No matter your industry, team building is essential for your workforce. Not only does it foster communication, build trust, and strengthen bonds among your employees, but it can also improve retention and increase your bottom line.
While you can opt for the traditional route and host your team-building event at a venue such as a restaurant or bowling alley, team-building on a boat is sure to impress your employees and keep them engaged long after the day is over.
Additionally, it can enhance teamwork, foster healthy competition, and provide everyone with the opportunity to experience something new together. If you’re intrigued about the idea of corporate boat trips and interested in planning one for your team, here’s what you need to know.
How to Plan a Corporate Boat Trip
1. Set Goals for the Trip
First, consider what you hope to accomplish through a team-building experience.
You may want to increase camaraderie among your employees. Or, you could enhance problem-solving skills, welcome new hires, or develop your leaders. Consider celebrating a company milestone or accomplishment. The goals you set for yourself will guide how you structure your event.
2. Choose the Right Boat & Venue
The size and type of boat you choose should comfortably accommodate all team members on board. Look for boats equipped with a kitchen, restrooms, and other amenities that provide optimal comfort. Sailboats are one option to explore as they come in a variety of sizes to meet different needs.
Pontoon boats might also make sense, especially if you’re planning a smaller corporate gathering. For something more spacious, consider catamarans, which offer ample room for your various activities. Interested in a more luxurious option? A private charter is the way to go.
3. Plan Team-Building Activities
When it comes to team-building activities on a boat, the sky is the limit. One idea is a sailing challenge where you divide your employees into smaller groups and assign each group a sailing task, such as steering or navigating.
You can also design a scavenger hunt with a series of clues and challenges or transform your vessel into a kitchen for a friendly cooking competition. Another option is fishing or watersports like snorkeling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Wellness activities, such as yoga and spa treatments or seminars tailored to your unique industry and business needs, may also be a good fit, especially if you’d like to promote relaxation and allow your team to recharge.
4. Consider Logistics and Safety
You’ll also need to consider meal arrangements for your team-building event on a boat. You may incorporate cooking as part of the experience, stop at a local onshore restaurant, or order catering. It all depends on your budget, goals, and preferences. Whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of water on board to keep everyone healthy and hydrated.
In addition to meals, make safety a top priority. Ideally, you’d choose a vessel with life jackets, safety briefings, and a solid track record of incident-free excursions. Remember, the key to memorable corporate boat retreats is the safety and well-being of your participants.
Read Next: Boating Safety Guide
5. Incorporate Downtime and Networking
While it’s a good idea to plan a structured schedule for your team-building experience, the best corporate cruises also include downtime and informal networking opportunities. At the end of the day, you want your employees to feel refreshed afterward, not exhausted and needing a week to recuperate.
In addition to creating a good balance between structured activities and relaxation time, consider a theme for your team-building event.
Consider incorporating take-home swag with your company logo and/or photos and videos, so your team can remember the boating trip for years to come.
6. Work with an Event Planner
Suppose you’re new to corporate boat trips or don’t have the time to plan one, no worries. As long as your budget allows, you can hire an event professional who can take care of the entire process for you.
Simply let them know the who, what, when, where, and why so they can provide you with several options and plan an exciting excursion while you continue to focus on what you’re good at: running your business. In most cases, private boat captains and boat tour companies offer corporate event planning services.
Looking for the Perfect Boat for Your Corporate Boat Trip? Check Out the Discover Boating Boat Rental Tool
Corporate boat trips can be a real game-changer for your business. If you’re ready to plan, the Discover Boating Boat Rental tool can help. Plug in your zip code to find boat rentals near you (or your preferred retreat location) and use the filters to narrow down your search to the ideal boat. The right boat paired with a robust plan can lead to a successful cruise experience for you and your employees.
