Marbella charters are pretty well-stocked — operators provide most of what you'd think to pack. This list keeps it tight: bring what's actually useful, skip what's redundant.
Pack this
- Swimwear — worn or in a small dry bag. Bring two if it's a full day.
- Hat with chin strap — wind takes baseball caps overboard at 12 knots.
- Polarised sunglasses — reduces glare for spotting fish and dolphins; non-polarised burns your eyes by hour three.
- Sunscreen 50+, reef-safe — apply before boarding (15 min for activation), reapply every 90 minutes. The on-board sun doubles by reflection off the water.
- A light layer — t-shirt or rash vest. The 15-knot apparent wind underway is cooler than it sounds, and the foredeck sun without cover gets brutal mid-afternoon.
- Cash for the tip — €20-€50 for a great half-day, €50-€100 for a full day, 10% of charter price on luxury yachts. Skippers prefer cash.
- Phone in a Ziploc bag — instant waterproof pouch for swim stops. €0, works perfectly.
- ID — passport or EU national card, charter contracts ask for one.
- Reusable water bottle — the boat has water; refill rather than burn through plastic.
- BYO drinks if you want them — cava, prosecco, wine and spirits all welcomed on private charters. Operators chill the fridge for you.
The boat already has
- Beach-size towels, fresh per guest
- Snorkel masks and fins in standard sizes
- An inflatable donut or paddleboard (or both)
- Fridge with water, soft drinks, ice
- Light snacks: fruit, crisps, almonds, biscuits
- Bluetooth speaker — bring your playlist on your phone
- Life jackets, all sizes
- First-aid kit, sun cream samples (don't rely on these)
Skip this
- Big inflatable toys — operator provides better ones.
- Cooler box — boat's fridge handles drinks.
- Heavy shoes — bare feet on deck, sandals for the marina walk only.
- Full-frame camera with no waterproofing — sea spray will reach it; a phone in a Ziploc covers 95% of shots.
- Hotel slippers, plastic bags, single-use anything — Spanish marinas police plastic litter aggressively.
For specific trips
Sunset cruise: add a light jumper — temperature drops 4-6°C after the sun sets. See sunset cruise Marbella.
Fishing charter: closed-toe shoes for the rod-fighting position, a long-sleeve UPF shirt for the offshore run. See fishing boat rental Marbella.
Gibraltar day trip: passport (Gibraltar is outside the EU), warmer layer for the longer offshore run. See Gibraltar day trip by boat.
Kids on board: additional UPF rash vests, junior snorkel masks, change of clothes for the ride home. See boat rental with kids in Marbella.
Day-of essentials
- Sunscreen applied 15 minutes before boarding.
- Phone charged to 100% (or a power bank).
- Cash in your pocket (not the bag — easier to find for the tip).
- Light breakfast inside you — empty stomach + sea motion = nausea risk.
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure with everyone in the group.
For broader options on which charter fits your day, the boat rental Marbella hub compares every boat type.
Frequently asked questions
Are towels provided?
Yes on every reputable Marbella charter — beach-size towels, fresh per guest. Bring a microfibre one if you prefer your own.
Do I need water shoes?
Not for normal swim stops over sand. Useful for rocky snorkel entries (Cala del Faro) or beach club tender rides. Bare feet are standard on deck.
Should I bring my own snorkel?
Masks and fins are provided. Bring your own if you have a prescription mask or want guaranteed fit.
Do I need to bring food?
No on charters with included snacks (which is most of them). Yes if you want a proper lunch — either BYO sandwiches, cheese and fruit, or pre-order a catered lunch box (€25-€60 per head, 24 h notice). Hot food and full meals don't usually come with the standard charter package.
What about kids' equipment?
Bring junior snorkel masks (charter masks are adult-sized), UPF rash vests, sun hats with chin straps, and a change of dry clothes for the drive home. Life jackets in infant/child/youth sizes are provided by every operator — mention ages when booking.