protects devices near the sea |
Check airline rules on power-bank size, and carry batteries in hand luggage.
What if the power stops?
Stay calm and start with the essentials: phone for contact, torch for light, then everything else. Tell the resort you are affected, and ask for an estimate.
For medicine that needs cold, ask the resort early, as our guide on medical help on islands suggests. Our guide on Wi-Fi and phone signal explains how a power stop also affects connection.
A better fit if…
A resort with confirmed backup power may be a better fit if:
- you rely on devices for work or photography.
- someone needs a medical device or cold storage.
- you stay several nights.
A simple stay may be a better fit if:
- you are happy to use daylight and go without screens in the evening.
- you bring enough power banks and spare batteries.
What should you ask the resort in writing?
- What hours is power on in my room?
- How many sockets, and what type?
- Is there a backup generator?
- Where can I charge in the day?
- How are guests told about cuts?
With these answers saved, you can charge with confidence.
Common questions
Will there be power cuts on the island?
It can happen on small islands, and it depends on the resort and its supply. We cannot say for any one place. Ask whether the resort has a backup generator, how often power stops, and how guests are told when it does.
Are there charging points outside the room?
Some resorts have a socket in the restaurant or lobby, and some have none. Ask where guests can charge devices during the day, and whether there is a charging station or a counter with a shared power strip.
Can I charge a camera battery and drone in the room?
Usually, if there are enough sockets and power is on. Check the number of sockets, the type, and the hours. Ask whether a high-draw charger, such as a drone charger, is allowed, because some resorts limit use.
How many power banks should I bring?
A power bank for each person is a reasonable start, with more if you use a camera heavily. Check airline rules on size and carry them in hand luggage. Plan the charge before the boat, so each bank is full when you cross.