Guides
Part of Ten kinds of boat tour operator, sorted by what they actually do
Packing for a boat tour: dress for the water, not the dock
Packing for a trip built around boat tours: dress for the water temperature rather than the air, carry your own water, and protect optics from salt.
What to take away
- Dress for the sea surface temperature, not the air temperature on the dock.
- Carry your own drinking water on every trip. Assume the boat has none.
- Binoculars are the single most useful item on a wildlife tour, ahead of any camera.
- Small tour boats have less shelter, less space and fewer facilities than a scheduled ferry.
Dress for the water, not the dock
Air temperature ashore is a poor guide to how a boat trip will feel. The relevant number is the sea surface temperature, and it is measured everywhere for good reason. NOAA explains that because the ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface, scientists record sea surface temperature to understand how the ocean communicates with the atmosphere.
The reading provides fundamental information on the global climate system. It is an essential parameter in weather prediction and atmospheric model simulations, and in the study of marine ecosystems. It is also especially useful for identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles.
Practically, look up the current reading for the water you are heading onto and dress for that plus wind.
On an upwelling coast in summer, the sea can be far colder than the beach suggests. A boat moving at speed adds its own wind on top of whatever is already blowing. Pack one more layer than the dock makes you think you need.
Carry your own water
It sounds obvious, and it is often forgotten. Small tour boats often have no galley and no drinking water, and the sea is not an option.
NOAA notes about 97 percent of Earth's water sits in the ocean. Roughly two percent is frozen in glaciers and ice caps. Less than one percent of all water on Earth is fresh.
Take more than you think you need, especially on a warm-weather trip where sun and wind dehydrate faster than they feel like they should.
The same logic applies to food. A trip advertised at three hours can run four when the wildlife is worth staying for, and there is nowhere to buy anything. Something in a pocket that survives being sat on is worth more than anything requiring a container.
The list
- Binoculars. Eight or ten power. More useful than a long lens for most people.
- A windproof outer layer. Even in summer. Especially in summer.
- Sun protection. Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, because reflected light off water doubles the exposure.
- Motion sickness medication. Taken before boarding, per the label.
- Water and a snack. Assume nothing is sold aboard.
- A dry bag. Small tour boats get wet in ways ferries do not.
- Cash. For tips, parking and the places where the card reader has no signal.
- A lens cloth. Salt spray on binocular glass ruins the whole point of bringing them.
What is different from a scheduled ferry
| Scheduled ferry | Small tour boat |
|---|---|
| Indoor seating | Often open deck only |
| Toilets aboard | Sometimes none |
| Food service | Rarely |
| Stable in swell | Lively in swell |
| Runs regardless of numbers | May cancel on low bookings |
Pack once, use twice
If the trip includes both a crossing and a tour, pack for the tour and the ferry is covered automatically. The reverse is not true. Our general ferry packing list covers the shared items, and the operator types that shape your day are described in our boat-tour operator roundup.
Common questions
Are binoculars really better than a camera? For seeing wildlife, yes. Most people who bring both end up using the binoculars and regretting the weight of the lens.
Do I need waterproof trousers? On a fast open boat, often. On a covered harbor cruise, no.
What about children? Extra layers, extra snacks, and a plan for a trip that runs longer than advertised.
Can I bring a bag on a small boat? Usually one soft bag. Hard cases and large packs are frequently refused on small craft.
