Sailboat Packing List

We can’t speak for other boats but, if you’re coming aboard to join the Paradise Falls crew, here’s what we suggest:

• Passport – You won’t get far without this one. Make sure that it does not expire within 6 months as some countries are funny about amount of blank pages required and expiration dates. 
• Travelers Insurance – It’s a good idea to have some sort of insurance…because we are going on an adventure and any adventure has risks.  Make sure it covers boating abroad, and not just land based adventures.
• Cash & ATM Card – A lot of the places we visit don’t take credit cards, so cash is the only way to go.  We usually find an atm upon arrival to a new country as these dispenses the proper currency. Make sure to set up a travel alert with financial institutions prior to leaving so your transaction won't get flagged. Bonus for you if your card has no foreign transaction fees.
• Medications – If there’s anything you take regularly, make sure to bring enough plus a week supply just in case. Always either bring your bottle from the pharmacy or copy of the prescription just in case of any questions with authorities. If you even think you might get seasick come prepared with whatever your preferred method is (scopolamine patches, ginger, Sea Band, Bonine, or the sleep-inducing Dramamine).  This is for your happiness and the overall spirit of the crew. When one person is horribly sick it adds a damper to the entire day because everyone is now worried about that person.

• Suitcases –  We kindly ask that no rolly bags or hard sided suitcases for you to enjoy maximum space in your cabin. Everything you bring will be stowed in YOUR cabin so travel lightly or be prepared to sleep beside your luggage. Duffel bags, back-packs, or tote bags that can fold or roll up are best.  
• Sunglasses - polarized work best but any will do!
• Hats – Packable, with strings for windy days. 
• Rain Gear – Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood
• Clothing – Always think breathable, light, dries fast and multi-functional.  
  • Bathing Suits – Practically a uniform on a boat and you’ll want at least a couple.
  • Shorts – You will live in shorts and bathing suits most of the time. 
  • Shirts – tee shirts, comfy lightweight button ups (good for keeping the sun off your skin), thin long selves for cooler days and sun protection, a hoodie or light jacket for night time.  
  • Scarf + Sarong – These are versatile pieces that keep you warm, provide a little sun protection and they look cool.  
• Shoes – If you want to wear shoes on the boat, make sure they are non-marking non-skid. You’ll need to clean the soles each time you board the boat in order to keep the deck clean, or bring a pair for boat use and one for street use. Rob loves his Reef flip flops and I love my Chacos. 
• Yeti or similar tumbler - Ice is a luxury and if you like yours to last you might want to bring your own insulated cup. 

• Camera (extra batteries, cards, etc…)  or just use your phone in a waterproof case.
• Sunscreen – All natural, ocean friendly and nothing with bronzer or self-tanners in it (It stains everything). Please DO NOT spray tan prior to arrival! Brands we like include:  All Good, Thinksport, Badger & Stream2Sea. We prefer to wear long sleeve rash guards and hats.
• Backpack – We suggest a pack that’s at minimum water resistant but preferably waterproof.  Remember that our car is our dingy so you always have a chance of getting wet! This is nice to have for any hikes or exploring small towns.
• Lycra or Wetsuit – Lycra pants and top/rash guards or a wetsuit for diving & snorkeling. Also these help protect your skin from coral and sun exposure. Nothing too thick as we usually sail the tropics. This is more of a suggestion than a must. 
• Snorkeling/Free diving/SCUBA diving/Spearfishing gear – (tell us what you have, we’ll tell you what to bring.) Keep in mind some countries won’t allow certain items and some airlines won’t allow you to fly with dangerous gear.  We have extra masks, snorkels and fins but if your picky, please feel free to bring your own. 
• Extras – If you have a kiteboard, skateboard or surfboard (or anything large/awkward) that you want to bring, that’s awesome - but let’s discuss it first.  We’ll want to talk it through and make sure we have space for it on the boat.

• Favorite Game (cards or a packable board game)
• Entertainment – e-reader/podcasts/music/movies (an iPad, Kindle, etc) Download everything while on land and don’t count on internet while we’re sailing.
• Treats to Share – coffee, beverages, dark chocolate, …It’s always fun when people bring treats that have a story behind them, it helps kick-start the camaraderie.

We've got lifejackets (PFD's), towels, sheets, pillows for you here. If you want to bring your own and then take them back to do in your own (and easily accessible) laundry machine - we won't complain!

• Hard sided suitcases or bags with wheels.
• Flat irons and curling irons are preferably left at home (they draw a lot of power) plus humidity will work against you. Natural hairstyles are best.
• Fancy High Heel Shoes – a waste of luggage space and will not be worn.
• Hard Metal Watches/Jewelry – they damage the boat easily and can attract unwanted attention in some countries. We both wear silicone wedding bands.
• Fancy Clothes – sports coats, anything that needs dry-cleaning or special care is best left at home. "Dressing up" means (maybe) putting on a collared shirt and clean(ish) pair of shorts. Your most dressy days will most likely be your travel days to and from the boat. 

We’re still newbies and learning as we go.  So, we definitely don’t have it all figured out and are always happy to hear suggestions.  If you think of something we should add to the list, please let us know!

Thank you to SV Curiosity and SV Blown Away for the above packing list!