Every week we watch someone step onto the boat in a cotton hoodie that’s about to spend the next three hours wet, or with a giant straw hat that will be in the sea before we clear the harbour. The Algarve sun and the Atlantic breeze are both stronger than people expect, and a small amount of packing forethought is the difference between “great morning” and “I got sunburned and my phone died.”

Here is the list we give our guests when they ask.

The Essentials

Swimwear (worn, not in a bag)

Whether you’re on a cave tour, a sailing cruise, or a fishing trip, there’s a good chance you’ll end up in the water. Wear your swimwear under your clothes to the boat. Changing on board is possible but awkward, and the cabins are small.

A quick-dry towel

Big cotton beach towels stay wet the whole trip. A microfibre or travel towel packs down to nothing and is dry again within minutes. Bring one per person.

Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 30+ minimum

The Atlantic sun reflects off the cliffs and the water, so you burn twice as fast on the boat as on land. Apply before boarding, reapply after any swim. Reef-safe (oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free) formulas are increasingly standard and don’t pollute the water you’re about to swim in.

A waterproof phone pouch

The single most-regretted omission. Salt spray gets into everything on a speedboat. Even on a slow sail, one unexpected wave can end your phone. A simple floating pouch costs under 10 euros and pays for itself in peace of mind.

Sunglasses with a strap

Sunglasses without a strap become fish food on the first bump. Cheap silicone straps (sold at any marina shop) solve this.

A windbreaker or light jacket

Even in July, at 30 knots of wind coming back into port, anyone in shorts and a t-shirt is cold. A packable windbreaker is perfect — warm enough for the ride, small enough to forget in your bag the rest of the day.

Water shoes or sandals with a strap

Flip-flops blow off. Bare feet on hot boat decks burn. A pair of rubber-soled water shoes or proper sandals (Tevas, Chacos, anything with a heel strap) solves both problems.

A hat that won’t fly away

A baseball cap with a back strap or a packable sun hat with a chin cord. Wide-brim hats look great in photos; they last about 45 seconds on a fast boat.

Motion-sickness tablets (if you’re unsure)

If you’ve never been on a boat, or you’re sensitive to cars, trains, or planes, take a non-drowsy motion-sickness tablet 30–60 minutes before boarding. The Algarve is generally calm, but even mild swell on a small RIB can catch people out. Far better to take one and not need it than to be miserable for three hours.

A small reusable water bottle

Dehydration creeps up quickly in sun and wind. Most of our tours provide water, but having your own bottle means you’re drinking steadily rather than waiting for a break.

A small dry bag

For phones, wallets, car keys, sunglasses case, sunscreen. Even if the boat has dry storage, keeping your own group’s stuff in one dry bag is faster and calmer when it’s time to disembark.

Nice to Have

  • A GoPro or action camera on a floating strap — hands-free, waterproof, and won’t sink if dropped
  • Snacks — most tours offer refreshments, but if you’re prone to hunger-grumpiness, pack a granola bar
  • A small amount of cash for tipping (customary but never required — 5–10 euros per adult is kind)
  • A lightweight long-sleeve rash guard — sun protection without the sunscreen reapply, essential for kids

Leave at the Hotel

  • Heavy DSLR cameras unless you have real waterproof protection
  • Expensive sunglasses without a strap
  • Paper books — they will get wet
  • Big beach bags — there is never room
  • Anything you’d cry about losing to the sea

Families with Kids

  • A change of dry clothes per child in a ziploc
  • A rash guard or UV-protective shirt (Atlantic sun is no joke)
  • Snacks and a small toy for the boat ride back (when the post-swim crash hits)
  • A life jacket isn’t something you need to bring — all operators carry certified child sizes, but it’s worth confirming before booking if you have a toddler or baby

Our Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour accepts children from age four; our sailing tours accept younger kids because the boat motion is gentler.

Morning vs Sunset Trip Tweaks

Morning (cave tours, reef fishing): Emphasise sun protection and cool-weather layer for the early departure. The wind is sharper before 10:00.

Midday (sailing, family cruises): Maximum sun exposure. Double down on sunscreen, hats, long sleeves for kids.

Sunset (champagne cruises, yacht trips): Pack warmer layer. Once the sun drops, the Atlantic breeze bites quickly, even in August. A light sweater is worth the bag space.

One Final Thing

Weather forecasts in the Algarve are reliable 48 hours out but vague beyond. If your tour is a few days away, just keep an eye on marine conditions the day before. Operators will proactively contact you if they need to reschedule — all our guests get a direct WhatsApp message from us if anything changes.

Questions about gear for your specific tour, or whether a medical condition affects what you should bring? Message us before your trip — always easier to sort out things in advance than on the dock.