Group of young adults dressed in tropical Hawaiian-themed outfits posing together on a docked yacht during a MedSailors sailing trip, celebrating in colourful leis, grass skirts, and matching shirts with festive energy.

What to Pack for a Sailing Holiday – MedSailors Packing Guide 2025

By Ryan Brown published on 30 May 2025

Your MedSailors island-hopping trip in Greece or Croatia is fast approaching! Whether you're chasing sunsets in the Saronic Islands, basking in a bay in the Ionian Sea, or diving into the cerulean waters of Dalmatia -- knowing what to pack for your MedSailors adventure is key to saving you time, space, and unwanted headaches.

MedSailors is a travel experience like no other, and this guide holds heaps of our top tips for Greece and Croatia sailing holidays, smart space-saving hacks, and sustainable must-haves—so you’re ready to hit the sea without a hitch. Here’s everything you need in one easy, breezy list.

Sailing-specific tips ✅
Sun safety must-haves 😎
Sustainable swaps 🌱
Real-life yacht space hacks 🧳
And pro tips for first-timers 🚤

Let’s get packing!

MedSailors sailing holiday guests floating on inflatables in crystal-clear water with yachts anchored behind, island hopping in Croatia under sunny blue skies.

🎒 Best Luggage for Sailing Holidays:

Soft shell luggage is your best friend. The first rule of packing for a MedSailors yacht week in Croatia and Greece – leave the hard-shell suitcase at home. Space on a boat is tight, and you’ll want something that can slide under a bed or squash into a closet. While there may be some space to store excess luggage, we want to keep communal areas as clear as possible so everyone can enjoy them.

Our Luggage Picks:

Soft duffel bags or soft luggage: Save yourself from the hassle of hardshell luggage.
Travel backpacks: 35–50L is the sweet spot
Lightweight backpack: Something to stuff for daily adventures, beach days, and hikes.
Packing cubes: An ultimate must-have to keep everything tidy in a small space.

Young travellers on a MedSailors yacht celebrating during a sailing holiday, posing on deck in the sun with captain hats and drinks, anchored along a Croatia or Greece island-hopping route.

Best Clothing for Sailing Trips:

Light, breezy, and boat-ready. Your days will be spent barefoot on deck, paddleboarding, and diving into clear blue water, with sunset drinks and local tavern dinners at night. Think practical by day, casual or Mediterranean chic by night, and avoid dark colours mostly. Also, keep in mind being respectful about what you wear while out wandering, as some places will issue fines if you are in bikinis and trunks in the towns.

Our Must-Pack Clothes:

2–3 x swimsuits / bikinis / trunks / togs / swim costumes
A quick-dry towel or two (you have a towel supplied for showers)
3–4 x lightweight tops / vests / tees
2-3 x shorts, linen or cotton
1-2 x comfy dress / button-up / something dinner-worthy
1 x sarong or cover-up (Certain historic sites require you to cover up)
1 x light hoodie or light jumper (it can get breezy at sea!)
1 x windbreaker or light rain jacket (in case of any liquid sunshine)
Comfy lightweight sleepwear
Underwear + socks (though you’ll be barefoot mostly!)
Flip flops, thongs, jandals, sandals, or slides
One pair of grippy trainers / strap sandals for walking or hiking

🎉 Optional for theme nights: Fancy dress bits for any themed parties or squad style.

Happy couple exploring Stiniva Cove on Vis Island, during a MedSailors sail week in Croatia, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and lush greenery.

🧴 Sailing Toiletries & Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin & The Sea

You’ll be in the sun a lot. Ya know the old Kiwi motto: slip, slop, slap, wrap, repeat. Go reef-friendly and boat-safe to keep yourself and the planet healthy, and don't skimp on the coverage.

Sun Protection Essentials:

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+ body, SPF 50+ face)
After-sun or aloe vera gel
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses (polarised if possible, at least 400 UV rating)
Wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect from the sun
Reusable water bottle (hydration = key!)
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun cover

Practical Yacht-Friendly Toiletries:

Bio-friendly shampoo & body wash
Face wipes
Toothbrush & paste
Deodorant (please, for your crew 😅)
Hairties (so it’s not whipping back and forth in the wind)
Seasickness tablets (just in case!)
Motion sickness bands (work wonders for some!)

🌊 Sustainable Tip: Avoid aerosols and plastic mini bottles—opt for refillables or solids (like shampoo bars).

Woman with windswept hair capturing sailing footage on a GoPro while cruising on a MedSailors yacht in Greece, with anchored boats and hilly coastline in the background.

🔌 Island Hopping Accessories: Small Stuff, Big Impact

Some small, lightweight items will elevate your trip. These are nice-to-haves or practical accessories that will make life easier while on your sailing week in Greece or Croatia.

Don’t Forget:

Dry bag (for beach days + dinghy rides)
Power bank / battery pack (for the bay days and excursions)
USB-A charging cable (and EU adapter, no USB-C ports on the yachts)
Waterproof phone or accessory pouch
Microfiber towel (dries fast, takes up zero space)
Playing cards or a travel game
Portable speaker (check with crew for volume vibes!)
Eye mask & earplugs (for light sleepers)

🎒 Day Bag Tip: A tote or canvas bag is ideal for going from yacht to beach to cocktail hour.

Man relaxing shirtless on a yacht deck reading a book during a MedSailors sailing holiday in Croatia, with calm blue seas and sunshine in the background.

📸 Optional Sailing Extras (But You’ll Love ‘Em)

GoPro / waterproof camera
Journal or travel notebook (Record your adventure)
Book or Kindle (For those downtime-rich journies)
Snorkel set (some are provided, but bring your own if you’re picky. Avoid the full facemask ones, they are somewhat dangerous)
Reusable cup for sunset punch parties
Light laundry bag (or pillowcase)
Portable fan (if you’re heat-sensitive, especially in hotter months!)

Group of guests posing on the deck of a catamaran in swimwear with drinks in hand, anchored in a secluded bay during a Greece yacht week with MedSailors.

♻️ Sustainable Travel Hacks for Your Sailing Trip

Sustainable travel is a part of our every consideration, and we try to reduce our impact in these stunning destinations as much as possible, while discovering ways to make a positive impact as well. We have a Floatie Up-Cycle initiative where you can score a used floatie for €5 rental for the week, with proceeds going to support our sustainability partner UOCEAN 2050.

Swap these in:

Solid shampoo/conditioner bars
Reef-safe SPF and toiletries
Reusable tote bag (you’ll receive a MedSailors tote, but extras are great!)
Reusable straw, if you prefer straws in drinks.
Water bottle (Drinking water is on the yacht!)
Reusable keep-cup or mug (avoid the plastic coffee takeaway cups)

🌎 Leave no trace. What you bring onboard—especially toiletries—goes into the sea eventually.

Group of young travellers sunbathing on the net of a MedSailors catamaran during a Croatia sailing holiday, surrounded by clear blue water and coastal views.

🚫 Avoid These Items

Boat life is very different from, say, being in a hostel or hotel. Think closer to glamping at sea. Resources like power and water are limited, so it’s best to avoid these items:

Hair Dryer: Embrace the sea breeze to dry your hair, as this can blow fuses and can't be used unless connected to shore power.
Hair Straightener: Same as above, these are power-heavy unless there are on-shore facilities.
Heavy clothing: It’s summer in the Med, this will just take up space.
High heels: Ancient marinas and towns weren’t built for that.
Expensive/sentimental jewellery: The last thing you want is to lose something to Poseidon’s shiny obsessions.

Large group of MedSailors guests partying on yachts and inflatables in a secluded bay, surrounded by pine-covered hills during a Croatia island-hopping sailing holiday.

⛵ Final Prep Before You Board

We're almost there, and you've nearly packed most of what you'll need for your week at sea! But here are some last-minute important things to remember...