Host a Boat Party with These 9 Boat Party Theme Ideas
Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
If you’re seeking a unique and unforgettable way to bring your loved ones together, hosting a boat party is the perfect answer.
Picture this: a gentle breeze, sparkling waters, and the camaraderie of your closest friends and family members, all aboard a stylish boat rental (thanks, Boatsetter!) To help you start planning your best boat party, we’ve compiled a list of nine themes for a boat party they’ll never forget.
- Nautical extravaganza
- Tropical paradise
- Pirate adventure
- Under the sea
- Gatsby glamor
- Neon glow
- Hawaiian luau
- Mardi Gras madness
- All-white party
Got your party hat on? Let’s dive right in.
Boatsetter’s happy to help—Throw your party on a boat rental!
1. Nautical extravaganza
Lean into the magic of being on the water with a Nautical Extravaganza boat party theme. Think navy and white decorations, ropes, and sailor hats. Your guests can dress the part in sailor and captain costumes, or keep it simple with white attire and navy accents.
Whether you’re catering or cooking yourself, fish and chips is a simple classic, as timeless as the nautical theme! And you can spice things up with a signature Captain’s Punch or Blue Lagoon Cocktails.
2. Tropical paradise
Transform your boat into a slice of serenity with a Tropical Paradise boat party. Illuminate your decks with tiki torches, hang vibrant palm leaves, and drape colorful fabrics to recreate the lush allure of a tropical oasis.
Bring this boat party theme to life with Piña Coladas and Mai Tais, served alongside coconut shrimp, Hawaiian BBQ skewers, and a tropical fruit platter!
3. Pirate adventure
Plan a boat party with an adventurous twist when you set sail on a Pirate Adventure. Decorate with treasure chests, rustic maps, and skull-and-crossbones. Your crew can look the part with pirate hats, bandanas, and eye patches. For a fun activity, organize a ship-wide treasure hunt.
We recommend a themed menu with dishes like Buccaneer’s BBQ ribs and “Shiver Me Timbers” Seafood Gumbo. As for drinks, offer Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktails, made with rum and ginger beer, or mix your own Pirate’s Punch.
4. Under the sea
Dive into the depths with an Under the Sea Fantasy theme. Use shades of blue and green, with shimmering decorations to mimic the ocean’s allure. If your guests want to go all in, encourage them to wear mermaid costumes, pirate costumes, or fish-inspired looks.
Serve up “sea-themed sips”, like an Ocean Breeze, made with blue curaçao and vodka, or a Seashell Spritzer (add edible glitter for an unforgettable sparkle).
5. Gatsby glamor
Gatsby Glamor is a gateway boat party theme idea. You can step back into the roaring twenties with a Gatsby theme, or pick whatever era excites you the most (60s, 70s, 80s, and so on!)
Sticking with Gatsby: infuse your boat with the opulence of the era. We recommend gold accents, Art Deco glamor, feather centerpieces, and a champagne tower. A live jazz band can set the tone of your luxurious affair.
Taste the twenties with a menu of Oysters Rockefeller, cocktail shrimp, and Gatsby-style canapés, complimented with Champagne Cocktails and Sidecars.
6. Neon glow
If you’re hosting a boat party after dark, a Neon Glow theme is the perfect way to light up the night. Illuminate your boat with black lights and fluorescent decorations. Enhance the atmosphere with neon-colored cocktails, glow-in-the-dark games, and upbeat music.
We recommend taking your boat party to the next level with a professional DJ and laser light show!
7. Hawaiian luau
A Hawaiian Luau is another classic boat party theme idea. Your guests can kick back in Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, and flower leis. Colorful flowers, tiki torches, and bamboo décor will transform your boat into an island escape.
A Tropical Breeze Cooler is the perfect signature cocktail for your Luau. Mix coconut rum (or coconut water for a non-alcoholic option) with pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of grenadine for a swirl of tropical flavors.
8. Mardi Gras madness
Capture the vivacious energy of New Orleans with the Mardi Gras Madness boat party theme. Bedeck your boat with traditional Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) and encourage your guests to wear masks, beads, and feathers to bring this theme alive. You can curate a festive ambiance by hiring a jazz band and serving traditional Cajun cuisine.
9. All-white party
For our last boat party theme idea, we recommend throwing a White Party. White parties are the perfect way to create casual elegance. Decorate your vessel with whites, creams, and soft ambient lighting. Guests should wear all white to fit the theme and create a fully immersive experience.
Top it off with a menu of white-themed drinks and dishes, like White Russians, Peach Bellinis, lobster rolls, and caprese skewers.
On hosting the best boat party
These nine captivating boat party theme ideas offer endless possibilities for a remarkable and memorable experience. The intimate setting of a boat provides the ideal backdrop for you and your loved ones to celebrate. Want help planning your boat party? Read these posts:
Start searching for your perfect party boat with Boatsetter. We offer a wide variety of boat rentals, great for new and experienced captains. Click here to get started today!
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