20 Packing List Items for the Perfect Boat Day

A perfect boat day is a sacred summer ritual. The sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, a playlist blasting, and absolutely zero responsibilities beyond reapplying sunscreen and deciding when to crack open the next hard seltzer. It’s pure magic.

But let me tell you, that magic disappears REAL fast when you realize you forgot your sunglasses, your phone is at 3%, and the only snack on board is a sad, half-empty bag of pretzels. A little prep goes a long way, people.

After years of perfecting my dock-to-day-drinking routine, I’ve curated the ultimate boat day essentials packing list. Trust me on this—pack these 20 things and you’re practically guaranteed the best day ever.

 

 

The Bare Minimum You Can’t Forget

1. A Seriously Good Waterproof Phone Pouch

If you don’t take a blurry underwater selfie, did you even go on a boat? This isn’t just about protecting your phone from an accidental splash; it’s about getting the shot. I love the JOTO Universal Pouch because it’s cheap, effective, and you can still use your touchscreen through the plastic. No more Ziploc baggies, we’re better than that in 2026.

 

 

2. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

I’m not here to lecture you, but I am here to tell you that a boat day sunburn is a special kind of misery. Supergoop’s PLAY is my go-to because it absorbs super fast, doesn’t feel greasy or sticky, and it’s water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes. Slather it on before you even leave the house.

 

 

3. A Giant, Quick-Dry Towel

A flimsy, tiny towel is just sad. You need something big enough to properly lay on and that actually dries you off. I’m obsessed with my Sand Cloud towel. It’s huge but packs down small, repels sand, and dries in minutes so you don’t have to lug a soggy, heavy mess home.

 

 

4. A Stanley Quencher

Yes, the hype is real and it’s perfect for a boat. It keeps your water ice-cold for hours, which is a non-negotiable when you’re sweating in the sun. Pro tip: it also doubles as a chic, insulated tumbler for your boat drinks. Hydration is key, babes.

 

 

5. Actually Good Snacks

Chips are fine, but you need more. Think easy-to-eat foods that won’t make a mess. I always pack frozen grapes (they taste like little sorbet bites), some pre-sliced cheese and crackers, and a protein bar for when you start to feel that post-swim hunger hit.

 

 

For Setting the Vibe

6. A Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Music is not optional. The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect little companion because it’s completely waterproof (like, you can drop it in the water and it’s fine) and the built-in carabiner lets you clip it to a railing or bag. The sound is shockingly powerful for its tiny size.

 

 

7. Polarized Sunglasses

Any sunglasses are better than none, but polarized ones are next-level for a boat day. They cut the insane glare coming off the water, so you’re not squinting all day. I live in my Quay Australia High Key shades—they’re stylish and get the job done.

 

 

8. A Cute Cover-Up

You need something easy to throw on over your swimsuit for when you’re just lounging or for that walk to the dockside bar. An oversized linen button-down is my favorite move. It’s effortlessly chic and provides a little extra sun protection.

 

 

9. Lip Balm with SPF

Don’t. Forget. Your. Lips. They can and will get sunburned, and it’s the worst. I always have a tube of Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm in my bag. It tastes good, it’s moisturizing, and it protects your pout.

 

 

10. A Big Claw Clip

The wind on a boat is no joke. A claw clip is the easiest way to get your hair up and out of your face without causing breakage or giving you a headache. It’s the ultimate cool-girl accessory for a reason.

 

 

The Smart & Practical Stuff

11. A Portable Charger

Between being your group’s DJ and taking a million photos, your phone battery will drain faster than you can say “another round.” An Anker PowerCore portable charger is a must. It’s small, light, and will give you at least a couple of full charges.

 

 

12. A Real Dry Bag

A tote is fine for towels and snacks, but for your wallet, keys, and a change of clothes? You need a proper dry bag. I use a simple 10L one I got off Amazon. You just roll the top down, clip it, and you can be confident your stuff will stay bone-dry, even if the bag takes a dip.

 

 

13. Non-Drowsy Dramamine

Even if you don’t get seasick, someone in your group might. Being the hero with the Dramamine is a power move. Just make sure it’s the non-drowsy formula, because nobody wants to take a nap through the best part of the day.

 

 

14. Waterproof Playing Cards

For those chill moments when you’re anchored and just hanging out, a deck of waterproof cards is so much fun. Uno Splash is a classic for a reason. Spilling your drink on them is part of the game.

 

 

15. A Trash Bag

Leave the boat cleaner than you found it! Bring a small trash bag for your empty cans, food wrappers, and used napkins. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference, and the boat owner will love you for it.

 

 

The ‘You’ll Thank Me Later’ Kit

16. Leave-In Conditioner Spray

Salty, wind-swept hair looks amazing in photos, but it feels like a tangled mess. A few spritzes of a detangling leave-in conditioner, like the one from Sun Bum, will save you from a world of pain later. It makes brushing your hair out so much easier.

 

 

17. Hand Sanitizer or Wipes

Let’s be real, boat bathrooms can be tiny and…rustic. And you’ll want to clean your hands before digging into the snacks. A little bottle of Purell or a pack of wet wipes is always a good idea.

 

 

18. A Cozy Sweatshirt

That ride back to the dock after the sun starts to set? It gets chilly, fast. Having a warm, cozy sweatshirt to throw on over your damp swimsuit is the best feeling in the world. Don’t skip this one.

 

 

19. A Hairbrush and Hair Ties

That claw clip is great, but sometimes you just need to get the knots out and put your hair in a secure pony. I always throw a Tangle Teezer and a few extra hair ties in my bag. You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

20. Cash for a Tip

If you’re lucky enough to be on a boat with a captain or crew, DO NOT forget to tip them. They’re the ones doing the hard work so you can relax. Bring cash specifically for this purpose.

 

 

My Final Word on Boat Days

Okay, so it looks like a long list, but most of these things are small and can be thrown into one good-sized tote bag. The goal isn’t to overpack; it’s to pack smart so you can fully unplug and enjoy yourself without any of those “ugh, I wish I had…” moments.

Being that friend who has everything is a flex. The sunscreen, the speaker, the charger, the snacks—it’s what separates a good boat day from a truly epic one.

So use this list, load up your bag, and go have the best, most prepared day on the water. You deserve it.