How to Choose the Right Boat for Your Group

Choosing the right boat can be the difference between an unforgettable trip and an experience that falls short of expectations. With five boats of its own and dozens of partner vessels, WeBoat Brasil offers options for every type of group -- but how do you know which one is right for you?

In this complete guide, we've created a decision matrix that cross-references four essential factors: group size, budget, type of occasion, and desired features. By the end, you'll have total clarity to choose the perfect boat for your trip in Rio de Janeiro. If you'd like, see how the trip works before continuing.

The 4 Factors for Choosing the Right Boat

Before looking at the boats themselves, answer these four questions:

• How many people are going? -- The maximum capacity determines which boats are available for your group.
• What is your budget? -- The price is per boat (not per person), so larger groups pay less individually.
• What is the occasion? -- A bachelorette party calls for space to dance; a family outing prioritizes comfort and safety.
• Which features matter most? -- BBQ grill, flybridge, spacious deck, bathroom with shower -- each boat has its own standout features.

Comparison Table: The 5 WeBoat Fleet Boats

All depart from Marina da Glória and include everything listed above. See the full comparison -- or visit the side-by-side comparison page for more details:

Want to understand the pricing in detail? Read our complete guide to boat trip prices in Rio.

Cost per Person: The Math That Makes the Difference

Since the price is per boat (not per person), the larger your group, the lower the individual cost. Here's a simulation for each boat at the Monday to Thursday rate:

WeBoat 32 (R$ 2,300 / ~$460 USD -- up to 15 guests)

• 6 guests: R$ 383 per person (~$77 USD)
• 10 guests: R$ 230 per person (~$46 USD)
• 15 guests: R$ 153 per person (~$31 USD)

WeBoat 390 (R$ 2,600 / ~$520 USD -- up to 16 guests)

• 8 guests: R$ 325 per person (~$65 USD)
• 12 guests: R$ 217 per person (~$43 USD)
• 16 guests: R$ 163 per person (~$33 USD)

Oceanic 36 (R$ 2,900 / ~$580 USD -- up to 14 guests)

• 7 guests: R$ 414 per person (~$83 USD)
• 10 guests: R$ 290 per person (~$58 USD)
• 14 guests: R$ 207 per person (~$41 USD)

WeBoat 420 (R$ 2,700 / ~$540 USD -- up to 12 guests)

• 6 guests: R$ 450 per person (~$90 USD)
• 9 guests: R$ 300 per person (~$60 USD)
• 12 guests: R$ 225 per person (~$45 USD)

Rio Star 50 (R$ 4,000 / ~$800 USD -- up to 22 guests)

• 10 guests: R$ 400 per person (~$80 USD)
• 16 guests: R$ 250 per person (~$50 USD)
• 22 guests: R$ 182 per person (~$36 USD)

The best value for money is the WeBoat 32 with 15 guests on a weekday: just R$ 153 per person (~$31 USD) for a 5-hour private trip. Compare that with shared tours that charge R$ 250-350 (~$50-70 USD) per person for 2-3 hours on a fixed route.

Which Boat to Choose for Each Occasion?

Each type of event calls for different features. Here are our recommendations by scenario:

Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party on a boat is one of our most popular trips. The group typically consists of 10-16 friends who want music, space to dance, amazing photos, and possibly an open bar.

• Best choice: WeBoat 390 -- spacious deck, powerful sound system, capacity for 16 guests, and an affordable price to split among the group.
• Premium option: WeBoat 420 -- the flybridge creates a second level perfect for photos and for the group to enjoy with more privacy.
• Recommended add-on services: themed decoration (from R$ 300 / ~$60 USD), open bar (R$ 135-180/person / ~$27-36 USD), and cheese & wine platter (R$ 115-140/person / ~$23-28 USD).

Birthday Party

For birthday parties on a boat, the focus is usually on food, drinks, and celebration. Birthday groups typically range from 8 to 20 people.

• Up to 15 guests: WeBoat 32 -- best value for money, ideal for an on-board BBQ with the group.
• 16-22 guests: Rio Star 50 -- capacity for larger parties with plenty of room to move around.
• Recommended add-on services: on-board BBQ (R$ 100-160/person / ~$20-32 USD + grill fee) and birthday decoration.

Corporate Event

For corporate events, the priority is a premium experience that impresses clients and team members.

• Executive meeting (up to 12 guests): WeBoat 420 -- the flybridge offers a reserved and sophisticated space for conversations.
• Team building (up to 14 guests): Oceanic 36 -- premium comfort with high-end finishes.
• Large company gathering (15-22 guests): Rio Star 50 -- impresses with its size and space for everyone to mingle.

Family Outing

Families with children prioritize safety, comfort, and space. An on-board bathroom is essential (all WeBoat boats have one).

• Small family (up to 8 guests): WeBoat 32 -- affordable, comfortable, and equipped with all safety items.
• Extended family (up to 14 guests): Oceanic 36 -- spacious layout and premium comfort for all ages.

Couple's Trip

For couples looking for a romantic and exclusive experience, the individual cost is higher since it's split between just two people -- but the privacy is unbeatable.

• Best choice: WeBoat 32 -- the most affordable option (R$ 2,300 / ~$460 USD on weekdays), with all the comfort for two.
• Sophisticated option: WeBoat 420 -- the flybridge at sunset creates a cinematic setting.
• Tip: pair it with a cheese & wine platter for a truly memorable experience.

Large Group (20+ guests)

For groups of more than 20 people, the Rio Star 50 (up to 22 guests) is the largest boat in WeBoat's own fleet. But if your group is even bigger, we have a solution:

• 20-22 guests: Rio Star 50 -- R$ 4,000 (~$800 USD) on weekdays, R$ 4,500 (~$900 USD) on weekends.
• 23-65 guests: partner boats with larger capacities. See all available options or get in touch for a custom quote.
• Tip: for events with 30+ guests, the WeBoat team will put together a tailored proposal with full logistics.

Key Features: What Each Boat Offers

Beyond capacity and price, on-board features make a real difference in the experience. Here's what each one offers so you can decide what matters most for your group:

BBQ Grill

All five fleet boats have an on-board BBQ grill. The usage fee ranges from R$ 250 to R$ 600 (~$50-120 USD) depending on the vessel, and the menu prepared by a professional grill master costs R$ 100 to R$ 160 per person (~$20-32 USD). Learn more about the available add-on services.

Sound System

All boats come with Bluetooth sound -- just connect your phone and play your playlist. For parties and bachelorette celebrations, the WeBoat 390 stands out for the power of its sound system.

Bathroom

All boats have an on-board bathroom -- an essential item for a 5-hour trip, especially for families with children and larger groups.

Flybridge

The flybridge is a second level on the vessel -- like an open-air "upper deck." Among the fleet boats, only the WeBoat 420 has a flybridge, offering a privileged 360-degree view and a separate space to relax away from the main deck.

Deck Size

The deck is the outdoor area where the group spends most of their time. The Rio Star 50 has the largest deck of all the fleet boats, ideal for big groups. The WeBoat 390 has a particularly well-designed deck for parties and dancing.

Floating Mat and Pool Noodles

All boats include a floating mat and pool noodles for enjoying the water at anchor stops -- perfect for routes like Mureta da Urca and Ilhas Cagarras.

Partner Boats: For Groups of 20 to 65 People

When your group exceeds the 22-guest capacity of the Rio Star 50, WeBoat has a network of partner boats that expand the options. These are carefully selected vessels that follow the same quality and safety standards.

• Capacities: from 10 to 65 guests, with various intermediate options.
• What's included: the same basic items (fuel, skipper, life jackets, insurance), with features varying by vessel.
• How it works: you speak with the WeBoat team, who will put together the ideal proposal for your group and handle the entire operation.

Explore all available boats, including partner vessels, and compare your options to find the best fit for your event.

Quick Decision Matrix

Use this quick reference to choose with confidence:

• Lowest price: WeBoat 32 (from R$ 2,300 / ~$460 USD)
• Largest capacity: Rio Star 50 (up to 22 guests)
• Best for parties: WeBoat 390 (spacious deck + powerful sound)
• Most sophisticated: WeBoat 420 (exclusive flybridge)
• Premium comfort: Oceanic 36 (high-end finishes)
• Best value for money: WeBoat 32 with 15 guests (R$ 153/person / ~$31 USD on weekdays)
• Group of 20+ guests: Rio Star 50 or partner boats

5 Tips to Save Money When Choosing a Boat

• Choose Monday to Thursday: you'll save R$ 400 to R$ 500 (~$80-100 USD) per trip -- enough to cover add-on services.
• Fill up the capacity: the closer you get to maximum capacity, the lower the cost per person. Invite more people!
• Consider BYO: bringing your own food and drinks (without hiring add-on services) significantly reduces the total cost.
• Evaluate what matters: if the group doesn't need a flybridge, the WeBoat 32 will serve you perfectly at a lower price.
• Talk to the team: WeBoat creates personalized proposals and can recommend the best option for your budget. Also see the comparison between private and shared tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best boat for a bachelorette party in Rio?

For a bachelorette party, we recommend the WeBoat 390 (up to 16 guests, from R$ 2,600 / ~$520 USD). It features a spacious deck for dancing, a powerful sound system, a BBQ grill, and comfortable space for the group. If your group is smaller (up to 12 guests) and you prefer a more exclusive setting, the WeBoat 420 with its flybridge is the perfect choice.

How many people can fit on a WeBoat boat?

The fleet boats accommodate 12 to 22 guests: WeBoat 32 (15 guests), WeBoat 390 (16 guests), Oceanic 36 (14 guests), WeBoat 420 (12 guests), and Rio Star 50 (22 guests). For larger groups, we have partner boats for up to 65 people.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes! All boats have coolers to store your drinks and food. You can bring everything yourself (BYO) or hire our on-board BBQ, open bar, and cheese & wine platter services. Ice is not included but can be purchased separately.

What is the price difference between weekdays and weekends?

Trips from Monday to Thursday cost R$ 400 to R$ 500 (~$80-100 USD) less than Friday to Sunday. For example, the WeBoat 32 costs R$ 2,300 (~$460 USD) on weekdays and R$ 2,700 (~$540 USD) on weekends. If you have schedule flexibility, booking on a weekday is the easiest way to save. See all prices in our complete pricing guide.