Packing for a private yacht day trip in Phuket is simpler than it looks: sun protection, water, swimwear, a dry bag, shoes that come off easily and a light layer for the ride home. Everything else depends on your group — and on what the team confirms for your charter.
That is why the most useful item on this list is a question: what is provided on board? Each enquiry is confirmed with its own inclusions, so ask before you pack rather than guessing.
Quick Answer
- Always bring: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a water bottle and a dry bag for your phone.
- Bring if it applies: personal medication, seasickness remedies, your own mask if you snorkel, a light layer for a sunset return.
- Ask first: towels, snorkel gear, food and drinks, life jackets in children’s sizes, and anything for a celebration.
Your yacht day trip packing checklist
| ✓ | Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Sunscreen (reapply after swimming) | A sea breeze makes the sun easy to underestimate |
| ☐ | Hat with a strap, sunglasses | Wind on deck takes loose hats overboard |
| ☐ | Long-sleeve cover-up or rash vest | Sun protection while swimming and on deck |
| ☐ | Swimwear and a full change of clothes | Dry clothes for the return |
| ☐ | Refillable water bottle | Stay hydrated; ask what drinks are provided |
| ☐ | Slip-on sandals | For getting to the boat and going ashore |
| ☐ | Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch | Protects phone, cards and cash from spray |
| ☐ | Phone, charged power bank, some cash | For photos and anything you need ashore |
| ☐ | Personal medication | Keep it with you, not in a bag below deck |
| ☐ | Seasickness remedy, if you need one | Prepare before you board |
| ☐ | Your own mask (optional) | A familiar fit helps; ask what gear is provided |
| ☐ | Light layer or windbreaker | For a breezy return or after sunset |
| ☐ | Towel | Ask whether towels are provided |
Sun and heat: the essentials
Most of a yacht day happens in the open. Ruangsri has a choice of open-air and covered areas, so there is shade when you want it — but the swim, the beach and the walk ashore are all in full sun.
- Apply sunscreen before you arrive and reapply after swimming.
- A hat with a chin strap or a cap that fits snugly survives the breeze.
- A thin long-sleeve top or rash vest covers shoulders on the swim, when sunscreen washes off fastest.
- Choose a reef-friendly sunscreen if you can, especially if you plan to snorkel.
Water and snacks
Bring your own refillable bottle and keep it with you on deck. Ask the team what food and drinks are arranged for your charter before you plan your own. Ruangsri has a dedicated bar on board, but what is included is confirmed separately for each enquiry.
If you have dietary needs or allergies, mention them when you enquire, not on the day.
Shoes: what you need them for
Better days start barefoot. On a gulet’s open deck, many guests find bare feet the most comfortable way to move around — ask the team about footwear on Ruangsri’s deck.
Shoes are for everything else: getting to and from the boat at Chalong Bay and the beach when you go ashore. Easy slip-on sandals are ideal. Leave heels and hard soles at the hotel.
Keep your phone, cash and cards dry
Spray, wet swimwear and a dash to the beach are all part of the day. A small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch solves most problems.
- Your phone, fully charged, plus a power bank for photos.
- A card and a little cash in Thai baht, in case you need it ashore.
- Your meeting instructions for Chalong Bay — ask the team for them when you book.
- Anything else you need for your group, such as a printed run-of-day for an event.
Leave original documents and valuables you will not need in your hotel safe. Ask the team whether guests need to bring ID or share guest details for the charter.
If anyone gets seasick
If you know you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before departure, not once you feel unwell.
NHS advice on motion sickness includes sitting in the middle of a boat, looking at a fixed point such as the horizon, getting fresh air, avoiding reading or screens, and avoiding heavy or spicy meals and alcohol shortly before or during travel. A pharmacist can recommend a remedy for you or your child.
Let the team know in advance if anyone in your group is worried about the crossing. This is general information, not medical advice.
Snorkelling: ask what is provided
Snorkelling happens where sea conditions and local rules allow, and the captain chooses the anchorage on the day. Before you pack your own gear, ask what is provided for your charter.
If you own a mask that fits you well, bring it — a good seal makes snorkelling far more comfortable.
Not Sure What’s Included?
Ask before you pack.
Message the team with your date, group size and plans, and ask what is provided on board for your charter.
For a sunset cruise: one extra layer
Ruangsri’s Sunset Cruise is a golden-hour sail. After sunset, the breeze on the water can feel cooler than on land, so pack a light layer or a windbreaker. For an evening that matters — a date, an anniversary, a proposal — our guide to romantic sunset experiences by yacht in Phuket covers the moment itself.
Celebrations: talk to the team first
Ruangsri is positioned for weddings, private parties, corporate retreats and special occasions such as anniversaries, proposals and milestone celebrations.
Before you bring a cake, decorations, a speaker for music or a photographer, discuss it with the team so they can advise what works on board and how to plan the timing. Email suits detailed requests for groups and special occasions.
Travelling with children
Kids need much the same as adults, plus a little extra:
- Sun protection they will actually wear — a rash vest and hat beat reapplying sunscreen to a wriggling child.
- A full change of clothes and a favourite snack.
- Something calm to do on the way back.
- Ask the team about life jackets in your children’s sizes before the day.
An adult should always keep an eye on children around water and on deck.
What to leave behind
- Valuables you won’t need — jewellery and spare cards are safer in the hotel.
- Hard suitcases and bulky bags — a soft bag is easier to store on board.
- Glass bottles — ask before bringing your own drinks.
- A drone you haven’t checked — check current Thai rules and ask the team before flying.
- Anything you’d hate to get wet.
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Final thought
A well-packed bag for a yacht day trip is a light one. Bring what keeps you comfortable in sun and water, ask what is already on board, and leave room for the part you can’t pack — the day itself.
For the bigger picture — choosing the yacht, the route and the questions to ask before paying — read our private yacht charter guide to Phuket, or meet Ruangsri on The Boat page.
Plan Your Yacht Day
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to bring our own snorkel gear?
Ask the team what is provided for your charter. Snorkelling depends on sea conditions and local rules on the day. If you own a mask that fits well, it is worth bringing.
Can we bring our own food, drinks or a cake?
Discuss it with the team when you enquire. Food, drinks and inclusions are confirmed for each charter.
Should I wear shoes on the yacht?
Bring slip-on sandals for getting to the boat and going ashore, and ask the team about footwear on deck.
What should we pack for children?
Sun protection they will wear, a change of clothes, snacks and water. Ask the team about life jackets in children’s sizes before the day.
What if I get seasick?
Prepare before you board. NHS advice includes sitting in the middle of a boat, looking at the horizon and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol beforehand; a pharmacist can recommend a remedy.
Article imagery is AI-generated for illustration. It does not show the actual Ruangsri yacht, confirmed services, or verified views of specific islands.