What to Pack for a Week at Sea
Less is more.
The golden rule
Pack half of what you think you need.
Life on a boat is simpler than you imagine.
Sun-faded swimwear and salt-crusted hair are the dress code.
The essentials
Swimwear (2-3)
You'll live in these. One drying while you wear another. Quick-dry is your friend. Bring at least two because they won't dry fast enough otherwise.
Cover-ups
Loose linen shirts. Kaftans. Sarongs. Something you can throw on over your swimsuit for lunch or exploring villages. Linen wrinkles are part of the aesthetic.
Casual clothes
Think: soft cotton dresses, shorts, t-shirts.
Layers for evening—the sea breeze can surprise you after sunset.
Something a bit special
Pack one or two slightly elevated pieces for beach clubs or cocktail bars. A nice linen dress. A collared shirt. It's mostly casual, but not entirely—some spots have a bit more polish.
Footwear
Flip-flops for the beach. Sandals for evening. Trainers if you're planning to hike. That's it. Anything else takes up space you don't have.
And honestly? You'll spend most of the week barefoot anyway.
The non-negotiables
Reef-safe sunscreen
This isn't optional. Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Bring reef-safe (mineral-based, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Apply generously. Reapply often.
Your skin will thank you. The ocean will thank you.
Hat with a strap
Wind happens. You don't want to watch your favorite hat disappear into the sea. Get one with a chin strap or tie. Wide-brimmed for maximum protection.
Sunglasses
With a strap. Same reason as the hat. The sun reflecting off water is no joke—you'll want good coverage.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated. Reduce plastic waste. Most boats have filtered water systems. Bring a bottle you love and use it constantly.
The nice-to-haves
Dry bag
For beach days, snorkeling trips, tender rides to shore. Keeps your phone, wallet, and towel dry. Doesn't need to be fancy—just waterproof.
Book or e-reader
You'll have more downtime than you think. Long afternoons at anchor. Early mornings with coffee. Bring something you've been meaning to read.
The toiletries talk
Keep it minimal
Small bottles. Biodegradable products (they go into the ocean). Solid shampoo bars are brilliant for saving space.
Skip the hair dryer—salt-air hair is the vibe.
Medications & first aid
Bring anything you regularly take, plus basics: seasickness tablets (even if you think you won't need them), pain relief, antihistamines, blister plasters.
The crew will have a first aid kit, but bring your personal necessities.
What NOT to bring
Hard-shell suitcases
They're impossible to store. Soft duffel bags only. Trust us on this.
Too many shoes
You'll wear 3-4 pairs max. Everything else is dead weight.
Hair styling tools
Embrace the natural texture.
Excessive toiletries
Small bottles. Essentials only.
The truth about packing
You'll realize on day two that you brought too much.
By day four, you'll be living in the same swimsuit and cover-up, wondering why you thought you needed options.
By day seven, you'll understand that packing light isn't about sacrifice—it's about freedom.
Less stuff means less to think about. Less to organize. Less to care about.
More room for what actually matters: sun, salt, and the sea.
✨ Ready to pack light and sail free?