The hen party checklist for the perfect boat party

Planning a hen party is no small feat, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, setting sail for a boat party is the way to go! Imagine celebrating with your closest friends, sipping drinks under the sun, dancing on deck, and soaking in stunning views—whether it’s along a scenic coastline, an iconic skyline, or in the heart of a buzzing marina. But before you cast off, a little planning is essential to ensure the day runs smoothly. From choosing the right boat to organising entertainment, this hen party checklist covers everything you need to create a hen party that’s stress-free, and most importantly fun.

Finalise your guest list 

Before you start booking the boat or planning the details, the first step is finalising the guest list. This is an essential step in the organisation of your hen boat party. Knowing exactly who’s coming will help you choose the right boat size, set a budget, and plan activities that suit everyone. Make sure to check availability with the bride—her closest friends and family—before locking in the numbers – it’ll help ensure that no one important gets left behind!

Book in advance

Booking your boat well in advance is key to securing the best options at the best prices. Indeed, the sooner you book, the more choices you’ll have, both in terms of the types of boats available, but also in terms of price range. Popular destinations and peak seasons can mean high demand, so the earlier you reserve, the better—whether it’s for a luxury yacht, a catamaran, or a fun party boat. Plus, having the boat sorted early allows you to plan decorations, catering, and entertainment without the stress of scrambling for availability later! It’ll give you the peace of mind you need to focus on the details of the event. 

How long do you want your boat trip to be?

It’s important to know how long you want your boat trip to be – are you organising a hen weekend, day, afternoon, or evening party? To help you decide, think about the tone you wish to set. If you’re after a high-energy celebration, an evening cruise with sunset views and onboard drinks could be perfect. For a more relaxed vibe, a daytime outing with swimming stops and sunbathing might be ideal. If you want the full experience, why not make it a weekend getaway, staying overnight on board or docking at different locations? 

Consider your budget, the group’s preferences, and how much time you’ll need to make the most of the celebration before making your decision! Having a better idea of the amount of time you’ll have aboard will help you choose the type of boat that’s right for you – for a relaxing afternoon, think spacious catamarans for example, maybe a fast motorboat for an adventure, or a chic yacht for an evening cruise – as well as the activities you can plan. 

Have a game plan

If you’ll be spending some time on your boat, having a solid game plan for activities will keep the energy high and ensure everyone has a blast on board. Think beyond just drinks and music—plan fun games and activities. A mix of entertainment, relaxation, and surprises will make the hen party one to remember!

Here a some ideas of the activities you can enjoy from your boat

A relaxing afternoon

Of course, nothing beats a simple and relaxing afternoon spent in the sun. A hen party is all about spending time with your friends. If this is more your vibe, then definitely consider planning some hen party games to keep everyone entertained. And check around where you’ll be cruising to see if there are any particular landmarks you could look out for and head out too, such as a renowned beach, or peaceful island. 

Exploring and sightseeing

Easily combined with a laid-back afternoon, setting some time to explore is great, especially if you’re planning on spending a couple of days aboard. Check out any islands, beaches, villages or natural parks that are worth seeing and that you can easily access from the sea. If you’re in a city, a cruise along the river is a great way to enjoy it from a different point of view. Think of the views in Barcelona, London, Paris, Porto, or Venice…  

Water sports 

Water sports are the perfect activity for a high-energy and fun-filled afternoon. You can easily hire a boat with extra equipment such as snorkelling equipment, wakeboards, floaties, or stand-up paddles. If you’re an active group, this might be just the thing for you – you’ll be able to enjoy the water together while having tons of fun. 

Food and drinks

The right food and drinks are essential to keep everyone happy and in a good mood. For a boat party, think of foods that are easy to eat without cutlery, such as bite-sized nibbles, sushi or cheese boards. A refreshing fruit salad or light salads are also perfect for a sunny day on the water. For drinks, serve up easy chilled cocktails like mojitos, gin and tonics, or fruity sangria. Don’t forget plenty of refreshing water and non-alcoholic options, ensuring everyone can stay hydrated while soaking up the sea breeze! Check with the boat owner, as some boats can provide catering: add food and drinks as an extra to your booking, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of shopping and preparing food.

This hen party checklist has you covered for the essentials to plan your perfect boat trip! Remember that whatever feels comfortable for you and your friend group is what is best for your celebration.

For more boat-related inspiration, destination information and all things events on the water, explore the Click&Boat blog and check out our guides.