What to Pack for a Bahamas Sailing Charter
A practical packing guide for your crewed Abacos catamaran trip — what to bring, what to skip, and why soft bags beat suitcases every time.
Most people overpack for a sailing charter. They imagine a week away from civilization and fill bags with things they will never touch. The reality of a crewed catamaran trip in the Abacos is simpler: you spend most of your time in a swimsuit, the yacht has everything you need for daily life, and the islands themselves are laid-back places where nobody checks what you are wearing.
This guide covers what actually belongs in your bag, what to leave behind, and why soft luggage is the first rule of sailing.
The first rule: soft bags only
Leave your hard-sided suitcase at home or at your hotel in Marsh Harbour. Yacht cabins are comfortable but compact, and storage happens in oddly shaped compartments designed for soft bags that bend. A rigid suitcase will not fit under the berth. It will sit in the middle of your cabin for the entire trip, and you will stub your toe on it in the dark.
A collapsible duffel bag or backpack is the answer. Once you unpack, it folds flat and disappears. Some guests bring a smaller day bag for beach excursions. That is enough.
What to pack
The list is shorter than you think. Pack for warm weather, water activities, and evenings that stay casual.
Sun and water essentials
- Swimwear. Two or three swimsuits let you rotate while one dries. You will live in these.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide protect your skin without damaging coral. Chemical sunscreens bleach and kill the reefs you came to see. This is non-negotiable for responsible snorkeling in the Abacos.
- Sun hat with a chin strap. The wind will steal anything that is not secured. A wide brim protects your face and neck.
- Polarized sunglasses. They cut the glare off the water so you can see the reef beneath the surface and the rays gliding over the sand flats.
- Water shoes or reef booties. Some beaches have rocky patches or coral rubble at the waterline. A pair of light water shoes saves your feet and lets you explore confidently.
Clothing
- Light, breathable layers. Linen shirts, cotton shorts, a few t-shirts. Nothing fancy. Casual is the dress code everywhere in the Abacos.
- One warm layer. Evenings on the water can turn cool, especially when the wind picks up or after sunset. A light fleece or hoodie handles it.
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker. Tropical showers blow through quickly. A packable rain layer keeps you comfortable during a brief squall without taking up much bag space. Check our weather window tool before your trip for a sense of what to expect.
Snorkel gear
Masks, snorkels, and fins are aboard Let's Geaux. If you have a mask that fits your face perfectly, or a prescription mask, bring it. A mask that leaks ruins snorkeling faster than anything else. Otherwise, the gear on the boat is ready for you.
Documents and money
- Passport. Required for entry to the Bahamas. Check that it is valid for the duration of your trip.
- Travel documents. Print or download your flight confirmations, charter details, and any required health forms. Having paper backups avoids headaches when cell service disappears.
- Cash and cards. Some island vendors prefer cash, especially for small purchases. The Bahamas uses Bahamian dollars (on par with USD), and US dollars are accepted everywhere.
For details on flights and ferry connections, see how to get to the Abacos.
Health and comfort
- Motion-sickness remedies. If you are prone to seasickness, pack Dramamine, Bonine, ginger tablets, or Sea-Bands. Take them before you feel unwell, ideally before the boat leaves the dock. The Sea of Abaco is protected water, calmer than open ocean, but the motion is real.
- Personal medications. Bring enough for your trip plus a few extra days. Island pharmacies exist but may not stock what you need.
- Basic first aid. Band-aids, pain relievers, antihistamines. The boat has a first aid kit, but having your own basics is wise.
Protecting your gear
- Dry bag. A small waterproof bag protects your phone, wallet, and electronics during dinghy rides and beach landings.
- Waterproof phone case. For photos without worry. Underwater shots of sea turtles are possible with even a basic case.
Entertainment
- A good book. Screen time fades when the Abacos stretch out in front of you. A paperback or e-reader fills the quiet hours between swims.
- Camera. The light here is exceptional. Whatever you use, bring it.
What NOT to pack
The temptation is always to bring too much. Resist it.
You need less than you think
Let's Geaux is a 40-foot Bali Catspace catamaran with a watermaker, which means fresh water for showering and rinsing is always available. You do not need to ration water or feel grimy. The yacht has air conditioning for comfortable sleep and a full galley for meals aboard. Towels and linens are provided.
This changes the math. You are not camping. You are not roughing it. The basics of daily comfort are handled, so your bag only needs to cover what you will wear and the few personal items that make you happy.
Skip these
- Formal clothing. Nobody dresses up in the Abacos. The fanciest meal you will eat happens in shorts and sandals.
- Hair dryers and styling tools. Let the salt air do its thing. Embrace the boat hair.
- Excessive toiletries. Bring what you need, not your entire bathroom cabinet.
- Hard suitcases. Already covered, but worth repeating.
Alcohol is BYO
The yacht does not stock alcohol, so bring your own. Marsh Harbour has grocery stores where you can stock up before boarding. Captain Ron can point you to the right spots. The galley refrigerator holds plenty, and nothing beats a cold beer at sunset while anchored off a quiet cay.
A note on timing
What you pack shifts slightly with the season. Winter charters (December through February) benefit from a warmer layer for cooler evenings. Summer trips mean more emphasis on sun protection. If you are planning around weather, our best time to sail the Abacos guide covers the seasonal picture, and the hurricane risk tool helps you understand what storm season actually means for charter timing.
The packing list tool
For a personalized checklist based on your trip dates and group, use our packing list generator. It builds a full list you can print or save to your phone, covering everything from documents to snorkel gear to that spare warm layer.
Pack light, live well
The best moments on a sailing charter happen in the water, on the beach, or watching the sunset from the cockpit with a drink in hand. You do not need much for any of that. A soft bag with swimwear, sun protection, a few casual layers, and the personal items that matter to you. Captain Ron and Let's Geaux handle the rest.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch to talk through your dates and build the trip around the islands and experiences that call to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I bring a hard suitcase on a sailing charter?
- No. Hard suitcases are difficult to store on a boat. Soft duffel bags or backpacks collapse flat and tuck into cabin storage far more easily. Leave the rolling luggage at home or at your hotel in Marsh Harbour.
- Do I need to bring towels and linens?
- No. Towels and linens are provided aboard Let's Geaux. The yacht also has a watermaker, so fresh water for showering and rinsing is always available. Pack light knowing the basics are covered.
- What kind of sunscreen should I bring for the Bahamas?
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens harm coral reefs. The Abacos sit along a fragile barrier reef system, so what you put on your skin matters for the water you swim in.
- Is alcohol provided on a Sail Abacos charter?
- Alcohol is BYO. Stock up at the grocery store in Marsh Harbour before boarding or bring favorites from home. Captain Ron can point you to the right shops, and the yacht's galley has plenty of refrigerator space for your provisions.
- What if I get seasick?
- Pack motion-sickness remedies before you arrive. Options include Dramamine, Bonine, ginger tablets, or Sea-Bands. Take them before you feel queasy, not after. That said, the Sea of Abaco is protected and relatively calm compared to open ocean sailing.
Ready to Experience the Abacos?
Charter Let's Geaux for your own private sailing adventure through the Abaco Islands.
