Most “what to pack” lists skim the surface. This one dives deep into what to bring on a boat trip with the kind of detail that actually makes your life easier. Whether it’s a multi-day sailing holiday or a simple day charter, use this boat trip packing list to show up prepped and confident. We cover the essentials, the on-deck necessities, and the gear that makes life on the water smoother.
From smart clothing choices and reliable tech to the food, safety gear, and creature comforts experienced charterers never leave behind, this is the real sailing checklist. No guesswork. No clutter. Just the items that make your trip better.
Use this guide as your pre-departure go-to. Borrow A Boat makes the booking easy, this list makes sure you show up ready.
Table of Contents
What to Wear on a Boat Ride – Function Over Fashion
When considering what to bring on a boat trip, start with the clothes. Onboard life is unpredictable – wind, salt spray, and sunshine can all happen within an hour. Go for gear that works hard for you.
Quick-dry clothing is essential. Cotton holds moisture and can chill you when the wind picks up. Instead, think performance blends or synthetics that breathe, stretch, and dry in minutes. Bring a change of clothes in a sealed dry bag – one rogue wave is all it takes to soak everything.
Polarized sunglasses aren’t just about style. They cut glare and let you see beneath the water’s surface. Salt spray is brutal on designer frames, so opt for sport-friendly versions. A brimmed hat with a chin strap is your best friend. Baseball caps vanish in seconds once the breeze hits.
As for shoes? Flip-flops are fine for the beach, but not for a deck. You want footwear that grips, respects the boat, and keeps you upright.
Boat Trip Gear That’s Worth Packing
If you’re serious about what to bring on a boat trip, the right gear makes all the difference between smooth sailing and annoying mishaps.
First up: a dry bag. It’s non-negotiable. If it’s not waterproof, it’s not safe onboard. Wallets, phones, passports – all sealed tight. Microfiber towels are another smart addition – they dry faster, take up less space, and don’t hang around soggy all day like beach towels do.
Thinking of bringing tunes? A portable waterproof speaker is a great vibe boost, but check with everyone onboard first. Sound carries far over water. Power is another issue – most boats have limited outlets, so pack a fully charged power bank to keep phones, cameras, and speakers going.
A good torch or headlamp is gold when returning after sunset or digging through your bag below deck. When you’re looking at what to bring on a boat trip, remember: boats are wet, compact, and often dim. Pack for that reality.
Food and Drink – Smart Choices That Hold Up
Wondering what to bring on a boat trip in terms of food? Whether it’s a skippered yacht outing or a laid-back catamaran day, what you eat and drink can make or break the experience.
First rule: water. Lots of it. People almost always underpack. Plan for at least 2 litres per person, and even more if it’s hot and sunny. Skip the glass – most charters don’t allow it onboard. Stick with cans or reusable, non-breakable containers.
Pack smart snacks and meals that don’t melt or spoil. Cold pasta, wraps, hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, and protein bars all work well. A small cooler with frozen water bottles or ice packs keeps things chilled – without the puddle.
Don’t forget rubbish bags. Boats don’t come with bins, and the sea certainly isn’t an option. Be tidy. Be respectful.
Check what you might need in this guide to boat licence requirements.
Sun and Safety – The Overlooked Essentials
When building your checklist of what to bring on a boat trip, think beyond the obvious. A day onboard is essentially a day in the sun, and that adds up fast.
High-SPF sunscreen is essential – reef-safe if you’re planning to swim. Lip balm with SPF helps avoid painful chapping, and a long-sleeve rash guard can save your skin during extended sun exposure.
Motion sickness is another game changer. Even the most seasoned traveler can feel queasy when the chop hits. Bring tablets, ginger chews, or acupressure wristbands – just in case. A compact first-aid kit is wise too: antiseptic wipes, plasters, and painkillers cover most scenarios.
Bug spray might not seem like a priority, but it’s a game-saver around docks and anchor points at dusk. Also, bring a printed or written copy of emergency contacts or your charter base number – mobile signal can vanish at sea.
What NOT to Bring on a Boat Trip
Just as important as what to bring on a boat trip is knowing what not to pack. Leave the hard luggage at home – soft-sided bags with a flat base or small backpacks are easier to stow and won’t roll around.
Avoid bringing anything fragile, overly expensive, or water-sensitive. Fancy jewelry? No thanks. Paper maps or notebooks? Not unless they’re protected – wind and water are ruthless.
Don’t pack a bulky cooler that won’t even fit under a bench. And skip any electronics that aren’t waterproof or rugged – they’re not going to last in this environment.
Booked your boat? Now pack like you mean it.
Borrow A Boat makes getting on the water easy – this guide to what to bring on a boat trip ensures you’re not just showing up, you’re showing up ready. From footwear to first aid, sun gear to smart snacks, this is the ultimate sailing holiday packing checklist. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, you now know what to bring on a boat trip – and what to leave on shore.