Mediterranean Boat Tours: What to Pack

Taking a full-day boat tour (often on a traditional wooden Gulet) along the Turquoise Coast is arguably the best thing to do in Antalya. You will sail past hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear water, and eat fresh grilled fish on deck. While the boat provides the lunch, you need to bring the essentials for a day on the water.

1. Two Swimsuits

You will be swimming, drying off on the deck, and swimming again repeatedly throughout the day. Rather than sitting in a damp swimsuit while you eat lunch, pack a second, dry swimsuit in your bag. Changing into dry clothes halfway through the day makes the experience much more comfortable.

2. A Microfiber Towel

Most boat tours do not provide towels for guests. Bringing a massive, heavy cotton hotel towel will take up your entire bag and stay soggy all day. Invest in a large microfiber travel towel. It packs down to the size of a water bottle and dries incredibly quickly in the Mediterranean sun.

3. Marine-Friendly Sunscreen

The sun reflecting off the water significantly intensifies UV exposure. You will burn much faster on a boat than you will on land.

• Apply a thick layer of sunscreen before you board the boat.
• Reapply every time you get out of the water.
• Crucial: Please purchase “Reef-Safe” or marine-friendly sunscreen. Standard sunscreens contain chemicals (like Oxybenzone) that are highly toxic to marine life and damage the beautiful coral and ecosystems you are swimming in.

4. A Dry Bag

You will likely be on a boat with 20 to 50 other people. Water will get splashed on the deck, drinks might spill, and wet people will be walking past your belongings constantly. Keep your phone, wallet, hotel keys, and dry clothes inside a waterproof “dry bag” rather than a standard canvas tote.

5. Snorkel Gear (Optional but Recommended)

The boat will stop in secluded, rocky coves with excellent visibility. While some boats have communal snorkeling gear you can borrow, the mouthpieces are rarely sanitized between uses. If you enjoy snorkeling, bringing your own lightweight mask and snorkel is highly recommended.