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.