boats
What to bring on a self-drive boat day in Gozo
We have done this for eighteen years. Here is the short pack list that makes the difference between a great day and a sunburnt one.
I have answered this question on WhatsApp at least a thousand times. Here it is in one place so you can read it before you message me at midnight from your hotel.
The short list
- Reef-safe sunscreen, the high-SPF kind. Reef-safe is not just for the reef, it is also kinder on your skin after six hours in the salt.
- A hat that does not blow off in the wind. The straw ones are pretty in photos and gone by the second cove.
- A reusable water bottle per person. Refill at the kiosk by our dock before you leave.
- A small dry bag for your phone, your wallet, and your car key. We have spares if you forget.
- Snacks for the picnic. The 80hp and bigger boats have a cooler box on board.
- A light long-sleeve shirt for the way back. The wind is colder than you think after sunset.
- Your ID. We need to see one form per booking.
The shortlist of things to leave behind
Alcohol stays at the dock. We are not strict because we like the rule. We are strict because the boat insurance and Maltese maritime law are both very strict and we have to be the ones who say no.
Glass bottles also stay at the dock. They break in the bilge and they are a nightmare to clean up. We have plastic alternatives in the kiosk.
And the inflatable flamingo. I am sorry. It is hilarious in the photos but it is impossible to deflate after six hours in the sun, it does not fit in the cooler, and it ends up tied to the bow looking sad. If you must, bring a small inflatable that fits in your dry bag.
What we provide
- Life jackets for adults and children, all sizes
- First aid box, fire extinguisher, anchor, swimming ladder
- Detailed map of where to anchor and where to keep the speed down
- Full briefing on how to operate the boat
- WhatsApp from Shanna if anything goes wrong, any time of day