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What a boat bachelorette party costs
Revelwick estimates per head for a group of nine.
- Private charter
- $130A head for about four hours on your own boat, around $250 an hour for a boat this size
- Semi-private
- $95A head on a smaller boat shared with one or two other groups
- Shared party cruise
- $55A head on a larger boat with other guests
- Crew tip
- 15 to 20%Budget for it on top of the charter fee, and ask whether a gratuity is already included
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Choose the right boat for your bachelorette party
Boats and options for a fun day on the water with your crew.
A yacht
Shade, a cabin, a bathroom and a captain and crew, for a luxury yacht party with amazing views.
A catamaran
A wide, flat deck where the whole group can sit together, dance and lie in the sun. Some have nets to lounge on.
A pontoon
A relaxed, affordable choice on a lake or calm bay, with room for a cooler and floats. See Lake Travis.
A sailboat
A sunset cruise for a smaller group that wants a quiet, unforgettable evening on the water.
A party boat cruise
A shared boat party with a DJ and a bar, a fun option when the budget is tight.
Know the capacity
Ask how many passengers the boat is licensed for, and choose one with room to move, not just enough seats.
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How to plan a bachelorette boat party
Planning from the first message to the day on board.
Ask the bride
A lively party boat, a relaxed sunset cruise or a private yacht day. Pick the boating experience she will enjoy most.
Plan for the weather
Pick a season with warm, calm water, and ask the operator what happens if the captain cancels: a refund, a new date or a credit.
Compare boats and charters
Get quotes with the hourly rate, minimum hours, fuel, taxes, dock fees and whether a crew tip is included.
Choose a theme and dress code
A nautical theme, matching swimsuits or white for the bride makes great photos.
Send invitations
Share the date, the dock, the cost, what to wear and what to bring, and collect each share before paying the deposit.
Pack the essentials
Food, drinks, water, ice, sunscreen and a playlist, if the boat allows your own.
Set the schedule
Book the boat early in the day, with a shower and dinner after, so the party does not end on the dock.
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Bachelorette boat party themes
Themed ideas for the decorations, shirts and photos.
Last splash
Pool floats, bright swimsuits and a splash sign. See last splash bachelorette.
Last sail before the veil
Navy and white stripes, anchors and a veil for the bride.
Let's get nauti
Sailor hats, red lipstick and nautical flags.
Something blue
Blue swimsuits and shirts, with the bride in white.
Under the sea
Mermaid tails, shells and seashell tops for the photos.
Tie the knot
Rope details, knots and a ship's wheel for decorations.
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What to wear and bring on a boat
A packing list for the whole crew.
Swimsuits and cover-ups
Plus a light layer for the ride back, because it is cooler on the water.
Flat shoes
Sandals with grip or bare feet; no heels on deck.
Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen and a strap for sunglasses.
Food and drinks
Finger foods, lots of water and ice, in cans or plastic, never glass, if the operator allows your own.
A soft cooler and a speaker
A soft cooler takes less deck space. Check whether the boat already has a sound system.
Seasickness remedies
For anyone who needs them, taken before boarding.
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Private charter, semi-private or a shared party cruise
Revelwick estimates for nine people. Ask each operator about its rules before you book.
| Private charter | Semi-private | Shared cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per head | About $130 | About $95 | About $55 |
| Length | About 4 hours | 2 to 3 hours | About 2 hours |
| Who else is aboard | Only your group | One or two other groups | Other guests |
| Bring your own drinks | Ask the operator | Ask the operator | Often a bar on board |
| Route and timing | Yours to plan with the captain | Set by the operator | Set by the operator |
| A private party | Yes | Partly | No |
Party cruises are a fun, friendly option for less. A charter is the one where the whole boat is your party.
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Why a boat party works for a bachelorette
The whole group, one boat, and a set end time.
A boat bachelorette party is one of the most fun ways to celebrate the bride: the whole group is together on the water, with sun, music, drinks and views, for a set number of hours. There is nothing else to plan while you are aboard, and the party ends at a time everyone knows in advance.
Book early
Boats for summer weekends can book up, so reserve the charter as soon as the date is set. A morning or afternoon trip with a view of the coastline or the city skyline is the perfect start to the weekend, and it can become the bride's favorite part of the trip.
Good for everyone in the group
Guests who are not drinking, a mother of the bride, or friends who have just met all have the same afternoon on a boat. Plan non-alcoholic drinks and snacks so everyone is included.
Read the quote
Charter quotes are usually by the hour with a minimum number of hours. Ask about fuel, taxes, dock fees, the cancellation and weather policy, whether you can bring your own food and drinks, and whether a gratuity is included.
Where to go
Lakes and calm bays suit a pontoon or catamaran, and the ocean suits a larger yacht. For city guides, see Lake Travis and the Hamptons, and for a day on the sand, see beach bachelorette party.
The whole crew on one boat, and a party that ends on time.
The boat ruleOn the water
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Boat bachelorette parties, answered
What groups ask before putting a deposit on a boat.
How much does a boat bachelorette party cost?
About $130 a head for a four hour private charter for nine, about $95 for semi-private and about $55 for a shared party cruise, as Revelwick estimates.
Add a crew tip.
How long should a bachelorette boat party be?
Three to four hours gives the group time to swim, eat and enjoy the views.
Book it for earlier in the day.
What boat is best for a bachelorette party?
A catamaran or yacht for the ocean, a pontoon for a lake, or one of the party cruises for a smaller budget.
Check the passenger capacity.
Can you bring your own alcohol on a boat?
It depends on the operator and the local rules. Ask before booking, and bring cans or plastic, not glass.
Bring plenty of water.
How much should we tip the boat crew?
Budget 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee, and check whether a gratuity is already in the quote.
Tip in cash or on the card, as the operator prefers.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain decides whether it is safe to go. Ask before paying whether you get a refund, a new date or a credit.
Pick a flexible date if you can.
What should we wear on a boat bachelorette party?
Swimsuits, cover-ups, flat shoes, hats and sunglasses, with a layer for the ride back.
Match a theme for photos.
What are good boat party themes?
Last splash, last sail before the veil, let's get nauti, something blue and under the sea.
Keep decorations secured.
09
What to read next
The city built around this, the beach day it usually replaces, the activities ranked, and the cities on the water.
10
How this was priced
Charter prices vary by city, boat and season, so check current quotes.
What the figures are
Every cost on this page is a Revelwick editorial estimate for a group of about nine. It is a starting point for a budget conversation rather than a quote.
What is ours
The boat types, planning steps, themes and packing list are Revelwick's editorial suggestions. We do not name operators on this page.