When you’re heading out for a day on the lake, the right boating accessories can mean the difference between a good day and a great one. From coolers and safety essentials to stylish sun hats and cover-ups, this guide has you covered with essentials for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply lounging around the shore.

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Essential Boating Accessories

Wheeled hard cooler

The YETI Roadie 48 cooler is built for serious chill and easy transport, complete with a retractable handle, durable wheels, and enough space to fit 76 cans or 54 pounds of ice. It’s tall enough to hold upright wine bottles and has a removable dry goods basket, making it perfect for long days on the lake.

A white Yeti rolling cooler with a black handle extended and two black wheels, shown against a plain white background.Pin
Roadie 48 cooler, $425, at YETI | Image: YETI

Cooler backpack

If you’re looking for something lighter, the Corkcicle EOLA cooler backpack offers hands-free convenience without sacrificing chill power. With room for 12 cans and five wine bottles, this waterproof cooler keeps contents cold all day — and looks good doing it, thanks to its sleek design, comfy straps, and food-safe interior.

Light blue, structured backpack with a top handle, adjustable shoulder straps, and a small gold logo on the front.Pin
Corkcicle EOLA cooler backpack, $149.95, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Floating cooler

This floating cooler is the ultimate on-the-water companion, designed to tow effortlessly behind your kayak or SUP. With a 32-quart capacity, double-lid design for easy access, and up to 60 hours of cold retention, it’s perfect for keeping drinks chilled and within reach, whether paddling, floating, or anchored with friends.

A portable cooler with an open lid, filled with ice cubes—perfect for your boating accessories. A tag attached to the cooler reads "UP TO 60 HOURS." This handy cooler features sturdy handles and built-in cup holders.Pin
Floating cooler, on sale for $199.99 (reg. $239.99), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Tumbler with handle

The 40-ounce IceFlow flip straw tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks cold and close at hand, whether you’re cruising on a boat or paddling a kayak. With a slim base that fits most cupholders and a sturdy, easy-to-carry handle, this durable tumbler is built for adventure. Plus, its flip-up straw makes sipping effortless and helps keep plastic out of the water.

A yellow Stanley travel mug with a light blue lid and handle, featuring the Stanley logo on the front—perfect for boating accessories enthusiasts seeking style and durability on the water.Pin
IceFlow flip straw tumbler, $45, at Stanley | Image: Stanley

Kids’ life jacket

This HyperLite Elite kids’ life jacket is a top pick for young adventurers, offering Coast Guard-approved safety with a snug, zip-to-fit design for kids 50 to 90 lbs. Made with durable Biolite foam and designed for a full range of motion, it’s perfect for boating, paddling, and swimming.

A colorful youth life jacket with "Hyperlite" branding, front zipper, two black adjustable straps, and orange buckles—an essential addition to your boating accessories.Pin
Kids’ life jacket, $54.99, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Women’s life jacket

The HyperLite women’s Indy life jacket also offers Coast Guard-approved safety with a sleek, lightweight design that doesn’t compromise comfort or mobility. Made with quick-drying Biolite foam and HyperVent technology for breathability, it features adjustable straps for a secure fit, making it ideal for all your favorite water sports.

A black and light blue Hyperlite life jacket, perfect for boating accessories, features a front zipper and two adjustable buckle straps.Pin
Women’s life jacket, $64.99, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Inflatable belt pack life jacket

The BOTE manual inflatable belt pack life jacket offers a sleek, low-profile design perfect for paddle boarding and other active water sports. It’s Coast Guard-approved and designed for teens and adults. With its easy-to-use CO2 inflation, backup oral inflation option, and internal storage for a spare cartridge, this belt pack keeps safety stylish and streamlined on the water.

BOTE inflatable belt pack life jacket in black and teal, featuring an adjustable strap and red pull handle—an essential addition to your boating accessories collection.Pin
BOTE manual inflatable belt pack life jacket, $99, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Waterproof phone pouch

The Pelican Marine waterproof phone pouch is a must-have for any day on the water, keeping your phone safe, dry, and floating. With a secure lock seal, touch-sensitive clear window, and detachable lanyard, it’s perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments, checking messages, or streaming music on the water.

Two waterproof Pelican phone pouches with yellow lanyards, perfect as boating accessories, are shown splashing in water—one securely holds a smartphone with its camera visible.Pin
Pelican Marine waterproof phone pouch, on sale for $29.99 (reg. $34.99), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

BOTE Highwater slingpack

The BOTE Highwater slingpack is a sleek, one-strap waterproof backpack perfect for kayaking, SUPing, or any waterside adventure. With a 20-liter capacity, submersible construction, and rugged zip closure, it keeps your essentials dry and secure without getting in the way.

While you’re at it, snag the BOTE Highwater waist belt pack — a fully waterproof, zip-up fanny pack that adds extra storage without the bulk. It’s completely submersible and ideal for keeping your phone, keys, and other small items close by and protected.

A turquoise waterproof backpack with a black zipper, a logo featuring the letters "B" and "E," and an adjustable strap with a buckle—perfect for storing boating accessories on your next adventure.Pin
BOTE Highwater slingpack, $199, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Waterproof speaker

Don’t let its size fool you; the JBL Go 4 delivers bold, punchy sound in a compact, portable package perfect for boating or paddle adventures. With up to nine hours of playtime, waterproof and dustproof durability, and the ability to personalize the design, this little speaker is big on performance and style.

A white JBL portable Bluetooth speaker with textured fabric, visible control buttons on top, and a loop handle on the side—perfect for your collection of boating accessories.Pin
JBL Go 4, $49.95, at JBL | Image: JBL

Sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 kit

The COOLA Organic ‘Sun Essentials’ kit has everything you need to stay protected and refreshed on the lake. The set includes SPF 30 sunscreen for your body and face, a nourishing lip balm, and an after-sun lotion — all in clean, dermatologist-tested vegan and gluten-free formulas. If you prefer a spray-on sunscreen, check out COOLA’s Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray.

A turquoise COOLA cosmetic bag with four COOLA skincare products—sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm—arranged in front of it, perfect as boating accessories to keep your skin protected and glowing on the water.Pin
COOLA Organic’ Sun Essentials’ kit, $45, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Beach towels

These striped beach towels are oversized, ultra-plush, and made with premium cotton for unbeatable softness and absorbency. There are a variety of colors available, but we love the yellow and sea glass green. It’s a stylish, high-quality towel perfect for lounging on the boat.

A folded towel with yellow, white, and light blue vertical stripes—perfect for boating accessories—showing both the front and back sides.Pin
Striped beach towels, $49 each, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Floating keychain

If dropping your keys in the water while transporting your bag onto the boat is a fear that keeps you up at night, you may want to snag this floating keychain. Perfect for boating, paddle boarding, or jet skiing, each brightly colored keychain includes a waterproof compartment to stash small valuables and keep them dry. Durable, compact, and practical, it’s a must-have for waterside peace of mind.

Two identical blue plastic cylindrical containers with attached ball chains and a logo on each, displayed upright against a white background—ideal as practical boating accessories.Pin
Floating keychains (set of two), on sale for $12.99 (reg. $17.99), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Shoes, Hats & Cover-Ups

Cover-up skirt

The Elena cotton and silk cover-up is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for effortless style after a swim. Lightweight and breezy, this chic-style cover-up ties easily at the waist, making it ideal for lounging on the boat or heading to a waterside lunch.

A woman wearing a teal fitted top, a green and yellow patterned wrap skirt tied at the waist, flat sandals, and subtle boating accessories stands against a plain background.Pin
Silk cover-up, $138, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom

Button-down cover-up

The Sunday in Brooklyn cutwork button-down blouse offers the perfect blend of breezy style and lightweight coverage. Its sheer fabric, relaxed boxy fit, and delicate cutwork detailing make it an easy layer to toss over a swimsuit or pair with shorts for a lakeside lunch break.

Woman standing by the water wearing a black bikini and a sheer white floral cover-up with her hands on her hips, perfectly styled for a day on the shore or relaxing.Pin
Cutwork button-down blouse, $130, at Anthropologie | Image: Anthropologie

Tote bag

The Original Bogg bag is the ultimate all-purpose tote — extra large, tip-proof, and built to handle whatever your day on the water throws at it. Made from durable, washable EVA, it’s water-resistant and spacious enough to carry all your boating essentials. With snap-on buttons and included clear insert bags, it’s as customizable as it is practical.

A beige, rectangular tote bag with two handles and small round holes on the sides—perfect for carrying your boating accessories. The bottom features subtle text that reads "bogg."Pin
Original Bogg bag, $90, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Waterproof sliders

The Bombas Friday slide is your go-anywhere, do-anything summer staple. It’s ultra-light, waterproof, and effortlessly stylish. Made from airy EVA with sleek, modern lines, it’s the perfect slip-on for boat decks.

A single navy blue slide sandal with two wide straps and a textured footbed, perfect for casual outings or as comfortable boating accessories, displayed on a plain light background.Pin
Women’s Friday slide, $50, at Bombas | Image: Bombas

Sun hat

The ‘Squishee Halo’ hat by Eric Javits combines style and serious sun protection, offering UPF 50+ coverage with a broad brim that keeps you cool and shaded. Lightweight and packable, it features an adjustable fit and a removable terry cloth sweatband, making it a chic, practical choice for boating.

Wide-brimmed straw visor with a black band and open top, designed for sun protection—an ideal addition to your boating accessories.Pin
‘Squishee Halo’ hat, $325, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom

Wide-brim cap UPF 50+

The Solbari women’s reversible ultra-wide brim cap is the perfect blend of style and serious sun protection, offering a flexible brim and UPF 50+ fabric that keeps harmful rays at bay. Lightweight, breathable, and travel-friendly, this reversible cap features two color options, a ponytail opening, and adjustable sizing, making it a go-to for long days on the water.

A woman wearing a black wide-brimmed cap, a staple among boating accessories, and a white long-sleeve shirt, looks slightly to the side against a plain background.Pin
Solbari reversible wide-brim cap, on sale for $46.75 (reg. $49), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Oakley Sutro S sunglasses

A scaled-down version of the iconic Sutro, the Oakley Sutro S sunglasses combine bold style with high-performance design. Engineered for active days on or off the water, they feature Prizm lens technology for enhanced color and contrast, a wide shield for full coverage, and a lightweight, durable frame that stays secure, so you don’t have to worry about them falling into the water.

A pair of Oakley sunglasses with a black frame and large, rectangular blue mirrored lenses—an ideal choice for boating accessories—displayed against a white background.Pin
Sutro S sunglasses, $203, at Oakley | Image: Oakley

Fun & Functional Accessories

YETI can cooler

The 12-ounce ‘Colster’ can cooler is the ultimate sidekick for keeping your favorite brews or sparkling water ice-cold, even on the hottest days. With a no-sweat design, secure quick-turn gasket, and cup-holder-friendly shape, it’s made for effortless sipping on the lake or boat.

A light green Yeti can insulator with a black top and the Yeti logo on the front, displayed against a matching light green background—an ideal addition to your boating accessories collection.Pin
Colster can cooler, on sale for $20 (reg. $25), at YETI | Image: YETI

Wine glasses

If you prefer to sip your wine out of a fun glass, even when boating, this set of HOST cooling cups is a game-changer. Designed with freezable gel to keep whites crisp and reds just right, these colorful BPA-free tumblers are perfect for keeping your wine at the ideal temperature.

Four stemless wine glasses with frosted bases and colored silicone sleeves in red, blue, mint green, and gray—perfect boating accessories for enjoying different wines on the water.Pin
HOST cooling cups (set of four), on sale for $35.49 (reg. $51.99), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Inflatable hammocks

These fun and functional inflatable hammocks are ideal for relaxing in the water with four different ways to lounge. The multi-use floats come in a three-pack in bright colors and patterns — plus, the durable Oxford cloth design holds up all summer long.

Three colorful striped inflatable pool loungers, perfect as boating accessories, each with two cylindrical pillows at both ends, stacked in blue, orange, and yellow color variations.Pin
Inflatable hammock lounges, on sale for $26.99 (reg. $39.99), at Amazon | Image: Amazon

BOTE floating chairs

The BOTE hangout suite floating chair is the ultimate upgrade for your lake, pool, or boat day. It’s made for all-day lounging with a comfy reclined seatback and soft, water-resistant BVA foam. D-rings let you link up with friends or stay tethered to the boat, while grab handles make transport easy. Even better? The MAGNEPOD base securely holds your magnetic drinkware in place. They’re available in a set of two with a mesh carry bag for effortless travel.

Two inflatable pool loungers with light blue seats and faux wood-patterned armrests, featuring a logo on the backrest and arm—perfect for relaxing.Pin
BOTE floating chairs, $798 for a set of two, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Floating water mat

The original Rubber Dockie floating water mat is perfect for the lake. It has a tough, tear-resistant inner matrix and a soft yet durable outer layer. The two-ply foam mat is designed to last and feel great against the skin. It supports up to nine adults and includes a 12-foot bungee tether to anchor it securely near your dock or boat. Plus, storage straps make it easy to roll up and take with you.

Three rolled-up foam floating mats are shown, two green and one orange, with black straps labeled "Rubber Dockie." Perfect as boating accessories, the orange mat features a black anchor graphic for added style.Pin
Floating water mat, starts at $239.99, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Inflatable paddle board

Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, the ISLE Pioneer inflatable paddle board is your go-to for a fun day on the lake. Made with military-grade PVC, it’s ultra-durable and stable with a wide stance and six-inch thickness to keep you balanced. The soft EVA deck pad is comfortable for long rides, even with kids, pets, or extra gear on board. The board comes fully loaded with a travel backpack, adjustable paddle, high-pressure hand pump, coil leash, and more.

Inflatable stand up paddle board set with paddle, pump, leash, fin, repair kit, and carrying bag—plus essential boating accessories—displayed from different angles.Pin
ISLE Pioneer inflatable paddle board, $680, at Amazon | Image: Amazon

Portable kayak

The Oru kayak inlet is made for calm lake days, with a clever origami-inspired design that folds into a compact box. Weighing just 20 pounds, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a grab-and-go option. Stable yet nimble, this kayak features a large open cockpit to comfortably fit a small child or pup, and it tracks better than most inflatable kayaks. Tough, lightweight, and designed to withstand thousands of folds, the Inlet makes getting on the water feel effortless.

A white foldable kayak with green accents, labeled "ORU KAYAK," is shown in profile view, featuring yellow straps, a black seat, and space for essential boating accessories.Pin
Inlet kayak, $899, at REI | Image: REI

Cheers to an unforgettable day on the lake!

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Kate Feinberg
About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.