What To Bring on A Whitsunday Islands Tour
- Written by Allie Brown
- Last Updated April 10, 2026
A Whitsundays Island Tour may just be the best way to see the Whitsundays.
Soak up the views, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, and make the most of everything that the natural environment has to offer.
So, before you jump aboard your Whitsundays Islands Tour, here is everything we recommend that you do (and don’t) pack to ensure you are comfortable, safe, and protected for your adventure.
Sun Protection
The Whitsundays is known for three things – sun, sun, and more sun!
If you’re heading on an island tour by boat or by foot, then we recommend that you take sun protection very seriously. Here’s what we recommend packing to ensure you’re safe and protected during your tour.
Sunscreen: We provide sunscreen aboard all of our tour boats, however, if you’re going on any kind of island tour or cruise, we recommend packing a minimum 50 SPF sunscreen. Most sunscreens will wear off after around 4-5 hours and become less effective as you jump in and out of the water. As a result, we always recommend applying sunscreen every 3-4 hours to ensure you’re safe and not lathering yourself in aloe and drowning your sorrows for the next few days.
Hat or Cap: A wide-brim hat is the best option, but at a very minimum we recommend packing (and wearing) a hat for the duration of the day. A hat keeps the sun off your face and ensures that you’re not only protected from sunburn, but also that you are protected from sun stroke.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are a must-have – particularly when heading aboard a charter boat on a Whitsundays island tour. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun and from the salt water and ensure you don’t spend the day squinting. Where possible, pack polarised sunglasses to for a better view of what lies beneath the surface of the water and to minimise the glare from the water’s surface.
Remember, an island tour is a whole day activity. You’re battling the sun in a war of attrition. To survive, thrive, and ensure you’re able to enjoy the whole day without sunburn or heat stroke, we recommend taking sun protection very seriously.
Clothes & Swimwear
Lightweight clothing: We know that sitting in the scorching sun in clothes may not be that appealing, however, if you can pack lightweight (preferably long sleeve) clothing, then you’ll get an extra layer of protection from the sun and elements.
Swimwear: It goes without saying but pack your swimmers! No one wants to see your briefs or boxers, so please make sure you’re packing appropriate, family-friendly swimwear that you feel comfortable in when dry and when wet.
A change of clothes: Once you’re finished snorkelling or frolicking in the shallows, we recommend having a fresh change of clothes that you can change into. If you’re travelling outside of summer, you may also want to consider a slightly “heavier” change of clothes for the early evening.
Appropriate Footwear: Thongs are great. That said, we recommend bringing a pair of shoes that you are comfortable walking (and balancing) in while aboard and for any time spent island hopping.
Goggles & Glasses: If you’re planning on swimming, then we recommend bringing a set of goggles. We will, of course, have goggles and snorkels available on board, however, if you have a particular pair that you are most comfortable wearing, then it doesn’t hurt to pack those.
Tech
Phone: Bring your phone – you’ll want to take photos. We recommend bringing a water proof bag or phone cover to ensure that your phone is protected.
Camera: You can bring a camera. That said, we would strongly recommend that you ensure you have a waterproof case and you are comfortable with it getting wet.
Medicine & Health
If you have any specific medical or health requirements, it is important to let the staff know when booking. We recommend bringing any important medicine such as asthma inhalers, insulin pens, tablets, or anything else that you would normally need throughout the day.
Things like water will be supplied on board your tour so you do not need to worry about packing water. That said, if you have special requirements or prefer filtered or spring water, then you may want to pack your own water.
Do not bring
- Expensive tech & gadgets
- Expensive jewellery – including watches
- Glass bottles or jars
- Large bags – there will be limited space on board
- Alcohol (unless approved ahead of time)
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