Attention all boating lovers! We know you’ve been looking for some great boat food ideas for your next sailing trip. Here is our list of delicious and easy-to-pack or make food on board.
Whether it be sailing to the sea, fishing, or paddling downstream, you need to eat to be energized. Easy to prepare, mess-free and on-the-go meals are your best friend while traveling on the water. Lucky for you we have listed them all for you!


Boating trips with family or friends surely provide for a great experience. But a day spent on the boat can work up an appetite.
If you’re not sure what food to bring for your next boating trip, you don’t need to worry. We’ve provided you with lots of boat food ideas below, check them out!
What are good foods to take on a boat?
When boating, finding the right food to pack and bring with you can be quite tricky. Like, is the food easy to transport or simple enough to make onboard? Does it need refrigeration?
Will it be a complete disaster if the water turns rocky and your food spills? No need to worry because here are some food ideas that are perfect to bring along on your boating trips.
- Frozen fruits such as grapes or berries
- Wraps/burritos
- Sliced fruits and veggies
- Pasta salad
- Kebabs (you can make them ahead and then grill them on the boat)
- Trail Mix
- Energy bars
- Popcorn or chips
- Sandwiches or burgers
- Paninis
- Hummus and crackers
- Cheese
If you’re skillful at fishing or you just feel lucky you can catch your fish or even shellfish and cook/grill it onboard. But if you want to just relax and enjoy your sailing holiday, you can prepare your meals and snacks ahead of time.

Also, remember to keep hot and cold foods apart to avoid cross-contamination. If your boat doesn’t come with a fridge make sure you don’t forget your coolers for boating. Use food storage containers or ziplock bags when storing your food.
Boat Food Ideas
Looking for food ideas to bring for your boating trip? Below is a list of some of the best boat food ideas to make your days on the boat extra yummy.
Who doesn’t like a yummy and energizing breakfast to start the day? Try making this Make-ahead fruit & Greek yogurt parfait by Danielle and pack them for your sailing trip.
If you want an easy and mess-free meal to bring for your boating holiday make sure you check out this yummy Turkey pesto tortilla pinwheels recipe from Project Meal Plan.
Chicken pizza wraps anyone? Try this easy and oh-so-yummy boat food recipe by Sarah that you can make in just a couple of minutes.
An egg salad sandwich is one of the easiest sandwiches in the world to make. If you want a little bit of a yummy twist, try making this Egg salad sandwich recipe by Drugstore Divas.
Make this Cold rotisserie chicken pasta salad ahead of time and enjoy a yummy and refreshing meal on a hot summer day on the water.
Whether on land or the water, you can never go wrong with a good BLT sandwich. Check out how Rebecca makes her delicious BLT sandwich which clearly deserves a standing ovation.
Another sandwich recipe that you should definitely try making for your boating trips is this Pulled pork sandwich with pineapple coleslaw by Rebecca. It's an explosion of flavors that you would want to taste over and over again.
Trail mixes are also one of the best snacks to bring while boating. If you prefer to make trail mix at home, follow this simple and healthy Trail mix recipe from Neighborhood Blog.
Looking for a recipe that’s perfect for the summer? Here’s a Savory macaroni salad recipe by Kimberly that that whole family will surely enjoy.
This list wouldn’t be complete without some granola bars! They're quick and easy to whip up, making them the perfect boat snack or a quick breakfast on board.
If you love munching trail mix while traveling then you'll surely love Jack’s nutty fruit & chocolate snack mix by Courtney that is not only tasty but healthy too.
Pontoon Boat Accessories
Pontoon boats are a great way to have some outdoor family fun on the lake or a party with friends out on the open sea. Check out these practical must-have pontoon boat accessories to add to your boat for smooth sailing.
Download Your FREE Boating Pre-Departure Checklist

Recommended Boating Resources
- Recommended Pontoon Boat Accessories
- Best Boat Snacks– These are easy to make and yummy, too
- Pontoon Boat Hacks– Simplify your days on the water with these boating hacks
More Related Resources
Aside from these tasty boat food ideas, you can also enjoy some BBQs on board! Check out our guide on How To BBQ On A Pontoon Boat.
And if you’re looking for places to sail this summer, Georgia’s a great destination too. Here is an adventurer’s guide to Tybee Island in Georgia.