4 min read · Charter Planning Tips · Updated Jun 8, 2026
Packing for a sailing charter is its own art form. You need less than you think — and the things you do bring should earn their place in the duffel. Here's the list we wish every guest had before they boarded.
Use a soft-sided bag
Hard suitcases don't fit well in cabin storage. A duffel or large soft-sided bag compresses and tucks away. Carry-on size is usually plenty for a week.
Reef-safe sunscreen — and lots of it
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in many marine areas. Bring a mineral sunscreen (zinc-based) and bring more than you think you need. UV through reflected water is no joke.
Clothing
Swimwear (two or three), light cover-ups, a couple of t-shirts, one or two nicer dinner outfits, a hat with a strap, polarized sunglasses, and a light layer for the sail back at sunset. That's most of it.
Footwear
Flip-flops or sport sandals for the boat, water shoes if you have weak ankles for rocky landings, and one pair of comfortable shoes for dinghy-up restaurants. No hard-soled shoes onboard, please — they mark the deck.
Personal items
Prescriptions, motion-sickness remedy if you're prone (we recommend bringing it even if you think you don't need it), a refillable water bottle, a Kindle or book, and a portable charger.
What not to bring
Hair dryers, heavy electronics, full-size toiletries, more than one large bag per person, expensive jewelry. The boat is informal; the vibe is barefoot.
Frequently asked
Common questions from guests
Why a soft-sided bag?
Hard suitcases don't fit cabin storage well. A duffel or large soft-sided bag compresses flat and tucks away under the bed.
Why reef-safe sunscreen specifically?
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in many marine areas because they bleach coral. A mineral (zinc-based) sunscreen is both reef-safe and the most effective in the tropics.
Should I bring motion-sickness medicine?
Yes, even if you don't think you need it. A catamaran is stable, but the first day on the water can surprise people. Bonine or Dramamine before boarding is cheap insurance.
What's the dress code?
Barefoot, basically. One nicer outfit covers dinner ashore at a dinghy-up restaurant; the rest of the week is swimwear and cover-ups.
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