How to Have a Totally Vegan Beach (or Pool) Day Without Harming Animals or the Planet

There’s something magical about a summer day spent oceanside or poolside—the breeze, the scent of sunscreen, and a cooler full of snacks. Whether you’re lounging by the sea or relaxing at your local public pool, summer fun should be carefree for you and for animals.

The good news? You can enjoy all the sunshine and splashing without contributing to animal suffering or harming the planet. From cruelty-free sunscreen to delicious vegan snacks, here’s everything you need for the perfect animal-friendly beach or pool day.

Vegan Beach Bag Essentials

Before you grab your towel and head out the door, make sure your beach bag includes these cruelty-free, eco-friendly must-haves:

Vegan Sunscreen

Many conventional sunscreens include animal-derived ingredients like beeswax or are tested on animals. Protect your skin and ocean life by choosing cruelty-free, reef-safe options like Sun Bum or Thrive Natural Care.

Cruelty-Free After-Sun Care

Got a little too much sun? Soothe your skin with vegan aloe gel—just make sure it doesn’t contain gelatin or other animal by-products.

Vegan Bug Repellent

If you’re heading to a bay beach or a park-adjacent pool, mosquitoes may crash your party. Choose plant-powered, animal-friendly options like Kinfield or Badger Balm.

Reusable Items

Bring refillable water bottles, washable snack containers, cloth napkins, and reusable utensils. Avoid single-use plastic that can pollute beaches and harm marine life.

Sustainable Swimwear and Towels

Look for swimsuits made from recycled materials and avoid towels made with animal fibers like wool.

Vegan Snacks That Travel Well

Let’s be honest—snacks are half the reason we go to the beach or pool. Here are a few plant-based options that are tasty, satisfying, and sun-safe:

Pressed Sandwiches and Wraps

Try hummus and veggie wraps, tofu salad sandwiches, or chickpea “tuna” rolls. Pressed sandwiches are perfect because they won’t get soggy, and they travel well in coolers.

Frozen Fruit

Freeze grapes (my favorite!!), watermelon chunks, strawberries, or pineapple the night before. They act as natural ice packs and are refreshing when the sun is high.

Vegan Charcuterie To-Go

Fill a container with your favorite vegan cheeses (like Violife, Miyoko’s, or Treeline), crackers, olives, and nuts for an elevated but easy snack.

Pasta or Bean Salad

Make a cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and vegan mayo, or a lemony white bean salad with herbs and cucumbers. Both hold up well in the heat and provide protein to keep you full.

Refreshing Drinks

Pack reusable bottles filled with lemon-infused water, iced tea, or your favorite vegan-friendly kombucha. Don’t forget the ice!

How to Keep Your Beach or Pool Day Animal-Friendly

It’s easy to leave a positive impact while enjoying the sun. Here’s how to ensure your day is kind to animals and the environment:

Leave No Trace

Pack up everything you bring in, even the small stuff. Balloons, plastic wrappers, and food waste often get blown into the water, harming marine wildlife.

Recycle and Compost

If the facility has bins, use them. If not, bring a bag to take recyclables or compostable scraps home.

Respect Wildlife

Don’t feed fish or birds, leave shells and animals where they belong, and give space to nesting birds or marine life.

Splash, Snack, and Save Lives

Every vegan swap you make—whether it’s reef-safe sunscreen or a dairy-free sandwich—makes a difference. Your beach or pool day can be relaxing, delicious, and kind to animals and the planet.

So go ahead: pack your kindest snacks, soak up the sun, and enjoy your summer with compassion at the core.

Bonus Recipe: Vegan Turkey BLT Sandwich

Looking for a go-to sandwich that travels well, satisfies, and turns heads at the pool or beach? Try my favorite savory, refreshing Vegan Turkey BLT:

Ingredients

• Vegan mayo
• Vegan turkey slices (Tofurky or Field Roast work great)
• Vegan bacon (like Upton’s Naturals or Sweet Earth, or make your own)
• Lettuce (Romaine is best, but any will do)
• Tomato (slice and season with a little salt and pepper)
• Roll or hero sandwich bread

Instructions

1. Lightly toast your hero or roll if you like a little crunch.
2. Spread vegan mayo on both slices.
3. Layer with vegan turkey slices, crispy vegan bacon, fresh lettuce, and seasoned tomato.
4. Press together and wrap tightly in compostable parchment paper or a reusable sandwich wrap.

Store in a cooler and enjoy poolside with a cold drink and a bag of vegan chips (my go-to is Hal’s original sea salt kettle chips). It’s the ultimate no-compromise summer sandwich.

Want more tips on living kindly for animals and the planet? Check out World Animal Protection US’s FREE online community, Plant-Powered Changemakers, for tips, tricks, and ways you can protect animals every day!