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What to bring on a private boat cruise

Bring sensible preparations — sun protection, suitable layers, a charged phone and your personal essentials — then confirm footwear, food, drinks, boarding and any guest needs with the team. We don't categorically promise that swimming or bringing your own drinks is allowed; those are confirmed in your quote.
By Harties Boat Cruises Updated 25 October 2026 Private whole-boat hire

Sensible preparations

Sun protection

Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Shade is available on the main pontoon, but the dam sun is strong.

Layers for the breeze

A light layer for the evening breeze. Temperatures drop on the water once the sun goes.

A charged phone

Keep your phone charged for photos and so we can reach you about boarding and access.

Personal essentials

Any medication, identification and personal items you'd want for a few hours away from shore.

Confirm these with the team

Some things depend on the boat, the day and the agreed setup. Raise them in your enquiry so we can confirm them for your specific booking rather than you assuming them.

  • Footwear: suitable, non-marking soles for the deck — confirm what works for your group.
  • Food and drinks: we don't categorically promise BYO is allowed. Arrangements are confirmed in your quote.
  • Boarding and guest needs: share any access needs so we can discuss boarding arrangements before confirming.
  • Swimming: not categorically promised. Whether a swim stop is possible depends on the boat, conditions and approvals.

Respect weight and space

The approved load and deck space matter for safety and comfort. Pack reasonably and keep the group within the confirmed capacity. Heavy or bulky items can affect stability and boarding, so mention anything unusual in your enquiry.

Glass, fire and equipment

We don't publish blanket rules about glassware, fire or brought-along equipment here. Whether any of that is suitable depends on the boat and the setup, and it's confirmed by the owner for your booking. If you're planning something specific — a particular setup, decor or equipment — raise it in your enquiry so we can confirm what's approved.

Main boat vs canals

The two boats have different restrictions. The main pontoon operates on the open dam with a skipper and the sound system included. The electric canal cruise is strictly 2–4 people for up to two hours, only within The Islands Estate canals — it never goes onto the main dam. What you bring should fit the waterway you choose.

Before you go

Review the booking terms and send your date request. We'll confirm the details that matter for your outing in a written whole-boat quote.

Ready to plan

Request your charter date

Tell us your preferred date, group size and occasion. We check skipper and vessel availability and return a written whole-boat quote — no per-head charges and no public tickets.

Practical guidance from our crew — not a legal or maritime compliance review. Specific arrangements are confirmed in your written quote.