What to bring on a Turks and Caicos boat day: the easy packing list

Best for: first-timers wondering what to carry

What should I bring on a boat charter in Turks and Caicos?

Less than you think. Snorkel gear and life jackets come on every charter we book, in sizes from small children up, and most boats carry ice and a cooler. What you eat depends on the boat and the length you book, from light snacks on a short day to a beach BBQ on a long one, and every listing shows its menu.

That leaves a towel each, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a dry layer for the ride home.

If seasickness is a worry, take any tablets before you leave the hotel. Our calm water guide has more tips.

Best for: wading ashore in style

What should I wear on a boat day?

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, so you’re ready at the first stop. Over it, something light that dries fast: a cover-up, a linen shirt or a long-sleeved swim shirt that keeps the sun off your shoulders. Choose a hat that ties on, because the breeze on a moving boat takes loose ones, and polarized sunglasses, which cut the glare so you can spot rays from the deck.

Sandals or water shoes work best. Many stops are beaches you wade ashore to, and some cays have rocky edges. Leave anything precious, from jewelry to good sunglasses, at the hotel or on a cord: what goes over the side in deep water usually stays there.

Best for: snorkelers

Do you need reef-safe sunscreen in Turks and Caicos?

It isn’t the law here, but the islands’ environment department asks visitors to use biodegradable sunscreen, and it’s what every boat we book recommends. Pick a mineral lotion, put it on at the hotel so it soaks in before your first swim, and let a long-sleeved swim shirt do most of the work. Our reef-safe sunscreen guide has what to buy.

Best for: photographers and clear kayakers

How do I keep my phone dry on a boat?

A waterproof pouch on a lanyard keeps a phone safe for photos in the shallows, and a small dry bag holds a wallet, keys and that dry layer. On the clear kayak tours, bring your own pouch or case, because you’ll want photos of the turtles and rays gliding under the hull. The jet ski tours have dry bags for your clothes and storage for shoes, phones and glasses. For the reef itself, an action camera on a floating grip beats any phone.

• On a jet ski tour you’ll get wet, so wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. Life vests and safety gear come with the tour.
• On an ATV tour wear closed-toe shoes with grip, not flip-flops, and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty. Helmets and goggles are provided, drivers need to be 18 with a valid driver’s license, and the tour includes local beers, soft drinks and a free shuttle from Grace Bay and Lower Bight.
• On a group tour snorkel gear is included, and you’re welcome to bring water and snacks.

• A swimsuit, worn under your clothes
• A cover-up or a long-sleeved swim shirt
• A towel for everyone
• Mineral sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Sandals or water shoes
• A waterproof phone pouch or a small dry bag
• A dry layer for the ride home

What else should we know before the day?

Our what’s included guide covers food, drinks and toys boat by boat, getting to your charter has every meeting point, and what happens on a private charter walks you through the day. Pack the bag, then pick your private boat charter below.

• Taxes included. The price you see is the price you pay.
• A deposit secures the boat. Every boat shows its free-cancellation window.
• Fast answers. Requests are confirmed within a few hours, nearly always the same day.