Charter Packing List: What to Bring, What to Leave Behind

Packing for a yacht charter is different from packing for a hotel holiday. Space is generous but not unlimited, shoes come off at the passerelle, and the rhythm of life on the water calls for a different wardrobe. This guide covers everything you need to know — from clothing and toiletries to electronics and what the yacht already provides.

The Golden Rule: Soft Luggage Only

Hard-shell suitcases are difficult to store aboard a yacht. Bring soft-sided bags, duffels, or fold-flat luggage that can be compressed and stowed once unpacked. Most yachts will have your bags taken to your cabin and unpacked by the stewardess, so you will not be living out of a suitcase.

What to Wear on Board

Life on a yacht is relaxed. For most of the day, you will be in swimwear, a cover-up, and bare feet. Plan around that reality:

Swimwear — bring at least three sets so you always have a dry option
Cover-ups and kaftans — lightweight layers for moving between the sun deck and the air-conditioned interior
Shorts and light trousers — linen or cotton, in neutral tones
T-shirts and casual tops — breathable fabrics that handle heat and salt air
A light jacket or sweater — evenings on the water can be cooler than you expect, particularly in May, June, or September
A windproof layer — useful for passages or breezy anchorages

Footwear

On board, you will be barefoot or in soft-soled shoes almost exclusively. Deck surfaces are easily marked by dark rubber soles, so the crew will ask you to leave street shoes at the gangway.

White-soled or non-marking deck shoes — essential if you prefer not to go barefoot
Sandals or flip-flops — for tender rides and stepping onto beaches
One pair of comfortable walking shoes — for village walks, archaeological sites, or hilly island paths
Smart shoes for evening — only if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants ashore

Dressing for Shore Dining

If your itinerary includes dinner at restaurants ashore — and it almost certainly will — pack accordingly. Dress codes vary by destination:

Greek tavernas and casual waterfront restaurants — smart-casual is perfectly appropriate. Clean shorts or trousers, a collared shirt or a simple dress.
Upscale restaurants in destinations like Mykonos, Porto Cervo, or St. Barths — a step up is expected. For men, a linen shirt with trousers and loafers. For women, a summer dress and a light wrap for air-conditioned interiors.
Very formal venues — rare on charter itineraries, but if planned, your broker will advise on specific requirements.

Pack one or two evening outfits that can mix and match. You will not need a large formal wardrobe.

Sun Protection

Reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure significantly. Do not underestimate it, even on overcast days.

High-SPF sunscreen — reef-safe formulations are preferred and increasingly required in marine protected areas
A wide-brimmed hat — one that will not blow off easily, or bring a retaining strap
Quality sunglasses with a lanyard — polarised lenses reduce glare on the water and are a genuine comfort improvement
Rash guards or UV shirts — practical for extended snorkelling sessions or a full day on deck

What the Yacht Provides

You do not need to pack the following — they will already be on board:

Beach towels and pool towels
Bathroom towels, robes, and slippers
High-quality toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser
Hairdryers
Snorkelling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels in various sizes)
Water-sport equipment — paddleboards, kayaks, inflatables, wakeboards, water skis
Fishing gear on most yachts
Board games, playing cards, and often a media library

If you have specific snorkel mask preferences, prescription lenses, or specialist dive equipment, bring your own. Otherwise, the yacht will have you covered.

Electronics and Connectivity

Modern charter yachts carry satellite Wi-Fi, though bandwidth varies. A few practical notes:

Bring your phone and charger — obvious, but also bring a portable battery pack for days spent on the tender or ashore
A waterproof phone case — inexpensive and invaluable for tender rides and water sports
Camera — if you use a standalone camera, bring it. Drone use is restricted or prohibited in many areas, including much of Greece. Check with your broker before packing one.
Adapters — yachts typically have European two-pin outlets, though many also offer USB charging points. Bring a universal adapter if you are travelling from outside Europe.
Streaming expectations — satellite internet may not support high-definition streaming reliably. Download films, playlists, and reading material before you board.

Personal Items and Medication

Prescription medication — bring more than you need, in original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription
Motion-sickness remedies — even if you do not usually suffer from seasickness, carry patches or tablets as a precaution. The crew will also have remedies available.
Insect repellent — useful for evenings at anchor near shore, particularly in the early and late season
Passport and travel documents — keep a digital copy stored on your phone as well

What to Leave at Home

Hard suitcases — as noted above, they simply do not stow well
Black-soled shoes — they mark teak decks and will be politely refused at the gangway
Excessive luggage — you will wear far less than you think. If in doubt, leave it out.
Valuable jewellery — there is a safe on board, but the simpler your accessories, the more relaxed you will feel swimming and exploring
Formal business attire — this is not the occasion

Tips for Families

Chartering with children requires a few additional considerations:

Pack rash guards and high-SPF sunscreen designed for young skin
Bring a small selection of familiar snacks for fussy eaters, though the chef will cater to children’s preferences
Favourite toys, books, and tablets loaded with content for quieter moments
Waterproof nappies for toddlers — the yacht may not stock these
Inform the crew of any allergies or specific needs in advance via the preference sheet

Tips for First-Time Charterers

Pack a small day bag for tender trips ashore — phone, sunscreen, hat, wallet, a cover-up
Bring a notebook or journal if you like to record your travels — the places you visit will be worth remembering
Do not over-plan your wardrobe. The beauty of a charter is its informality.
Ask your broker any question, no matter how small. There is no such thing as a naive enquiry when you are planning a week at sea for the first time.

At Aris Drivas Yachting, we send every client a detailed pre-charter information pack that includes packing suggestions tailored to the specific yacht and destination. If you are ever unsure about what to bring, your broker is a message away.

Charter Packing List