For a boat tour in Aruba, wear your swimsuit as a base layer with a lightweight cover-up, quick-dry clothing, and sun-protective fabrics. The Caribbean sun reflects intensely off the water, so choose breathable materials that shield your skin whilst keeping you comfortable. You’ll be getting wet during snorkelling stops and potentially from sea spray, making moisture-wicking fabrics essential. This guide covers everything from footwear choices to sun protection strategies for your sailing adventure.
What should you actually wear on an Aruba boat tour?
Your ideal boat tour outfit starts with your swimsuit as the foundation, covered by lightweight, quick-drying clothing that protects against sun exposure. Women typically wear bikinis or one-piece swimsuits with board shorts or sarongs, whilst men opt for swim trunks paired with rash guards or breathable shirts. The key is choosing fabrics that dry rapidly and won’t weigh you down when wet.
Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and specially designed athletic fabrics work brilliantly in marine environments. These materials wick moisture away from your skin, dry within minutes, and maintain their shape even after repeated exposure to saltwater. Cotton, whilst comfortable on land, becomes heavy and clingy when wet, taking hours to dry and potentially causing chafing during your tour.
A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or rash guard provides excellent sun protection for your shoulders and arms, which are particularly vulnerable to burning on the water. The sun’s rays reflect off the ocean surface, intensifying UV exposure compared to lounging on the beach. Many guests start the morning feeling fine in just their swimwear, only to discover hours later that they’ve caught more sun than expected.
Temperature changes throughout your tour deserve consideration as well. When you’re sailing with the wind, especially on morning departures, you might feel cooler than anticipated. After swimming or snorkelling, that breeze can feel quite refreshing against wet skin. Having a light layer you can easily put on and remove gives you flexibility to stay comfortable regardless of conditions.
For women, supportive swimwear makes a significant difference during active portions of the tour. You’ll be climbing in and out of the water, possibly taking a turn on the rope swing, and moving about the deck. A secure-fitting top prevents wardrobe concerns and lets you focus on enjoying the experience. Similarly, men benefit from swim trunks with secure waistbands and proper lining.
Do you need special footwear for a Caribbean sailing adventure?
The best footwear for a boat tour is either secure water shoes with good grip or going barefoot entirely. Boat decks become slippery when wet, and proper footwear prevents slips whilst protecting your feet from hot surfaces and occasional rough textures. Avoid flip-flops, as they offer no security and can easily slip off or become tripping hazards on a moving vessel.
Many guests choose to sail barefoot, which works perfectly well on most tours. Going barefoot gives you better grip on wet decks and feels wonderfully freeing as you sail across Caribbean waters. However, deck surfaces can become quite hot when the boat is stationary in full sun, particularly during afternoon tours. If you’re sensitive to heat or prefer some protection, water shoes are your solution.
Quality water shoes feature non-slip rubber soles, quick-drying mesh uppers, and secure closures that keep them firmly on your feet. They protect against hot surfaces, provide traction on wet decks, and work brilliantly for snorkelling activities. You can walk confidently on the boat, swim comfortably, and explore snorkel sites without worrying about sharp coral or rocky areas.
Sandals with back straps offer a middle ground between barefoot and full water shoes. Sporty sandals from brands specializing in outdoor footwear provide decent grip and stay securely on your feet. They’re easier to slip on and off than enclosed water shoes, making them convenient for alternating between sailing and swimming. Just ensure the straps are adjustable and secure, as loose sandals can still slip off when climbing ladders or moving quickly.
For sunset cruises where you might spend more time sailing than swimming, comfortable sandals with straps work wonderfully. These tours typically involve less in-and-out-of-water activity, so you’re prioritizing deck comfort over snorkelling functionality. Morning and afternoon snorkelling adventures benefit more from dedicated water shoes or the barefoot approach, as you’ll be actively swimming at multiple stops.
Whatever you choose, avoid bringing expensive or sentimental footwear. The marine environment is tough on shoes, and items occasionally go overboard despite best intentions. Bring footwear you wouldn’t mind replacing, and consider leaving one pair at your accommodation as a backup for the rest of your holiday.
How do you protect yourself from the sun during a boat tour?
Reef-safe sunscreen applied generously and reapplied frequently forms your primary defence against Caribbean sun exposure on the water. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before your tour begins, allowing it to properly absorb into your skin. The sun’s intensity increases significantly on water due to reflection, making protection essential even on partly cloudy days.
Reef-safe formulations protect both your skin and Aruba’s precious marine ecosystems. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral reefs and harm marine life, even in small concentrations. Mineral-based sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide effective protection whilst keeping the snorkelling sites you’ll visit healthy for future generations. Many tour operators specifically request reef-safe products, and some Caribbean destinations have banned harmful sunscreen ingredients entirely.
Reapplication matters more than most people realize. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after swimming, and you’ll be in and out of the water multiple times during snorkelling stops. Bring your sunscreen bottle on board and reapply after each swim, focusing on frequently missed spots like ears, feet, backs of knees, and the part in your hair. These areas burn quickly and painfully when neglected.
Clothing provides the most reliable sun protection available. A long-sleeved rash guard or UV-protective shirt shields your torso and arms without requiring reapplication. Wide-brimmed hats protect your face, neck, and ears during sailing portions, though you’ll want to remove them before swimming. Many guests bring hats with chin straps to prevent them blowing overboard in the wind.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from intense glare reflecting off the water. Polarized lenses reduce glare most effectively, making it easier to spot colourful fish and marine life during your tour. Secure your sunglasses with a retention strap, as the combination of movement, wind, and water activities creates multiple opportunities for them to slip off. Some guests bring an inexpensive backup pair just in case.
The timing of your tour affects sun exposure intensity. Morning departures typically offer slightly gentler sun conditions, whilst afternoon tours experience peak UV intensity. Sunset cruises provide the most comfortable sun exposure, though you’ll still want protection during the earlier portions. Regardless of timing, Caribbean sun demands respect and proper protection.
Don’t forget often-overlooked areas. The tops of your feet burn easily when dangling in the water or walking around the deck. Your lips need protection too, ideally from a reef-safe lip balm with SPF. The back of your neck, particularly where your hair parts, receives intense exposure and burns quickly without coverage or sunscreen.
What should you bring versus what should you leave behind?
Bring a waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone, camera, and any items that must stay dry. Most boat tours provide towels, snorkel equipment, and refreshments, so you only need personal essentials. Pack light, focusing on sun protection items, a change of clothes for after the tour, and minimal valuables.
Your waterproof protection for electronics makes the difference between capturing amazing memories and watching your phone sink to the ocean floor. Small waterproof pouches with lanyard straps keep phones accessible for photos whilst protecting them from splashes and accidental drops. Larger dry bags accommodate towels, extra clothing, and other items you want to keep completely dry. These bags are worth the small investment and serve you well throughout your Aruba holiday.
We provide towels on our tours, so you don’t need to bring beach towels from your hotel. However, many guests appreciate having a small personal towel or chamois cloth for drying off between swims. Some prefer bringing their own towel for the ride back to their accommodation after the tour, as you’ll likely still be slightly damp.
A change of clothes for after your tour makes the transition back to your next activity more comfortable. Many guests head directly to dinner or other plans following afternoon or sunset cruises. Having dry clothes, undergarments, and fresh shoes waiting in your bag means you can change before leaving the dock area. Some tours have changing facilities available, whilst others offer privacy on the vessel itself.
Leave valuable jewellery, watches, and expensive accessories at your accommodation. The marine environment is harsh on metals and stones, saltwater can damage pieces, and items easily slip off in the water. Your wedding ring is generally fine if it fits securely, but remove dangly earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anything you’d be devastated to lose. The ocean floor around popular snorkel sites is littered with lost jewellery from well-meaning tourists.
Cash and cards should stay minimal. Bring enough for tips if you wish to show appreciation for excellent service, but leave excess money secured at your hotel. Most boat tours include all food and drinks, so you won’t need money during the experience itself. If you have questions about what’s included in specific tours, our contact page provides direct answers about tour inclusions and what to expect.
Medications you might need should come with you, particularly if you’re prone to seasickness. Take motion sickness medication 30-60 minutes before departure for maximum effectiveness. Any prescription medications you take regularly should be in a waterproof container with your name clearly marked. Most tours last 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly for any medical needs.
Snacks aren’t necessary, as quality boat tours provide food and refreshments throughout the experience. Bringing outside food can actually create issues with crumbs attracting insects and creating mess on deck. Trust that you’ll be well fed and hydrated during your time on the water. If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, mentioning these when booking ensures appropriate provisions.
Camera equipment deserves special consideration. Waterproof action cameras capture brilliant underwater footage at snorkel sites. Standard cameras and phones need proper waterproof housing if you want underwater shots. Many guests find that focusing on experiencing the moment rather than documenting every second leads to greater enjoyment. Take some photos to remember your adventure, but don’t spend the entire tour behind a lens.