Throwing a private yacht party might sound like a wistful, unattainable Crazy Rich Asians-esque dream, but the truth is, you don’t actually have to pay an arm and a leg to have your day out on the water. In fact, the Coconuts team even took our annual holiday party out to sea this year, and we can’t believe we didn’t think of it sooner — after all, it’s more private, unique, and definitely more fun.
Our friends at Seek Sophie have a range of yacht rental options ranging from the affordable to the opulent. Whether you and your colleagues/family/pets/friends are still looking for a venue for a holiday party, trying to think of a creative way to ring in the new year, or just want to treat yourselves and do something different, and whether you’re a group of two or 30, here are a few options for your consideration:
Work hard, play hard
The holidays also mean that it’s time for the annual office holiday party, and what better way to destress after a long year than feasting and drinking with your coworkers on the water (and far, far away from the office)? This year, the Coconuts team had our holiday bash aboard the spacious Zen Sea, which comes with everything from paddleboards to snorkeling gear to water guns; the fact that it’s pet-friendly means that our furry colleagues also got to be a part of the fun as we made our way to Lazarus Island! We opted for private catering, but for an additional fee, you can bring your own pre-marinated food and rent an on-board grill and get assistance with all your bbq-ing (you know, in case you’re, erm, a little lacking in the kitchen skills area). On the drinks side of things, though, the corkage fee is entirely waived, so bring all the booze you want! The fully-equipped galley and huge flybridge also provided for tons of space to lounge, socialize, and snap pics all night long.
We’re a small-ish office, so alternatively, if you’ve got a big team, the twin-deck MS Eternity can host up to 30 people; there’s karaoke in the salon, plenty of space to socialize across the open-plan living, dining, and galley area, a free water mat and kayaking equipment, as well as the option to rent a giant water slide!
Staycation on the sea
Yup, you read that right! Have a sleepover for one night (or three) aboard a yacht. For the adventure-seekers, there’s the overnight Junk Boat which will take you to St John or Lazarus Island, and includes free group paddleboarding, an electric barbeque, and a pre-prepared beach campfire under the stars. For a truly luxurious experience, spend 3D2N aboard the SY Dakota and (with the help of the captain) map out your own personalized sailing route. Spend your days lounging on floating bean bags or going out to kayak (equipment all complimentary, of course), and your evenings hosting movie marathons on the provided projector screen; for food, you can choose to order from the delicious Dakota menu, or whip up your own meals in the kitchen, which is fully decked out with a microwave, full cutlery drawer, four-burner stove, barbeque, fridge, freezer, and free drinking water.
Party like it’s (almost) 2023
Party animals should book the Why Knot I, which is the party yacht to be on. She’s shiny and modern, and has a premium karaoke system so you can host your own sing-off on the seas, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge to keep the alcohol nice and cool, a bbq gas grill rental option for homecooks to flex their skills, and an array of water toys including a paddle board, a floating mat, and a giant inflatable unicorn or flamingo float; if that doesn’t get the party going, we don’t know what will! Another option is the 53-footer MV Kingdom whose karaoke room is already decked out with party lights, and boasts a sprawling swim platform for easy water access, as well as two single-seater kayaks. Planning to let loose? There’s also an add-on option for a free-flow drinks package that includes both soft drinks and booze.
Switch it up
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Grab your friends and spend a full day on your own private fishing boat where you’ll be taught how to fish by an experienced instructor; this is also suitable for kids aged 6 and above, making it a perfect family bonding experience. Another option is aboard the White Pearl, where you’ll learn all the basics and techniques of fishing offshore, including tying your own fishing rigs and using baits and artificial lures.
To celebrate a special and intimate occasion, look no further than this private wine-and-dine experience. The package includes a freshly-prepared two-course meal (vegetarian options available!) and a bottle of complimentary wine (you can also BYOB at no additional cost). If you want, you can also learn to fish with the help of the on-board fishing guide, with all of your catches barbecued and added onto your meal afterwards! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience (think: a proposal or a hen party for your best girl), a simple decoration package is available upon request, or pay an extra fee for a more elaborate flower decor package.
All the fun without breaking the bank
If you think hiring a private yacht means essentially forking over your holiday bonus, think again. Seek Sophie has got tons of budget-friendly options that might not be the fanciest vessels on the water, but rest assured that they’re still just as cozy, well-equipped, and provide the right vibes for an unforgettable day out. This pet-friendly K2 yacht, for example, is one of the company’s largest yachts (a whopping 52 feet!) and one of its most affordable, and comes with a huge flybridge area and complimentary thematic decorations for a birthday or anniversary. Another option is SunRise, a huge Catamaran that has Instagrammable lounging deck nets, a karaoke system, and kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing equipment for when you dock at Lazarus Island. For small groups under eight people, the Fun@Sea is a particularly good and cozy (and big dog-friendly!) option for, well, fun at sea. With three lounge areas — a covered lounge, a fully air-conditioned cabin, and an open deck that provides excellent rays for sunbathing — and an extended platform where you can cannonball right into the ocean, this is another relatively affordable choice. Additionally, as the reviews show, the owners are incredible and will go the extra mile to make sure you have an awesome day out.
For even more options, check out Seek Sophie’s full list of yacht rentals. More details, including terms and conditions and reservation instructions, can be found on each individual experience page.
Seek Sophie has also hooked our readers up with an exclusive code! Use COCONUTS30 to get SGD30 off of any yacht bookings made between now and January 31, 2023. Happy holidays from ours to yours!
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