If you are wondering what to bring on a boat charter in Fort Lauderdale, you are already ahead of most people. Whether you are cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, dropping anchor at Lake Sylvia, or heading out for a sunset sail, packing smart makes the difference between a good day and a great one.
South Florida sun is no joke, boat space is limited, and the last thing you want is to be caught without the essentials. Here is your complete Fort Lauderdale boat charter packing list — plus what your captain already provides so you do not overpack.
What Your Captain Provides
Before you start packing, here is what is already on the boat and handled:
- U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment — life vests, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals
- A cooler with ice on most vessels — confirm when you book
- Bluetooth sound system
- Fresh water for rinsing off (on most boats)
- A licensed, experienced captain who handles everything from navigation to anchor selection
With that covered, here is what you should bring.
The Essentials — Do Not Leave the Dock Without These
- Sunscreen — reef-safe and SPF 30+: Bring more than you think you need. Open water reflects UV, and there is limited shade on most boats. Reapply every 90 minutes. Reef-safe formulas protect South Florida’s marine environment and are increasingly required near sensitive waterways.
- Drinking water: At least one large bottle per person, more for longer charters. Alcohol in the sun dehydrates you faster than you expect. Water is non-negotiable.
- Towels: One per person. Most charters do not provide them. Bring an extra if you plan to swim and dry off multiple times.
- Non-slip footwear: Boat decks get wet and slippery. Water shoes, grippy sandals, or deck shoes are ideal. Avoid heels or hard-soled shoes entirely.
- Sunglasses with a strap: Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water. A strap keeps them on your face and out of the Intracoastal.
- A waterproof phone case or dry bag: Spray happens, especially if you do an ocean pass or anchor in choppy water. Protect your phone, keys, and anything else that should not get wet.
Food and Drinks — What to Pack
- A stocked cooler: Most charters allow outside food and non-glass beverages. Pack sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and whatever drinks your group wants. Keep it simple — elaborate meals are hard to manage on a moving boat.
- Ice: Confirm whether your boat has a cooler with ice or whether you need to bring your own.
- Reusable cups or cans only: Many captains restrict glass bottles for safety. Confirm with your booking.
- Easy-to-eat food: Wraps, cut fruit, chips, pre-made sandwiches. Skip the full charcuterie unless you are anchoring for an extended stop where you can set up properly.
Comfort and Convenience
- A light cover-up or long-sleeve shirt: Even on a hot day, a breeze on the water after swimming can feel cool. A light layer is worth having.
- A hat with a brim: Baseball cap or wide-brim hat. The sun on the water is relentless, and a hat makes a noticeable difference by hour three.
- A change of clothes: If you are swimming and then heading to a dock-and-dine restaurant, dry clothes are a game-changer.
- Seasickness remedy (if needed): The Intracoastal is generally calm, but if you or someone in your group is prone to motion sickness, take something before you board — not after you feel it.
- A small, soft-sided bag: Hard suitcases do not belong on boats. Bring a backpack or soft duffel that can be stowed easily.
What to Leave at Home
- Glass bottles: Most captains prohibit them. Confirm your boat’s policy.
- Expensive jewelry or watches: Sunscreen, salt water, and moving around on deck are not kind to valuables.
- Large beach bags or hard luggage: Boat storage is tight. Pack light and soft.
- Heels or dress shoes: They are unsafe on a wet deck and will damage the boat surface.
- Anything you would be upset to lose overboard: Phones, sunglasses, and hats go over the side more often than anyone wants to admit. Use straps and cases.
Seasonal Packing Notes for Fort Lauderdale
- October–May (dry season): Ideal conditions — warm days, cooler mornings. Bring a light jacket or hoodie for morning departures and sunset returns.
- June–September (summer): Hot, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Extra water, extra sunscreen, and a change of clothes for after the inevitable summer rain shower. Morning departures beat the afternoon heat.
Quick Checklist
- ☐ Reef-safe sunscreen
- ☐ Drinking water (1+ bottle per person)
- ☐ Towels (1 per person, +1 extra for swimming)
- ☐ Non-slip footwear
- ☐ Sunglasses with strap
- ☐ Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- ☐ Hat
- ☐ Light cover-up layer
- ☐ Cooler with food/drinks
- ☐ Change of clothes (if swimming + dining)
- ☐ Cash for captain tip
- ☐ Seasickness remedy (if needed)
Ready for Your Fort Lauderdale Charter?
Pack this list and you will be ready for whatever the day brings. Your Fort Lauderdale boat charter is about relaxing and enjoying the water — not stressing about what you forgot at home.
Ready to book? Browse the fleet and reserve your charter here.
