Updated
1. Waterproofing your phone
Use a proper waterproof pouch or case rated for submersion, not just a splash-resistant cover. On a catamaran, spray and rogue waves can soak everything, and at the Natural Pool you will be standing in the sea.
A floating wrist strap or a buoyant case is cheap insurance. A dropped phone that floats is recoverable; one that sinks is gone.
2. Cameras and lenses
If you bring a real camera, keep it in a padded, water-resistant bag and only take it out when you are stable and dry. Salt spray is corrosive, so wipe the body and lens with a slightly damp then dry cloth afterward.
Bring lens cloths and a sealable dry bag. Avoid changing lenses on a moving boat where sand and spray can get into the sensor.
3. Salt, sand, and sunscreen
Saltwater and sand are your phone's enemies. Rinse nothing in the sea, keep gear off the deck and sand, and store it in a sealed bag when not in use.
Sunscreen and bug spray smear lenses and screens. Apply them well before handling your gear, and keep a microfiber cloth handy to clean smudges.
4. Smart habits on board
Secure your phone with a strap or zip it away before the boat moves. Most losses happen during transitions, boarding, anchoring, and disembarking, not while you are carefully shooting.
Consider leaving the expensive camera behind and relying on a waterproofed phone, or hiring an excursion photographer who carries protected gear so you can simply enjoy the day.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a splash-resistant case enough on a catamaran?
- No. Use a fully waterproof pouch or submersion-rated case. Spray, waves, and the Natural Pool stop mean your phone will likely get more than splashed.
- How do I avoid dropping my phone overboard?
- Use a floating case or a wrist strap, and secure or stow your phone during boarding, anchoring, and disembarking, which is when most drops happen.
- How do I clean salt and sunscreen off my gear?
- Wipe with a slightly damp then dry microfiber cloth after exposure, apply sunscreen before handling devices, and keep a lens cloth on hand for smudges.