Throwing a boat party sounds easy until you’re halfway out on the water and realize you forgot something essential, like sunscreen, or worse, ice.

You see, it’s not just about bringing snacks and good vibes; there’s a little bit of prep involved if you want things to go smoothly. The boat isn’t exactly a place where you can pop back to the kitchen or run to the store. So, packing smart and planning ahead means fewer headaches and way more fun. Here’s your go-to checklist for what to pack and prepare before you push off and start the real fun.

Start with the basics

Before you even think about drinks, playlists, or the right sunglasses, make sure your boat is actually ready to go. And no, this doesn’t just mean it floats. Check your registration papers. Make sure your insurance is in place. Look at your safety gear and see if it’s all accounted for. Think of this as the pre-party checklist that no one wants to do, but everyone is glad you did.

Life jackets are not optional, even if you’re planning a calm cruise with strong swimmers. If you’ve got kids, make sure their jackets fit properly and are approved for their weight and size. You don’t want to be halfway to the cove only to realize someone’s gear is sitting in your garage. That’s not a good look. This is not the day to skip a proper engine check. You see, a dead battery or a fuel gauge playing tricks on you can kill the vibe before it even starts. A quick check in the morning, before people arrive, can save you from awkward apologies and towing fees later.

And if you’re using a service that handles the rent of boats, double-check what’s included. Don’t assume the basics are covered. Ask about fuel, emergency gear, or any location-specific rules. It’s always better to ask upfront than be surprised when you’re already out on the water.

Food and drinks

If you’re planning to keep people on board for more than an hour or two, you’ll need to feed them. No one’s expecting a five-course meal, but hungry guests get cranky fast. Go with snacks that are easy to grab and don’t create a mess—chips, wraps, fruit skewers, and mini sandwiches usually do the trick.

It’s amazing how quickly people get dehydrated on a boat. Bring more bottled water than you think you need. Even the people who “don’t drink water” will be reaching for it after a couple of hours under the sun. The same goes for ice—double what you had in mind, then add a bit more. Drinks are where you can get creative. A themed cocktail with a silly name, a cooler packed with cold beers, or even some non-alcoholic mocktails go a long way. Make sure you keep the booze under control, though—there’s still a designated captain on board, and that job isn’t as fun when everyone else is acting recklessly.

Choose reusable or recyclable containers to make cleanup easier. A set of tumblers or even just solo cups with names written in marker will save you from mystery drinks and waste. Think ahead—it’s a party, not a landfill on water.

Entertainment essentials

Once the music starts, everything feels a little more alive. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is basically the DJ of your boat party. Make sure it’s charged and loud enough to drown out the wind and engine noise. And have a playlist ready—you don’t want to rely on someone’s random Spotify choices mid-party. Water toys make a huge difference. Floats, noodles, and inflatable loungers turn a regular boat trip into a proper event. You don’t need to bring the whole toy store with you, but a few well-chosen items go a long way, especially if your boat has swim access.

Waterproof phone cases are one of those things people don’t think of until it’s too late. You see someone waving their phone around for selfies, then—splash. Save yourself the horror story and just make sure everyone has a case or a dry bag. Photos and music should survive the party too. Games are a nice bonus. Think card games made for waterproof decks, mini ring toss sets, or even trivia questions. Something light, nothing with complex rules—just enough to get people laughing and talking. A little planned fun helps when things hit a lull or someone forgets how to swim.

Comfort and sun protection

People always think they’re fine with just a bottle of sunscreen until they turn bright red halfway through the party. Bring the sunscreen—spray, cream, whatever works—and make it visible. You’ll see people helping themselves the second their shoulders start feeling crispy. This is less about vanity and more about not being miserable tomorrow. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good hat. Something with a brim gives your face a break from the sun. Sunglasses are another non-negotiable. The glare from the water gets intense, and squinting for hours straight is no one’s idea of a good time. Bring extras in case someone forgets theirs.

Towels and cover-ups aren’t just for swimming. They’re for when the breeze picks up and everyone suddenly realizes they’re still soaking wet. You see, being dry on demand is the kind of comfort that keeps the party going, especially if it transitions into evening. Suppose you can create a shaded area, even better. Whether it’s a Bimini top, a large umbrella, or a DIY tarp setup, having a spot out of direct sunlight makes the boat feel ten times more welcoming. People rotate in and out, recharge, and avoid heat exhaustion. That’s a win.

Wrap up

A great boat party isn’t just about loud music and cold drinks—it’s about being ready. When you’ve packed the right snacks, prepped for the sun, remembered safety gear, and thought about cleanup, everything else tends to fall into place.

Also, when guests feel comfortable and taken care of, they loosen up and actually enjoy themselves. You don’t want to spend the day troubleshooting problems that could’ve been solved back on dry land. So think ahead, load up smart, and you’ll be free to focus on what really matters: cruising, laughing, and making a boatload of memories out on the water.