5 Essential Items to Keep on Your Luxury Boat

Luxury seafaring is one of the brilliant pleasures few in this world can experience. For those that are lucky enough, they get to experience some of the deepest blues and the brightest colors this mysterious world has to offer.

To make the best of your glamorous boating trip, you’ll want to keep a few must-have essentials onboard. Read on for our top five suggestions for the best items to keep on your gorgeous ocean cruiser. 

#1 Protective Supplies

Traveling the seven seas is not all fun and games. To make your trip as relaxing as possible, you’ll want to prep, pack, and plan beforehand. To ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe (and potentially save lives should there be an emergency), check your boat for the following items:

  • Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Bug spray
  • Emergency flares
  • First aid kit
  • Throwable life preservers
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Life jackets
  • A versatile, multi-use knife
  • Lots of drinking water
  • Extra rope

If any of these are missing or in short supply, restock as soon as you can so you don’t forget them for your next trip. Keep a running list of your most essential safety supplies going so you never neglect the fundamental protective gear of any ocean adventure. 

#2 Travel Essentials

Even though you’re on a boat, travel rules still apply if you’re crossing international borders. Don’t get yourself into an unnecessary bind by forgetting must-haves that you’d naturally pack if you were flying.

For international and long-distance boating, don’t forget these travel essentials:

  • Passport
  • Sunglasses
  • Paperwork (Preference Sheet, Charter Agreement, contact info for crew)
  • Tech gear
  • Money
  • Spare toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medication
  • Camera

#3 Coolers and Cooking Gear

All that swimming and tanning can sure work up an appetite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or having the crew handle your cravings, make sure you have these items ready:

  • A portable grill is the perfect addition to your culinary collection, especially if you plan on docking on a quaint island with no fine dining in sight. This simple gadget will make any marine getaway worth a million Michelin stars.  
  • While any cooler works to keep food fresh, marine coolers are ideal for boat travel.
  • Pack any pots, pans, utensils, and charcoal you might need to cook. While it’s best to keep it simple with versatile containers, feel free to spice things up with an herb stripper or automatic pan stirrer (who says fancy omelets are only fit for hotels?).
  • Don’t forget to bring a sharp kitchen knife so you can slice, dice, and chop any and all ingredients.

#4 A Change of Clothes

If you’re on a yacht traveling to Monaco or the Maldives, Nantucket or Alaska, it never hurts to keep a fresh change of clothes to make sure you look smooth and stylish, no matter how rocky the water.

For ladies, pack your items in a versatile weekender bag that keeps all of your glamorous garb neatly in one place. For men, be sure to keep an extra bottle of your favorite cologne onboard for those nights where you just need that extra umph of swagger to keep you afloat. 

You’ll also want to bring a lightweight sundress and swimsuit to enjoy your exotic destination—don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and your chicest sunglasses for that sophisticated summer touch. 

#5 Fun Activities and Sports Gear

Before stepping onto your luxury ocean palace, don’t forget to pack the fun so you’re not just staring out at the water the whole trip (unless that’s what you love to do, we don’t judge).

Here are just a few ideas for items you can keep on your luxury boat to make any trip even more spectacular than the last:

  • Card deck
  • Floaties and tubes
  • Water guns
  • Fishing gear to catch some of your own dinner
  • Water skis or wakeboards to catch some air
  • Bluetooth (and waterproof) speaker 

Embrace Spontaneity While Staying Luxurious

No matter how high-end and sophisticated your travels, never forget the most important part of boating: embracing the allure of the ocean. Whether you’re skiing in international waters, or sipping margaritas at a local marina, always remember to partake in some classic, free fun: swimming, laughing, and basking in the sun. 

Now go out and have a lovely time—just don’t forget your sunscreen and a nice camera.