The first time I went out on a friend’s boat, I showed up with flip-flops, a single water bottle, and a whole lot of confidence.
By noon I was sunburned, hungry, and sliding around the deck like a toddler on ice.
And my phone?
Let’s just say it took an unplanned swim.
I laughed about it later, but only kind of.
Now I pack like a guy who’s learned his lesson.
Here’s everything I bring, and honestly, I think you’ll love having it too.
Sunscreen You’ll Actually Reapply
Sunscreen comes first for a reason.
Out on the water, the sun hits you from above and bounces right back up from the surface.
So you’re getting it twice, sort of.
I pick a high-SPF, broad-spectrum formula that doesn’t feel greasy, because if it feels gross, I won’t put it on again.
And reapplying is the whole game.
I set a little alarm on my watch to go off every couple of hours.
Don’t forget the sneaky spots: the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, and your feet.
I once burned the tops of my feet so badly I couldn’t wear shoes for days.
Learn from my pain, my friend.
Keep the bottle in a shaded spot so it doesn’t get hot and runny.
Polarized Sunglasses and a Hat That Stays Put
Good sunglasses change everything out there.
Polarized lenses cut the glare, so suddenly you can see into the water, and that’s when you spot a ray gliding underneath.
I love that moment every single time.
Get a floating strap or a cheap retainer cord for them.
I’ve watched a couple of pairs sink to the bottom, and I’m still a little bitter about it.
For a hat, I go with a wide brim and a chin cord, because wind on the water is no joke.
A baseball cap works too, but it leaves your neck and ears exposed.
If I had to pick, I’d take the brim every time.
Shoes With Real Grip
A wet deck is slippery.
I mean really slippery.
That’s why I leave my smooth-soled sandals at home and wear non-marking boat shoes or grippy water shoes.
Non-marking matters because dark soles can scuff up a nice deck, and the captain will notice.
I learned that the awkward way.
Some folks go barefoot, and honestly, that’s great if the boat allows it.
But I still toss a pair of shoes in my bag for the dock, where it can get splintery and hot.
Comfortable footing makes you feel steady and relaxed, and that’s what a good day is all about.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
A Cooler Packed the Smart Way
Here’s a little hack I swear by.
Freeze a few water bottles the night before and use them as ice packs.
As they melt, you’ve got cold drinking water, so nothing goes to waste.
I pack the cooler in layers, with drinks on the bottom and food on top so I’m not digging around.
And bring more water than you think you need.
The sun and salty air dry you out fast, and a headache in the middle of the afternoon is an easy way to ruin the day.
I also bring a sports drink for later, since it helps when I’ve been sweating all day.
Skip the glass bottles, though.
Cans and plastic are safer on a moving boat.
Snacks That Survive the Heat
Nobody wants a melted chocolate bar or a soggy sandwich.
I stick to snacks that handle sun and a little rocking.
Think pretzels, trail mix, grapes, cheese sticks, and jerky.
My favorite is a big bag of cut watermelon, because it’s cold, sweet, and kind of feels like a treat.
I love it.
I also bring a couple of sandwiches wrapped tight in foil, since they hold up better than anything fancy.
Something salty is a must, because you lose a lot out there.
And toss in extras for the captain.
Trust me, a hungry host is a quiet host, and a fed one is your best friend.
Quick-Dry Layers and a Cover-Up
Mornings on the water can be surprisingly chilly.
Then by noon you’re roasting.
So I dress in layers that can handle both.
A quick-dry shirt with UV protection is my go-to, and I feel so much more comfortable wearing it than slathering on extra lotion.
Swim trunks that dry fast are perfect too.
I always keep a light windbreaker in my bag, because wind and spray can make you cold in a hurry.
If the day heats up, the jacket comes off and nobody’s the wiser.
It’s a small thing, but being comfortable is how you keep a good mood going.
A Dry Bag for Your Stuff
Remember my phone swim story?
Yeah, that’s why this matters.
A dry bag is basically a roll-top sack that keeps water out, and it’s among the best things I own.
Inside goes my phone, wallet, keys, and anything else I’d cry about if it got soaked.
I also grab a waterproof phone pouch with a lanyard, so I can take photos without worrying.
Test it first with a paper towel inside, though.
I’d rather find out about a leak at home than in the middle of the lake.
And don’t overstuff it, or it won’t seal right.
Pack light and roll the top down a few good times.
Motion Sickness Relief
Okay, let’s be honest for a second.
Not everyone has sea legs, and I’m not too proud to admit I’ve felt queasy.
If you’re even a little unsure, take something before you leave the dock.
I like ginger chews, and sometimes I’ll use wristbands or a non-drowsy tablet.
Ask your pharmacist what’s right for you.
Once you feel sick, it’s a lot harder to fix.
Out on the water, I keep my eyes on the horizon and stay near the middle of the boat, where the rocking is smoothest.
Fresh air helps too.
And skip the greasy breakfast, because I’ve paid for that choice before.
Towels and a Change of Clothes
Nothing feels better than a big, fluffy, dry towel after a swim.
I’m obsessed with microfiber ones because they dry quickly and pack down small.
Bring a towel per person if you can, and maybe an extra for the cooler spills and the splashes.
I also stash a full change of clothes in a zip bag.
Dry socks, a clean shirt, and underwear, all of it.
That ride home in damp shorts is just miserable, and I’ve done it enough times to know.
Slipping into dry clothes on the dock feels kind of luxurious, you know?
It’s like a little reward for a day well spent.
