A good charter day starts before you reach the dock. If you are wondering what to bring on a yacht charter, the answer is simpler than most people expect: a few comfortable things, a little sun protection and a good mood. This guide gives you the practical list, explains where the rules depend on the boat, and points you to the office for anything specific.
Before the day, the office sends where to meet and what to bring for your yacht, so treat this page as a friendly head start.
What to bring on a yacht charter
On your feet
Wear soft-soled shoes, such as boat shoes, sneakers or sandals with a flat sole, so the deck stays protected and you stay steady. Heels and hard soles mark the deck and are slippery when it is wet. Many guests go barefoot once they are aboard, and your captain will say if a boat asks for shoes.
Sun protection
The sun on the water is stronger than it feels. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light cover-up. Reapply through the day, especially after a swim. Shade varies by boat; the office tells you what your yacht has.
Swimwear and towels
If your plans include a swim, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and pack a towel for each person. A dry change of clothes is welcome for the ride back, particularly on an evening charter when the air cools.
A soft-sided cooler
If you are bringing drinks, a soft-sided cooler is the easy choice. It stows neatly, keeps things cold and does not scuff the deck. Guests may always bring their own drinks, and you can ask the office about ice.
A light layer
Even in summer, the breeze can cool quickly once the sun goes down. A light jacket or wrap is a small thing to carry that you will be glad of on the way home.
Medication and comfort
If you or anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, bring what works for you. Tell the captain, and he plans the day around conditions.
Food and drink rules depend on the boat
Every boat has her own rules, and the office tells you what they are when you enquire. Drinks are the simple part, because guests may always bring their own. Food, glass, ice and other items can vary from one yacht to another, so ask before you shop rather than after.
If you would rather not carry anything, the office can arrange a private chef or catering, quoted separately. For a longer meal on the water, a private dinner cruise puts the table at anchor.
What not to bring
Leave behind anything you would be upset to lose: good jewelry, a favorite hat in a stiff wind, an expensive pair of sunglasses without a strap. A soft-sided cooler travels best; leave bulky luggage at home. If in doubt, the office will say.
Where to meet
Most of the fleet meets guests at Maximo Marina in St. Petersburg. A few yachts meet elsewhere: the 42' Aquila at MarineMax on Gulfport Blvd, the 36' Aquila at the Belleair Boat Ramp and the 50' Prestige at the Gandy Boat Ramp in Tampa. The office sends the exact place before the day, so you only need to arrive a little early.
For a celebration or a long day
If you are marking a birthday, an anniversary or a company day, a few extras are worth packing. A small bag for phones, keys and sunglasses keeps things from sliding about. Candles, decorations and cakes are lovely ideas, but check the rules for your yacht before you bring them. For a long day, bring a little more sunscreen than you think you need, and let the crew know if anyone has an allergy or a dietary need, so the day runs smoothly for everyone.
Children and groups
If children are coming, bring a snack they like, a change of clothes and any comfort items they rely on. Tell the office their ages when you enquire, so the boat and the plan suit everyone aboard. Keep phones and keys in a dry bag or a zipped pocket, because a splash is easier to forgive when they are protected.
A short checklist
- Soft-soled shoes
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Swimsuit and a towel for each person
- A soft-sided cooler for your own drinks
- A light layer for the evening
- Any medication you need
- Your phone, charged
Planning the rest
For the route, see our guide to the best sandbars and anchorages in Tampa Bay, and if this is your first time, the first yacht charter guide covers every step. For costs, read how much a yacht charter costs.
Questions about your boat? Send an enquiry through our contact page and the office answers.