What to Pack for a
Sailing Trip
The most comprehensive sailing packing checklist on the internet. Interactive, destination-specific, and built by instructors with 100,000+ nautical miles of experience.
Packing for a sailing trip is different from packing for any other vacation. Space is limited, conditions are unique, and forgetting the right items can make or break your experience. This interactive checklist is built from years of real sailing experience across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond.
Select your destination and travel season below to get a personalized packing list. Check items off as you pack — your progress is saved automatically in your browser so you can come back anytime.
Customize Your Packing List
Packing Progress
0 of 50 itemsGolden Rule: Pack Light
Everything must fit in small boat compartments, not closets. Use a collapsible duffel bag — hard luggage physically cannot fit. When in doubt, leave it out. You will be surprised how little you actually need.
Valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates
Keep digital and printed copies
Bring enough for the entire trip plus extra days
Digital or printed copy of your Sailing Virgins booking
For car rentals and verification
Include family, your doctor, and local embassy
Store separately from originals. Email copies to yourself too
For shore excursions and local purchases
Accepted everywhere in the BVI
For local purchases and taxis
Used locally in French Polynesia
Quick-dry material recommended
Light, breathable fabrics
Light colors reflect sun better
Long sleeve shirt and light sweater for evenings
Packable and waterproof
White or light-colored soles only!
Instructor tip: Sperry or Zhik are favorites among our crew. Break them in before your trip.
For beach and marina walks
For dinners ashore
Enough for the trip plus extras
Cover shoulders and knees for church/monastery visits
Versatile for temple visits and beach-to-town transitions
Mineral-based, ocean-friendly formula
Instructor tip: Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. The Caribbean sun is no joke.
With chin strap for windy days
With croakies/strap to prevent loss
Instructor tip: Polarized lenses are not optional on the water. They cut glare and help you read the water depth.
Lips burn fast and painfully on the water
Great for snorkeling and extended sailing
For any unexpected sunburn
NOT hard luggage. Boat storage requires soft, squishable bags
Instructor tip: This is rule #1. Hard suitcases cannot fit in boat compartments. A duffel bag is the only correct answer.
For electronics and valuables during water activities
Essential for night watches and finding things below deck
Stay hydrated! Dehydration sneaks up on you at sea
Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or ginger tablets. Bring even if you think you won't need it
Instructor tip: Take it the night before your first sail, not when you already feel sick. Prevention beats cure.
For spotting navigation marks and wildlife
Protects feet from sharp coral and rocks on beaches
DEET-based for tropical destinations
Boat charging may be limited
For charging in marinas
When in doubt, bring a universal one
For night watch entertainment and downtime
Your phone WILL get splashed
Perfect for downtime at anchor
For sundowner music on deck
Usually provided, but bring your own if preferred
Memories worth capturing
Great for evening entertainment
Document your sailing logbook entries
Peak sun months need maximum coverage
What NOT to Bring
Boat compartments only fit soft bags. Use a collapsible duffel.
They permanently mark the deck. White or light-colored soles only.
Chemical sunscreens kill coral. Mineral-based SPF only.
Limited charging. Bring only essentials.
Risk of loss overboard. Leave expensive items at home.
Dangerous on deck. Flat, non-marking shoes only.
Breakable and dangerous on a boat. Decant into plastic containers.
Secrets from Our Instructors
Tips you will not find on any other packing list — straight from our crew who live on boats.
Bring a pillowcase from home — the small comfort makes a big difference on a boat.
Pack everything in gallon ziplock bags inside your duffel. Keeps things organized and dry.
Bring a small carabiner to clip your water bottle to the lifelines while sailing.
A lightweight microfiber towel dries 3x faster than cotton. Game-changer on a boat.
Bring a cheap watch you do not mind getting wet — checking your phone at the helm is dangerous.
Packing FAQ
What kind of bag should I bring on a sailing trip?
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
What shoes should I wear on a sailboat?
Should I bring seasickness medication?
How much sunscreen do I need for a sailing trip?
Can I do laundry on a sailing trip?
Is there electricity to charge my devices on a boat?
Ready to Book Your Sailing Adventure?
Now that you know what to pack, the only thing left is to choose your destination.