What to Pack for a Boat Day in Corfu

The Bag That Makes the Day

A full day on a boat in the Ionian Sea is one of the best things you can do in Corfu. A poorly packed bag is one of the quickest ways to diminish it. Sunburn, a dead phone, the wrong shoes, a forgotten medication — small oversights that barely register on a beach day become genuine problems eight nautical miles from the nearest pharmacy.

This is a practical packing guide built from years of watching guests board boats in Corfu — what the prepared ones bring, what the unprepared ones wish they had, and a few things nobody thinks of until they need them.

Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable Category

The Ionian sun in summer is stronger than most northern European visitors expect. On the water, with light reflecting off the surface from every angle, the UV exposure is roughly double what you experience on a beach under an umbrella.

Sunscreen

Bring SPF 50 and apply it thirty minutes before boarding. Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming. The areas people miss: tops of feet, backs of knees, ears, and the part in your hair. Reef-safe formulations are preferred — the Ionian’s marine environment benefits from fewer chemicals in the water.

A Hat

A wide-brimmed hat that stays on in wind is worth its weight. Baseball caps protect the face but leave ears and neck exposed. A hat with a chin strap or a tight fit is practical on a moving boat. If you are prone to losing hats overboard, bring a spare.

UV-Protective Clothing

A long-sleeved rash vest or UV shirt is the most effective sun protection for a boat day. Lightweight, quick-drying, and eliminates the need for constant sunscreen application on shoulders and back. Many guests wear one all day over their swimsuit.

Sunglasses

Polarised lenses are essential on the water. They cut the glare from the sea surface, reduce eye strain, and let you see into the water when snorkelling from above. Attach them with a floating strap — replacing sunglasses at the bottom of the Ionian is not possible.

Footwear

Reef Shoes or Water Sandals

Most beaches accessible by boat in Corfu are pebble, not sand. Some have rocky entries. A pair of reef shoes or sturdy water sandals protects your feet and gives you grip on wet boat surfaces.

Flip-flops are fine on the boat but inadequate on pebble beaches and slippery rocks. The best approach: reef shoes for swimming and beach access, flip-flops for the boat deck.

What Not to Wear

Hard-soled shoes, high heels, and black-soled sneakers are inappropriate on boats. They mark the deck, offer no grip when wet, and are uncomfortable for a day that involves climbing in and out of the water.

What to Wear

Swimwear as a base layer, with a cover-up or light clothing for the transit between stops. Temperatures on the water can feel cooler than on land when the boat is moving — a light long-sleeved shirt handles this and doubles as sun protection.

For the evening return, a dry change of clothes is appreciated. A simple cotton dress, linen trousers and a t-shirt, or a fresh pair of shorts makes the ride back more comfortable than sitting in a damp swimsuit as the air cools.

A Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Even in July, the return trip in the late afternoon can bring a breeze that feels cool on sun-warmed skin. A packable windbreaker or light hoodie takes up minimal space and makes a difference during the last hour on the water.

Hydration and Snacks

Most private boat charters provide water, soft drinks, and light refreshments. SeaDreamers boats carry a stocked cooler. However, if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, bringing your own supplies is wise.

Water

Drink more than you think you need. Sun, wind, and salt air dehydrate faster than you realise. A reusable water bottle you can refill from the boat’s cooler keeps you sipping throughout the day.

Snacks

Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, and crackers travel well on a boat. Avoid anything that melts, smells strongly, or crumbles. Bananas are the classic boat snack — portable, filling, and self-packaged.

Technology

Phone in a Waterproof Case

A waterproof phone case or pouch is the single most useful accessory you can bring. It lets you take the phone into the water for swimming photos, protects it from spray on the boat, and prevents the panic of a splashed phone on a rocking vessel.

Universal waterproof pouches cost under ten euros and work with any phone. Test the seal before the trip.

Power Bank

A full day of photos, videos, and the occasional GPS check will drain most phone batteries by early afternoon. A compact power bank ensures you have camera capacity for the sunset, which is often the best light of the day.

Camera Considerations

If you bring a dedicated camera, a dry bag is essential. Salt spray is corrosive, and a single rogue wave can ruin unprotected electronics. GoPro-style action cameras with waterproof housings are the safest choice for capturing both above and below the water.

Swim and Snorkel Gear

SeaDreamers vessels provide snorkelling equipment — masks, snorkels, and fins. If you have prescription needs, own a mask that fits perfectly, or prefer specific fins, bring them.

Prescription Masks

For glasses-wearers, prescription snorkel masks are a worthwhile investment. The difference between snorkelling in blur and snorkelling in focus at Paleokastritsa’s sea caves is the difference between a nice swim and a revelation.

Health and Comfort

Seasickness Preparation

The Ionian Sea is generally calm, but the open-water crossing to Paxos or Sivota can produce moderate swell. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication thirty to sixty minutes before departure — not after symptoms begin, when it is less effective.

Non-pharmaceutical options: ginger tablets, acupressure wristbands, and staying on deck with eyes on the horizon. Avoid reading or looking at your phone during transit.

Any Medications You Take

If you take regular medication, bring it. A full day on the water keeps you far from a hotel room or pharmacy. Asthma inhalers, allergy medication, and epi-pens should come aboard in a sealed bag.

After-Sun and Aloe Vera

Despite best efforts, some sun exposure is inevitable. A small tube of aloe vera gel in your bag provides immediate relief on the return trip if your skin has had enough.

What Not to Bring

Excessive luggage. Space on a boat is limited. One soft bag per person is the guideline. Hard suitcases are impractical.

Valuables you cannot get wet. Passports, large amounts of cash, and expensive jewellery are safer at your hotel.

Glass bottles. Broken glass on a boat deck is dangerous. Drinks are provided in cans or plastic, and you should do the same with anything you bring.

Heavy towels. Most charters provide towels. If you bring your own, microfibre dries fast and packs small.

The Quick Checklist

Sunscreen SPF 50. Hat with secure fit. Polarised sunglasses with strap. Reef shoes. Swimwear plus cover-up. Dry change of clothes. Light jacket. Waterproof phone case. Power bank. Water bottle. Any medications. After-sun gel.

Everything fits in a medium-sized soft bag. Pack it the night before and you board the boat ready for whatever the day offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkelling equipment provided on Corfu boat tours?

Yes. SeaDreamers provides masks, snorkels, and fins in multiple sizes at no extra charge. Bring your own only if you have specific preferences or prescription needs.

Should I bring cash on a boat day in Corfu?

Bring some euros for lunch ashore at Paxos or Sivota tavernas, some of which prefer cash. Thirty to fifty euros per person is sufficient for a meal and drinks.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on a private boat?

Yes. While refreshments are provided, you are welcome to bring additional items. Avoid glass containers and anything that does not travel well in heat.

What should I do if I get seasick easily?

Take motion sickness medication before departure. Sit towards the back of the boat, stay on deck with fresh air, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The skipper can adjust speed and route to minimise discomfort.

Ready to Board

The right preparation makes the difference between a great day and a perfect one. Pack light, pack smart, and leave the rest to the sea and the skipper.

Contact SeaDreamers to book your boat day in Corfu and receive a detailed briefing on what to expect.