What to Wear on a Sailing Charter in Antigua
What to Wear on a Sailing Charter in Antigua (So You Look Great in Photos)
This might be one of the most practical questions we get asked before a charter, and it’s a good one. Antigua is warm, the sun is strong, the sea spray is real, and you’re going to be moving between the deck, the water, and back again all day. What you wear matters — both for comfort and for those photos you’ll be posting for the next two years.
Here’s what our crew recommends after sailing hundreds of guests along the coast of Antigua.
Start With Your Swimsuit — It’s the Foundation
Whatever else you wear, your swimsuit goes on first. You will get in the water — whether it’s a full snorkel session, a swim off the boat, or just a float on the lily pad. Don’t be the person who skips the swim because they didn’t bring a suit.
For women: a one-piece or bikini both work great. If you’re planning to snorkel, a rash guard over your swimsuit is your best friend — it protects against sun exposure while you’re face-down in the water, and it looks effortlessly cool in photos.
For men: board shorts are perfect. Bring a second pair if you want to change after swimming.
A Lightweight Cover-Up is Non-Negotiable
The sun in Antigua is no joke, even on overcast days. A lightweight linen shirt, kaftan, or UV-protective cover-up does double duty: it protects your skin during the sailing portions of the day, and it gives you a put-together look for the photos you’ll take while lounging in the cockpit with a rum punch.
Avoid heavy cotton. It takes forever to dry if it gets wet, and in the Caribbean heat and humidity, you’ll be uncomfortable within an hour.
Footwear: Keep It Simple
Boat shoes or simple sandals are ideal for boarding and getting around the dock. Once you’re on the boat, most guests go barefoot — it’s easier for moving around the deck and much more comfortable.
Skip the flip-flops for the actual sailing. They’re awkward on a moving deck and easy to lose overboard. Pack them in your bag and slip them on at beach stops.
If you’re planning to walk on any rocky sections at a beach stop, water shoes are a great option.
Sun Protection: Wear It, Don’t Just Pack It
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before you arrive at the boat — not after you’re already on the water. We ask all guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect Antigua’s coral reefs, especially when snorkeling. Brands like Raw Elements or Badger are easy to find.
A wide-brimmed hat is genuinely one of the best things you can bring. It keeps the sun off your face, keeps you cooler, and photographs beautifully. Bring a cap or hat with a chin strap or tie if it’s breezy — we’ve seen many a hat become the property of the Caribbean Sea.
Polarized sunglasses are a must — the reflection off the water is intense and beautiful, but brutal on unprotected eyes.
What to Pack in Your Bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- A small dry bag or waterproof phone case (we provide snorkel gear but not dry bags)
- A light towel or sarong — we have towels on board but guests often prefer their own
- Cash for gratuity if you’d like to tip the crew (always appreciated, never required)
- A change of clothes if you want to feel fresh after the charter
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness — take them 30 minutes before boarding
What Not to Bring
- Large suitcases or hard luggage — space on board is limited, bring a soft bag
- Expensive jewelry — salt water and boat decks are not kind to valuables
- High heels or any shoes you can’t afford to lose
- Non-reef-safe sunscreen (we’ll ask you not to apply it in the water)
The Photo Tip No One Talks About
The best photos on a sailing charter happen during the sailing moments — not just at the swim stops. Wear something you feel confident in while you’re sitting in the cockpit with a drink, wind in your hair, Antigua’s coastline behind you. That’s the shot. The cover-up, the hat, the good sunglasses — that’s your look. Own it.
Any questions about what to expect on your charter? Reach us at info@saltnsuncharter.com or WhatsApp us at 1-268-788-3094. We sail daily from Jolly Harbour, Antigua.