Party Boats for Hire in London

What could be better than taking in London’s famous sights while enjoying canapés and a glass of sparkling wine, or making the most of those long, warm summer evenings surrounded by gorgeous city lights!

Types of Party Boats You Can Hire in London

London’s got party boats for every vibe, from small, private gatherings to full-on floating ragers. Here's what you can expect on the Thames:

• Houseboats & Barges – Great for 30 to 100 guests. Expect cool setups with party-ready interiors and great views.
• Large Party Boats & Catamarans – Need more room? These can host 200+ guests and usually come with a dance floor, sound systems, and bars.
• Budget-Friendly Boats – Small canal boats around Hackney Wick, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, or Paddington Basin are great choices if you’re keeping costs low but still want a memorable bash.

Party Boat Hire in London: A Planner’s Guide to a Great Party on the Water

Planning an event for a corporate team, a client’s 40th, or a product launch with a serious wow factor, hiring a party boat in London adds that “something extra.” But we get it—pulling off a great boat party takes more than booking a floating venue and crossing your fingers. Here’s what every planner should know to keep things smooth, safe, and seriously impressive.

Your boat should fit the occasion and the guest list. Here’s how to narrow it down:

• Small groups (30–50 guests): Try canal boats or compact barges for small birthday parties or micro-weddings on a boat.
• Medium events (50–100 guests): Go for a barge with a bar, DJ booth, or top-deck views for sunset cruising.
• Large-scale events (100–200+): Book a cruise boat or catamaran with built-in AV, catering areas, and space for entertainment.

Filter venues by guest count, price range, and amenities using Tagvenue’s smart search so you’re not wasting time on venues that don’t fit the brief.

Ask the right questions before booking a party boat in London

Your captain and venue manager are your secret weapons. Get answers on:

• Catering rules: Is there in-house catering? Can you bring your own? What’s the corkage fee?
• Setup time: How early can vendors get onboard for setup?
• Entertainment: Is there a sound system? Can you bring a DJ or live band? Any sound restrictions while cruising?

Timing Makes the Party

Planners know this already, but it’s worth repeating:

• Sunset cruises are crowd-pleasers, especiallygolden-hour light and skyline views
• Daytime sailings are great for casual networking or family-friendly events
• Evening parties make the most of London’s city lights and dance-floor energy

Build your run sheet around tides and daylight—your captain can help advise here.

Add high-impact extras

Add a thoughtful touch like:

• Photo stops by Tower Bridge or Big Ben
• Custom cocktails tied to the event theme
• Live entertainment (acoustic sets work great in tighter boat spaces)
• Fireworks display (with permits!) for major moments

Stay ahead on safety & logistics

You don’t need to lead the safety briefing, but you should make sure it’s happening. Confirm:

• Life jackets are onboard and accessible
• Emergency contact is available throughout the cruise
• Weather backup plans are in place if needed

How to Organise a Prime Party on a Boat in London!

Step 1: Choose the perfect boat

London has many party boat types to offer, from luxurious party catamarans and private yachts to affordable party barges. Decide how much money you are willing to spend, then set your agreed price in our smart filters to find the best fit. You’ll find both small and large party boats in London, as well as everything in-between

Step 2: Book the boat for your party

Found the one? Add your event details, message the venue, and sort the booking right on the platform. Pro tip: confirm the boring-but-important stuff like, cancellation policies, who to contact onboard, food/drink rules, etc. You’ll thank yourself later.

Step 3: Select a theme

Under the sea? Pirates? 2000s throwback? A theme sets the tone and gets people hyped. From dress codes to cocktails to playlist vibes—it all ties together. Boats for private hire in London give you the opportunity to really go all-out, with exciting decor options. 

Step 4: Pick up food and drinks

Some boats offer in-house catering, others let you BYOB and bring your own food. Just check the rules first. Bonus points if you ask guests about dietary needs (because nothing kills party vibes like a surprise nut allergy).

Step 5: Send out invitations

Let your guests know they are invited to a Thames boat party! Send them invitations explaining about the event and request an R.S.V.P. 

Step 6: Let’s celebrate!

Show up, look sharp, and bring a smile and positive energy. Ahoy adventure!

Boat Party Safety Tips

A party on a boat can be fun, but let’s not forget about safety! The best party is the kind where no one gets hurt. Here are some safety tips to follow:

• Pack the must-haves 

Before you crank the music, double-check that the essentials are on board:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flares
• Life jackets (more on that in a sec)

Day party? Don’t forget sunscreen.
Night cruise? Pack something warm—London breezes don’t play.

• Stay hydrated

Yes, there will be bubbly. Maybe even a signature cocktail. But make sure there’s plenty of water too. You can’t exactly nip to the shop mid-river, so stock up before you set sail.

• Make sure there are enough life jackets

There should be at least one life jacket per person—and they must meet International Standards Organisation (ISO) standard ISO 12402. Most boats come equipped, but double-check just to be safe. Also, make sure there’s at least one throwable flotation device (like a lifebuoy). One is the legal minimum, but having extras isn’t overkill—it’s smart. 

• Pay attention to the weather

The Thames is a beauty, but she’s moody. Look up the weather a day or two before your event, and make sure you’ve got a Plan B just in case.
Here’s what the river warning flags mean:

• No flag: You’re good to go.
• Yellow flag: The river’s moving fast—think twice before heading out.
• Red flag: Nope. The water's too wild. Stay docked. (Bonus tip: most insurance won’t cover boats on the water during red flag conditions.)

(You can check the latest river status on mdlmarinas.co.uk or posted signs at the dock.)