What to Wear on a Yacht Charter
The complete guide to yacht charter dress codes. What to wear, what to avoid, and how to look great while staying comfortable on the water.
Dos and Don'ts
Do Wear
- Non-marking white-soled shoes or boat shoes
- Swimwear and cover-ups for day charters
- Light layers for wind and evening temps
- Reef-safe sunscreen (lotion, not spray)
- Wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap
- Sunglasses with a retainer strap
- A dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag
- Smart casual for sunset and dinner cruises
Don't Wear
- High heels or stilettos
- Dark-soled shoes (they mark the deck)
- Spray sunscreen (makes decks slippery)
- Excessive jewelry near the water
- All-white outfits (salt water stains)
- Glass bottles (check yacht policy)
- Heavy luggage for day charters
- Formal business attire (unless specified)
Dress Codes by Charter Type
Day Charter / Sandbar Party
Swimwear is the base layer. Add a cover-up or light shirt for boarding and sun protection. Non-marking sandals or bare feet. Bring a hat and sunglasses. This is the most casual yacht experience.
Sunset Cruise
Smart casual. Sundresses, linen pants, collared shirts, or nice shorts work well. Light layers for the evening breeze. This is a step up from day charter attire but still relaxed.
Dinner Cruise / Special Occasion
Cocktail casual to cocktail attire. Think resort evening wear. Men: tailored shorts or slacks with a button-down. Women: cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, or elegant separates. Still avoid stiletto heels.
Corporate Event
Business casual is the standard. Blazers without ties work well. The host typically communicates the dress code. When in doubt, smart casual with closed-toe boat shoes is always appropriate.
Yacht Charter Dress Code FAQs
What should I wear on a yacht charter?
For day charters: swimwear as a base layer, cover-ups, light layers for wind, and non-marking shoes or sandals. For evening/sunset cruises: smart casual such as sundresses, linen pants, or collared shirts. For formal events: cocktail attire works on most yachts. Always bring a light jacket for the return trip.
What shoes should I wear on a yacht?
Non-marking, flat-soled shoes are essential. White or light-colored rubber soles will not leave marks on the deck. Boat shoes, deck sandals, or clean sneakers with white soles are ideal. Avoid high heels, dark-soled shoes, and flip-flops that can be slippery when wet.
Can I wear heels on a yacht?
Avoid heels, especially stilettos. They can damage teak decks, get stuck in deck grating, and are a safety hazard on a moving vessel. Wedge sandals with non-marking soles are the dressiest option that works on a yacht.
Should I bring a change of clothes?
Yes, always. Bring a dry outfit to change into after swimming, plus a light layer for the evening breeze. A waterproof bag for wet clothes is helpful. For multi-activity charters, having a swimwear set and a dry casual set is the standard.
What about sun protection?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses with a retainer strap. Consider UV-protective clothing (rash guards) for extended sun exposure. The reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure significantly.
Are there things I should NOT bring on a yacht?
Avoid dark-soled shoes (they mark the deck), excessive luggage, glass bottles (some yachts prohibit them), and spray sunscreen (it makes decks dangerously slippery). Ask about specific yacht policies when booking.