The boat tour photos you save show someone standing perfectly still on a calm deck. Reality: wind snatches hemlines, spray soaks cushions, and the deck is never truly dry. Most advice on what to wear on a boat tour treats it like a garden party next to water. It’s not. It’s a physically specific environment — one where your Boat Tour Outfit determines whether you spend the afternoon adjusting fabric or actually enjoying the ride.
If you’re narrowing options, start with boat party outfits — they solve the same wind-and-motion problem. For something more polished, yacht looks offer structure that holds up on deck without feeling stiff.
25 Boat Tour Outfits That Actually Work on Water
These outfits aren’t studio-styled fantasies. Each one was chosen because it solves a real problem on the water: wind that turns dresses into flags, spray that stains white fabrics, and decks that demand sure footing. You’ll find everything from the bikini-and-cover-up formula to full-coverage looks that still feel light. The common thread? They work when the boat moves.
Cream Trousers Over a Black Bikini
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This is what works when you want to look dressed but not overdressed. The black triangle bikini top adds sharp contrast under a cream button-up that won’t cling when the wind picks up. Those wide-leg trousers—wide-leg pants of this cut—move with the breeze, not against it. But platform sandals with a smooth sole lose grip fast on a wet deck. If you’re stepping off a dock onto fiberglass, opt for something with tread. The black tote carries sunblock without screaming ‘tourist,’ and the gold earrings catch light without jangling. The overall effect: easy, not trying, exactly right for a half-day sail.
All-White Layers and a Gold Mini
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All-white on a boat sounds like a risk, but it works when the fabrics are quick-dry blends and the cut is intentionally relaxed. The drawstring waist on the pants lets you adjust the fit without a belt that digs in when seated. A white headband keeps hair off your face without the bulk of a hat that might fly off. The gold mini bag is a clever anchor—it adds weight to the look without taking up hand real estate. Swap the sandals for non-slip soles if the deck is wooden and spray-prone. This is a look that reads ‘vacation’ without the effort a full dress demands. Plus, the unified white line photographs longer and leaner on camera.
The Headscarf-Held Hair and Linen
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Linen pants are the move when you want sun coverage without heat. The loose cut ignores leg sweat, and the black bikini top keeps the look intentional. That multicolor headscarf—a head scarf styled like this—anchors your hair against gusts while adding color. Slide sandals are fine on smooth fiberglass, but if the boat has worn deck seams, watch your step. The black wrist scrunchie is a small detail that means you can pull hair into a tie without rummaging through a bag. This is a five-minute outfit that handles a half-day tour. The colored threads pull focus in photos.
White Linen Layers and Amber Shades
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Linen can be your best friend on a boat if it’s roughed-up enough to not float. This all-white shell lets the printed bikini top do the talking, and the amber-tinted sunglasses soften the glare off the water. The yellow handbag is a strategic pop of color that stands out against whitecaps in photos. Those loose trousers need a clean hem because a frayed linen edge will catch on deck screws. The brown leather bracelet is a quiet add—small enough to not clatter but present enough to notice. Swap the sandals for rubber-soled if the forecast hints at spray. The whole thing reads ‘I know what I’m doing’ without a word.
Sheer Maxi Skirt With a Fedora
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A sheer maxi skirt on a boat feels risky, but the secret is the fitted bikini top holding the look together. The cream fedora sits low enough to handle a breeze, but any stiff-brim hat needs anti-salts spray before you board or it’ll crust white by the afternoon. The pink mini bag is an unexpected contrast that breaks up the ivory without adding weight. White slide sandals work here only because a marina dock is likely dry—if not, swap for closed-toe. The gold bracelets are fine as long as you skip the jangling charms. The overall feel sits somewhere between beach and yacht deck polish, where sheer textures make sense.
Bandana-Wrapped Boat Style
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Bandanas do the work of a hat without the liability of lift. This black one knotted over hair keeps flyaways contained and looks intentional. The cream palazzo pants are cut full enough that wind can’t push the fabric against your legs, and the navy crop top stays put. That crossbody bag: if you wear it low, it swings into things when you lean over a railing. Wear it high, just under your bust, and it becomes a hands-free pocket. Gold hoops add definition without tangling in the bandana. The black slides are a comfort choice for dry decks only. The boho details feel suited to a relaxed boat party vibe.
Tied Sheer Shirt Over a Bikini
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Tying a sheer shirt at the waist solves the ‘is this a cover-up or a shirt?’ dilemma—it does both. The straw boater hat has a shallow crown that won’t catch wind like a wide brim. Bandeau bikini tops stay secure while you move, but if you’re jumping off a dock, wear one with grip tabs or risk a slip. The tote’s logo straps help you carry everything without a hand. The skirt-length bottom keeps you cool, but on a windy day, it’ll fly up faster than shorts. Consider shorts underneath for peace of mind. The brown slides complete the look without adding fuss.
Striped Maxi Skirt and Bandeau
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Stripes on a boat are a cliché for good reason: they read clearly in photos. This maxi skirt pairs with a simple white bandeau, creating a column of color that elongates. The strapless top is fine until you lift your arms to wave; if the band feels loose, add fashion tape—salt residue weakens fabric fast. The straw hat shades your face but the flat brim won’t warp in light spray. The gold collar necklace draws the eye up, away from any lower-body wind drama. The clutch holds essentials without becoming a burden. The whole look has yacht party elegance without the effort.
White Halter Maxi Dress
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A halter dress on a boat: the neckline keeps your focus upward, and the flowing skirt moves without clinging. White may yellow after a salty tour—pre-treat with a stain guard before you pack. The cat-eye sunglasses frame your face while the mini bag holds a phone, lipstick, and nothing else. The gold watch is a piece you can wear all tour without it catching on rope or rail. This look belongs on a calm cruise; if the boat heels, this dress is not what you want to be wearing. Stick to seated occasions for white maxi perfection. The gold and white palette echoes yacht dressing at its simplest.
Sheer Yellow and White Bikini
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Pastels wash out on camera against bright water, but the pale yellow here has enough saturation to survive. The sheer button-up adds a layer without trapping heat, and the matching shorts give the kind of ease a miniskirt can’t. Drawstring shorts are a better boat choice than zippers, which can corrode in salt air faster than you think. The shell necklace is pure coastal whimsy, and the woven tote doubles as a dry-spot for your phone. The white textured bikini beneath keeps the look beach-ready if the boat makes a swimming stop. This is a sunny-day-only outfit—rain would turn it into a cling contest.
Cowboy Hat and Sheer Blue Shirt
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The cowboy hat is a bold boat move: the wide brim shades your neck and shoulders without the stiffness of a traditional sun hat. The sheer light-blue shirt doesn’t add warmth, just coverage, and the white trousers keep the look crisp. Heeled sandals on a boat: if the heel is under an inch and the sole is rubber, you’re safe—but any higher and you risk puncturing deck foam or twisting your ankle. The starfish pendant is a small touch that reads as a souvenir, not a theme costume. The straw tote balances the polished trousers with texture. Together, it’s casual but considered.
Monogram Trousers With a Headscarf
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Monogram pants feel like a loud choice, but when the rest is black and white, it works. The headscarf—a head scarf tied this way—keeps hair in line and adds a pattern without competing. Slide sandals on a deck: only if the sole has deep grooves. Otherwise, you’ll be gripping with your toes, which leads to foot fatigue before lunch. The silver jewelry stays quiet against the monogram print. A bandeau bikini top is the least fuss option underneath, but it needs to be firm: water spray will show every seam. This is a look that says you planned ahead.
Blue Print Shirt and Cream Trousers
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A printed shirt that leans blue brings nautical energy without the literal stripes. The cream trousers underneath create a neutral base that doesn’t fight the busy pattern. A bandeau bikini top under an open shirt risks gaping if the shirt flies open—sew in a small snap button at the center to keep it closed in wind. The pearl necklace is a refined touch that stays light. The round sunglasses cut glare while making the face look soft. The straw tote can hold a scarf, sunscreen, and your phone without becoming a black hole. This outfit balances print and solid in a way that photographs well.
White Shorts and a Straw Fedora
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Tailored shorts over a swimsuit are the easy answer when you don’t want to wear a full pant. This white pair keeps the line clean, and the oversized button-up covers your shoulders from the sun. Thong flip-flops on a boat: don’t. They offer zero toe grip, and they slap against wet soles loudly. Switch to sport sandals with a backstrap. The fedora is iconic, but the brim will snap up in a headwind—only wear it if the forecast is calm. The canvas tote is big enough for a towel but still lifts off the ground when slung over a shoulder. Simple and effective.
Sheer Brown Matching Set
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Sheer brown isn’t a color you see often, and that’s its power—it avoids the basic white crew look. The matching set reads intentional, while the black bikini beneath holds the structure. Flat sandals with a slight platform keep your feet from touching the hot deck, but make sure the sole is non-marking—dark soles can scuff white fiberglass. The straw tote is functional without looking like a grocery bag. Gold hoops are the only jewelry you need. The straw hat with a black band ties back to the bikini for a head-to-toe check. This tonal approach is a signature of yacht party styling done right.
Striped Shirt and Denim Shorts
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Denim shorts on a boat are a valid choice if you don’t plan on a swim. They’re sturdy and won’t flap. The striped overshirt covers arms and can be buttoned if the temperature drops. The white wide-brim hat offers sun protection, but to stop it from launching in a gust, sew a thin ribbon to the inside and tie it under your chin. The beige tote works as a soft-sided dry spot for your phone. The gold bracelet and watch are subtle refreshers that don’t scream for attention. This is a grounded look for a harbor cruise where you’re walking on and off frequently. It holds up.
Black Bikini and White Cover-Up
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Black and white never fails a boat photo. The cover-up shirt functions as a billowy jacket, and the wide-leg linen pants catch the breeze without looking bulky. Gold bracelets worn loosely will slide and clatter as you move—opt for a fitted bangle or a flat chain that stays put. The black sunglasses shield eyes from reflective water, and the champagne flute hints at the kind of tour this is: one where you sit, sip, and don’t scramble. The smartphone pushes the look into reality—yes, you’ll have a phone. Yes, it can be part of the shot. This is yacht capsule thinking distilled.
Navy Crochet Skirt and Hat
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Navy monochrome doesn’t show water splashes unless they’re salt-based, and even then, it hides them better than white. The crochet skirt has enough texture to distract from any damp spots. The oversized shirt can be worn open or buttoned for shade. A cowboy hat might feel like a costume piece, but the right straw shape does more sun-blocking than a baseball cap. The gold cuff bracelet is a single piece that doesn’t get tangled in the sleeve. This is a look for a sunny, still day when you want coverage that doesn’t feel heavy. The crochet detail adds an artisanal touch.
Light Pink Shirt and Denim Shorts
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Pink and denim is an underused boat combination. The oversized shirt blocks sun and won’t stick to your arms. Frayed shorts are a deliberate edge, but loose threads catch on boat hardware—trim any long strands before you leave the dock. The cat-eye sunglasses add sharpness, and the white mini bag is a clean focal point. Slide sandals in a matching pink pull the color through, but they must have a textured sole to handle a wet deck. The gold jewelry will stay untarnished if you avoid direct salt spray. This is casual but intentional, and it works for a quick sightseeing cruise.
White Shirt, Denim, and a Statement Tote
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A designer tote on a boat is a statement—but only if it has a zipper inside to secure your things. The pattern adds weight to an otherwise white-and-denim canvas. Flat slides in white will show every deck scuff; choose a rubber pair you can wipe clean. The oversized shirt can be knotted at the waist if you want more shape. Gold bracelets and a wristwatch polish naturally. The square sunglasses are the anchor: they make a simple outfit look deliberate. This is for the boat tour where you’re meeting people after and don’t want to change. The vibe is yacht style without the fuss.
Striped Shorts and a Red Handbag
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Striped shorts bring the nautical nod without a full sailor uniform. The white ribbed tank is a secure base—it clings gently and won’t billow. The red handbag is a power move: the color registers in photos even from a distance. But patent leather cracks in direct sun, so tuck it under a seat when not in use. The wide-brim hat is the kind that can flip up—check the wind before you commit. Gold watch and necklace add quiet value. This combination works for a city river tour where you’re on and off the dock quickly. The red pop makes the outfit memorable.
Off-Shoulder Stripes and a Headscarf
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Off-shoulder styling on a boat: you’re committing to a neckline that won’t ride up. The blue-and-white stripes scream ‘sea’ without a costume feel. The headscarf is better than a hat because it stays put; wind can’t lift it. Denim cutoffs are the casual grounding—if they’re too short, sunblock thighs heavily. The gold jewelry is minimal and won’t heat up on the deck. This is an outfit that looks best when you’re actually on the water, with the sun bouncing off the blue stripes. The headscarf—a head scarf trick that secures hair—stays put. Just don’t lean over in those shorts without a second thought.
Tied Crop Shirt and Wide-Leg Pants
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A tie-front crop shirt shows just enough skin and stays put because it’s knotted. The blue stripes add the nautical signal, and the white wide-leg pants keep the look from feeling too bare. Barefoot on a boat is a choice; splinters and hot fiberglass are real, so keep your sandals within reach. The fedora shades well and the white-framed sunglasses are a subtle retro nod. The bracelets add texture without noise. This is a look for a photo-forward boat day where you want your outfit to mirror the sky-and-water palette. Simple, crisp, not trying too hard. The wide-leg cut never fails.
Abstract Print Shirt and Trousers
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A matching set in a bold abstract print has the cohesion of a dress with the flexibility of separates. The black bikini underneath gives structure when the shirt is open. Wide-leg trousers with a print hide water spots better than solid white. Look for quick-dry fabric; abstract patterns mask damp patches well. Aviator sunglasses bring a slight edge, and gold hoops are the right finish. This is for the boat tour that doubles as a style opportunity—the print will pop against blue water, but the silhouette stays easy. One note: avoid wearing it if seasickness is likely; the pattern can feel loud. It anchors a yacht party aesthetic.
Striped Shirt Over Cream Pants
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The striped shirt is the boat-tour mascot, and this version earns its place by being light enough to wave but heavy enough to not fly up. The black bikini hides under the cream pants—cream won’t show salt spray immediately, but it will over time if you don’t rinse them at the hotel. The headscarf knots around the hairline and stays without pins. Black sunglasses block overhead glare, and the silver chain is a cool contrast to the warm palette. This is the outfit to choose when you’re uncertain about the weather—it layers down to a swimsuit in minutes. The wide-leg pants rule applies: they never look like you tried.
What It’s Really Like on a Boat Tour (No One Talks About)
The deck is never dry: Even on glassy water, spray from a passing wake, a spilled seltzer, or condensation from the cooler leaves slick patches you won’t spot until your foot finds one. Smooth-soled flats or leather-bottomed sandals turn into ice skates. You want a sole with texture — a rubber lug, a deep jute braid, anything that grips before your hip meets the railing.
Wind doesn’t just tease your hair: It weaponizes your clothes. A lightweight rayon skirt becomes a vertical flag the second the boat hits speed. A wide-brim hat becomes a frisbee. I’ve watched women spend half a tour clamping hemlines between their knees. If you wouldn’t wear it on a windy rooftop, don’t wear it on a boat. Structured wide-leg pants or a close-cut midi skirt weighted with a hem band solves this before it starts.
Ten degrees vanish in a shadow: Passing under a bridge or moving from open sun to a tree-lined channel drops the felt temperature instantly. A sheer cover-up doesn’t count as a layer — it’s a visual accessory, not insulation. An unlined cotton poplin shirt you can actually button up saves the afternoon when the breeze turns chilly and you’re still 40 minutes from the dock.
Motion sickness triggers are predictable: Looking down — at a menu, your phone, a bag you’re rummaging through — is what flips the nausea switch for most first-timers. The outfit can’t prevent it, but preparation can. Wear something with pockets so you’re not hunting through a tote mid-ride. Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your lap.
Sun hits you from below: UV reflects off the water’s surface, bouncing up under your chin and into the shadows of a brim. Boat regulars know this. They reach for SPF-rated fabrics and tops with a higher neckline — not because they’re conservative, but because a sunburn under your jawline stings for three days. A collared poplin or a mock-neck rash guard reads as crisp, not frumpy, when you’re the only one not wincing.
Boat Tour Outfit Problems No One Warns You About
The hemline gamble: That midi dress looks flawless on land. But on a boat, you’re climbing from a low dock up a steep set of stairs, or stepping over a gunwale, and the wind turns every move into a Marilyn moment. Jumpsuits and wide-leg pants sidestep the whole “holding down your skirt” dance. You board with dignity intact and never once glance down to check what’s showing.
Crossbody bags become a pendulum: When the boat rocks and you instinctively brace against a rail, that swinging bag thumps into your ribs or snags on a cleat. Most guides recommend crossbodies. I’d argue they’re a nuisance, because you need both hands free to steady yourself, and anything that swings forward throws off your balance. A belt bag worn high — just under the bust, not slung around your hips — keeps your phone and lip balm secure without the strap drama.
White doesn’t stay white on salt water: It looks pristine until you’re home and unpacking, and then you spot the yellow ghost stains where salt spray dried invisibly. The bigger risk is dry-clean-only fabrics. One splash of river or ocean water can permanently spot silk or viscose before you even realize it happened. Choose machine-washable fabrics that can handle a quick sink rinse back at the hotel.
Heeled sandals can get you denied boarding: This isn’t opinion — it’s a real safety rule on commercial vessels. Hard heels can puncture the inflatable life rafts stored under deck flooring. Many operators won’t even let you step aboard in anything with a heel over half an inch. If you show up in wedges, you might watch the boat leave without you.
Neck-length hair becomes a rat’s nest: Humidity and wind create a tangly halo that no amount of head-tossing fixes. By the second half of the trip, every photo becomes a hat-only situation. The only truly boat-proof style is a low braid or twist, pinned flat against your nape, with a silk scarf tied over it to block the salt spray. You’ll step off the boat looking like you just boarded, not like you fought a seagull.
Why Women Stress About Boat Tour Photos (and How to Stop)
Your phone camera betrays you on bright water: Overexposed light washes out dainty prints and pastels until they read as a pale blur. Solid mid-tone colors — cobalt, coral, olive — hold their shape against the glare. A statement sleeve or an interesting neckline, like a subtle square cut or a deep V with contrast binding, gives your photos a focal point that tiny florals never will. This is why women who choose one strong silhouette end up happier with their shots than those in frilly details.
The group photo window is brutally short: You have maybe ten minutes after launch before someone feels queasy, the light shifts, or the captain announces a turn that sends half the group scrambling to the other rail. Footwear that catches on deck seams — like open-toed slides or chunky platforms — can make you the last one to the huddle, and then the shot goes off while you’re mid-step. Flat, secure shoes keep you in the frame, not lurching toward it.
The cover-up conflict is real: You might board in a cute swimsuit-and-sarong combo, ready to peel down for a sun-drenched photo, only to realize everyone else stayed fully dressed in sailing stripes and deck shorts. Or you show up in a crisp sundress while the group is in rash guards and board shorts. The fix: a wrap midi that converts fast. One knot at the waist turns it from chic to casual; untied, it’s a polished layer over a swimsuit. You read the room in seconds and adjust without a full outfit change.
Hats can make or break a face shot: A stiff sun hat with a wide brim acts like a lampshade, casting a shadow that swallows your expression. But the women who nail it wear a low-profile cap or a fedora angled so the brim sits just above the brow. It shades without hiding. If you’re committed to a brim, a head scarf tied under the chin can keep it in place and double as a photo prop when you take the hat off for close-ups.
The Boat Tour Survival Kit Every Woman Needs
A dry spot is the most coveted real estate: You need a place to stash your phone, sunscreen, and lip balm where they won’t slide into a puddle of bilge water. A soft-sided tote with a zipper — not a structured handbag — tucks under the seat while leaving one hand free to grip the rail. Skip the open-top straw bag; it tips, spills, and soaks through. Inside, a small dry bag for electronics is worth the ten dollars.
Motion sickness bands work without drowsiness: Acupressure wristbands are what veteran boat guides wear themselves, but most women never hear about them until they’re already green-faced. They slide under a long sleeve or a watch strap, and they start working in minutes. Tuck a pair in your tote even if you’ve never been seasick — motion on a small tour boat hits differently than a cruise ship.
Hair rescue isn’t a later problem: A travel-sized anti-frizz serum and a small boar-bristle brush in a sealed bag can unfurl a wind-tangled mess in under two minutes before you step back on shore. Pack them in the tote, not the car. You’ll want them at the moment you dock, while the rest of the group is finger-combing and grimacing. A little serum on damp hands, smoothed from ends up, resets everything.
Boat bathrooms are tiny and wet: If they exist, there’s no counter — only a small shelf or a hook, and the floor is usually slick. Anything you might reapply — lipstick, liner, sunscreen stick — should live in a waterproof pouch you can hang from that hook. Fumbling with a full makeup bag while bracing against the wall with one knee is not the glamorous boat photo you planned.
Spare slip-on flats save your feet after docking: After hours of gripping the deck with your toes in unsupportive sandals, the walk back to the car feels like pavement punishment. Keep a pair of non-slip, cushioned flats in the car — something you can step into without bending over. Your arches will thank you, and you’ll avoid that stiff-legged hobble past the harbormaster’s office. This is the one boat party outfit regret women mention most: cute shoes they couldn’t actually walk in afterward.
Your Go-To Boat Tour Outfit Cheat Sheet (Bonus)
Best Fabric Family: Pack quick-dry synthetics, roughly-dried cotton-linen blends, and crepe that moves but won’t float.
These textiles handle salt spray without staining permanently, and they dry fast when a splash hits. The non-obvious trick: stiff crepe actually resists wind lift better than heavy denim — it hangs straight from the body while the wind skims over its surface. You’ll still feel the breeze, but your hem won’t fly up.
Winner Shoe Rule: Flat, closed-toe sandals with a rubber lug sole or genuine jute espadrilles (never rope-wrapped heels).
Toe-grip fatigue is real on a moving deck, which is why flip-flops fail you after the first hour. The subtle detail most women miss: a jute sole conforms to wet deck textures without slipping, while a smooth rubber bottom only works if it has siping — those thin grooves carved into the tread. Examine the sole before you pack; if it’s completely flat, leave it at home.
The Layer You Underestimate: An unlined long-sleeve cotton poplin button-up — even on a 90°F day.
Worn open over a tank, it blocks the double UV hit from reflective water without adding heat. Tie it off-shoulder when you board, then button it up as soon as clouds roll in; a sheer cover-up would leave you shivering. The inside-elbow detail: poplin’s crisp weave doesn’t stick to sweaty skin, so you can slide it on and off without the fabric bunching.
Emergency Chic Stash: A tonal silk scarf folded flat in your tote.
Beyond hair containment and neck warmth, a silk scarf upgrades any outfit the moment you’re seated by the captain’s wheel for an impromptu photo. Choose a color that already lives in your boat palette — and wear it like the silk scarf stylings that tuck the knot behind your bun for a cleaner line. In a pinch, it also hides salt-spray frizz before you step back on land.
Don’t-Even-Think-About-It List: White linen pants, jangling bangles, any heel over half an inch, and crossbody chains that scratch the boat’s finish.
Linen wrinkles tell every stranger you stressed about sitting down, and a single caught bracelet on a cleat can send you stumbling. The heel rule isn’t about comfort — inflatable life rafts stored below deck can be punctured by a stiff heel, and captains will turn you away. A full roundup of boat party outfit choices shows how the right accessories never fuss with safety.
FAQ
Can I wear a dress on a boat tour?
Yes, if it’s a midi or maxi length cut close to the body, or a wrap style you secure with a hidden safety pin. A circle skirt will ride up the second you step off the dock, and any mini will photograph poorly when wind hits. If you’d rather not think about your hem for three hours, choose a wide-leg jumpsuit instead — it reads just as polished without the climb-and-grab dance.
What if I get seasick and ruin my outfit?
Motion sickness rarely strikes without warning — you’ll flush and feel hot first. Wear layers you can peel off instantly, and stick to darker colors near your midsection where a splash of water or a drip of anti-nausea syrup won’t show. Acupressure bands worn under a long sleeve are invisible helpers; peppermint wipes in your bag will settle your stomach faster than a pill.
Do I have to wear a life jacket over my outfit?
On most tour boats, life jackets are stowed for emergencies only. If the operator requires one, a fitted tank or cropped top layers cleanly underneath, while puff sleeves or a bulky hood make the vest ride up and chafe your neck. Always ask ahead, but a sleek base layer means you won’t look like you’re wrestling a flotation device if the call comes.
What shoes are actually safe on a boat tour?
Closed-toe, non-marking rubber soles are the gold standard — boat shoes, white-soled sneakers, or Teva-style sandals with grippy tread. Anything with a dark hard sole can scuff the deck, and open-toe slides catch on cleats or uneven grates. If you can’t confidently wiggle your toes while standing on a wet surface, those shoes stay on land.
How do I keep my hair from turning into a mess on a boat tour?
A low bun or a structured braid tucked into itself is the only truly wind-proof style. Leave-in conditioner applied to damp hair before you board helps it dry into a deliberate wave instead of a salt-spray frizz halo. If all else fails, a silk scarf tied over your head with the knot under the bun saves the entire look — and hides the evidence until you’re back on shore.