What to Pack for a Day on the Boat
(aka How to Survive Wrightsville Beach Like a Pro — With a Touch of Glam)
by Whitney Cabot
Ah, Wrightsville Beach — that sun-soaked slice of Carolina coast where the dolphins are your paparazzi, and you will underestimate the sun. Trust me, one minute you’re sipping a canned cocktail with salt in your hair, and the next you’re Googling “dermatologist near me” because you forgot to reapply SPF.
If you’re heading out on a boat, you need more than just sunscreen and vibes. You need smart, stylish gear that says, “I’m effortlessly chic,” but doesn’t make you cry when it gets splashed or (let’s be honest) melted Popsicle’ed by a small human.
Here’s my go-to packing list — upgraded with accessible luxuries that make a day on the water feel like a little slice of St. Barths, even when you’re just anchored off Masonboro.
☀️ 1. Sunscreen. More sunscreen. And yes, even more sunscreen.
Don’t be the hero who skips sunscreen.
- Luxe pick: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (face) and PLAY Everyday Lotion (body) — weightless, non-greasy, and they smell like vacation in a bottle.
- Budget-but-fabulous: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF — French pharmacy magic that’s under $40 and feels like silk.
Pro tip: Reapply every two hours or risk being that person in the family photo.
🕶 2. Hats, sunglasses, and maybe a backup hat
Sun protection, but make it fashion.
- Hat: Hat Attack and Janessa Leone for chic splurges. Or grab a San Diego Hat Company wide-brim — under $35, but looks like $150.
- Sunglasses: Quay Australia gives you oversized glam without the Chanel price tag. Add a Chums floating strap in a neutral tone — yes, they’re cool now.
🌊 3. Towels (plural, always plural)
One for sitting, one for drying, one for forgetting in the car.
- Upgrade pick: Dock & Bay quick-dry towels — lightweight, sand-resistant, and they come in cheerful stripes that scream “Instagram me.”
- Classic option: Sand Cloud Turkish towel — rolls up tiny, doubles as a wrap or pillow, and gives you eco-chic points.
🍉 4. Snacks and drinks
You can’t vibe on an empty stomach.
- Cooler MVP: Yeti Hopper Flip — yes, it’s a splurge, but it’ll keep your rosé and watermelon icy while you’re out all day.
- Snack upgrade: Charcuterie-to-go — stash prosciutto, manchego, almonds, and berries in a Stasher reusable bag so you look like you have your life together.
- Hydration chic: BKR glass water bottles for the fashion crowd or a Stanley Quencher for TikTok-approved hydration.
🧊 5. Cooler essentials
- Ice substitute: Corkcicle ice packs — reusable, sleek, and way cooler (pun intended) than gas station ice bags.
- Drinks: Cutwater canned cocktails or JuneShine hard kombucha — grown-up sips, no shaker required.
- Koozies: Swig Life insulated can coolers — no tacky logos, just chic, cold beverages.
👗 6. A change of clothes
Because nobody wants to hit the dockside bar in a soggy cover-up.
- Cover-up: Eberjey linen beach shirt or a breezy H&M oversized button-down — effortless chic at any price point.
- Sandals: Freedom Moses slides — waterproof, comfy, and give you that “I summer in Europe” energy.
💦 7. A dry bag for your essentials
Keep your phone, keys, and lip balm safe from rogue waves.
- Chic choice: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall or BÉIS waterproof pouch — sleek enough for the dock, tough enough for the boat.
🎧 8. The “just in case” kit
Because no one wants to ruin the day over seasickness or soggy cash.
- Dramamine: Tuck it into a Cuyana leather travel case — practical can still be chic.
- Speaker: JBL Clip 4 — waterproof, compact, and surprisingly great sound for its size.
- Cash: Slip it into a Clare V. cardholder — bonus points for French-girl cool.
✨ 9. Good vibes only
- Bonus touch: A mini bottle of Le Labo lotion or a little spritz of Byredo Gypsy Water before you dock — trust me, you’ll go from salty to sophisticated in seconds.
Final Word
So there you have it: your Wrightsville Beach boat-day survival kit, packed with just enough luxury to make it feel special — and accessible enough that you won’t panic when your toddler sticks an ice-pop on your Dagne Dover bag.
Pack smart, lean into the fun, and remember:
☀️ Sunscreen like it’s your full-time job.
🍉 Snack like you’re hosting a yacht party.
💦 Laugh when the waves splash — that’s half the fun.
Here’s to sun, salt, and stories well told,
Whitney