Planning a boat day in Destin? Whether you’re heading out on a charter, pontoon, or fishing trip, this is the list I always check off before we leave the dock.
You’ll find everything from:
• Sun and salt-proof gear
• Dry bags and deck-friendly sho...
Map
Sections
6
Boat Safety Must-Haves
Sun Protection Essentials
Crab Island & Water Fun
Coolers, Snacks & Drinks
Dry Bags, Storage & Cleanup
Things People Forget
Boat Safety Must-Haves
A properly fitted kids life jacket is one of the first things I pack for any Destin boat day. Even if your rental includes life jackets, having one your child already likes and fits comfortably makes the day so much easier.
“We love using these lif...
Child/Youth Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket
If you’re boating with babies or toddlers around Crab Island or the bay, this is a must. Look for one with head support, grab handles, and secure straps for all-day comfort and safety.
Infant/Toddler Life Jacket
Boats, docks, shells, hooks, and kids… enough said. A compact waterproof first aid kit is one of those things you hope you don’t need but are always glad you packed. I would definitely recommend adding small scissors and real tweezers.
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Perfect for protecting your phone while floating at Crab Island, riding around the bay, or hopping in and out of the water for photos with the family.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
One of the easiest ways to avoid losing keys in the water. Tiny item, huge peace of mind.
Floating Keychain
Even calm bay days can get rough for some kids and adults. These are great to keep on hand just in case someone starts feeling seasick.
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband
THE BEST!! My wife says - “They’ve been perfect for morning sickness and sea sickness. I take 1-2 before boarding the vessel and can make it through the trip even when it’s rocky!”
Ginger Chews for Nausea & Motion Sickness
Sun Protection Essentials
Florida sun hits differently on the water. A good reef-safe sunscreen is a must for long boat days around Destin and Crab Island.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Super easy for putting sunscreen on littles
Kid-Friendly Sunscreen Applicator
Way easier for kids than lotion and perfect for quick reapplications without getting sunscreen everywhere on the boat. This is what we see all the FL moms carrying
Face Stick Sunscreen
One of the best ways to stay comfortable on the water while protecting your skin from the intense Florida sun.
UPF Sun Protection Shirts
My wife raves about these for our boys. Fishing, beach, sports, splash pad. One of the best ways to stay comfortable on the water while protecting your skin from the intense Florida sun.
Boys UPF Swim Shirt
Polarized lenses make a huge difference on the water by cutting glare and helping you actually enjoy the view without squinting all day. We recommend blue or green mirror lenses for the Emerald Coast 😉
Polarized Sunglasses
Because somebody always drops sunglasses overboard eventually.
Sunglasses Strap
Great for extra shade during long days floating at Crab Island, those perfect beach days or cruising around the Emerald Coast.
Wide Brim Sun Hats
Great for extra shade during long days On the golf course, beach, or boat
Men’s Hats
We’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from locals and visitors! This is better than aloe
After Sun Spray ***Highly recommended!
Crab Island & Water Fun
One of the best upgrades for a family Crab Island day. Gives kids a place to play and adults a place to relax without staying in the water the entire time.
Local tip: most pontoon rental companies should have one to add on to your trip. Be sure to ...
Lily Pad Floating Mat
Easy to bring on a pontoon and perfect for floating around the shallow water at Crab Island or on a float trip down Blackwater or Cold Water
Floating Lounge Chairs
Simple water toys keep kids entertained for hours while anchored in shallow water.
Water Toys
A good waterproof speaker instantly makes the boat day and beach day more fun without taking up much space.
Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker
Perfect for floating the littles with you
Be sure to tie up together and don’t let the kids drift too far away, the tide can flip so pay attention at all times
Baby Pool Float with Canopy
Especially helpful for kids who spend most of the day underwater looking for shells and fish.
Swim Goggles
Coolers, Snacks & Drinks
Backpack coolers are perfect for those who fly into the Destin area. Use it as a carry on bag for the flight and as a cooler during your beach vacation
Backpack Cooler
Soft coolers are easier to fit on pontoons and rental boats without taking up a ton of room.
Soft Cooler
YETI is our most utilized, most reliable cooler. It lasts for years and still looks brand new. It keeps things cold far better than any other cooler we’ve tested.
Hard Cooler
Keeps drinks and snacks cold without dealing with melted ice water everywhere.
Reusable Ice Packs
Hydration is huge during Florida boat days, especially during summer.
Insulated Water Bottle
Don’t forget to keep the kids hydrated as well!
Kids Insulated Water Bottle
Easy grab-and-go snacks make boating with kids so much easier.
Snackle Box
Keeps drinks secure while cruising the bay or hanging at Crab Island.
Toadfish Anchor Non-Tipping Universal Cup Holder
Dry Bags, Storage & Cleanup
Perfect for towels, wallets, clothes, electronics, and all the random things you want to keep dry on the boat.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Sand falls through, wet stuff dries faster, and it’s easy to toss everything together quickly after the boat day ends. For only $10 too!
My wife raves about this bag for beach days. The sand comes out easier with this bag than it does the bogg bag....
Mesh Beach Bag
One of those underrated things that makes the drive home way less messy.
Wet/Dry Bags
Lighter, faster drying, and easier to pack than bulky beach towels.
One of our favorite towels for all occasions! Sports, beach, boat, etc
Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel
Keeps the pontoon or rental boat way cleaner throughout the day. Nice to have at the beach too.
Clip-on Trash Bags
Honestly one of the most useful things you can bring on a boat with kids.
Baby Wipes
Between photos, maps, music, and videos, phones die faster than you think on long boat days.
Portable Wireless Charger
Things People Forget
Fun for downtime, lunch breaks, or relaxing while anchored.
Waterproof Playing Cards
Wind + saltwater + long hair = chaos.
Claw Clips or Hair Ties
Various sizes are useful for wet clothes, snacks, shells, phones, and random kid treasures.
Ziploc Bags
If your pup joins your Destin boat day, this makes things much safer and less stressful for everyone.
Dog Life Jacket
Boat decks and pavement get HOT in FL! Protect your furry friends paws
Dog Paw Protector Pads
Great for keeping IDs, cards, and cash protected while hopping on and off the boat and staying hands free
