BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide
Hen dos, stag dos and birthdays afloat: the party done right (and by the rules)
Organising a bachelor(ette) party or birthday at sea: the formats operators accept, the budgets, and the lines not to cross.
By Clément Lacaille, editor of Boat-Comparator · updated
The group photo at anchor, the playlist in the sun, the ten-person swim: the boat has become THE spot for hen dos, stag dos and birthdays. But between the Pinterest dream and the rental contract there are rules — here they are, so the party stays beautiful.
Announce the plan (really)
Many operators refuse party groups on bareboat rentals — not rigidity: a distracted helm among ten revellers puts their boat and your safety at stake. The solution that works everywhere: the skippered formula. The professional drives, you celebrate; and he knows the party cove and the hour it empties.
The star formats
The day catamaran (10-12 seats): space, stability, trampolines for the photos — €70-140/person by season. The skippered RIB for groups of 8-10: sportier, gentler budget (€50-90/person). The sunset outing (5-9 pm): the aperitif slot par excellence, often 40% under the day price.
The limits to know
12 people maximum per boat, by regulation, costumes included. Alcohol: tolerated for passengers in moderation, zero for whoever touches the helm — summer patrols do check. Sound systems: joy offshore, misery for the cove — the skipper knows the anchorages where nobody complains. Confetti, balloons, glitter: it all ends in the water; it is all banned.
Booking smart
May-June Saturdays (hen-do high season) go weeks ahead: book early, compare 'privatisation' offers between platforms, and check what the price includes — skipper, fuel, cleaning. The surprise cleaning fee is Monday morning's classic.
Free checklist
Rent a boat with no nasty surprises
Deposit, insurance, check-in inspection, fuel, navigation areas, weather: our checklist covers everything to verify before booking and on departure day. Sign up to access it and receive our tips by email.
Thank you! Your checklist is ready: Rent a boat with no nasty surprises →
Go through a professional
Would you rather go through a professional?
Skipper, local rental company, boating school: describe your plans in a minute. We pass your request on to partner professionals (3 at most), who may get back to you. Free, no commitment.
Your situation:
BOAT-COMPARATOR is neither a rental company nor a skipper: we only put you in touch. Your data and our partners (in French).