Planning
Packing for a Side Boat Day: One Bag, Sorted by When You Need It
Most packing lists are a pile of nouns. A boat day has a sequence to it, so it helps to pack in that order, and to notice the few items where the answer depends on which of the nine tours you booked.
Short answer
One soft bag is enough: swimwear already on, a towel, high-factor sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, and money for the fare and extras. Add a dry layer and spare clothes for the ride home, particularly for children. Food depends on the boat: the Island tour forbids outside food, and the Fishing trip welcomes it.
Before you leave the room
Put your swimwear on under your clothes. There is rarely anything to gain by waiting, and it means you can get in the water at the first stop. Put sun cream on before you go downstairs as well, since you may be out on deck soon after you arrive.
Then think about what stays behind. The crew's guidance is to keep your valuables with you, which is really an argument for not carrying many. Passports, spare cards and anything sentimental can stay in the hotel safe.
For the deck
- A hat with a chin strap, or one you do not mind losing
- Sunglasses, preferably on a cord if they cost you anything
- Sun cream in a bottle you can reach without emptying your bag
- A towel each, because the record of what is supplied on board does not include one
- A book, on Relax especially, where nothing will interrupt you
For the water
If you are heading for the Side Boat Tour or Little Pirates, both of which have snorkelling at their stops, decide whether you want your own mask. Our records do not tell us whether one will be waiting on board, so bring your own or ask first.
Anyone unsure in the water should ask about life jackets before booking. They are on record for the Island tour; for the other boats, we will check for you. And for the swim where river meets sea, on the tours that make that stop, be ready for the cold side of it: the river water is described as icy.
Money, which is easy to forget
You pay the fare on the day, in euros, so that goes in the bag first. The per-age figures are on the prices page. Then consider what is not covered: on most boats, drinks are sold at a bar on board, and photographs from onboard teams are extra.
Tips are optional. If you are going on the bazaar day, take spending money as well, and try to get some small lira notes, since that is what works best for haggling.
Clothes for the ride back
You will return to a vehicle, damp, with salt on you. A dry T-shirt and shorts make that ride much nicer. Children need a whole change, and if you are on one of the pirate days, their clothes may be in a worse state than usual. Some people like a plastic bag for wet swimwear, and it is worth the small amount of space it takes up.
Boat-specific rules
| If you booked | Add | Do not bother with |
|---|---|---|
| Island | A note of any dietary request, made at booking | Your own food or drink, which are not allowed |
| Fishing | Your own lunch and cold drinks; something to photograph a catch with | Tackle, unless you are attached to yours |
| Little Pirates | A camera for costumes | A costume, unless your child insists |
| Manavgat and bazaar | Clothes that cover the shoulders for the market | Heavy shopping you cannot carry home |
| Relax | Reading matter | Bar money for drinks, which are included |
What we would leave out
A big beach bag, multiple pairs of shoes, anything that cannot get wet and cannot be replaced. On a boat, everything ends up being moved around, and the less of it there is, the less you have to look after. The bring list gives the same advice in a shorter form if you would like something to check against at the door.
