One of the quiet luxuries of a private charter is how little you actually need to carry. The crew handles food, safety equipment and the route; your job is a small bag done right. This packing list is built from the boats we actually run out of Side, the luxury motor yacht, the private gulet and the VIP wooden boat, not from a generic cruise checklist.
The four things every guest needs
- Swimwear, worn under your clothes is easiest. The first swim stop on the river-departure boats comes at the Manavgat delta, where fresh water meets the Mediterranean, and you will not want to be hunting for a changing spot.
- A towel, sunbeds are on deck, but towels are yours to bring on all three boats.
- Sunscreen: you are on open water for six to seven hours with reflection off the sea; pack more than you think you need and reapply after every swim.
- A light jacket for the evening: this comes straight from the yacht's own packing list, and it matters most if you take the sunset-return option, where the programme shifts late and you sail home as the light goes.
What to wear on board
Deck-friendly and simple: a cover-up or shirt over swimwear, a hat, and sunglasses. Choose flat, secure shoes or sandals you can slip off, boarding the motor yacht is via steps, and bare or soft-soled feet are kindest to a wooden gulet deck. If you are celebrating, bring the nice outfit for photos, but plan to spend the swimming hours in something you do not mind getting salty. There is no dress code on your own boat; that is rather the point.
Occasion extras worth planning ahead
- Your own playlist. The gulet has a music system on board and its packing list literally includes "your own playlist", queue it up before you lose mobile signal in the quieter bays.
- One bottle of spirits. Both the yacht and the gulet allow you to bring a single bottle of your own; everything else is sold at the onboard bar. A bottle of something special for a toast travels well, the bar covers the rest.
- Decorations, ordered, not carried. Balloons and deck decoration for a birthday or proposal are arranged by us if you ask 2–3 days in advance on the gulet, or pre-ordered on the VIP boat. Do not try to smuggle a suitcase of party supplies aboard; tell us early instead.
- A real camera or a charged phone. Professional photos are not included on the gulet, and the Temple of Apollo seen from the sea is a shot you will want. A small power bank earns its place in the bag.
- Dietary notes, sent early. On the VIP boat, lunch menus can be adjusted for dietary needs if you tell us in advance; on the yacht and gulet the menu is agreed with you before the day. Message us when you book, not at the gangway.
What you can leave at the hotel
No need for packed lunches, food is cooked and served on board on all three charters, with menus like fish, grilled chicken, meatballs, mezes and salads on the wooden boat. Snorkel gear is provided for swimming breaks on the VIP programme. Cash for a deposit is unnecessary too: reservation is free and you pay on board on the day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure: the full cost picture is in our prices guide.
One accessibility note
Boarding the motor yacht is via steps, so it is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern for anyone in your party, talk to us before booking and we will be straight with you about which boat, if any, works: there is more on group suitability in our first-timer and family guide, and the full fleet is on the private charter collection page.