BOAT.ME BLOG

Family reunions. Special, sometimes just once in a lifetime occasions when brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and others all agree to meet up for a big celebration in Miami boat rent is not the first thing that comes to your mind, but this article might make you want to reconsider.

Because family reunions tend to be very special occasions, it’s only normal that whoever is tasked with organizing them wants to host an event that’s fun, suitable for all ages, within their budget and, above all, memorable. Wanting to stage such an event is one thing though, pulling it off is sometimes quite another.

The Nautical Alternative to ‘Dad’s Favorite Restaurant’

Figuring out just where a family reunion is going to be held is one of the very first challenges that any harried soul in charge of putting one together has to overcome. There is Dad’s (or Gran’s or Uncle Fred’s) favorite restaurant, they do catering and have a back room. But then again, it’s a steakhouse and at least two of the probable attendees are vegetarian, one is vegan and one only eats their food raw, so that may not be the best or most popular choice.

Catering halls and hotels are another option, but often a very expensive one, and that’s before the food and beverages, and you know you’ll need plenty of those. One good alternative to these traditional family reunion locations? Miami boat rent. Yes, renting a boat to throw a bash no one will forget, whether they are four, fourteen, forty or older.

The idea of looking for a company offering boat rental in Miami and actually hiring a ‘party’ boat might seem, at first, like a rather decadent one. However, as impressive as it might be to guests – and it almost certainly will be – it’s an easier and more affordable option than you might imagine, often costing only as much as that restaurant bash would have done. And the return on investment in terms of actually achieving all of those lofty aims for creating an unforgettable day? Priceless.

Planning Your Family Day on the Water

There are still choices to be made when you opt to take your family reunion offshore and rent a boat for your get-together. The first is what kind of boat? A classic pontoon boat best suited to an informal, relaxed soiree? A larger powerboat with a stateroom? An elegant yacht with several staterooms that can accommodate everyone? Or a thrilling catamaran? You’ll find, once you begin looking, that the choice is yours. Most Miami boat rent options are available by the day or by the hour, so you’ll be able to meet your particular needs there too.

Once the basic boat rental is arranged it’s time to figure out just what you – and your soon to be arriving to party family – are actually going to do with it. Although the options are almost endless, here are just a few ideas to get your imagination fired up:

Beach Hopping

The one thing that Miami has in abundance is a slew of beautiful beaches to enjoy. But why limit yourself to enjoying just one? Why not plan a beach hopping trip, making the most of your day with a boat at your disposal to explore several different cozy coves and sandy beaches. Kids will have tons of fun – is the a child that doesn’t like building sandcastles? – and grown ups can take the time to chat and catch a few rays, preferably with a few cooling beverages on hand.

Get in Some Water Play

Some Miami boat rent available to opt for when planning a family get-together come along with all of their toys, with those toys including things like paddle boards, tubing and floating islands, snorkel gear and more. For the family who likes their free time a little more action packed and active, getting out onto to the water – or even under it – can be a fantastic way to spend the day and do a little family bonding at the same time.

Have a Cookout

Many of the rental boats available come along with their own cooking facilities, whether that means a great grill or a full galley, offering you the opportunity to let the culinarily inclined members of the family show off their skills in style. After all, what would you really rather serve to your guests, and eat yourself; a lukewarm generic restaurant ‘standard’ or lots of cooked to order fresh local produce – and seafood, don’t forget that, we have so much of it in Miami and it’s all so good – that’s tasty and homemade – well boat made at least? We know which one we’d pick!

Get Ready for Your Closeup

Who doesn’t share all of their photographic memories almost instantly to social media these days? Even grandmas have Facebook pages these days and why not? It’s a great way to keep in touch and share memories. Therefore, it’s a given that everyone attending your family reunion will be snapping lots of pictures with their cellphones. But why not go a little further and arrange for a little professional photography to capture all of the best moments of the day, via drone.

Drone photography is a big ‘thing’ these days, and believe it or not some rental boats actually come equipped with their own. And even if they don’t, hiring one is pretty easy. And if those kind of photos don’t impress all of your Facebook friends and Snapchat buddies we don’t know what will. And they’ll make for some great lasting memories as well.

A Final Word About Safety

Some people may balk a little about the idea of partying on a boat for safety reasons, especially if their are kids (or pets, as some boats do allow dogs) involved. The fact is though, as long as you exercise basic common sense boating is very safe.

Everyone should have a lifejacket, everyone should have lots of sunscreen and a change of clothes, children should have at least one adult watching over them at all times – and the same goes for Fido if he’s come aboard – and the designated captain of the boat should never drink. And while we’re on that subject, don’t let a lack of basic boating experience put you off Miami boat rent. Almost every owner renting out their vessel will also offer up the services of an experienced captain to take charge on the day so that everyone on board gets to truly enjoy every minute safely.