What to Bring on a Hamptons Boat Charter (and What to Leave Home)

Packing for a boat day is simple once you know the two rules. Bring what keeps you comfortable on the water. Leave anything that fights the wind, the sun, or the deck. Here is the honest list we give our own guests.

The short list

A cooler with food and drinks. Our charters are bring-your-own, so pack what your group actually likes. Sandwiches beat anything that needs assembly. Cold drinks and plenty of water carry the day.

Sunscreen. The water doubles the sun. Reapply after every swim. A stick sunscreen for faces will not blow away like a spray on a moving boat.

Towels. One per person, plus a spare.

A layer. Even in July, the run home after sunset gets cool on the water. A light jacket or hoodie earns its space in the bag. Shelter Island sunsets run from 8:25 pm in late June down to 6:32 pm by the end of September, so evening trips end in cooler air than they start in.

Soft-soled shoes. Boat decks and dark-soled street shoes do not mix. Boat shoes, clean sneakers, or bare feet all work.

A hat and sunglasses. Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water and let you actually see what is under it.

What we already have on board

You do not need to bring safety gear. We provide USCG life jackets for everyone on board, and kids' sizes are part of that. New York requires children under 12 to wear one on vessels 65 feet and under while underway. Tell us the ages in your group when you book and we will have the right sizes ready.

Your captain handles the rest: the route, the fuel, the swim stops, and the local knowledge. Mike and JT earned their USCG licenses in 2019 and have run more than 200 charters from Shelter Island, so the boat comes with everything experience can pack.

What to leave home

Glass, if you can help it. Cans and plastic survive a rocking cooler better.

Anything you would cry about losing overboard. Sunglasses go in the water every single week out here. Bring the backup pair, not the good pair.

Heavy bags. One soft bag per person stows easily. Hard suitcases do not.

Red wine on white decks. You know your group. Choose wisely.

Packing for a specific trip

A swim-heavy sandbar tour wants extra towels and a dry change of clothes. A dock-and-dine charter to a waterfront restaurant wants a nicer layer you keep dry in the bag. A fishing charter wants clothes that can meet a fish and lose. Check the trip pages, or just ask when you book. We will tell you exactly what your day needs.

Booked and ready? Bring the cooler and the crew. We handle everything else. Call (631) 251-1777 or email captain@chartersinthehamptons.com to set your date with Charters in The Hamptons.