Best Snacks For A Boat Trip: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

When it comes to snacks for a boat trip, it's best to opt for foods that are easy to prepare, portable, and create little to no waste. It's also important to consider the weather, as certain foods may spoil more easily under the sun. So, what are the best snacks to take on a boat trip?

Healthy snacks

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are refreshing and nutritious options for boat snacks. Pre-cut and wash fruits like strawberries, watermelon, grapes, oranges, and other favourites. You can also freeze fruits like grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries the night before and pop them directly on ice to enjoy later. Avoid bananas, as they are considered bad luck on a boat. For vegetables, cut up bell peppers, celery, and grape tomatoes, or go for baby carrots.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Sandwiches and wraps are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time. You can separate the ingredients and assemble them later to prevent sogginess. Some tasty options include chicken or turkey and cheese kabobs, or lettuce wraps with walnut, raisin, and chicken salad.

Cheese and Crackers

Cheese and crackers are a classic, satisfying snack. Choose your favourite cheeses, such as blue cheese, and pack chunks, cubes, or slices. For crackers, go for traditional soda crackers or fish-shaped crackers. Rice cakes are another good base option.

Trail Mix

Also known as "boat mix," trail mix is a great customizable snack. Mix your favourite nuts, dried fruits, granola, sunflower seeds, and other crunchy or chewy ingredients. You can even add a few chocolate chips for extra flavour.

Healthy Dips

Dips can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your boat snack repertoire. Try a simple bottle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or make your own dip with a recipe. Serve with veggies or crackers.

Healthy Treats

If you're craving something sweet, there are healthier options to satisfy that craving. Frozen grapes marinated in wine are a refreshing adult treat. You can also make fruit skewers with seasonal fruits like golden gooseberries, kiwi, or starfruit. For a savoury option, try making baked banana chips, which are sweet and guilt-free.

So, there you have it! A variety of healthy snack options to choose from for your next boat outing. Enjoy your time on the water and happy snacking!

Sweet treats

Fruit Skewers

Create colourful and tasty fruit skewers with seasonal produce. For an exotic twist, include golden gooseberries, kiwi, or starfruit. You can also add more common fruits like watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. This option is not only delicious but also reduces waste and the need for multiple containers.

Drunken Strawberries

Take some strawberries and get them a little tipsy! Drunken strawberries are easy to make, requiring just three ingredients, and they make for a refreshing adult treat. They can be enjoyed on their own or as a dessert topping.

Fruit Salsa

Combine the sweetness of watermelon with the spice of jalapeño, the tang of cilantro, and the zing of lime to create a refreshing fruit salsa. Serve it with salty tortilla chips for a unique sweet and savoury snack experience.

Frozen Grapes

Grapes are a fantastic snack to take on a boat trip, and freezing them beforehand adds a refreshing twist. You can even marinate them in wine for an adult treat that's light on calories but heavy on flavour.

Pop-Tarts

If you're looking for a sweet treat that's easy to eat and requires no preparation, Pop-Tarts are a great option. They come in various flavours, and if you're ice fishing, you can even heat them up.

Chocolate

While chocolate is usually advised against due to its potential to melt and create a mess, it can still be a delicious treat on a boat. Opt for chocolate chips in your trail mix or go for chocolate-covered treats like cookies.

So, there you have it! A variety of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings while enjoying your time on the water. Just remember to bring enough to share!

Savoury bites

Pinwheel Sandwiches

These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for on-the-go snacking. You can make them yourself or buy a pre-made platter from the grocery store. They come in various savoury flavours, such as peanut butter and jelly, or more sophisticated options like layers of lettuce, roasted peppers, cheese, and sliced meats.

Cheese and Crackers

A timeless classic that is easy to customise. Choose from a variety of cheeses, such as blue cheese or cheddar, and pair them with crackers, rice cakes, or even fish-shaped treats.

Veggie Tray with Dip

Slice up some bell peppers, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, and zucchini, and arrange them on a plate with a tasty dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can even make your own dip recipe if you're feeling creative!

Chicken Wings

Plain chicken wings served with veggies and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese are a tasty treat. Just avoid red or sticky sauces to prevent stains on the boat.

Wraps

Wraps are a great option for an easy and tasty snack while sailing. Try a lettuce wrap with chicken, walnuts, and raisins, or customise with your favourite ingredients.

Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Guacamole

Tortilla chips are a crunchy and savoury snack that pairs well with salsa or guacamole. Just be careful with the spicy options if you're sensitive to heat!

So, there you have it! A variety of savoury bites to choose from for your boat trip. Remember to prepare and pack your snacks ahead of time, and most importantly, enjoy your sailing adventure!

Easy prep

A great tip is to freeze your snacks the night before. Grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all good options to freeze and will help keep other snacks cool too. You can also freeze fruit and lemonade popsicles, which are a great way to keep kids entertained and stop them from getting dehydrated.

If you're taking fruit or vegetables, make sure they are pre-cut and washed. This will save space and reduce mess. You can put them in a container or directly on ice. It's also a good idea to avoid chocolate and other meltable foods, as well as orange-coloured snacks like Cheetos and Doritos, which can make a mess and stain surfaces.

Sandwiches are a boat trip classic, but to avoid a soggy mess, it's best to assemble them when you're ready to eat. You could bring the bread, fillings, and condiments separately and make it part of the fun by inviting everyone to make their own. Pinwheel and tortilla wraps are also a good option, and you can get creative with the fillings. Just be sure to avoid anything too drippy.

If you're looking for something more substantial, chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, and fried chicken are all popular choices. They can be eaten cold, so you don't need to worry about heating them up. Just be mindful of greasy fingers!

Superstitions

Avoid Bananas

The most well-known superstition in boating is the bad luck associated with bananas. Bananas are said to bring bad luck to the boat, and many boaters refuse to bring them on board. So, while bananas are a healthy and portable snack option, it's best to leave them at home if you want to avoid any potential jinx.

No Orange Foods

Another superstition-related snack suggestion is to avoid orange-coloured foods, such as Cheetos or Doritos. These snacks can leave behind an orange dust that can stain seats, paint, and floorboards. While it may not bring bad luck, it will certainly leave a mess.

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board packed with hard cheeses, nuts, cured meats, dried fruits, and dates is a tasty and elegant snack option. Keep it covered and easy to transport in a cooler for an impromptu sunset cruise. Just be mindful of the types of meat and cheese you choose, as you don't want anything that will spoil too quickly.

Skewers

Skewers are a fantastic way to offer variety without creating a mess of containers, plates, and utensils. Fruit skewers with seasonal produce and exotic additions like golden gooseberries, kiwi, or starfruit will impress your guests. For a savoury option, try Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic and coarse sea salt.

Wraps

Wraps are a convenient and versatile snack option for when you're on the move. They can be made ahead of time and customised to suit different tastes. Try a lettuce wrap with walnut, raisin, and chicken salad, or a simple chicken wrap with fresh lettuce, grated cheese, tomato, and red onion.

Frozen Treats

If you're looking for a refreshing snack on a hot day, consider frozen grapes or berries. They can be frozen the night before and popped directly onto ice, providing a sweet and healthy treat. For adults, try freezing grapes marinated in wine for an elegant twist.

So, whether you're a superstitious boater or not, these snack options are sure to please your taste buds and keep any bad luck at bay!

Frequently asked questions