What to Pack for a Boat Day in Puerto Banus

The 30-second answer

Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light long-sleeve top, soft-soled shoes, seasickness tablets, a towel, and your phone in a waterproof pouch. Leave jeans, heels, hard luggage, and glass bottles on shore. Every BoatHire24 charter includes a licensed skipper, so you don't need to bring ropes, tools, or a coolbox (most boats have one). Just bring your ID, your credit card, and a willingness to pay for fuel, food, and the skipper's tip at the end.

Sun protection: the non-negotiable

You are in southern Spain. The sun here, even in April or October, is a menace. UV index hits 9 or 10 in summer. You will burn through a cloudy sky. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen that is water-resistant and reef-safe (the Mediterranean has enough problems). Bring a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a neck flap. Polarised sunglasses with a strap are essential because glare off the sea is brutal and losing your Ray-Bans overboard is a EUR 200 mistake. A light, long-sleeved UV-protection shirt (rash guard) is worth its weight in gold. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you board and reapply every two hours. The wind makes you think you are not burning. You are burning.

Seasickness: plan for it

Even if you have never been sick on a boat, the Mediterranean swell off Marbella can be lumpy, especially in the afternoon when the Levante wind picks up. The charter boats from Puerto Banus range from 40-foot motor yachts to catamarans; catamarans are more stable, but if you are prone to nausea, take no chances. Pack motion-sickness tablets (cinnarizine or meclizine, available at any Spanish pharmacy without prescription). Take one the night before and one an hour before departure. Ginger sweets or chews help. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy, greasy food beforehand. If you start feeling queasy, stare at the horizon, not your phone. Do not go below deck. Do not sit at the stern where fumes gather. And for the love of god, do not throw up on the upholstery.

Footwear: leave the heels on the dock

Boat decks are white, hot, wet, and slippery. Stilettos, espadrilles, or leather soles will either mark the fibreglass, send you sliding into the sea, or both. The only sensible footwear is soft-soled, non-marking shoes. Boat shoes (the classic Sperry style) work. Barefoot is fine on most yachts, but the deck gets hot enough to fry an egg by 2pm. Flip-flops are acceptable for the beach stops but useless for walking on deck; they slip off, and you will chase them into the water. If you are on a RIB or speedboat, wear water shoes or neoprene booties. And no black soles: they leave scuff marks that the skipper will not appreciate.

What to wear: layers, not fashion

Puerto Banus is a place where people dress to be seen. On a boat, comfort trumps style. The temperature on the water is 5 to 10 degrees cooler than on land, and the wind chill when the boat is at 20 knots makes it feel colder. Wear a cotton or linen shirt over your swimwear, plus a light windbreaker or fleece for the afternoon. Shorts are fine, but bring a pair of long trousers if you are sailing into the evening. Women: a kaftan or a sarong is practical for covering up after a swim. Men: leave the board shorts for the beach; on a yacht, tailored swim shorts (above the knee) look better and dry faster. And bring a change of clothes for dinner back in port. You do not want to eat at a Puerto Banus restaurant smelling of salt and sun cream.

Tech and documents

Your phone is your camera, your map, and your payment device. But it does not like salt spray or falling into the sea. Pack a waterproof phone pouch (the ones with a lanyard). Bring a portable power bank because your battery will drain faster in the heat and with constant photo-taking. A Bluetooth speaker is optional but appreciated if the boat's sound system is weak. Do not bring a drone unless you have permission from the skipper and the port authority; flying a drone over Puerto Banus marina is strictly regulated and you will get fined. Documents: bring your passport or ID card (required for the charter contract), your credit card (for the deposit and extras), and cash for the skipper's tip (10-15% of the charter fee, paid in euros). Leave your laptop and expensive jewellery on shore. They do not belong on a boat.

Food, drink and coolbox etiquette

Most charter boats in Puerto Banus come with a coolbox or a fridge, ice, and sometimes a basic drinks package. But you are allowed to bring your own food and drink. Pack light: sandwiches, fruit, crisps, nuts. Avoid anything that melts, crumbles, or stains. No glass bottles on board (many boat insurance policies forbid them). Transfer wine or beer into plastic or metal containers. Bring plenty of water: at least 1.5 litres per person. The dry heat and the salt wind dehydrate you fast. If you want to grill on the boat, check with the skipper first. Some catamarans have a BBQ, but you need to bring your own charcoal and meat. And please, do not feed the seagulls. They will remember your boat and follow you all day.

What to leave on shore

This list is as important as what you pack. Leave hard-shell suitcases, wheeled bags, and anything with sharp corners at your hotel. They damage the teak and the upholstery. Leave your high heels, your designer handbag with metal studs, and your expensive watch. Salt water and luxury goods do not mix. Leave your drone, your selfie stick (they are banned on many boats), and your drone. Leave your attitude: the skipper is in charge, the boat is not a nightclub, and the sea does not care about your Instagram followers. If you do not like the rules, stay in port.

Common questions

Do I need to bring my own life jacket?

No. Every charter boat in Puerto Banus is equipped with life jackets for all passengers, plus flares, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit. The skipper will do a safety briefing at the start. Listen to it.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Yes, but no glass bottles. Transfer wine, beer, and spirits into plastic or metal containers. Most boats have a coolbox or fridge. Drink responsibly: the sun and sea amplify the effects of alcohol, and nobody wants a drunk person falling overboard.

What about seasickness if I have never been on a boat?

Take preventative tablets the night before and an hour before departure. Choose a catamaran for stability. Sit on deck, face forward, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid reading or looking at your phone. If you feel sick, tell the skipper immediately; they can slow down or adjust course.

How much cash should I bring for the tip?

Standard practice is 10-15% of the charter fee, paid in euros to the skipper . For a half-day charter from around EUR 600, that is EUR 60-90. Bring small bills if possible.

Can I wear jeans on a boat?

You can, but you will regret it. Jeans are heavy when wet, restrict movement, and do not dry quickly. Opt for lightweight linen, cotton, or quick-dry synthetic trousers. Shorts are better.

Is it worth bringing a towel?

Yes. Most boats provide beach towels, but they are often thin and small. Bring your own large, quick-dry towel for swimming stops. Microfibre towels are ideal because they pack small and dry fast.

What if I forget something?

Puerto Banus has plenty of shops. You can buy sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses at the marina. But expect to pay double the normal price. Better to pack in advance.

Timing your packing by season

What you pack for a boat day in Puerto Banus changes dramatically depending on the month. In high summer (June to September), air temperatures hit 30-35°C and the sea surface is 22-26°C. You will want the lightest possible clothing, a high-SPF sunscreen, and a cooling spray or mist. Pack a thin sarong or a linen shirt to cover your shoulders when the sun is directly overhead. In spring (April-May) and autumn (October), the weather is more fickle. The wind, often the Poniente from the west, can drop the feels-like temperature to 18°C even on a sunny day. You need a fleece or a windproof jacket, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. Winter charters (November to March) are rare but possible on sunny days; you will need a warm coat, a beanie hat, and thermal layers. The sea temperature drops to 15-17°C, so swimming is only for the brave. Check the wind forecast on Windy or AEMET before you pack. A 15-knot wind on land means 20-25 knots on the water.

Packing for different boat types

The type of boat you charter dictates what you need to bring. On a 50-foot motor yacht with a flybridge, you have plenty of shade and a cabin to store your bags. You can bring a small soft-sided cooler with drinks and a change of clothes. On a catamaran, the deck space is huge and stable, so you can pack a picnic, a Bluetooth speaker, and even a small inflatable paddleboard if the skipper allows it. On a sailing yacht, space is tighter and the boat heels over, so you need non-slip shoes and a bag that stays put. On a RIB or speedboat, you will get wet. Pack everything in a dry bag, not a backpack. Wear a rash guard and quick-dry shorts. Leave anything that cannot get soaked. On a licence-free day boat (typically a small motorboat under 15hp), you are your own skipper, so you also need to bring a charged phone, a paper map or chart, and a basic understanding of the no-wake zones near the shore. Check with BoatHire24 for the specific boat's amenities before you pack.

Swimming stops and beach essentials

Most charters from Puerto Banus include a stop at a cove or beach. Popular spots include Cala del Faro (a rocky cove west of Banus), Playa de los Monteros (a sandy beach with calm water), and the beaches near Cabopino with their natural dunes. For these stops, pack a separate dry bag with your swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Bring snorkel gear if you have it; the rocky areas around Cala del Faro have decent fish life. Pack a pair of reef-safe water shoes for entering the water over pebbles or sea urchins. Do not bring inflatable floats or giant unicorn toys unless the charter explicitly allows them; they take up deck space and can drift away. Bring a waterproof camera or a GoPro on a floating hand strap. Your phone in a pouch works, but the camera quality drops. And always check the wind direction before the stop: if the wind is blowing offshore, the boat will drift, and the skipper will need to anchor carefully.

Dining and tipping culture specifics

Many charters offer the option to order catering from local restaurants or have a private chef on board. If you choose this, you do not need to pack food. But if you bring your own, remember that the skipper will not prepare or serve it. You are responsible for your own meals and cleaning up. For the skipper's tip, the standard is 10-15% of the total charter fee, paid in cash in euros. For a full-day charter from Puerto Banus costing from around EUR 1,200, that is EUR 120-180. Bring small denominations because skippers rarely have change. Do not tip with a credit card; it often does not reach the skipper. Also, tip in cash , not at the start. If the service is poor, you are not obliged to tip the full amount. But most skippers on the BoatHire24 marketplace are professional and friendly, so tip accordingly.

What to pack for a sunset or evening charter

Sunset charters are popular in Puerto Banus, especially from June to September when the sun sets around 9pm. The temperature drops sharply once the sun goes down. Pack a warm layer: a fleece, a hoodie, or a light jacket. Even in August, the wind chill on a moving boat at 9pm can feel like 15°C. Bring a headlamp or a small flashlight for navigating the dock when you return. If you plan to eat dinner on board after sunset, pack insect repellent; mosquitoes come out near the shore. For evening charters, leave your sunglasses in the bag and bring a pair of clear or yellow-lensed glasses for night vision. And if you are going to a beach club or restaurant after the charter, bring a change of smart-casual clothes. Puerto Banus restaurants like the ones on the Muelle de Ribera expect a certain standard of dress. No flip-flops or wet swimwear inside.

Packing for kids on board

If you are bringing children, your packing list expands. Pack extra sunscreen (kids burn faster), a UV-protective swimsuit with long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap. Bring a separate towel for each child, plus a change of clothes in a waterproof bag. Pack snacks that do not melt: crackers, dried fruit, granola bars. Avoid chocolate unless you want a sticky mess. Bring a small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and antihistamine cream for jellyfish stings (rare but possible). Pack a portable game or a colouring book for the downtime. Do not bring toys that float away or make noise. And bring a child-sized life jacket even if the boat has adult ones; the fit is better. Tell the skipper in advance that children are coming so they can prepare a safety briefing tailored to them. Kids under 12 should wear a life jacket at all times on deck, especially on RIBs and speedboats.

Packing for a fishing charter

A fishing charter from Puerto Banus or Estepona targets species like sea bass, bream, and sometimes tuna or dorado. Your packing is different. Bring a long-sleeved UV shirt and a wide-brimmed hat with a neck flap. The sun reflection off the water is intense. Wear polarised sunglasses to see fish and reduce glare. Pack a light rain jacket for spray. Bring your own fishing gloves if you have them; the boat will provide rods and tackle. Pack a small towel for wiping your hands. Do not wear cologne or strong deodorant; the smell can scare fish. Bring a cooler bag with ice packs for your catch if you plan to keep it. Check the regulations: you need a fishing licence for sea fishing in Andalusia, which costs around EUR 30 per year and can be bought online. The skipper may have a boat licence, but it does not cover you as an individual angler. And pack seasickness tablets without fail; fishing involves long periods at anchor in a rolling swell.

Packing for a winter or off-season charter

Winter charters from Puerto Banus are rare but possible, especially for whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar or a sunny day on the water. Pack thermal base layers (merino wool or synthetic), a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Wear trousers, not shorts. Bring a beanie hat and a scarf. The wind chill at 20 knots in 15°C air feels like 5°C. Pack a thermos with hot tea or coffee. Bring a blanket or a poncho for sitting on deck. Your phone battery will drain faster in the cold, so bring a power bank. Wear non-slip boots or closed-toe shoes with good grip. Do not wear cotton socks; they stay wet and cold. If you are going to the Strait of Gibraltar for dolphins and whales, bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. The light is lower in winter, so a camera with good low-light performance helps. And check the forecast: winter storms can cancel charters at short notice. Read our blog for tips on winter boating in the Costa del Sol.

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