Teambuilding on a boat? Absolutely!

Few experiences unite a group quite like a boat trip. That’s why yacht-based team-building events are becoming a go-to option. But what are the pros and cons of this kind of event? How do you plan it, select the right boat, manage the budget, and how can yachting.com assist? We’ll cover all these key questions below. And if you still have any doubts, our sales team is just a call away.

• It's an unconventional experience that employees will love. Enthusiasm equals motivation.
• Spending a week together on the same boat helps the team bond and encourages collaboration.
• Unsure about any of your employees? A boat setting often reveals people's hidden qualities.
• The cost per person is no higher than staying in a cottage or hotel.
• Renting more than one boat? You'll get a discount.

The typical duration for a charter boat trip is one to two weeks. While shorter trips can be arranged upon request, not all charter companies offer this option. The standard booking period tends to be Saturday to Saturday.

If no one on your team holds a skipper’s licence, don’t worry — we can provide either one of our experienced skippers or a local skipper. They will handle all aspects of running the boat and suggest ideal cruising routes, scenic bays, and off-the-beaten-path spots. For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to skippered boats.

We recommend selecting destinations with convenient and affordable transport links. Popular choices for these events include Croatia, Greece, and Italy. For river or canal cruises, France or the Netherlands are great options.

Overseas destinations can be more complicated, with longer travel times and higher costs. However, a compromise is possible — employees can cover their own airfare, while the company takes care of the boat rental. In this case, we recommend destinations like Thailand, the Seychelles, or the Caribbean islands.

The mode of transport depends on your chosen destination. For easily accessible locations in Europe, like Croatia, Greece, or the Netherlands, teams often travel by car or bus. For overseas destinations, air travel is the go-to option. You can arrange group transport or allow each participant to organize their own travel. We’re happy to help you select islands with convenient air connections, as many have smaller airports that make access easier.

The size of the boat is determined by the number of employees attending. In some cases, you may need to rent multiple boats. If you’re inviting people who are new to boating and want to ease their concerns about the boat’s stability, movement, or limited space, we recommend choosing stable, reliable sailing boats, such as Dufour, Bavaria, or Hanse models, typically 50 feet upwards.

Meal arrangements are flexible based on your preferences. At yachting.com, we can provide a chef and hostess through our charter partners, so you won’t need to worry about a thing. Alternatively, cooking can be part of the team-building experience, with participants preparing their own lunches. In the evenings, it’s common to dine at local restaurants onshore.

Beyond the usual team-building exercises, there are plenty of exciting activities you can enjoy with your team on a boat. Along with sailing, popular options include:

• Paddleboarding
• Ferraty (via ferrata climbing)
• Water scooters
• Fishing
• Yoga on board or paddleboard
• Diving or snorkelling
• Exploring natural attractions (blue caves, national parks, salt lakes)
• Discovering old submarine silos or shipwrecks
• Walking through historic towns and monuments
• Wine tasting at local wineries
• Golfing on coastal courses

There are a few ways to cover the costs of a boat-based teambuilding event. Some companies opt for an all-inclusive package, covering transport, boat rental, and fees, while employees handle their own food, drinks, and extra activities. If the full cost is too high, you can split the expenses — many companies cover 50% of the trip, with employees paying the remaining half.