Are you ready to set sail on your private yacht tour of the Mediterranean? Part of planning a yacht charter is deciding what to take with you, but charters work a bit differently from cramming everything you own onto a plane. Packing for a yacht tour means accounting for more limited space and bringing the items you’ll need. After all, nobody wants to be lugging a suitcase full of items you won’t actually need around.
With your private yacht charter in Mallorca in sight, here’s what to bring along (and what you should leave on land).
Choosing the Right Suitcase
Before you start thinking about what to pack, what should you be packing it in? There will be limited space, whether it’s a sailing boat or a motor yacht. Unless you’re chartering a giant superyacht, the goal is to pack light by bringing only the essentials.
Soft-sided luggage, like duffel bags, is always recommended because they’re easier to stow and won’t damage the interior. Hard suitcases are more cumbersome and take up space that doesn’t need to be taken up.
We also recommend pairing a soft-sided piece of luggage with a beach bag to organize your water and beach-going gear.
Essential Clothing Items
Clothes will make up the most of your luggage, but what’s the correct attire for a private yacht charter in Mallorca?
The answer is in lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Clothing with these two characteristics suits the baking sun and jumping in and out of the water. Some must-have items include:
- Swimwear
- SPF-protective rash guards
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm outer layers (for the evenings)
- Sunglasses
- Broad-brimmed hat
Generally, the smart-casual look with lots of light colours to keep you cool is the order of the day. The only exception to this rule is if you’re planning a formal event as part of a celebration, such as a birthday dinner or anniversary.
Footwear for Your Yacht Charter
Footwear is often one of the most confusing parts of planning a yacht charter because the type of yacht you’re chartering will come into play.
The barefoot rule will be in effect for most of your time onboard. It’s an age-old rule that protects the teak decks from your soles. Footwear usually stays outside the cabin and isn’t worn on deck. When footwear does become necessary, shoes with white rubber soles are worn instead.
For onshore excursions, sandals and flip-flops are recommended. Choose practicality and comfort over fashion and style when picking out your shoes for your yacht tour.
Yacht Tour Accessories
It’s the little things that often go forgotten. Don’t start your yachting experience on the wrong foot by forgetting the following:
- SPF 50+ sun cream
- High-quality camera
- Extra camera batteries
- Personal music player
- Polarized sunglasses
- Extra charging cables
- Electrical adapters
Of course, technology is a part of the modern world, but try not to bring too many gadgets along with you. Spend your time taking in the epic experience of bobbing along on the sea rather than updating your social media.
Luxury Yacht Charter Toiletries
Packing your own accessories gives you the personal comfort you expect and attends to all your needs. Avoid those jumbo bottles of shampoo and other cosmetics, as they only add unnecessary weight to your bag. Stock up on travel-size toiletries before you go.
Some of the toiletries you might want to consider include:
- Reef-safe sun cream
- Lip balm
- Seasickness pills/patches
- Insect repellent
- Soap/shampoo
Which Documents Do I Need to Bring?
Going abroad means you’ll need to have your passport with you. If you’re in Europe, you won’t need any additional visa documents. However, we recommend bringing a copy of your passport photo page just in case something goes wrong. You should also bring a copy of your travel insurance and keep some backup credit cards in a safe place.
While not strictly necessary, it puts many guests at ease to print out their charter documents, including their booking confirmations.
What You Shouldn’t Bring When Planning a Yacht Charter
There isn’t much you shouldn’t bring when planning a yacht charter. Truthfully, the best advice is just to pack as light as possible. Countless first-timers tend to overpack on clothing and gadgets, meaning they’re lugging an enormous suitcase around whilst sweating from every pore.
Regardless of whether you’re on a sailing or motor yacht, 99% of your time will be spent in casual attire and swimwear. Select the number of days you’ll be on the boat (and your trip as a whole) and calculate the number of changes you’ll need accordingly.
On a side note, try to leave the souvenir shopping until after your yacht trip. Conditions at sea can be unpredictable, and fragile items like glassware don’t usually fare well.
Conclusion: Packing Right for Your Mallorca Yacht Charter
Packing can be a trial in itself, but it doesn’t have to be. When embarking upon your trip, stay in contact with your charter company. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you might have about what to bring, even if you think it’s incredibly mundane. Experienced yacht charter companies have heard it all before and will happily advise so you get the best experience possible.
Yacht Tour Packing FAQs
Is there a weight limit for packing on yacht charters?
Hard weight limits don’t exist on charters, but you’ll be told to try to bring as little as possible. Clothing and protecting yourself from the sun are the two priorities. If you’re worried about packing too much, contact your charter company for guidance.
What shoes shouldn’t I wear on a yacht?
The two shoes that should never be worn on a yacht are high-heels and dark-soled shoes. Both of these shoe types damage the deck and leave unsightly stains. Unless you’re going ashore, you’ll be barefoot most of the time anyway.
Can I bring pets on a yacht?
Every yachting company has a different policy on whether you can bring pets along for your adventure. Some are pet-friendly, whereas others aren’t. Confirm the charter company’s policy in advance before confirming your booking.