How to Rent a Yacht For a Private Party

The first decision to make is the type of boat that best suits your special event. The options range from sleek motor yachts to classic sailboats, each offering a unique vibe.

Motor Yachts: Ideal for larger gatherings, motor yachts offer plenty of deck space for mingling, sunbathing, and dining. They’re usually equipped with high-end amenities like hot tubs, sound systems, and full kitchens, making them perfect for a luxury experience.

Catamarans: These double-hulled boats are great for more relaxed, intimate gatherings. With a more stable platform, catamarans are fantastic for lounging, and their shallow drafts allow access to secluded beaches and bays. You can find both motor catamarans, as well as sailing catamarans.

Sailboats: If you’re looking for something more romantic or adventurous, a sailboat might be your best bet. While they may not have all the space of a motor yacht, or catamaran, sailboats offer an authentic nautical experience that’s hard to beat and create the perfect setting for intimacy.

Party Barges/Pontoon Boats: For casual get-togethers, consider renting a party barge or pontoon boat. These flat-bottomed boats are perfect for lake or river parties and are often equipped with BBQs, seating areas, and even waterslides.

The size of the boat you rent will largely depend on the number of guests you plan to invite. Most boat rental companies list the maximum guest capacity of their vessels, which is a crucial factor in ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety. The numbers below are a guideline for guest count and size of the boat. It’s important to consider the type of event, what activities are planned, seating and lounges spaces, and restrooms.

20-59ft Boats (5 to 20 guests): Ideal for intimate gatherings like a romantic sunset cruises or a small family celebration.

60-100ft Boats (20 to 50 guests): Perfect for more significant events such as birthday parties or corporate outings. These boats usually have more space for dining, lounging, and even dancing.

100+ ft Boats (50+ guests): These stunning yachts are designed for grand celebrations. Think weddings, large corporate events, or massive birthday bashes. With multiple decks and extensive amenities, large boats offer a venue-like experience on the water.

The type of event you’re planning will also influence your choice of boat and the amenities you’ll need.

Birthday Party: For a birthday celebration, look for boats with a large deck for dancing, a sound system, and maybe even a hot tub for added fun.

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties: A party yacht with a spacious deck, high-quality sound system, and plenty of lounge areas would be ideal. Consider yachts that offer water toys like jet skis or paddleboards for extra entertainment.

Corporate or Business Events: For a more formal affair, a sleek motor yacht with an indoor dining area and AV equipment for presentations would be fitting.

Weddings: If you’re planning a wedding on the water, you’ll need a larger yacht with ample deck space for the ceremony and reception. Make sure the boat has the necessary facilities, like a full kitchen and multiple restrooms.

The time of day will set the tone for your party and may influence your boat choice.

Morning: Morning cruises are great for relaxed gatherings like brunches or family outings. The water is usually calmer, and the light is perfect for photos.

Afternoon: Afternoon parties are perfect for sun-seekers. If you plan to spend a lot of time swimming or engaging in water sports, this is the best time.

Evening: An evening cruise offers a stunning backdrop for a romantic dinner or a sunset cocktail party. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more intimate and magical.

Night: Nighttime yacht parties are all about glamour and fun. A yacht equipped with a dance floor, sound system, and mood lighting will help set the right ambiance.

When renting a boat for a party, great amenities can make or break your event. Depending on your event’s nature, here are some boat features to consider:

Sound System: Essential for setting the mood with music.

Kitchen/Galley: If you plan on serving bites or meals, a fully equipped galley is a must.

Seating and Lounge Spaces: Ensure there are enough comfortable seats for your guests.

Sun Deck: Great for sunbathing and taking in the views.

Swimming Platform: Perfect for parties where guests will be swimming.

Restrooms: Make sure the boat has enough restrooms to accommodate your guests.

Water Toys: Many boats will come equipped with paddleboards, snorkel gear, floaties, and wakeboards

Jacuzzi: For an extra touch of luxury, some yachts come with a Jacuzzi.

The duration of your rental is another important factor to consider.

Hourly Rentals: Best for short events like a sunset cruise or a quick sightseeing tour.

Day Rentals: Ideal for a half-day or full-day adventure, giving you plenty of time to explore, relax, and party. This is a great option for making stops at snorkeling sites, or beach clubs.

Weekend Rentals: For a more immersive experience, consider renting the boat for an entire weekend. This option is great for destination parties or when you want to take your time exploring the waters.

If you’re looking for a more affordable or flexible option, peer-to-peer boat rental platform can be an excellent choice. These platforms allow boat owners to rent out their vessels directly to consumers, often at a lower cost than traditional charter companies. This is also a more intuitive booking system for those familiar with AirBnB or VRBO. Here you can search for available boats in your area and work directly with the owner or captain to hash out the details of your event.

GetMyBoat: One of the largest peer-to-peer boat rental marketplaces, GetMyBoat offers a wide range of boats, from kayaks to luxury yachts, in locations around the world. The platform allows you to search for boats based on your location, event type, and budget. You can communicate directly with the boat owner to arrange the details and ensure the boat meets your needs.

Click&Boat: Click&Boat is a European-based platform that has expanded to offer boat rentals worldwide. With a focus on affordability, Click&Boat connects renters with boat owners, offering everything from small motorboats to luxury yachts. The platform also offers the option to rent a boat with or without a skipper, giving you more control over your experience.

Charter Companies: For larger or longer events you may want to enlist the help or a charter company and agent to navigate rentals. However, charter brokerage fees can be anywhere from 15-20% of the charter income, and you can expect some of that to be baked into the price for a renter. These are popular in almost every cruising destination around the world and you can search their inventory of boats, see photos, find information about the crew, and see boat layouts.

Depending on the size of the boat and the complexity of your event, you may need crew members to assist with the party.

Bareboat Charter: This terms means just the boat – no captain or crew. To bareboat charter you will need someone in your party with a captain’s license to act as the responsible party for the rental and operate the vessel.

Boat Captain Only: For smaller boats or more casual events, hiring a captain to navigate the boat may be sufficient.

Captain and Stew: Adding a stew to go the extra mile will elevate a more casual event by serving guests and allowing the host more time to mingle.

Captain, Chef, and Stews: For larger or more luxurious events, consider hiring a full professional crew, including a chef to prepare meals and stewards to serve drinks and assist guests.

Bartender: If you’re planning on serving alcohol, a bartender can ensure that drinks are mixed to perfection and that your guests are well taken care of.

Understanding the costs associated with renting a yacht is key to staying within your budget. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Base Price: This is the starting cost of renting the boat. It usually includes the boat itself and the services of the captain and crew.

Hourly vs. Daily Rates: Some boats offer both hourly and daily rates. If you plan to rent the boat for a longer period, a daily rate may be more cost-effective. By the hour rentals may be sufficient for a romantic dinner or sunset cruise.

Provisions: This includes food, drinks, and any special requests. Some boats include basic provisions in the price, while others charge extra.

Bar: As an alternative to a provisions cost, larger boats may have an open bar package.

Fuel Fees: Fuel is often an additional cost, especially for longer trips. Make sure to factor this into your budget.

Tips: It’s customary to tip the crew 15-20% of the total rental cost. Make sure to include this in your budget.

Additional Fees: Some boats may charge extra for certain amenities, such as water toys or docking at a particular marina.

Safety should always be a top priority when planning a boat party. Make sure the boat is equipped with the necessary coast guard approved safety gear and that you’re familiar with the protocols in case of an emergency.

Life Jackets: Ensure there are enough life jackets for all guests, including sizes for children if needed.

Fire Extinguishers: Check that the boat has properly functioning fire extinguishers on board.

First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for handling minor injuries.

Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with the boat’s emergency exits and safety procedures.

Communication Equipment: Make sure the boat is equipped with reliable communication devices, such as a marine radio, in case of emergencies.

When renting a yacht or boat, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re covered in case of accidents or damage, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re taken care of.

Rental Insurance: Many boat rental companies offer rental insurance as part of the package. This typically covers damage to the boat, liability, and sometimes even cancellation.

Personal Insurance: Check with your insurance provider to see if your personal policy covers boating accidents or injuries.

Additional Coverage: If you’re planning a large event, consider purchasing additional insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents.

Depending on the size and complexity of your event, you might want to hire specialists to help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Event Planners: An event planner can take care of all the details, from decorating the boat to coordinating with vendors. They can also help you choose the right boat and ensure it’s outfitted with everything you need for your event.

Yacht Specialists: A charter specialist is an expert in boat rentals and can help you find the perfect yacht for your party. They can also assist with logistics, such as docking arrangements and crew coordination.

Catering Services: If your boat doesn’t have a kitchen or you simply want to enjoy the party without worrying about food prep, hiring a catering service is a great idea.

Entertainment: Consider hiring a DJ, live band, or even a magician to keep your guests entertained.

Renting a yacht or boat for a party is an extraordinary way to celebrate life’s special moments, offering a unique and great experience on the water. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a bachelorette party, or simply a special event, understanding the various options available—from the type and boat size to the amenities, length of rental, and pricing is essential. With the right planning and the perfect boat, your on-the-water party will be an amazing time, leaving you and your guests with lasting memories of a truly special occasion.