The Ultimate Sandbar Party Checklist: What to Bring on Our Party Boat Rides (So You Show Up Like a Pro and Leave Like a Legend)

Hey crew, Captain Scott Fleischer here from BottomsUpAdventureCharters.com, and if you just booked one of our famous party boat rides in Fort Lauderdale, first of all… welcome to the best day of your vacation. Second, drop everything and read this post right now, because I’m about to save you from the two biggest sandbar rookie mistakes: showing up under-packed and showing up over-packed.

I’ve hosted literally thousands of sandbar parties over the years, from chill family afternoons to bach party boat rentals that deserve their own Netflix special, and I can spot the veterans the second they walk down the dock. They roll up with one cooler, one backpack, and a grin that says “we came to win.” The rookies? They’re wrestling five bags, three flamingo floats, and a Bluetooth speaker the size of a microwave they’ll never use because we already have a 2,000-watt system on board.

Let’s fix that today. Here’s my official, captain-approved Ultimate Sandbar Party Checklist so your group steps on my boat looking like you’ve done this a hundred times (even if it’s your first).

First Things First: We’ve Already Got the Big Stuff Covered

Before I tell you what to bring, let me tell you what you can leave at the hotel. When you book our party boat rides, these come standard:

• Ice-filled coolers (200 quarts worth – seriously, bring whatever you want to drink)

• Massive floating mats and lily pads (big enough for the whole crew to lounge)

• Stand-up paddleboards and noodles

• Bluetooth sound system that’ll drown out every other boat at the sandbar

• Fresh water rinse, bathroom, shade, and a crew that knows every secret spot

• Cups, bottle openers, trash bags (we leave zero trace)

That means 90% of the “work” is already done. Your only job is to show up ready to have the time of your life.

The Perfect “One Cooler + One Backpack” Formula

Here’s exactly what the smartest groups bring every single time:

The Cooler (Drinks & Food – Keep It Simple, Keep It Cold)

• Canned cocktails, hard seltzers, beer (cans only – glass is a sandbar felony)

• Bottled water (trust me, the sun is real)

• Frozen grapes or watermelon chunks – game-changing sandbar snack

• Pre-made sandwiches, wraps, or Publix subs cut into quarters (eats like a champ after swimming)

• Bag of ice on top if you’re extra (we’ve got plenty, but more never hurts) Pro tip: Freeze half your drinks the night before – keeps everything colder longer and doubles as extra ice.

The Backpack (Everything Else – The “VIP Kit”)

• Waterproof phone pouch with a lanyard (you WILL be in the water taking pics)

• Portable phone charger (the good ones die fast with videos)

• Sunscreen (SPF 50 waterproof – reapply every 90 minutes or the ride home is miserable)

• Towels (one per person – we’ve got shade, but the sun is still Florida-sun)

• Sunglasses + hat + croakies (things fly overboard when the playlist hits “Sweet Caroline”)

• Small dry bag with IDs, credit card, and cash (everything else stays locked on the boat)

• Bluetooth speaker? Leave it. We’ve got you.

• Giant inflatable? Leave it. Ours are bigger and already floating.

  
  

The “Level-Up” Items That Make You the Hero of the Group

Want to go from guest to legend? Toss one or two of these in:

• Waterproof playing cards or a floating beer pong table (we have them available too, just ask)

• Bag of limes + Tajín (instantly elevates every drink and watermelon slice)

• GoPro or Insta360 (the sandbar looks unreal in 360°)

• Polaroid camera (instant photos on the ride home are pure gold)

• Small portable fan that clips to the cooler lid (feels like air conditioning when you’re lounging)

• Glow sticks or LED accessories if you’re staying for sunset (turns good into epic)

  
  

What NOT to Bring (Captain Scott’s “Hard No” List)

I hate saying no, but these things will get left on the dock:

• Glass bottles (safety first – broken glass and bare feet don’t mix)

• Bad attitudes (leave those at the hotel too)

• Drones (FAA rules + we’re moving = disaster)

• Your own captain’s hat (that’s my job)

• More than one giant inflatable (we’ve got the good ones already inflated)

  
  

A Day-in-the-Life: What Actually Happens on Our Sandbar Party Boat Rides

You arrive at the dock behind Shooters Waterfront, coolers rolling, music already bumping. We load up in two minutes flat, shove off, and ten minutes later you’re cruising past multi-million-dollar mansions while popping your first drink. We drop the hook at our favorite sandbar (water so clear you can see your toes wiggling), throw the floating island overboard, and the party explodes.

Next thing you know, someone’s doing a backflip off the bow, another group is challenging us to flip-cup, dolphins are circling because they know we’re the fun boat, and you’re floating in waist-deep water with a drink in your hand wondering why every weekend can’t feel like this.

We time it perfectly so the ride home is a sunset cruise – skyline glowing, music loud, wind in your hair, and zero cleanup because my crew handles everything.

Special Checklists for Specific Crews

Bach Party Boat Rental Crew

• Matching swimsuits or shirts (the photos will live forever)

• “Bride” sash or captain’s hat for the bachelorette

• Playlist titled “Bach Boat Bangers” ready to go

• Champagne for the toast when we anchor

Private Fishing Tour Add-On Crew If you’re doing a half-day fishing/half-day sandbar combo (my personal favorite), just add:

• Light long-sleeve fishing shirt

• Non-skid shoes or sandals

• Polarized sunglasses (you’ll thank me when you see the fish before they see you)

Family Crew with Kids

• Life jackets are provided, but bring their favorite small toys

• Goldfish crackers and juice boxes (the captain approves)

• Rash guards and extra sunscreen

  
  

The Bottom Line: Less Stuff = More Fun

The groups that have the absolute best time always follow the same rule: pack light, laugh loud, and trust the captain. I’ve been doing this long enough to know exactly what you need to have an unbelievable day, and I’ve already brought it.

So grab your cooler, stuff that backpack, and get ready for the kind of party boat ride that people still message me about years later saying, “Scott, that was the best day we’ve ever had on the water.”

Spots are filling fast, especially weekends and holidays, so don’t wait until the last minute and end up watching everyone else’s stories from the hotel balcony.

Head over to https://www.bottomsupadventurecharters.com right now, pick your date, choose your crew size, and let’s get you locked in for the sandbar party you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life.

This is Captain Scott reminding you: the water’s warm, the drinks are cold, and the sandbar is calling your name.

See you at the dock – let’s go make some stories!

Fair winds and full coolers, Captain Scott BottomsUpAdventureCharters.com