What to Bring on a Boat Tour: Complete Packing Checklist

Why Proper Packing Makes or Breaks Your Boat Tour Experience

So you’ve booked your boat tour and you’re excited. Great! But here’s the thing — most people show up completely unprepared. They forget sunscreen, bring the wrong shoes, or worse, leave their camera at the hotel. Don’t be that person.

A little planning goes a long way when you’re spending hours on the water. Whether you’re checking out dolphins, exploring mangroves, or just cruising around, what you bring determines how much you actually enjoy yourself. If you’re looking for a Boat Tour Agency Cape Coral, FL, you’ll want to arrive ready for anything the water throws at you.

This guide covers everything from safety basics to those little comfort items that make a huge difference. And trust me — I’ve seen enough sunburned, seasick, phone-dropping tourists to know exactly what goes wrong when people skip the prep work.

Essential Safety Items You Can’t Skip

Most tour operators provide life jackets. That’s standard. But there’s a bunch of stuff they won’t hand you that you absolutely need.

Personal Safety Basics

First up — water shoes or deck shoes with non-slip soles. Regular sneakers get soaked and slippery. Flip-flops? They’ll fly right off your feet. You want something that stays put and grips wet surfaces. According to boat safety guidelines, proper footwear prevents the majority of slip-and-fall injuries on vessels.

Bring any prescription medications you might need. If you take daily meds, don’t assume you’ll be back in time. Delays happen. Weather changes plans. Pack them in a waterproof bag.

Emergency Contact Information

Keep a small card with emergency contacts in your pocket — not just in your phone. Phones die. Phones fall overboard. Having a physical backup is smart, not paranoid.

Sun Protection That Actually Works

Here’s where most people mess up badly. The sun on the water is brutal. Way worse than on land. The reflection off the surface basically doubles your UV exposure.

Sunscreen Strategy

• SPF 50 or higher — nothing less
• Water-resistant formula (reapply every 80 minutes)
• Reef-safe if you’re swimming near coral or marine life
• Spray bottles for easy reapplication

Apply 30 minutes before boarding. That rookie move of putting it on once you’re already outside? You’re burned before it even kicks in.

Protective Clothing and Accessories

A wide-brimmed hat makes a massive difference. Baseball caps leave your neck and ears exposed. Get something with at least a 3-inch brim all around.

Polarized sunglasses aren’t optional — they’re required. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it on the water. Polarized lenses reduce glare so you can actually see what’s happening around you. Plus, they protect your eyes from UV damage that reflects up from the water’s surface.

Consider wearing a lightweight, long-sleeved UPF shirt. Sounds hot, right? Actually, modern UPF fabrics breathe really well and keep you cooler than direct sun exposure.

Electronics and Waterproofing Must-Haves

Your phone is probably coming with you. So is your camera. But water and electronics don’t mix. At all.

Waterproof Protection Options

Get a waterproof phone pouch. Not water-resistant — waterproof. There’s a difference. The good ones cost maybe $15 and save your $1000 phone from becoming a paperweight.

For serious cameras, bring a dry bag. These come in various sizes and keep everything bone dry even if waves splash into the boat. Private Boat Tours Cape Coral, FL often take you into areas where spray is pretty much guaranteed.

Backup Power

Portable chargers are clutch on longer tours. You’ll be taking way more photos and videos than you expect. Nothing worse than your battery dying right when a dolphin pod shows up.

Food, Drinks, and Staying Comfortable

Most tours allow you to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Some include refreshments. Ask when you book.

What to Pack for Eating and Drinking

• Bottled water — way more than you think you need
• Light snacks that won’t make a mess (granola bars, crackers)
• Avoid heavy or greasy foods (trust me on this one)
• Small cooler bag to keep things fresh

Stay hydrated. The combination of sun, wind, and salt air dehydrates you fast. Most people don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated, so drink regularly even if you don’t think you need it.

Motion Sickness Prevention

If you get carsick, you might get seasick. Doesn’t happen to everyone, but why risk it? Coastal Friends Boat Tours and similar operators recommend taking motion sickness medication 30-60 minutes before departure.

Natural options like ginger chews or acupressure wristbands work for some people. Dramamine or Bonine work for others. Figure out what works for you before getting on the boat.

Camera Gear and Photography Tips

You’re going to want pictures. Lots of them.

What to Bring for Great Shots

Your phone camera is probably fine for most situations. But if you’re serious about wildlife photography, a camera with a decent zoom lens makes a huge difference. Animals don’t pose for close-ups.

Bring a small, lightweight tripod or stabilizer if you have one. Boats move. Your hands shake. Stabilization helps a ton with video. You can learn more about photography tips for water-based excursions online.

Memory and Storage

Clear your phone storage before the trip. Nothing worse than getting that “storage full” message right when you spot a manatee. Bring an extra memory card if you’re using a camera.

Special Considerations for Families

Bringing kids changes your packing list significantly. They need everything you need, plus a bunch of extras.

Kid-Specific Items

• Extra clothes (kids get wet, it happens)
• Kid-friendly sunscreen (check your child’s skin sensitivity)
• Snacks they actually like (hangry kids ruin tours)
• Entertainment for potential downtime (waterproof toys, coloring books)
• Life jacket that fits properly if operator sizes don’t work

Private Boat Tours Cape Coral, FL are often better for families with young children because you control the pace and can cut things short if someone melts down.

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as what you pack is what you leave behind.

Items to Leave at Home

• Expensive jewelry (it can fall overboard)
• Glass containers (most boats prohibit them)
• Valuables you can’t afford to lose
• High heels or dress shoes (seriously, people try)
• Heavy bags that take up space
• Anything that can’t handle getting splashed

Traveling light is key. You don’t need your entire suitcase — just the essentials. Most boats have limited storage, and clutter makes moving around difficult.

Seasonal Packing Adjustments

What you bring changes based on when you go. Summer means maximum sun protection. Winter (even in Florida) can get surprisingly chilly on the water.

Pack a light jacket or windbreaker for cooler months. The wind chill factor on a moving boat drops temperatures fast. A Boat Tour Agency Cape Coral, FL can give you specific guidance about current conditions when you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do boat tours provide life jackets?

Yes, virtually all legitimate tour operators provide Coast Guard-approved life jackets in various sizes. They’re required by law to have enough for every passenger. However, if you have a child who needs a specific size, call ahead to confirm availability.

Can I bring alcohol on a boat tour?

Most standard tours don’t allow outside alcohol. Some private charters permit it, but policies vary widely. Always ask when booking. If alcohol is important to your experience, look for tours that specifically include it or allow BYOB.

What happens if I get seasick during the tour?

Crews deal with this regularly. They’ll help you find the most stable spot on the boat, offer water, and keep an eye on you. But prevention is way better than treatment — take medication beforehand and avoid heavy meals before departing.

Should I bring cash or cards?

Bring both. Some boats have tip jars (cash only), and you might want to grab souvenirs or snacks at the dock. Keep cash in a waterproof container. Cards work for most pre-booking, but having backup cash never hurts.

How early should I arrive before my tour?

Most operators recommend arriving 15-30 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, use restrooms, and get settled before departure. Arriving late usually means getting left behind — boats run on strict schedules.