Top Boat Venues in London

For some parties, you just have to get away from the same old bars, or the same old clubs. Whether it’s a special birthday, an engagement party, or a corporate do, a boat party adds an element of adventure to any event. After all, who doesn’t want to set sail for the horizon? If you want to organise a boat party for your nearest and dearest, we have everything you need to do narrowed down to these simple steps.

Step 1: Find the Perfect Boat

A boat party doesn’t have to take place in Bermuda (although, let’s be honest, that would be nice). It can also happen right here at home. There are a surprising number of boats for hire in London, so you can take you pick and go for the river cruise you’ve always dreamed of. In the summer, there’s really no better place to be. Consider what type of party you are having before you commit to anything. Are you going to want loud music and a late night? Or is this more of a casual day out with a group of friends? Whatever you’re thinking of, make sure that the boat you hire actually works with this. You don’t want to put down a deposit and then find out that it’s a stationary boat by the riverbank. Although those can be fun to!

Step 2: Create the Perfect Guest List

A party isn’t a party without people there to celebrate with you. You need to give everyone plenty of advance warning as well as any other details that they might need. Make sure that everyone knows the start and ending time – you don’t want anyone to arrive only to watch the rest of you sailing into the sunset, cocktails in hand. The number of people allowed on the boat will be very strict for health and safety reasons, so ensure that no one tries to bring an extra friend at the last minute without letting you know about it.

Step 3: Decide on the Perfect Theme

A boat party is the best excuse to have a themed event. After all, you’re already on a boat, there’s no use in sitting around in jeans! Of course, there are a few more obvious themes that you can go for, such as a nautical theme where everyone is in striped shirts and sailor hats. There’s also the pirate theme which can be a lot of fun and you can channel your inner Jack Sparrow. Just don’t forget the rum! If you do have a theme, make sure it fits in with the time of the event and the type of boat that you’ve hired as well. All guests should be required to dress up if that’s what you want, otherwise you’ll be left with a lop-sided group!

Step 4: Make the Perfect Menu

You’re going to need some food at your boat party. Large boats will sometimes be able to provide catering options such as a hot and cold buffet as well as a bar, but if not, then it’s going to be all down to you. Make sure that you prep everything in advance and ask your guests to all bring something to add. Be extra careful on warm days to keep food cool and out of any direct sunlight. It’s best to have more than you think you’ll need so that you’re in no danger of anyone going hungry. Having a good collection of prosecco and fruit juices is of course a must, but remember to invest in an ice cooler so that everything stays refreshingly cold.

Step 5: Put Together the Perfect Playlist

For the perfect party, you need the perfect playlist. Start early with getting one prepared and downloaded so that it’s completely offline. WIFI and Mobile data isn’t always the best when you’re on the water! If you have too much to do with the rest of the organisation, delegate this task to one of your friends who has a good taste in music. Chances are, they’ll already have a playlist that will work perfectly with a few tweaks. You’ll also need a decent set of portable speakers to play all of the tunes. If these are battery powered it’s even better, as you’ll be able to place them in the best location. There aren’t likely to be any plugs on the deck! Due to this, having some portable chargers for guests to use will keep everyone happy.

Other Important Tips

Remember the sunscreen. During the summer, the sun on the water can get really hot, particularly in London which has had soaring temperatures in recent years. Make sure that you bring plenty of sunscreen and keep re-applying it!

Home safely. Does everyone know how they are getting home after the boat party? If not, you can always organise a bus for them to go to a central location where everyone can make their way home from.

Bring water. Just like with sunscreen, it’s important to have water on board. You might think that you can survive on gin alone, but it’s important to stay hydrated if you are out in the sunshine.

Organise games. Games are great fun at any party, and a boat party is no different! Have some games organised that the whole group can enjoy.

Having a boat party might not be the first thing that springs to mind in London, but it’s worth giving it a go! In the summer months it can be the perfect way to have some fun outdoors and on the water with all of your friends, with whatever theme you want. So, for the next big occasion, or even just because you feel like it, why not consider hiring a boat to sail away on? For a few hours at least.