After welcoming more than 10,000 guests onto DanEri catamarans, our crew can predict exactly who packed well and who did not before anyone steps off the gangway. The guest in flip-flops with a small dry bag slung over one shoulder is going to have a perfect day. The guest pulling a rolling suitcase and wearing brand-new leather sandals is about to learn a few things the hard way.
Packing for a catamaran day trip in Crete is not complicated, but most advice online is either too generic or written by people who have never actually spent a full day on the water. This guide comes directly from the crew perspective. It covers what to wear on a boat trip in Crete, what to bring, what to leave at the hotel, and what is already provided on board so you do not need to worry about it at all.
Written by Elena Markou for the DanEri Journal based on real crew feedback from thousands of guest departures across Kissamos, Chania, and Panormo. Updated April 17, 2026.
Wear swimwear under light layers. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a dry bag for your phone. Leave the heels, heavy bags, and expensive jewellery at the hotel. Everything else you need is already on board.
What To Wear On A Boat Trip In Crete
The most common mistake guests make is overthinking their outfit. A catamaran is not a yacht club dinner. You will be moving between sun and shade, sitting on cushioned decks, swimming, and eating with your hands. Comfort wins every time.
Base layer: swimwear underneath
Always wear your swimsuit or bikini under your clothes. You do not want to be searching for a changing spot when the catamaran anchors at a crystal-clear swimming bay and everyone else is already in the water. Swim shorts work perfectly for men, and a one-piece or bikini for women. This is your foundation for the entire day.
Light layers on top
A loose cotton shirt, a linen coverup, or a light sundress over swimwear is the ideal combination. Crete's summer sun is intense, but the sea breeze on a moving catamaran can feel surprisingly cool, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Having one light layer you can pull on or off makes the difference between comfort and sunburn. Avoid anything heavy, structured, or difficult to dry quickly.
Light layers and swimwear underneath is the combination that works best on every DanEri cruise, from Kissamos to Panormo.
Footwear: non-slip and easy to remove
This is where we see the most regret. Flat sandals with a rubber sole, deck shoes, or simple flip-flops are all fine. What does not work: heels of any height, leather-soled shoes, brand-new sandals that have not been broken in, or anything with a hard sole that could scratch the deck. You will take your shoes off on board, so choose something you can slip on and off easily at the gangway.
Season-specific clothing tips
From June through August, Crete temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius and the UV index is extreme. The lightest possible clothing is the right call. In May and September, mornings can be breezy and the water is slightly cooler, so pack a thin windbreaker or hoodie in your bag. October sailings are rare but beautiful, and a warmer layer is essential for the return trip when the sun sits lower.
What To Bring With You
The ideal day bag for a catamaran cruise fits everything you need and nothing you do not. Here is the checklist our crew recommends after years of watching guests get it right.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours. Reef-safe formulas are strongly preferred. The reflection off the water doubles your UV exposure, and most guests underestimate how fast they burn on a boat.
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap with a secure fit. Wind on a catamaran is constant. If your hat does not have a chin strap or a tight fit, it will end up in the Cretan Sea before lunch.
- Polarised sunglasses, ideally with a strap or lanyard. The glare on the water is intense, and squinting for five hours is no one's idea of luxury.
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, camera, and any documents. Saltwater and electronics do not mix, and even on calm days there is spray on deck.
- A light towel or sarong if you are on a standard cruise. LUX cruises provide towels, but having your own sarong gives you extra versatility as a blanket, pillow, or shade cover.
- Any personal medication you may need during the day, including motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness. Take them 30 minutes before departure for best results.
- A small amount of cash for tips or any harbour-side purchases before or after the cruise. Most things on board are included.
A dry bag, SPF 50+, and a hat are the three items our crew would never leave port without.
What NOT To Bring
Every season, guests arrive with items that make their day harder instead of easier. Our crew has seen it all, and this is the honest list of what to leave behind.
- High heels or wedges. The deck is not a runway, and hard soles damage teak surfaces. You will be asked to remove them immediately.
- Heavy bags, rolling suitcases, or oversized beach totes. Storage on a catamaran is limited. A small backpack or crossbody bag is all you need.
- Expensive jewellery, watches you cannot get wet, or irreplaceable valuables. Saltwater, sunscreen, and the occasional splash are not kind to fine accessories.
- Glass bottles or hard coolers. These are safety hazards on a moving vessel and are not permitted on board.
- Large amounts of cash or important travel documents. Leave your passport at the hotel. You will not need it on the water.
What Is Already Provided On Board
One of the most common questions we receive is whether guests need to bring their own snorkelling gear, water toys, or safety equipment. The answer is no. DanEri catamarans are fully equipped, and the list of what is waiting for you is longer than most guests expect.
- Snorkelling gear including masks and fins in multiple sizes for adults and children.
- Stand-up paddleboards available at swimming stops on most cruises.
- Life jackets for all ages, including infant and child sizes, always on board and checked before departure.
- Fresh towels provided on all LUX cruises. Standard cruises do not include towels, so bring your own or a sarong.
- Food and drinks are included on every DanEri cruise. LUX cruises offer a premium menu with local Cretan dishes, wine, and fresh fruit.
- Freshwater deck showers for rinsing off after swimming.
On Morning LUX from Kissamos and other LUX-tier sailings, towels, premium food, drinks, and water activities are all included. You can board with nothing but sunscreen and a smile.
Snorkel gear, SUPs, and life jackets are already on board every DanEri catamaran. No need to pack your own.
A Quick Packing Checklist By Season
May and early June
Swimwear, a light windbreaker, SPF 50+, hat, dry bag, and a warmer layer for the return sail when the breeze picks up in the afternoon. Water temperatures are refreshing, so a rash guard can help if you plan to snorkel for extended periods.
July and August
The lightest clothing you own. Swimwear, coverup, SPF 50+ in a generous size because you will use more than you think, a hat that will not blow off, and plenty of water. The catamaran provides drinks, but starting the day hydrated makes a real difference when the air temperature passes 35 degrees.
September and October
All the summer essentials plus a light hoodie or fleece for the evening return. September is still warm and excellent for swimming. October is beautiful but cooler, and the wind can be stronger. A thin waterproof layer is worth its weight in gold on late-season cruises.
Late-season cruises reward guests who pack one extra layer. The light is unforgettable, and the water is still warm enough to swim.