The golden packing rule
Soft bag instead of a suitcase! A hard shell suitcase is a nightmare on a yacht. Use a soft travel bag or backpack that can be folded and stored in a cabin.
Complete Checklist
👟 SHOES (very important!)
Boat shoes with white (non-marking) soles
⭐ Required!
Ideally leather or canvas 👉 non-slip, no marks on the deck, the captain will love you ❤️
Sandals / flip-flops with white soles
Only if they really hold your foot well. You don't want to lose a shoe in the sea.
One pair of light shoes for shore (sneakers, espadrilles)
Any sole is fine, but do NOT bring them on the boat! For city excursions.
👕 Clothing
Swimwear (two pairs is fine)
You'll spend most of your time in swimwear. Two pairs = one drying, one on.
Light T-shirts / tank tops
Less than a regular holiday — you're mostly in swimwear. 3–4 pieces is enough.
Shorts + one pair of light trousers
Long trousers for cooler evenings or city excursions.
Shirt (sun protection + evening style)
A light shirt protects from the sun during the day and looks stylish in the evening.
Hoodie or light jacket
Important!
Evenings at sea can be cold! Bring something warm.
Underwear, socks
Socks are rarely needed, but bring at least one warmer pair.
Pyjamas
If you don't sleep naked under the stars 😏
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Important!
A storm at sea comes quickly. A light raincoat or waterproof jacket protects you from rain and wind.
Sleeping bag (optional)
For those who want to sleep outside on the boat outside the cabin - under the stars in the cockpit or on deck. A light summer sleeping bag is enough.
🧢 Sun & Sea
Cap / hat
Required!
Sun on a boat is brutal. Head protection is a must-have.
Sunglasses (ideally with a strap)
Required!
The reflection off the water is intense. A strap = you won't lose them at sea.
Sunscreen (SPF 30–50)
Required!
You burn much faster at sea. Don't skimp!
After sun / aloe
For when you overdid it in the sun.
Beach towel (quick-dry)
Quick-dry takes less space and dries fast.
🧴 Hygiene & Essentials
Travel-size toiletries
Shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste... Small sizes = more space in your bag.
Medications + seasickness pills / plasters
Your personal medications + something for nausea. The captain has a first aid kit, but bring your own meds.
Hand sanitiser
Handy on a boat where you're touching ropes and sails...
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes in the harbour are not a myth.
Power bank
Electricity on a boat is limited. A power bank saves the day.
Waterproof phone case
For photos near the water without the stress.
Small backpack or tote bag
For trips ashore — into town, to the beach...
📄 Documents & Money
ID card / Passport
⭐ Required!
Check the expiry date! An expired document = problems at the border.
European Health Insurance Card
⭐ Required!
For medical treatment in the EU. Obtain it from your health insurer.
Cash (€ for Croatia)
Important
On a remote island, a fisherman won't take a card! Bring at least some basic cash.
Payment card
For larger expenses and ATM withdrawals.
Bonus Tips
Soft bag instead of a suitcase
A hard shell suitcase is a nightmare on a yacht. A soft bag can be folded and stored more easily in a cabin.
Something "nicer" for dinner
One nice shirt or dress for dinner at the marina. You spend most of the time in swimwear, but in the evening at the harbour you want to look stylish.
If you'll be sailing: gloves
Sailing or cycling gloves for the ropes. They protect your hands when working with sails and lines.
Waterproof pouches
Put important things (phone, documents, money) in waterproof pouches. You never know when something will get wet.
Book or e-reader
For relaxing moments while sailing or evenings at anchor. There's no Wi-Fi at sea.
Camera / GoPro
If you want quality photos. A phone is fine, but a waterproof camera is better for action shots.
Ready to set sail? ⛵
Now you know what to pack. All that's left is to choose a trip!