What to Pack for Your Hvar Boat Trip - Checklist

Packing for a day on a boat is different from packing for a beach day. You want to be prepared for sun, wind, salt spray, and the occasional splash, but you also need to keep things compact and waterproof. After decades of watching what our guests wish they had brought (and what they wish they had left at the hotel), here is our tried-and-tested checklist.

Sun Protection

The Croatian sun is no joke, especially on the water where it reflects off the surface and hits you from every angle. This is the most important category on the list.

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reapply every two hours, and after every swim. The water washes it off faster than you think. Choose reef-safe formulas to protect the marine life you are there to enjoy.
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap — essential for the hours between 11 AM and 3 PM. Caps with a back flap are great for protecting your neck.
• UV-protective rash guard or long-sleeve shirt — the single best thing you can wear on a boat. It protects your shoulders and back without needing constant sunscreen application. Particularly good for children.
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap — polarised lenses are ideal for cutting the glare off the water. Use a strap or croakie so they do not end up at the bottom of the Adriatic.

Swimwear and Water Gear

• Quick-dry swimwear — you will be in and out of the water all day. Board shorts or a quick-dry swimsuit dry much faster than cotton and are more comfortable for long boat rides.
• Water shoes or reef shoes — many of the best beaches around Hvar are pebble or rocky. Water shoes make getting in and out of the water much more comfortable, especially at places like Stiniva or Dubovica.
• Snorkel and mask — we provide snorkelling gear on our tours, but if you have your own mask that fits well, bring it. The visibility here is extraordinary and you will want to use it at every stop.
• Waterproof phone case — a universal waterproof pouch lets you take photos and videos in the water without worrying. They cost very little and save you from a very expensive accident.

Clothing

• A light layer for the boat ride — when the boat is moving at speed, the wind can feel surprisingly cool, even on a hot day. A thin long-sleeve shirt or a light windbreaker is perfect.
• Something warm for early-morning trips — Mornings on the water can be chilly before the sun heats up. A hoodie or fleece that you can stow in a bag later is ideal.
• A dry change of clothes — if you plan to stop for lunch at a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands, having a dry shirt to throw on feels civilised.

Food and Drink

• Water — at least 2 litres per person — this is non-negotiable. The combination of sun, salt, and wind dehydrates you faster than you expect. Bring more than you think you need.
• Snacks — fruit, nuts, crackers, and sandwiches all travel well on a boat. Avoid anything that melts or gets messy.
• Cash for restaurants — most waterfront restaurants on the Pakleni Islands accept cards, but smaller spots and beach bars sometimes prefer cash. Bring some euros just in case.

Tech and Gadgets

• Waterproof phone case — worth repeating. This is the single most useful accessory you can bring.
• GoPro or action camera — if you have one, bring it. The underwater footage inside the Green Cave is spectacular, and cliff jumping videos are always a hit.
• Portable power bank — a full day of photos, videos, and navigation will drain your phone. A small power bank keeps you going.

Documents

If you are renting a boat without a skipper, you will need to bring some paperwork.

• Boating licence (original) — Croatian law requires you to carry the original document, not a copy or photo. International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent national licence accepted.
• ID or passport — needed for the boat check-in and good to have on you when visiting other islands.

If you are joining one of our private tours with a skipper, you do not need any boating documents at all. Just show up with your swimsuit and a smile.

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as what to pack is what to leave behind.

• Heavy luggage or large bags — space on a boat is limited. Pack everything into one soft bag per person. Hard suitcases are a nightmare on boats.
• High heels or dress shoes — boat decks are wet and slippery. Flip-flops, sandals, or boat shoes only.
• Expensive jewellery or watches — salt water, cliff jumping, and snorkelling are a risky combination for anything precious. Leave it in the hotel safe.
• Glass bottles — broken glass on a boat is dangerous. Bring drinks in cans or plastic bottles.

Pro Tips from the Crew

• Use a dry bag — even a cheap roll-top dry bag keeps your phone, wallet, and spare clothes safe from splashes. Highly recommended for RIB boats.
• Apply sunscreen before you board — applying sunscreen on a moving boat is messy and you will miss spots. Lather up 15 minutes before departure so it has time to soak in.
• Freeze your water bottles — freeze one or two bottles half filled with water overnight and they will slowly melt through the day, giving you ice-cold water when you need it most.

Now that you are packed and ready, it is time to pick your adventure. Browse our boat rentals and private tours, or contact us and we will help you plan the perfect day on the water.