Hygiene & beauty

Soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and razors, but above all high-protection sunscreen, after-sun and insect repellent: in the tropics those last two are not a comfort, they are essential.

Reflection off the water sharply increases exposure, including in the shade of the bimini and under cloud. Choose a high factor and larger quantities than you would use ashore. Water-resistant, reef-safe formulations are preferable if you swim at anchor.

For showering, saltwater soaps earn their place when the fresh water reserve is limited, often the main constraint on a multi-day cruise.