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What to Bring on a Boat Trip: Essential Packing List

The essentials for a boat trip in Sydney are sun protection, water, snacks, appropriate clothing, a waterproof phone case, and a good attitude. Beyond that, what you pack depends on the length of your trip, the season, and whether you're planning a swim, a fishing session, or a relaxing cruise. This comprehensive packing list covers everything you need — and a few things you should leave behind.

For a broader view of planning your time on the water, our guide to boating in Sydney is the best place to start.

What clothing should I wear on a boat?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing in layers. The temperature on the water is often 3 to 5 degrees cooler than on shore, and wind chill makes it feel colder again. Dress in layers so you can adjust as conditions change throughout the day.

Recommended clothing: - Base layer: A quick-dry shirt or rash vest. Cotton is a poor choice — it stays wet and cold. - Mid layer: A light fleece or long-sleeve shirt for cooler periods. - Outer layer: A lightweight waterproof jacket or windbreaker. Even on sunny days, spray and wind can be chilling. - Shorts or quick-dry trousers: Board shorts or similar are ideal for warm days. - Footwear: Non-slip, flat-soled shoes. Boat shoes, reef sandals, or bare feet are fine. Avoid black-soled shoes that can mark the deck, heels, or any footwear with aggressive tread. - Hat: A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap is best. Baseball caps work in calm conditions but blow off easily. - Sunglasses: Polarised sunglasses reduce glare off the water and help you see beneath the surface. Attach a floating strap so you don't lose them overboard.

Seasonal adjustments: - Summer (December-February): Light clothing, swimwear, and maximum sun protection. Still bring a light jacket for late afternoon. - Autumn (March-May): Medium layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool. - Winter (June-August): Warm layers, thermal base layer, beanie, and a proper waterproof jacket. Winter boating in Sydney is beautiful but cold on the water. - Spring (September-November): Changeable conditions. Bring both warm and light layers.

What sun protection do I need?

Sun protection is non-negotiable on Sydney Harbour. UV intensity on the water is amplified by reflection, and burns happen far faster than on land.

Sun protection essentials: - Sunscreen: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming). - Hat: Wide-brimmed, chin strap, UPF-rated if possible. - Sunglasses: Polarised, UV400 protection. - Lip balm with SPF: Your lips burn quickly on the water and people always forget them. - Rash vest or UV-protective clothing: For extended time in the sun or when swimming.

The reflection off the water means you'll get UV exposure from below as well as above. Cover up more than you think you need to.

What food and drinks should I bring?

Food tips: - Pack food that doesn't require refrigeration or keep it in a quality cooler bag with ice packs. - Sandwiches, wraps, fruit, nuts, crackers, cheese, and dip are all boat-friendly. - Avoid messy, crumbly, or strongly scented foods. - Pre-prepare everything at home. Chopping and preparing food on a moving boat is awkward and unsafe. - Bring more food than you think you'll need. Fresh air and sunshine make people hungry.

Drink tips: - Water: Bring far more than you think you'll need. Dehydration sneaks up on you when you're in the sun and wind. A good rule is 1 litre per person per hour in summer. - Soft drinks and juice: Keep in a cooler. - Alcohol: If you choose to bring alcohol, keep it moderate. Remember that the skipper must stay under 0.05 BAC in NSW — the same limit as driving. For full details on the rules, see our guide to alcohol limits for boating in NSW. - Avoid glass: Use cans and plastic containers. Broken glass on a boat is dangerous, and glass bottles break easily with boat movement.

What personal items should I pack?

Essential personal items: - Waterproof phone case or dry bag: Your phone is your camera, navigator, and emergency communication device. Protect it. - Towels: Pack one for swimming and one to stay dry. Quick-dry microfibre towels take up less space. - Change of clothes: A dry set of clothes for the trip home is a luxury you'll appreciate. - Swimwear: Even if you're not planning to swim, you might change your mind when you see a perfect cove. - Seasickness medication: If you or anyone in your group is susceptible, take medication before departure — not after symptoms start. See our seasickness prevention tips for effective strategies. - Prescription medications: If anyone on board takes regular medication, bring it. - Cash and card: Some waterside venues and fuel docks are cash-only. - Reusable bag for rubbish: Everything that comes on the boat must leave the boat. Never throw rubbish overboard.

What safety items should I bring?

If you're boating with a club like My Boat Club, the safety equipment is provided and maintained on the vessel. If you're on your own boat, ensure you have all mandatory safety equipment as outlined in our boating safety equipment checklist for NSW.

Regardless of vessel, it's wise to carry: - A charged mobile phone in a waterproof case - A basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, seasickness tablets, pain relief) - A whistle or sound-signalling device - A torch or headlamp (even for day trips — you never know if you'll be delayed)

What should I NOT bring on a boat?

Some things are better left on shore:

• Excessive luggage: Space on boats is limited. Pack light and use soft bags, not hard-shell suitcases.
• Glass containers: One broken bottle on a wet deck is a recipe for a serious injury.
• Valuables you can't afford to lose: Watches, expensive jewellery, and electronics that aren't waterproofed are all at risk.
• Hard-soled shoes or heels: They damage the deck and offer no grip.
• Strong perfumes or cologne: They attract insects and can contribute to nausea in some people.
• Banana skins and food scraps for throwing overboard: It might seem harmless, but littering waterways is illegal and harmful.
• Negative attitudes: Boating is meant to be fun. Leave stress on the dock.

What about bringing kids on a boat trip?

Children add joy to any boat trip but require extra planning:

• Life jackets: Mandatory for children under 12 on open boats in NSW. Bring properly fitted child-sized life jackets.
• Sun protection: Children burn faster than adults. Full coverage clothing, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
• Entertainment: The novelty of being on a boat can wear off for younger children. Bring snorkelling gear, fishing rods, or water toys.
• Snacks and drinks: Children dehydrate quickly. Pack plenty of water and familiar snacks.
• Shade: Ensure there's a shaded area on the boat where children can escape the sun.
• Nausea prevention: Children are particularly susceptible to seasickness. Short trips in calm conditions are best for first-timers.

What is a quick packing checklist I can use?

Here is a ready-to-use checklist for your next boat trip on Sydney Harbour:

Clothing: - Quick-dry shirt and shorts - Windproof/waterproof jacket - Non-slip shoes - Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Polarised sunglasses with strap - Swimwear - Change of clothes for after

Sun and Skin: - SPF 50+ sunscreen - SPF lip balm - Rash vest (optional)

Food and Drink: - Water (1 litre per person per hour in summer) - Pre-prepared food in a cooler - Snacks - Drinks in cans or plastic (no glass)

Personal: - Waterproof phone case - Towels - Seasickness medication (if needed) - Cash and card - Rubbish bag

Safety: - First aid kit - Charged phone - Torch

If this is your first trip with a boat club, our guide on what to expect on your first boat club trip covers what the club provides and what you need to bring yourself.

Final Thoughts

The key to a great boat trip is being prepared without overpacking. Bring the essentials, protect yourself from the sun, carry plenty of water, and leave the unnecessary stuff at home. Sydney Harbour rewards those who come ready, and a well-packed trip is a relaxed, enjoyable trip.