Boat trips are an amazing way to party, vacation or just relax in style. With a well-planned and well-organised boat trip, you can make incredible memories out at sea and enjoy the stunning coastlines from the open water.
If you’re a young traveller considering taking a boat trip to visit and explore new places, or you’re interested in hiring a boat for you and your friends to celebrate a special occasion, here is your complete guide to planning your adventure. From what to pack, to the logistics of the trip, to how to make sure you have the best time – we have all the information you need!
What’s the occasion?
Before embarking on a boat trip, you must decide what type of boat trip you want to take. Are you looking to have a vacation on a boat over a long weekend? Or, are you more interested in a day trip?
You may want to take a boat trip to celebrate a big event – a birthday or anniversary, for example. There are a great variety of boats and yachts for hire in many styles and sizes, all offering different amenities. The right boat for you all depends on the number of guests you want to invite and how much you want to spend.
For example, if your party is 12 people or less, you may want to opt for a superyacht. Or, for a more extravagant occasion, you can hire a much larger yacht that can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Alternatively, if you’re planning an intimate boat trip you will find that a Catamaran, Motor Cruiser or Water Limousine will suit you just fine.
Plan your route
Another important factor you must decide during the planning stages of your boat trip is where you want to go and how long for. Often, boat hire companies will have set-routes that last for just one day. However, if you are experienced at the helm of a boat you may complete your own planned route unassisted.
Planning the logistics and completing safety checks
Planning the logistics of a boat trip only applies to those who are undertaking one without assistance or guidance. If you are booking on a pre-planned boat trip with a credible boat hire company, you won’t have to worry about the logistics or safety procedures.
If you’re heading out on a long boat trip unassisted, you should consider where you will anchor your boat while you sleep, or whether you will sleep at marinas. If you plan on doing the latter, it’s a good idea to call the marinas ahead of your trip to reserve a space.
It is crucial that you complete boat maintenance checks before you set off. Onboard, you must have a fully stocked first aid kit as well as life jackets and dinghies that are in perfect condition.
You should prepare for every eventuality, and that includes getting stuck out at sea. You may lose phone service while on the boat, so it’s imperative that you take precautions to help yourself if something were to go wrong.
Create a playlist
Music is one of the key components in ensuring that your trip is the most enjoyable it can be. Create a playlist (remember you may lose WiFi at sea, so ensure the playlist is downloaded onto your phone) and request to the captain of the boat that it gets played!
As humans we naturally attach music to memories, so don’t hold back. With a great playlist and the boat’s quality sound system, you can create a party atmosphere and remind yourself of your amazing boat trip forever!
Stock up on food supplies
Planning a boat trip with a boat hire company often means you can select your desired food and drink from their menu. For dietary requirements or any additional food requests, contact them well ahead of the departure date.
If you are going it alone, you will need to ensure you pack enough food and water to last you the length of your trip. If you’re partying, that means plenty of icy beverages and your favourite party food.
Remember, it is easy to become dehydrated when out at sea, so remember to take enough water so that you don’t run out! What’s more, in case of an emergency where you may become stranded at sea, you will need food and water supplies in abundance.
Pack the essentials
The weather can be unpredictable at sea, so you should pack for all weather conditions, just in case. Of course, you’ll want to sunbathe on the deck in your bikini, but you should always be sun-safe and bring a high SPF with you. The sun’s glare is harsh at sea due to the water’s reflection, and it is much easier to burn the skin.
Aside from your bikini and daytime wear, it’s a good idea to pack warm clothing for when the sun goes down, as the temperature will drop drastically, and you may experience cold winds.
Capture the adventure
When you head off on a boat trip of a lifetime, you must capture the memories! Bring cameras, recording equipment and enough battery power to ensure you can take pictures and video footage throughout the trip!