Open Bar on a Boat: Options, Prices & How It Works

If there's one upgrade that turns any boat trip into a true party, it's the open bar. It's no surprise that it's the most popular add-on service among our clients -- whether for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or a fun day out with friends where nobody has to worry about a thing. Ice-cold drinks, ocean breeze, and the Rio de Janeiro skyline in the background: that's the perfect combination.

In this complete guide, we'll break down all the drink options available for your boat trip with WeBoat, with prices updated for 2026, what each package includes, and tips to make the most of it. And if you'd rather bring your own drinks, we also explain how the BYO (Bring Your Own) option works.

Basic Open Bar (R$ 135 to R$ 150 per person, ~$27-30 USD)

The basic package is the most popular choice and covers everything most groups need for a 5-hour trip. The menu includes:

• Beer -- ice-cold and unlimited throughout the entire trip
• Soft drinks -- Coca-Cola, Guaraná, Sprite, and others
• Water -- still and sparkling
• Domestic vodka -- for drinks and shots
• Domestic whisky -- served neat or on the rocks
• Caipirinha -- the classic lime cocktail, freshly prepared by the bartender
• Fresh juice -- for those who want to alternate with non-alcoholic options

The basic open bar is ideal for groups who want to have a great time without spending too much, with quality drinks and the convenience of having everything ready on board. At R$ 135 to R$ 150 per person (~$27-30 USD), you get unlimited drinks for 5 hours with zero hassle.

Premium Open Bar (R$ 160 to R$ 180 per person, ~$32-36 USD)

For those looking to elevate the experience, the premium package includes everything in the basic plan plus sophisticated options that make any trip feel like a high-end event:

• Everything from the basic package -- beer, soft drinks, water, vodka, domestic whisky, caipirinha, juice
• Craft cocktails -- freshly prepared by the bartender using mixology techniques
• Imported whisky -- curated labels for the connoisseurs
• Gin and tonic -- with premium gin and fresh botanicals
• Aperol Spritz -- the quintessential summer drink, perfect for the sea
• Assorted caipiroskas -- made with seasonal fruits like passion fruit, strawberry, and kiwi
• Sparkling wine -- for toasts and special moments

The premium open bar is the top choice for bachelorette parties and birthdays. For just R$ 25-30 more per person (~$5-6 USD) compared to the basic plan, you get craft cocktails, sparkling wine, and imported whisky -- all served by a professional bartender.

The difference between basic and premium easily pays for itself: at any bar in Copacabana or Ipanema, a single Aperol Spritz costs R$ 40-50 (~$8-10 USD). With the premium open bar on the boat, you can enjoy as many as you like over 5 hours.

What's Included in All Open Bar Packages

Regardless of which package you choose, the WeBoat open bar includes everything so you don't have to worry about a single detail:

• Professional bartender -- experienced in nautical events, mixes drinks on board with skill and safety
• Quality disposable cups -- or glasses, in the case of the premium package with sparkling wine
• Plenty of ice -- enough for the entire 5-hour trip
• All drinks on the menu -- in generous quantities, calculated for the number of guests
• Full setup -- the bartender arrives before the trip to organize everything
• Complete cleanup -- at the end, everything is collected and cleaned by the bartender

In short: you arrive at Marina da Glória, step on board, and everything is already set up. Learn more about all the add-on services available for your trip.

BYO Option (Bring Your Own): Bring Your Own Drinks

If your group prefers to save money or has very specific drink preferences, the BYO option is perfectly doable. Here's how it works:

What the boat provides

• Coolers -- all WeBoat boats have coolers on board to store your drinks
• Bluetooth sound system -- play your playlist and enjoy
• Storage space -- covered area to store extra boxes and bags

What you need to bring

• Ice -- not included in the boat rental. A 5kg bag of ice costs between R$ 30 and R$ 50 (~$6-10 USD) and can be purchased near Marina da Glória. For a 5-hour trip with 10-15 people, we recommend 3-4 bags
• Drinks -- beer, soft drinks, spirits, water... whatever the group prefers
• Cups -- bring disposable or acrylic cups (avoid glass on board for safety reasons)

BYO vs Open Bar: when is each option worth it?

The choice between BYO and open bar depends on the size of your group and what you expect from the trip:

• BYO is better when the group is small (5-8 people), consumption is moderate, or you prefer craft beers and specific labels that aren't on the open bar menu
• Open bar is better when the group is large (10+ people), you want cocktails prepared by a professional bartender, and you don't want to deal with shopping, ice, and setup before the trip

To see all available boats and their included equipment, visit the fleet page or compare boats side by side.

All Inclusive: Open Bar + BBQ on Board

The combination of open bar with BBQ on board is the most complete package for anyone who wants a truly all-inclusive trip. Prices are per person and include everything -- drinks, food, bartender, and professional grill master:

All Inclusive Basic (R$ 205 to R$ 230 per person, ~$41-46 USD)

• Basic open bar (beer, soft drinks, water, vodka, domestic whisky, caipirinha, juice)
• Full BBQ (picanha steak, sausage, chicken, farofa, vinaigrette salsa, garlic bread, rice)
• Bartender + professional grill master
• Complete setup and cleanup

All Inclusive Premium (R$ 220 to R$ 250 per person, ~$44-50 USD)

• Premium open bar (everything from basic + craft cocktails, imported whisky, gin, Aperol Spritz, sparkling wine)
• Premium BBQ (premium cuts, special side dishes, dessert)
• Bartender + professional grill master
• Complete setup and cleanup

With the all inclusive premium at R$ 220-250/person (~$44-50 USD), you get a 5-hour private trip with a full BBQ and premium open bar -- all organized by professionals. For 15 people on a Saturday, the total cost comes to around R$ 490-500/person (~$98-100 USD) including the boat.

Want to know how much the complete trip costs with all the extras? See our detailed guide on how much a boat trip costs in Rio in 2026.

Cheese and Wine Board: The Sophisticated Alternative

For those who prefer a more intimate and refined experience instead of a traditional open bar, the cheese and wine board is an excellent alternative, costing between R$ 115 and R$ 140 per person (~$23-28 USD). The package includes:

• Selection of cheeses -- brie, camembert, gouda, gorgonzola, and artisanal cheeses
• Premium cold cuts -- Parma ham, Italian salami, coppa
• Fresh fruits -- grapes, strawberries, figs, and seasonal fruits
• Breads and crackers -- artisanal, for pairing
• Wine pairing -- curated reds and whites selected to complement the board
• Artistic arrangement -- beautifully styled board, perfect for photos

This option is especially popular for couples' trips, intimate birthday celebrations, and smaller corporate events. It pairs perfectly with a sunset over Guanabara Bay.

Tips to Make the Most of the Open Bar

Based on over 3,000 trips completed, we've gathered the best tips so your group can enjoy the open bar without any issues:

Ideal quantities for 5 hours

• Beer: plan for 5 to 7 cans per person (already accounted for in the open bar)
• Cocktails: 3 to 4 drinks per person throughout the trip
• Water: 1 liter per person -- especially important in Rio's heat

Avoid mixing too many different drinks

The sun, wind, and rocking of the boat intensify the effects of alcohol. Choose 1-2 types of drink and stick with them during the trip. If you start with beer, stay with beer. If you prefer cocktails, stick with cocktails.

Hydration is key

Rio's tropical sun causes dehydration fast, especially with alcohol consumption. Alternate each drink with a glass of water. This is the number one tip from our bartenders for enjoying the full 5 hours without feeling unwell.

Eat before or during the trip

Drinking on an empty stomach at sea is never a good idea. If you didn't book the BBQ on board, bring snacks like chips, fruit, and sandwiches. Learn more about the full trip experience on our how it works page.

Safety and Regulations

Fun always goes hand in hand with responsibility. There are important rules regarding alcoholic beverages on boats that all passengers should know:

• The captain has full authority: by law, the boat's captain may limit or suspend the service of alcoholic beverages if they determine that consumption is compromising the safety of passengers or navigation
• No swimming after excessive drinking: the bartender and crew advise guests accordingly. If anyone shows signs of intoxication, they will be advised against entering the water
• Under 18 years old: alcoholic beverages are strictly for adults only. We have soft drinks, juices, and water for younger guests
• No glass on board: for safety, glass bottles are not allowed on board. The bartender works with their own containers and appropriate glassware

Safety is a priority on all our trips. For more information on how we prepare for each voyage, visit our frequently asked questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Bar on a Boat

Can I bring my own drinks instead of booking the open bar?

Yes. All boats have coolers on board where you can store your drinks. Ice is not included and costs between R$ 30 and R$ 50 (~$6-10 USD) per bag. This is the most affordable option for smaller groups.

Does the open bar include a professional bartender?

Yes. Both the basic and premium packages include a professional bartender on board, along with all cups, ice, drinks, and complete setup/cleanup. You don't need to worry about anything.

What is the difference between basic and premium open bar?

The basic package (R$ 135-150/person, ~$27-30 USD) includes beer, soft drinks, water, vodka, domestic whisky, caipirinha, and juice. The premium (R$ 160-180/person, ~$32-36 USD) adds craft cocktails, imported whisky, gin and tonic, Aperol Spritz, assorted caipiroskas, and sparkling wine.

Can the captain limit alcohol consumption during the trip?

Yes. Passenger safety is the absolute priority. The boat's captain has the authority to limit or suspend the service of alcoholic beverages if deemed necessary to ensure everyone's safety on board.