How to Prepare for a Boat Tour: The Complete Guide

Have you booked a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast or anexcursion to Capri and want to make sure you don’t forget anything?

In this comprehensive guide you will find out everything you need to know to best prepare for your boat tour: what to bring, how to dress, what to avoid, and advice from professional skippers.

📋 Complete Checklist: What to Bring for a Boat Tour.

🎒 The Perfect Bag (Waterproof!)

The first rule: use a waterproof bag or waterproof backpack. Salt water, splashes and moisture are inevitable on a boat. Here’s what to include:

Documents and Valuables

• ✓ ID: Required (ID card or passport). Required for check-in
• ✓ Reservation voucher: Printed or on the phone
• ✓ Cash: For stops in villages, Blue Grotto entrance (€14), bars/restaurants
• ✓ Credit card: For emergencies and purchases.
• ✓ Waterproof pouch: To protect smartphones and documents

Sun Protection (ESSENTIAL!)

• ✓ Sunscreen SPF 50+: Reapply every 2 hours. Water reflection intensifies UV rays.
• ✓ Waterproof sunscreen: If you anticipate swimming in the sea.
• ✓ Lip stick with protection: lips crack easily
• ✓ Aftersun: For evening, soothes the skin.
  

Indispensable Accessories

• ✓ Polarized sunglasses: Reduce water glare (essential!)
• ✓ Hat with wide visor: Best with a drawstring (wind can take it away)
• ✓ Beach towel: Microfiber = dries fast and takes up little space
• ✓ Swimsuit: Wear it already under your clothes
• ✓ Underwear change: Always useful after bathing

Drugs and Health

• ✓ Seasickness tablets: Even if you don’t suffer, take them (Xamine, Travelgum)
• ✓ Personal medications: If you follow therapies, take them with you.
• ✓ Band-aids: For sandal blisters or small wounds
• ✓ Antihistamine: If you are allergic to insect bites.

Technology

• ✓ Smartphone: For photos and communication
• ✓ Charged power bank: Battery discharges quickly in the sun.
• ✓ Headphones/earphones: For music while browsing
• ✓ Waterproof camera: Or waterproof case for smartphone
• ✓ GoPro/action cam: Perfect for underwater filming

Snacks and Beverages

• ✓ Water (minimum 1.5L per person): FUNDAMENTAL against dehydration
• ✓ Energy snacks: bars, dried fruits, crackers
• ✓ Fresh fruits: watermelon, melon, grapes (moisturizing and refreshing)
• ⚠️ Avoid heavy foods: They may cause nausea with the movement of the boat

👕 How to Dress for a Boat Tour.

Ideal Clothing

☀️ Sunny Days (Summer – June/September)

• Costume already worn under clothes: Saves time for bathing
• T-shirt or lightweight tank top: Breathable cotton or technical fabrics
• Shorts or short skirt: Comfortable and cool
• Copricostume/paréo: To cover yourself after bathing
• Sweatshirt or long-sleeved T-shirt: It can be cool in the evening with the wind
• ⚠️ EVITA jeans: Heavy, get wet easily, dry slowly

🌤️ Mid-Season (April/May – October)

• Stackable layers: T-shirt + sweatshirt + windproof jacket
• Lightweight long pants: They can be rolled up
• K-way or waterproof jacket: Protection from splashes and wind

Footwear

• ✓ Boat sandals or slippers: Non-slip, can get wet
• ✓ Rock shoes: If you plan to walk on rocks.
• ✓ Light Sneakers: For visiting villages (Positano, central Capri)
• ❌ High heels: Dangerous on boats, banned on most boats
• ❌ Shoes with black soles: They can leave marks on the boat

🚫 What NOT to Bring on a Boat.

• ❌ Hard suitcases or bags: Bulky, difficult to stow
• ❌ Parasol: Boats have awnings. The parasol flies away!
• ❌ Precious objects: Jewelry, expensive watches (risk of falling into water)
• ❌ Perfume/deodorant sprays: Attract insects, can be bothersome
• ❌ Glass: Glass bottles prohibited (risk of breakage). Use plastic
• ❌ Smoking: Many boats ban cigarettes for safety

💊 How to Prevent Seasickness

Even those who have never suffered from seasickness can feel sick with high waves, rough seas or swell. Here’s how to prevent it:

Before the Tour

• ✓ Take anti-nausea tablet 1 hour before: Xamine, Travelgum (at pharmacy without prescription)
• ✓ Have a light breakfast: Avoid milk, coffee, fatty foods.
• ✓ Sleep well the night before: Fatigue worsens nausea
• ✓ Avoid alcohol first: Increases the risk of nausea.

During the Tour

• ✓ Look at the horizon: do NOT stare at your phone or read
• ✓ Stand in the middle of the boat: Less movement than at the bow or stern
• ✓ Fresh air: Stay outdoors, avoid closed cabins
• ✓ Drink water: In small sips, keep hydrated
• ✓ Ginger: Ginger candy or herbal tea helps against nausea

If You Feel Bad

• Warn skipper immediately: May change course or speed
• Lying down: supine position with legs raised
• Breathe deeply: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth
• Pressure point: Anti-nausea bracelets (P6) work for many

☀️ Protection from Sun and Heat

Golden Rules

• Sunscreen every 2 hours: Even if you don’t bathe
• Always cover your head: hat or bandana
• Sunglasses always: They also protect against wind and splashes
• Drink every 20-30 minutes: Even if you are not thirsty
• Seeking shade: Use the awning during times of resting

Heatstroke Symptoms (Recognize Them Now!).

• Severe headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Very hot and dry skin
• Mental confusion

→ If it happens: warn skipper, bathe with fresh water, drink, lie in the shade

📸 How to Take Perfect Boat Photos.

Tips for Instagram-Worthy Photos

• Golden hours: sunrise (6:00-8:00 a.m.) and sunset (6:00-8:00 p.m.) = best light
• Photograph from the bow: Open sea view and destination
• Use burst mode: Capture the perfect moment with waves/splashes
• Low angles: Make the perspective more dramatic
• Include boat elements: Ropes, rudder, bow = nautical context

Smartphone/Camera Protection

• Waterproof case: €10-30, saves phone from salt water
• Wrist strap: Avoid falling overboard
• Always dries: Salty splashes ruin target
• Photo backup: Sync to cloud during stops

🍽️ What to Eat Before and During the Tour

Pre-Tour Breakfast (2-3 Hours Before)

• ✓ Rusks with jam.
• ✓ Fresh fruit (banana = potassium against cramps)
• ✓ Yogurt
• ✓ Tea or herbal tea (avoid strong coffee)
• ❌ Milk: May cause nausea
• ❌ Cornets/pastries: Too heavy

During the Tour

• Light snacks every 2-3 hours
• Hydrating fruits: watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches
• Energy bars
• Crackers or breadsticks: They help against nausea

Lunch Stop in the Villages

Most tours include stops for lunch in Amalfi, Positano or Capri. Tips:

• Book in advance: Seaside restaurants full in high season
• Light dishes: Seafood salad, lemon pasta, grilled fish
• Avoid heavy fried foods: Hard to digest in heat and motion
• Budget: €20-40 per person for medium lunch

🏊‍♂️ Tips for Bathing in the Sea

Security

• Wait for the skipper’s okay: He knows where it is safe to swim
• Use the ladder: do NOT dive in unless authorized
• Vest if you can’t swim well: Available on board
• Don’t move away from the boat: Currents can be strong
• Jellyfish caution: August = peak presence

Snorkeling

• Mask and snorkel often provided by tour operators
• Bring your own if you have special needs (myopia)
• Fins useful but not mandatory
• Best spots: Bay of Ieranto, Punta Campanella, Li Galli

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Boat Tours with Children

What to Bring Extra

• Child life jackets: Mandatory, provided on board
• Favorite snacks: Avoid tantrums
• Water games: Armrests, small mat
• Complete change of clothes: They always get wet!
• Car sickness tablets: Also for children (ask pediatrician)

Tips

• Morning tour: More rested children, less heat
• Duration max. 4 hours: For children under 8 years old
• Sunscreen every hour: Delicate skin
• Hat with drawstring: Doesn’t fly away

📱 Connection and Communications

Mobile Network at Sea

• Amalfi Coast: Good coverage near coast, weak offshore
• Capri: Coverage ok on island, absent during navigation
• Cilento: Variable coverage, many areas without signal

Tips

• Download offline maps: Google Maps allows downloads
• Family warning: Approximate tour times
• Airplane mode: Saves battery in areas with no signal
• WhatsApp skipper: Direct communications before/during tour

🌊 Weather Conditions and When to Go

Best Seasons

⭐ High Season (June – September)

• PRO: Calm sea, warm water (24-26°C), guaranteed sunshine
• CON: Crowded, high prices, intense heat
• TIP: Book early, leave early in the morning

🌸 Mid-Season (April/May – October)

• PRO: Fewer tourists, better prices, ideal climate
• CON: Cooler water (18-22°C), less stable weather
• TIP: Bring sweatshirt, check weather 24h before

❄️ Winter (November – March)

• PRO: Very low prices, zero tourists
• CON: Cold weather, rough sea, many closed services
• TIP: For experts only, tours by request

Pre-Departure Weather Check

• Wind: Tour ok up to 15 knots, beyond = possible cancellation
• Sea: Up to force 2 ok, force 3+ = uncomfortable/dangerous
• Rain: Possible sailing, but less pleasant experience

💰 Budget: How much to bring

Extra Costs During the Tour

• Blue Grotto Capri: €14/person (cash admission required)
• Restaurant lunch: €20-50 per person
• Bar/ice cream stops: €5-10
• Shopping boroughs: Personal budget
• Skipper tip: Optional, 10% tour cost if satisfied

Recommended cash budget: €80-120 per person

✅ Final Checklist: Pre-Departure Check.

The Evening Before

• ☐ Check weather and confirm tour
• ☐ Phone charger and power bank
• ☐ Pack bag with everything you need
• ☐ Take anti-nausea tablet if necessary.
• ☐ Go to bed early (important rest!).

The Morning of the Tour

• ☐ Light breakfast 2-3 hours in advance
• ☐ Apply sunscreen first.
• ☐ Verify that you have document + voucher.
• ☐ Wears costume under clothes
• ☐ Carry cash for extra expenses.

Before Boarding

• ☐ Use shore toilets (may not be on board).
• ☐ Fill fresh water bottle.
• ☐ Say hello to skipper and ask questions if you have doubts.
• ☐ Find comfortable place and safely stow bag.
• ☐ Listen to skipper’s safety briefing.

🎯 Advice from Skippers: Secrets of the Pros.

🚤 Book Your Tour with Blu Alliance

Now that you know all about how to prepare, all you need to do is book your boat tour!

Blu Alliance organizes daily boat tours departing from Salerno to:

• Amalfi Coast Tour – Positano, Amalfi, Praiano
• Excursions to Capri – Blue Grotto, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola
• Yacht charter with skipper – Custom tours

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I forget something?

No problem! In Salerno, near the port, there are supermarkets and pharmacies where you can buy last-minute forgetfulness. Best to arrive 30 minutes early for any purchases.

Can I take my dog on a boat?

Depends on the tour operator. Blu Alliance accepts small pets on private tours, subject to prior notice when booking. Bring leash and muzzle (required by law).

How does it work if I have mobility problems?

Most boats have narrow ladders. Communicate any mobility difficulties when booking so we can assign you the most suitable boat.

Does the tour run even in light rain?

Yes, if the sea is calm. Boats have awnings to protect against rain. Cancellation only in significant bad weather or rough seas (force 3+).

Can I smoke on the boat?

Generally no for safety reasons (fuel proximity). Some boats have designated smoking areas. Ask the skipper.

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Article updated: January 2026

Do you have more questions about how to prepare for the tour? Contact us and we will be happy to help you!o