Going on a boat trip? Don’t forget the snacks! Crunching and munching on some easy food while you enjoy the fresh air and open water is a basic component of pontoon fun. And while you might think any snack will do the trick, there are a few honorable mentions out there that really hit the spot. So if you were hoping to step up your snack game and really satisfy your guests on your next boating trip, consider these best boat snacks to stock up on.
Here's Our Favorite boat snack ideas
1. Salted Pretzels
Perfectly crunchy with just the right salty twist, pretzels are a go-to for any snack worthy occasion. If you’re expecting a large group, then you might want to consider going big with a large tub of pretzels for communal snacking. Then again, there are smaller individually packed options for easy eating just when you feel like it.
2. Popcorn
Just like the staple pretzel, popcorn is a light, easy snack that’s perfect for boating. Available in a range of flavors, popcorn can be prepared before you set sail. But if you want it to be extra fresh, you can get a portable popcorn machine to prep a fresh batch while you’re on board.
3. Trail Mix
An outdoor snacking staple, trail mix offers the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet. Of course, every mix is different, so it depends on what you’re looking for. Energy boosting options can give you an extra push for extended boating, while others focus more on pleasing your palate with candied chocolate in the mix.
4. Granola Bars
Packed with energy giving grains, granola bars can be a wonderful choice for easy yet satisfying snacking. Available in both chewy and crunchy varieties, there are also bars that incorporate a variety of coffee flavors to awaken your system on a slow, breezy day.
5. Cookies
There’s no way you can go wrong with a pack of cookies. Perfect for boating with kids, cookies can be purchased in variety boxes to cater to everyone’s taste. If you’re thinking of stocking up though, a bunch of cookies in a tub might be a more economical choice.
6. Pigs in a Blanket
Often considered the best finger food for boating, pigs in a blanket deliver delicious, savory taste without getting your hands all greasy. For added fun, you could use a decorative molder to give your pigs a little extra appeal for parties or just to put a smile on the kids’ faces.
7. Chips and Dip
Crunchy, salty chips dipped in creamy, savory dip - it’s a guaranteed hit. But to make sure your dip and chips retain their freshness, you might want to consider copping a proper container to keep things airtight and protected so they stay fresh and delicious even hours into your trip.
8. Sliced Veggies
An effortless boat food appetizer, sliced veggies aren’t only healthy, but they can also be especially tasty. That’s if you manage to get the right dip to complement the crunchy slices. Set it all out in a party platter for communal enjoyment and keep things fresh and crunchy with an airtight lid.
9. Chocolate Fondue
Feeling fancy? A portable fondue machine lets you enjoy your favorite chocolate dipped fruit, cheese, and biscuits while you’re on your pontoon. Perfect for romantic boat trips on a moonlit lake, or for satisfying a group of rowdy kids, a fondue can be a creative way to fill up hungry tummies.
10. Tuna Sandwiches
For a more filling snack, there’s no beating a tuna sandwich. But because they can get pretty soggy after a while, you might want to consider do-it-yourself style servings. Prepare some fresh bread and a separate container for tuna spread that your guests can help themselves to so you don’t have to worry about soggy sandwiches.
11. Beef Jerky
If you’re in the mood for something a little more savory, then there’s no way you can go wrong with jerky. With an extended shelf life, beef jerky can be kept in bulk without having to worry about when you should consume everything before they go bad.
12. Salads
A fresh salad can be a refreshing boat snack that’s both tasty and healthy. But because it can be messy to serve from a large bowl, you might want to consider individual salad cups for added convenience. Some choices even come with a separate dressing holder and fork. This is great summer boat food.
13. Steak Wraps
Kind of like a burrito, a steak wrap is a filling boat snack that can keep you fueled for hours. Just fill a soft tortilla with steak bits and your favorite veggies, then roll it up and wrap it in foil for easy yet satisfying snacking.
If you're thinking of cooking the steak onboard you may want to check out our guide to buying the best pontoon boat grills.
14. Dried Fruit
Sweet and chewy, dried fruit can give you an extra jolt of energy and satisfy your craving for something sugary. There are lots of different options available, but it never hurt to mix them together with crunchy nuts or grains to create your own DIY pseudo trail mix.
15. Nachos
A crowd favorite, nachos are a guaranteed hit for diners of all ages. But because it can get pretty competitive if you’re sharing from a single bowl, it might be better to pack along individual nacho trays that you can use to hand out single servings to your guests.
16. Seaweed
This perfectly salty treat can make you feel right at home in the middle of the water. Delicious and delicately light, seaweed can get you munching and snacking for hours on end. What’s more, this versatile choice can also work great as a complementary addition for many of the other snacks you have on board.
Check out Jayone Seaweed which is a great choice.
17. Pull Apart Bread
(@chompmom)If you’ve got time to make preparations at home before the big day, pull apart bread can be a wonderful choice. Cheesy recipes with lots of herbs and spices are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Just take the baking tin with you and cover it with foil to keep the bread fresh out of the oven.
18. Cheese and Crackers
As one of the best food to bring on a boat ride, cheese and crackers is a tried and trusted staple that’s sure to satisfy anyone and everyone. It’s up to you whether you want to take it easy with pre-packaged picks, or if you want to go the extra mile with a separate cheese dip and select crackers.
19. Cold Cuts and Buns
For impromptu pontoon trips that don’t give you a lot of prep time, cold cuts and buns should provide satisfying snacking without the stress. For more dynamic flavor, you can’t go wrong with sweet honey buns, salty cuts, and creamy cheese.
20. Fruit Skewers
Some people don’t like taking fruit on a boat ride because of the tedious peeling and the seeds. But preparing skewers at home before the trip can make fruit easier to eat on board. Grapes, pineapple chunks, apples, and kiwi are all great choices for creating the perfect fruit kebab.
21. Self-Serve Spaghetti
Who doesn’t love spaghetti? While serving pasta on a boat can be a great way to fill up during the trip, it can get pretty messy. So a better way to offer spaghetti while you’re on board would be to serve the pasta, sauce, and cheese in separate containers for guests to scoop up into their own bowls for guaranteed freshness any time of the day. We recommend these glass containers.
22. Mini Grilled Cheese
A fun bite-sized snack, mini grilled cheese sandwiches appeal to both kids and adults. Prepare them as you would a regular grilled cheese sandwich, then slice them up as the cheese cools down. You could also warm them on the boat with the right appliance for the job.
23. Cake in a Jar
For a punch of sweetness after a filling savory treat, a cake in a jar makes a convenient choice. Fill up a bunch of mason jars with cake crumbs, frosting, strawberries, cherries, sprinkles, and cereal, and seal them off to keep them fresh and moist when you reach the shore.
24. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Part of the fun of eating corn is chewing it off of the cob. But if you’re not keen on getting your fingers all buttery while you’re on the boat, then a set of cob skewers can keep your hands grease-free while you much and chew away.
Check out these OXO Good Grips.
25. No Bake Energy Balls
Combining oats, flaxseed, shredded coconut, peanut butter, and chococlate chips, these stick no bake balls give an extra shot of energy in small, bite sized morsels. You can chill them in a cooler to keep them nice and solid, or even enjoy them by the spoonful once they’re melted and soft.
The Best Boat Snacks for a Day on the Water
There’s no need to keep asking what food to bring on a boat trip. Try to skip the usual fare and explore other options when it comes to the packed snacks for your next boating trip. Get creative and explore these options to give your family and friends a memorable day that’s full of fun, frolic, and fantastic food.
