What to Bring on Your First Kayak Trip: The Ultimate Packing List

So you’ve booked your first kayak adventure. Awesome! Now you’re probably staring at your closet wondering if you need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Spoiler: you don’t.

Let’s talk about what to actually bring so you can focus on the fun stuff, like not accidentally paddling in circles.

The Absolute Essentials (Don’t Leave Home Without These)

1. Sunscreen (Like, A LOT of Sunscreen)

I cannot stress this enough: THE SUN IS YOUR ENEMY. Well, not really, the sun is great. But water reflects sunlight like a mirror made of pure vengeance. You will get burned in places you didn’t know could burn.

Bring SPF 50+, waterproof, reef-safe sunscreen. Apply it before you leave. Reapply it when you get to the launch. Reapply it again because you definitely missed spots.

Trust me on this. I once forgot to reapply and looked like a lobster that made questionable life choices for three days.

2. Water (More Than You Think You Need)

You’re surrounded by water, but guess what? You can’t drink it. (I mean, you can, but Sarah says I’m not allowed to recommend that.)

Bring at least one liter of water per person. More if it’s hot. Yes, it seems like a lot. No, you won’t regret it when you’re out there and realize paddling is actual exercise.

Pro tip: Freeze a water bottle the night before. It’ll melt slowly and keep you cool. You’re welcome.

3. A Waterproof Bag or Case

Phones and kayaks don’t mix. Well, they mix great if you like buying new phones.

Get a waterproof bag or case for your phone, keys, wallet, and anything else that would be sad if it got wet. We recommend dry bags (the ones that roll down at the top). They’re like $15 and will save you from a very expensive mistake.

4. Proper Footwear

Listen, I’ve seen people show up in flip-flops, high heels (seriously), and once, memorably, Crocs with socks.

Wear water shoes, old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, or sandals with straps. Something that will stay on your feet when you step in soft sand, mud, or mystery goo at the launch site.

Barefoot is fine too, but watch out for shells and rocks. Your feet will thank you.

Kayaks lined up on the beach

Clothing: What to Wear (And What Not To)

The Golden Rule: Quick-Dry Everything

Cotton is the enemy. When cotton gets wet, it stays wet, gets heavy, and makes you cold. It’s like wearing a soggy towel of regret.

Instead, wear:

  • Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon)
  • Swimsuit or board shorts
  • Moisture-wicking athletic clothes
  • UV protection shirt (those rash guard things surfers wear)

I usually go with board shorts and a UV shirt. It’s like athleisure, but for people who accidentally fall in the water.

Hat and Sunglasses

Bring a hat with a strap or at least a bill (baseball cap works great). If it doesn’t have a strap, attach one, or it’s going swimming.

Polarized sunglasses are clutch. They cut the glare and let you actually see fish and cool stuff under the water. Get a glasses strap too, unless you enjoy buying new sunglasses.

What NOT to Wear

  • Jeans (they’ll weigh 50 lbs when wet)
  • White shirts (they become see-through, ask me how I know)
  • New expensive clothes (they will get wet, dirty, or both)
  • Your wedding ring or good jewelry (the fish don’t care, and you’ll panic if it falls off)

Nice-to-Haves (Level Up Your Experience)

Snacks

Kayaking works up an appetite. Bring snacks that won’t melt or get destroyed if they get damp.

Good options:

  • Granola bars
  • Trail mix
  • Pretzels
  • Fruit (apples and oranges are sturdy)
  • Those squeeze applesauce pouches (yes, like for kids, don’t judge me)

Bad options:

  • Chocolate (melted chocolate + kayak = bad time)
  • Chips (they’ll become chip dust)
  • Anything requiring utensils (you’re in a kayak, not a restaurant)

Small Towel

Bring a small towel. You’ll use it more than you think. Microfiber camping towels are perfect and dry fast.

Waterproof Camera or GoPro

Your phone camera is fine, but if you want to get fancy, a waterproof camera or GoPro is awesome for getting cool shots without the paranoia.

We’re happy to take photos on our phones too, so don’t stress if you don’t have one.

Bug Spray (Depending on Location)

If we’re doing a mangrove tour or going near the shoreline, bugs can be a thing. Bring bug spray. The mosquitoes here are aggressive and hold grudges.

Get the spray-on kind, not aerosol (better for the environment and won’t coat everything in a fine mist).

Ready for a day on the water

What We Provide (So You Don’t Have To)

Just so you know, we’ve got you covered on:

  • Kayak (obviously)
  • Paddle (also obvious, but you’d be surprised)
  • Life jacket/PFD (required by law, included in every tour)
  • Basic safety gear
  • Dry bag for your stuff (we have extras if you forget)
  • Instruction and bad jokes (included free of charge)

What to Leave at Home

Seriously, don’t bring:

  • Valuables (expensive jewelry, your great-grandma’s watch)
  • Too much stuff (space is limited, pack light)
  • Your stress (we’ll help you relax, that’s the whole point)
  • Expectations of staying completely dry (you might get splashed, embrace it)

The Night Before Checklist

Here’s your quick checklist to pack the night before:

✅ Sunscreen (SPF 50+, waterproof) ✅ Water (1+ liter per person) ✅ Waterproof bag/case ✅ Water shoes or sandals with straps ✅ Quick-dry clothes (shorts + UV shirt) ✅ Hat with strap ✅ Sunglasses with strap ✅ Snacks ✅ Small towel ✅ Bug spray ✅ Sense of adventure

Final Thoughts

Listen, I know this seems like a lot, but once you’ve done it once, you’ll have a routine down. Most of our regulars show up with a small backpack and are on the water in five minutes.

The most important thing to bring? A good attitude and willingness to try something new. Everything else is just details.

And if you forget something, don’t sweat it. We’ve got extras of most things, and we’re pretty good at improvising. This is kayaking, not brain surgery.

Ready to Go?

Now that you know what to bring, there’s nothing stopping you from booking that first trip. The water’s waiting, and trust me, it’s way more fun than stressing about packing.

Book your adventure and we’ll see you on the water!

P.S. - Someone once asked if they should bring their laptop to “catch up on work” during a sunset paddle. The answer is no. Please don’t do that. Your emails can wait. The dolphins can’t.