Packing Essentials
What to Pack for Your Vagabonde Adventures Charter
Pack Smart
When it comes to packing for life at sea, less is more. Space on a yacht is precious and all a part of the charm! We like to call it ‘glamping on the water’.
Use a soft-sided duffle bag only (no hard suitcases, please) as they can’t be stowed easily onboard. You’ll spend most of your time in swimwear and flip-flops, so pack light and embrace the casual lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Pack everything you think you’ll need… then take out half!
Essential Items
Travel Documents: Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance details, and copies stored digitally.
Money Matters: Notify your bank of your travel dates and bring some local currency (USD works well in the Bahamas (1:1 exchange) and the BVI, EUR is used for places like Croatia and Greece).
Health & Safety:
Seasickness medication or patches (even if you rarely get motion sickness, just in case)
Mosquito repellent and after-bite cream
Reef-safe sunscreen
Personal medications in their original containers
Small first aid kit (optional — our crew has one onboard)
Clothing
You’ll live in easy, lightweight layers designed for sun, salt, and fun.
Multiple bathing suits - you’ll rotate through them daily
Flip-flops and/or deck shoes with non-marking soles
Quick-dry shorts and T-shirts for sailing days
Sun Protection is Crucial:
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap (don’t let it blow away!)
Long-sleeve UPF-rated sun shirt
Polarized sunglasses (bring a retainer strap - they can fly off fast!)
Reef-safe sunscreen & SPF lip balm
Evening Comfort:
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Long loose pants and a light sweater for cooler breezes
Smart-casual outfit for shore dinners or beach bars
Walking Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or sandals for exploring islands
Helpful Additions
A few small items can make your trip even smoother:
Quick-dry towel (although we provide linens, an extra helps for beach days)
Waterproof dry bag for phones, cameras, and valuables on dinghy rides
Portable charger or battery pack
Personal snorkel gear and fins (optional - we have gear, but your own ensures a perfect fit)
Water shoes for rocky shorelines and coral areas
Reusable water bottle - help us reduce single-use plastic
Books or Kindle, playing cards, or a compact travel game for downtime
Underwater camera or GoPro to capture your adventures
International power adapter (our boats are equipped with EU outlets and USB-C plugs, but this can be handy for travel days)
Before You Depart
A few pre-trip checks make your arrival stress-free:
Check the weather forecast for your charter destination (Caribbean average temps are 78–86°F year-round, while the Mediterranean can vary based on time of the summer and location)
Confirm travel arrangements, meeting points, and boarding time with our team
Test your electronics and chargers, and ensure your international phone plan is active. We recommend Airalo for an easy eSim
Double-check your passport expiration date (must be valid for at least 6 months after travel and have spare pages to be stamped)
Complete and return your Chef Preference Sheet (if applicable)
Complete your Crew Information Form (emailed to you beforehand)
Bring your sense of adventure - the rest, we’ll handle!
Final Thoughts
Packing for a sailing charter is about embracing simplicity, comfort, and connection with the sea. The essentials are sun protection, lightweight clothing, and a few personal touches to make your trip feel like home.