Packing for a yacht charter in Marbella is straightforward once you know what's provided and what's not. Our fleet, based at Puerto Banús, includes everything from a Dubhe (8m, 5 pax) to a Ferretti 94 (29m, 12 pax), and each charter comes with a licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, towels, and a selection of drinks and snacks. But to make the most of your day on the water, you'll want a few personal items. This checklist covers everything you need for a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable trip.
Sun Protection Essentials
Marbella enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year, and the UV reflection off the sea is intense. High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) is non-negotiable. Choose a water-resistant, reef-safe formula to protect both your skin and the marine environment. Lip balm with SPF is often forgotten but essential. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses with a strap (to prevent losing them overboard) complete your sun defence. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming.
Clothing and Footwear
Comfort is key. For daytime charters, pack swimwear, a light cover-up, and a change of clothes for lunch ashore. Evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker – the sea breeze can drop the temperature by 5–10°C. Soft-soled, non-marking white-soled shoes are required on most yachts to protect the deck. Flip-flops are fine for the beach but not on deck. Avoid black-soled shoes and high heels entirely.
Documents and Valuables
Every guest must bring a valid passport or national ID card. This is required for embarkation at Puerto Banús and for any stops at other marinas like Estepona or Sotogrande. Keep your phone and wallet in a waterproof pouch – splashes happen. A dry bag is useful for storing electronics. Leave expensive jewellery at home; it's unnecessary and can be lost overboard.
Food, Drinks, and Snacks
Our standard charter includes water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks. If you have specific dietary requirements or want more substantial food, you are welcome to bring your own. A soft-sided cooler bag is ideal for extra items. Many guests also bring fruit, nuts, or sandwiches. Avoid glass bottles on board – they can break and create a hazard. For a full list of what's included, see our main boat rental page.
Health and Comfort Items
If you are prone to motion sickness, bring seasickness medication (take it 30 minutes before departure). Ginger sweets or acupressure wristbands are natural alternatives. A small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers is wise for minor issues. Insect repellent is useful if you plan to anchor near the coast, especially at dusk. Don't forget personal medications – keep them in your hand luggage.
Entertainment and Tech
All our yachts have Bluetooth or AUX sound systems, so bring your phone with your favourite playlist. A portable power bank is useful as charging points may be limited. A waterproof camera or GoPro is great for capturing memories. Drones are allowed but check local regulations – you may need a permit. For a more relaxed vibe, bring a book or e-reader. Our complete checklist is designed to help you prepare.
Optional Extras
If you book a Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) – available in grey or white – a jet ski is included free for the charter duration. For other boats, jet ski rental is available on request. Bring a wetsuit or rash guard if you plan to use water toys extensively, as the water temperature can vary. A small amount of cash or a card is useful for gratuities or for buying souvenirs at beach clubs like Cala del Faro.
What Not to Bring
Some items are best left behind. Glass bottles are prohibited on most yachts for safety reasons. Large coolers are unnecessary as our boats have onboard refrigeration. Heavy luggage is impractical – a small backpack or tote is enough. Pets are not allowed unless specifically arranged. And avoid bringing valuable jewellery or watches – the sea is unforgiving. For a stress-free day, pack light and smart.
Final Checklist Summary
- Passport/ID (required for every guest)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Swimwear and cover-up
- Change of clothes
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Soft-soled, non-marking shoes
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag for electronics
- Seasickness medication (if needed)
- Personal medications
- Bluetooth speaker (optional)
- Power bank
- Camera or GoPro
- Small first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Cash/card for extras
With this checklist, you're ready for a perfect day on the water. All our charters depart from Puerto Banús and include a skipper, fuel, drinks, snacks, and insurance. For pricing and availability, explore our full fleet of boats or contact us directly via WhatsApp. Enjoy your charter – the Mediterranean is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own towels for a yacht charter in Marbella?
No. All our charters include fresh towels for every guest. You only need to bring your swimwear and a change of clothes if you plan to go ashore.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. However, our standard charter already includes water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and light snacks. If you want specific brands or larger quantities, a soft-sided cooler bag is best.
What shoes should I wear on a yacht in Marbella?
Soft-soled, non-marking shoes are essential. Many yachts require you to remove shoes or wear deck shoes to avoid scuffing. Flip-flops are fine for the beach but not ideal on deck. Avoid black-soled shoes.
Is there a dress code for yacht charters in Puerto Banús?
There is no strict dress code, but smart-casual is common for evening charters. For daytime, swimwear with a cover-up is fine. Avoid high heels on deck – they can damage the surface and are unsafe.
What documents do I need to bring for a yacht charter in Marbella?
You must bring a valid passport or national ID card for every guest. This is required for embarkation and for any port stops. No other documentation is needed.
Should I bring seasickness medication?
If you are prone to motion sickness, yes. The Mediterranean can have gentle swell, especially in the afternoon. We recommend taking medication 30 minutes before departure. Ginger sweets or wristbands can also help.
Can I bring a camera or drone on the charter?
Yes, cameras are welcome. Drones are allowed but must be flown with respect for other boats and privacy. Check local regulations – you may need a permit for drone use in Marbella waters.
Is it worth bringing a portable speaker?
All our yachts have onboard sound systems that connect via Bluetooth or AUX. You can bring your own playlist. A portable speaker is unnecessary unless you want a separate setup on the flybridge or sundeck.