What Is a Boat Party? Cost, Length and What to Expect

What is a boat party? A boat party is a party on a boat: music, drinks and dancing on the water, with the view as the decor. It can be a public night with a DJ and a big crowd, or a private boat for a birthday. This guide explains what a boat party is, how long it lasts, what it costs and what to expect.

What is a boat party?

A boat party is a social event held on a boat, usually in the evening or at sunset. Guests board at a pier, the boat sails, and the party happens on the deck while the city or the coast goes by. There are three main kinds:

• Public boat parties. You buy a ticket and share the boat with a mixed crowd, a DJ and a sound system.
• Private party boats. A group rents a whole boat for a birthday, a bachelor or bachelorette party or a company event.
• Party yachts. A smaller, more upscale version, often with catering.

What happens at a boat party?

You board, find your spot, and the boat leaves the pier. The music starts low, builds up, and peaks when the sun goes down or the skyline lights up. Most boats have an open deck for the view and a lounge for a break. After the cruise, some parties carry on at a club.

What is a party boat?

A party boat is the vessel itself: a boat made or rented for groups, with space to stand and dance, a sound system and often a bar or lounge. The word means different things in different places. In some countries it means a big deck boat for charters, and in others it means a yacht rented for a day. What matters is that the boat is licensed and has a captain and crew.

Are boat parties fun?

Yes, and the setting is the reason. You are outdoors, the view changes all night, and everyone is on the same boat, so it is easy to meet people. It is a good option for solo travellers, groups of friends and couples.

How long does a boat party last?

It depends on the boat. According to Boatsetter, most party boat rental listings run 2 to 8 hours. Our own weekly boat party on the Bosphorus lasts five hours, as you can see in our best boat party in Istanbul guide.

How much does a boat party cost?

A ticket to a public boat party is usually much cheaper than renting a whole boat. A private rental depends on the boat size, the length of the trip and the season. Boatsetter’s party boat page lists rental prices from about $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the boat and the rental length. Our public boat party in Istanbul is €25 for everyone, with entry to Feraye after the party included.

Who goes to a boat party?

Travellers, students, locals and groups celebrating something. Most public parties are for adults, 18 or older, and you need an ID. A private boat can have children if the organiser allows it.

What should you wear and bring?

Wear flat, grippy shoes and clothes you can move in, and bring a light layer for the wind. Our guide on what to wear to a boat party explains it in detail. Bring your ID, your phone and a card, and leave valuables at the hotel.

How is a boat party different from a cruise?

A cruise is calm and seated. A boat party is standing, dancing and meeting people. We compare them in boat party vs night cruise.

What are the rules at a boat party?

Follow the crew, wear your life jacket if they ask, and drink responsibly. We cover this in our guide to boat party rules and etiquette.

Now you know what is a boat party: ready to try one?

If you are in Istanbul, join our weekly party on the Bosphorus. See the party details or get your ticket.