Short article, because it is a short list. Most of what people pack for a boat day is already on the boat.
Already on board — do not bring it
- Snorkelling equipment. Masks, snorkels and fins, in adult and child sizes.
- Life jackets, including child sizes. Tell us ages and weights in advance so we have the right ones.
- Drinks. Island rum punch, beers, sodas, juice and water are included on every charter.
- Ice and coolers.
- Lunch, on the full-day charters — a Caribbean meal prepared on board by a private chef.
Bring this
Sun protection, taken seriously
This is the one that decides whether you enjoy the back half of the day.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied before you leave your room rather than on a moving boat.
- A long-sleeved rash guard, for anybody who burns and for every child. More reliable than reapplying sunscreen to a wet person every forty minutes, and it is what locals wear.
- A hat with a chin strap. The ones without end up in the sea. This is not a joke; it happens on most trips.
- Sunglasses with a retainer cord, for the same reason.
The sun over white sand and water is stronger than it feels, because the breeze is cooling you while it burns you. People who are careful on land get caught out on boats.
The practical bits
- Towels. Bring one each.
- A dry bag, or at minimum a waterproof phone case. You will want photographs at the sandbar and the sandbar is in the sea.
- A change of clothes for the ride home.
- Cash, waterproofed, if your route includes a floating bar or you plan to tip the crew.
- Any medication anyone needs during the day, including seasickness tablets if you are using them — those need taking before you leave, not after you feel it. More on that in our seasickness guide.
The things people wish they had brought
- Water shoes. Not essential, but sandbars and shoreline landings are not uniformly soft, and anyone with tender feet is happier with them.
- A light layer for the run home, especially on a sunset cruise. A wet person at twenty knots after dark gets cold, even here.
- Snacks your children will actually eat. Drinks are covered; a four-year-old’s opinions are not.
Leave it behind
- Anything you would mind losing. Jewellery, good watches, anything that can go over the side.
- Hard-shell suitcases and big bags. Deck space is finite.
- Glass, if you are bringing your own drinks. Tell us and we will sort out an alternative.
- Shoes you care about. You are wading to the boat.
Bringing your own food and drink
You are welcome to. Refreshments are included, but if you want a particular wine, a birthday cake, formula or specific baby food, bring it — just tell us beforehand so we have cooler space ready for it.
On the full-day charters, tell us about allergies and dietary requirements when you book and the chef works around them. Not on the morning; when you book.
What to wear
Swimwear with something over it, and that is genuinely it. No shoes needed on board. A cover-up or rash guard matters more than anything fashionable, because you will be in and out of the water all day and the sun does not stop.
If your route includes Little Water Cay, flip-flops are enough for the boardwalk.
Common questions
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
No, it is included. Bring your own mask if you have one that fits you well — fit is most of what makes snorkelling enjoyable.
Is there a bathroom on board?
On the luxury yacht, the catamaran and the 65ft Fairline, yes. Not on the standard boat. On a four-hour trip with children, that is worth factoring into which boat you book.
Can we bring alcohol?
Drinks are included, but bring anything specific you want. Avoid glass.
Where do we leave our things while swimming?
On the boat, with the crew aboard. Nothing is left unattended.
Is there shade?
There is cover on every boat, but it moves with the sun on an open boat. The yacht and the catamaran have proper shade; the 65ft has a retractable hardtop and an air-conditioned saloon.
Anything else we should tell you?
Ages, swimmers and non-swimmers, allergies, anyone with mobility or heat issues, and anything you are celebrating. Send it all with your dates and the day gets built around it.
