You have booked a private yacht charter, the group chat is buzzing, and now comes the practical question: what do you actually need to bring? Whether it is your first time on a yacht or your tenth, having the right items on board makes the difference between a good trip and a flawless one. Here is the complete packing list we share with every guest who steps aboard at Yacht Away Now.
Clothing and Footwear
Wear layers you can peel off. Most guests arrive in a casual outfit and change into swimwear once on board. A light coverup, linen shirt, or sundress works perfectly over a swimsuit for the transition between dock and open water. If your charter extends into the evening, bring a light jacket or hoodie — the breeze picks up once the sun goes down, and it can feel cooler than you expect on the flybridge.
Footwear matters more than you think. Soft-soled shoes, boat shoes, or clean sneakers are ideal. Avoid black-soled shoes that can mark the deck, and skip the heels entirely. Most guests go barefoot once on board, but having a pair of non-marking shoes for moving between decks is a smart move. If you plan to wade onto a sandbar at Shell Key or Egmont Key, water shoes or old sandals you do not mind getting sandy are worth tossing in your bag.
Sun Protection Essentials
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. The reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure significantly, and even overcast days on Tampa Bay can leave you burned. Bring SPF 50 or higher and reapply every 90 minutes. Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is strongly preferred — it protects the marine environment we all enjoy.
Sunglasses and a hat round out the sun protection kit. Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water and make it easier to spot dolphins, manatees, and the occasional sea turtle. A wide-brim hat or baseball cap keeps the direct sun off your face during the midday hours. The 52ft Marquis Flybridge has shaded areas on every deck, but you will still want protection when you are out on the bow or swimming off the stern.
Food, Drinks, and BYOB
Bring your own food and drinks. One of the best things about a private yacht charter is the freedom to stock the galley kitchen with exactly what your group wants. Most of our guests bring a cooler of beer, wine, seltzers, and water along with a mix of snacks, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or catered trays. There is no drink minimum, no marked-up bar prices — just whatever you want to eat and drink.
The yacht has a full galley kitchen with a refrigerator, so perishables stay cold. We recommend bringing more water than you think you need. The combination of sun, salt air, and activity dehydrates you faster than a typical afternoon onshore. A good rule of thumb: two bottles of water per person plus whatever else you are drinking.
Towels and Swim Gear
Pack a towel for each guest. You will want one for drying off after a swim and another to lay out on the sun pad if you are working on your tan. If you plan to jump in at a sandbar or snorkel spot, bring a dry bag for your phone and wallet. Goggles or a snorkel mask are optional but fun — the water around Shell Key and Egmont Key is often clear enough to see straight to the bottom.
Camera and Capture the Day
Your phone will do the job, but come prepared. Make sure you have plenty of storage space and a full charge before boarding. A portable battery pack is worth its weight in gold on a four- or five-hour charter. For the best photos, shoot during the first and last hour of daylight — the low-angle light on the Gulf Coast is incredibly flattering and makes every shot look effortless.
If you have a GoPro or waterproof action camera, bring it. Footage from the bow while cruising at speed, underwater clips off the swim platform, and flybridge sunset timelapses are the kind of content your group will replay for years.
Seasickness Remedies
Better to have it and not need it. Even if you have never felt seasick before, it is smart to bring a remedy just in case. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Bonine work well when taken 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Ginger chews and acupressure wristbands are popular non-drowsy alternatives. Tampa Bay waters are generally calm, especially in the spring and summer months, but it is always better to be prepared.
Pro tip: avoid heavy, greasy meals right before boarding. A light meal an hour or two before departure keeps your stomach settled and lets you enjoy the food and drinks you brought on board without any issues.
Decorations and Celebrations
If you are celebrating a birthday, bachelorette, engagement, or any special occasion, feel free to bring decorations. Banners, balloons, sashes, custom cups — whatever makes the day feel like yours. Our crew at Yacht Away Now is happy to help you set up before your guests arrive so everything looks perfect the moment people step on board.
Just keep in mind that loose confetti and glitter are difficult to clean from a yacht, so we ask that you skip those two items. Everything else is fair game.
Music and Entertainment
You are welcome to bring a Bluetooth speaker, but you likely will not need one. The 52ft Marquis Flybridge is equipped with a premium high-quality stereo that reaches every deck. Just connect your phone via Bluetooth, queue up your playlist, and you are set. We recommend having one person in the group manage the music to avoid the endless shuffle of aux cord debates.
What You Can Leave Behind
You do not need to bring chairs, ice (we have coolers), or navigation tools. The captain and crew handle everything related to operating the yacht. You also do not need formal attire — this is Florida's Gulf Coast, and the dress code is relaxed even on a luxury vessel. Leave the stress on the dock. Your only job is to show up, settle in, and enjoy the ride.
Have questions about what to bring for your specific charter? Reach out to our team or call (727) 609-2248 — we are happy to help you plan every detail.