What Not to Bring on a Boat Tour

What not to bring on a boat tour really comes down to anything bulky, unsafe, or disruptive (hint: no one wants to hear from your Bluetooth speaker). And it’s worth paying attention to, as the wrong items can quietly turn what should be a smooth ride into something cramped, uncomfortable, or stressful, even if everything else about the tour is well run.

Read on to learn which of your items are better off left on land.

1. Large or Bulky Bags

This is almost always one of the first issues to come up. Once everyone comes aboard, space can tighten quickly, and bags that take up more room than necessary stop being a personal choice and start affecting the people nearby. Shifting your belongings repeatedly as people stand, sit, or move around can get old fast on a trip that’s supposed to feel relaxed.

If you’re unsure whether a bag is too big, it helps to think about what could happen once you’re seated:

• Does it fit fully under your seat?

• Can you move it without standing up?

• Would it affect the person sitting next to you?

If it fails any of those tests, it may be better left behind.

2. Glass Containers

Glass creates risk on a boat because the surface is never truly stable. Even on calm water, motion is constant, and a sliding bottle or tipped drink can quickly turn into a safety issue that affects the entire group rather than just the person who brought it.

That’s why this is one of the most commonly restricted items on boat tours. Non-breakable containers, on the other hand, remove the risk entirely and make things easier for both guests and crew.

3. Hard-Soled or Slippery Shoes

Footing matters more on a boat than people expect, especially once the deck gets wet. Shoes without grip force you to think about every step instead of enjoying the ride, which can get old over the course of a few hours.

Good boat-friendly footwear tends to share a few simple traits:

• Flexible soles that move with your feet

• Traction that works on wet surfaces

• Comfort for standing or shifting position

When your shoes work with the boat instead of against it, you stop noticing them altogether, which is exactly how it should feel.

4. Strong-Smelling Food

Food smells linger on boats in a way they don’t on land, especially in covered areas where air doesn’t circulate freely. A meal that seems normal at the dock can become overwhelming once it’s trapped in a shared space for any length of time.

If you’re allowed to bring food aboard, lighter snacks with little-to-no odor are usually the safest choice — both for the people around you and for your own comfort if the water isn’t perfectly calm.

There’s nothing worse than a full stomach or a strong-smelling tuna casserole if you start feeling queasy.

5. Anything Especially Valuable or Sentimental

Boats aren’t kind to things you’d be upset to lose. Between the wind, splashing water, and constant motion, something could easily slip out of a pocket, fly off your body, or slide off a surface without you noticing until it’s too late.

Bringing only what you truly need is usually the best way to go.

6. Items That Go Against Tour Rules

Every tour has rules shaped by past experiences, even if they aren’t always obvious from the outside. You certainly don’t have to agree with them, but these restrictions exist to keep the trip safe, comfortable, and running on schedule for everyone on board, not to make things inconvenient.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the tour guidelines ahead of time. Not only does it help you avoid any awkward moments at the dock, but it also starts the day a little more smoothly.

7. Unrealistic Expectations

Finally, not every boat tour is designed for free movement, loud music, or unlimited flexibility. Shared, public tours typically follow set routes and schedules, which means the experience is more structured than some people anticipate if they haven’t done one before.

If you are looking for something a little more personal and flexible, you’d be better off booking a private charter. 

Pack Smarter, Enjoy the Ride

Boat tours can be that much easier and more enjoyable when you know exactly what not to bring on a boat tour. It really does help the crew run a smooth trip and make the experience better for everyone on board.

And if you’re planning a boat tour and want clear guidance on what’s allowed and what to leave behind, we’re happy to help. Feel free to contact us with any questions at Collingwood Charters today, and we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for a comfortable, stress-free day on any of our public or private tours.