Booked a private sail and wondering what to bring on a boat? Bring drinks and snacks (every Blue Life charter is BYOB), sun protection, a light layer, grippy shoes, a charged phone and your ID. The boat supplies the rest. Reserve your Charleston charter, then use this guide to pack once and board with nothing missing.

Packing for a shared tour means guessing what the crew allows. Packing for a private charter is simpler: your group is the only party aboard, a USCG-licensed captain and crew run the boat, and the rules are written down. Here is exactly what to bring on a boat day with Blue Life Charters, what is already on board, and what to leave at home.

Your boat trip checklist

Use this boat trip checklist as the short version:

  • Food and drinks for the whole group (BYOB, no glass beer bottles)
  • Photo ID for everyone drinking alcohol (21 and over)
  • Lotion sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap
  • A light jacket or sweater, since the water runs a few degrees cooler than land
  • White-soled or rubber-soled shoes, or plan to go barefoot
  • Motion sickness medication, taken before you board if you are prone
  • Phone, charger or power bank and a waterproof pouch
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Tip money in cash, Venmo or PayPal
  • Any prescription medication you need during the trip

What Blue Life already provides

Skip these. They are on every charter:

  • A refrigerator, drinkware, plateware, utensils and wine and bottle openers
  • Complimentary bottled water and sodas
  • Warm blankets if the evening turns cool
  • Life jackets for every guest (state law requires them for children 12 and under)
  • A full marine restroom, called a head
  • Bluetooth speakers, so you can play your own playlist
  • Bean bags at the bow and a large cockpit seating area
  • A shoe basket for guests who go barefoot

What to bring on a boat for food and drinks

Simple foods that survive motion work best: finger foods, sandwiches cut in halves, fruit, cheese and crackers, nuts and granola bars. Choose things you can eat with one hand while watching the Battery slide by. You are welcome to bring beer, wine and spirits, but avoid glass beer bottles because of breakage risk on a moving vessel, and expect the captain to check ID. Drinking is not permitted for anyone under 21.

Celebrating something? You can bring a cake or dessert. Tell the crew in advance so it is stored properly. If you would rather not shop and pack, catering packages from Caviar & Bananas are delivered to the boat before departure.

Sun, wind and weather gear

Charleston’s sun is strong on open water, and the harbor reflects it back at you.

  • Sunscreen: Use a lotion with a high SPF and reapply every two hours. Skip aerosol spray. It can damage the boat’s fiberglass.
  • Sunglasses: Polarized lenses cut glare off the water.
  • Hat: A wide brim protects your face and neck, and a chin strap keeps it aboard when the wind picks up.
  • Layers: A light jacket or sweatshirt covers evening sails and winter charters. Blankets are on board, but a layer keeps you comfortable while you board.
  • Rain jacket: Pack a packable one if showers are in the forecast. If thunderstorms, lightning or excessive wind are possible, the captain contacts you ahead of time. See the weather and cancellation policy.

Shoes and clothing

Wear white-soled or rubber-soled shoes. Dark marking soles and high heels can scar the deck, so if you wear them to the dock, carry them in a bag and board barefoot or in socks. Deck shoes and clean sneakers with good grip are ideal. You will not get wet unless you choose to swim, so casual or stylish clothing both work. For outfit ideas by occasion, read what to wear on a sunset cruise or what to wear on a dinner cruise.

Health and comfort

Seasickness is rare on a short Charleston Harbor sail, but the harbor is busy and some boat wakes are unavoidable. If you are prone to motion sickness, take over-the-counter medication or wear acupressure wristbands before you board, since most medications need time to work and do not help once you feel unwell. Bring any prescriptions you need, plus an insulated bottle to keep water cold.

Phones, cameras and valuables

The other things to bring on a boat are mostly about protecting your tech. Charge your phone before you leave the hotel and bring a power bank. A waterproof pouch or small dry bag protects phones, wallets and keys from spray. A camera strap is worth the extra step. Leave unnecessary valuables behind, and use the dry storage below deck if you need to stash items. Photographers and anyone planning a shoot should read the boat photoshoot guide.

Tips for the crew

Tipping the captain and crew is common and appreciated. Most guests tip about 15 to 25 percent, similar to a restaurant. The crew accepts cash, credit card, Venmo or PayPal.

What to bring on a boat in each season

Your sailing packing list changes with the calendar, and so does what to bring sailing:

  • Spring (March to May): a light jacket, sunscreen and a hat. Spring is the busy season, so book ahead.
  • Summer (June to August): breathable clothing, extra water, a rash guard or long-sleeve shirt, and a swimsuit if you plan to ask the captain about a swim stop.
  • Fall (September to November): layers for cool evenings and an earlier sunset.
  • Winter (December to February): a warm coat, a hat and gloves for evening sails. Blankets are on board.

The same list applies whether you call it a sailboat, a charter or a yacht. If you are searching for what to bring on a yacht for a special occasion, add the occasion items: cake, decorations, a Bluetooth playlist and a photographer.

What not to bring on a boat

  • Glass beer bottles
  • Aerosol sunscreen
  • High heels or dark marking soles
  • Pets (guest pets are not permitted)
  • Smoking materials of any kind, or drugs (the sail ends immediately, with no refund, if drugs are found aboard)
  • Anything you would hate to see wet

Where to meet and how to arrive

The captain meets you at the Harborage at Ashley River Marina, 33 Lockwood Drive in downtown Charleston. If you take a rideshare, tell the driver the Harborage at Ashley River Marina, not Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina. If you drive, park at the neighboring Courtyard by Marriott, where day passes are sold at the concierge desk, then walk about two minutes along Lockwood Drive. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for the safety briefing. Late arrival reduces your charter time, and the briefing does not cut into it when you arrive early.

Ready to board? See tours and rates, meet the boats and review the services. Then book your charter on FareHarbor or call (843) 256-6355.