“Had daughter’s engagement party here and it was ridiculously great and here’s why: the manager is truly an excellent listener and thinker. She hears what you want and makes sure it happens. She’s listening to hear the details that seem important to you and ensures they happen to make the night a success. The venue was perfect for the 20 person cocktail hour and dinner at one long wonderful table. It was literally PERFECT.”
Private Events
Plan Your Private Event
Charles River Boat Company, a family run business since 1990, was founded to offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the Charles River and Boston Harbor. At Charles River Boat Company, our goal is to provide an unforgettable experience to create lasting memories on the water!
We offer a fleet of eight vessels which provide a perfect setting for any event. All vessels feature full-service bars, catering options, and flexible cruise timing. Specializing in private events, we ensure a seamless planning experience so you can focus on enjoying your time with those who matter most!
SIMPLE STEPS TO HOSTING AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT ONBOARD:
STEP 1: Choose your vessel
STEP 2: Choose your menu
*Please note, some vessels offer full service catering, some offer picnic style or the ability to bring your own food
STEP 3: Choose your beverage package
STEP 4: Explore add-ons (entertainment, customization, etc.)
Bereavement Events
Honor your loved one with a peaceful and meaningful gathering on the water. Charles River Boat Company provides private reception spaces for:
Memorials | Celebrations of Life | Bereavement Gatherings | Ash Scatterings
Social Events
Make your next milestone moment truly unforgettable by celebrating on the water. Whether you're honoring a birthday, welcoming a new baby, reuniting with family, or marking a life well lived, our private yacht charters provide an elegant and one-of-a-kind backdrop for every occasion. From intimate gatherings to larger group celebrations, we'll work with you to create a seamless and memorable experience tailored to your vision.
New England Seafood Experiences
Celebrate on the water in true New England style with a private seafood bake or raw bar cruise! Enjoy lobster bakes featuring local shellfish, chowder, and all the fixings as you take in the beautiful views of the Boston skyline. Elevate your experience with a raw bar and live shuckers, serving up fresh oysters and locally sourced seafood. It’s the perfect blend of flavorful New England cuisine and local views!
University & Educational Events
Celebrate academic milestones against the backdrop of one of the world’s most famous university skylines. Whether you are hosting an alumni reunion, a departmental staff outing, or an educational field trip, the Charles River Boat Company provides a unique setting that captures the spirit of Boston and Cambridge.
Rehearsal Dinners
Start your wedding weekend with a beautiful rehearsal dinner or welcome reception on the water. Our vessels are the perfect way to showcase the beautiful cities of Boston and Cambrdige to your guests and kick off an unforgettable wedding weekend!
Memorials
We offer intimate and private reception spaces for memorials, celebrations of life, and bereavement events. Gather with close friends and family to remember a loved one out on the serene waters of the Charles River and Boston Harbor.
Corporate Events
- Summer Outings
- Networking Mixers
- Team Bonding
- Post-Conference Cocktail Reception
- Client Appreciation
- Executive Retreats
- Holiday Parties
- Product Launches
Wedding Events
- Proposals
- Engagement Parties
- Bridal Showers
- Rehearsal Dinners
- Wedding Welcome Parties
- Weddings & Elopements
- Post-Wedding Brunch
- Bachelor(ette) Parties
Social Events
- Birthday Celebrations
- Baby Showers
- Anniversary Parties
- Family Reunions
- Graduation Celebrations
- Retirement Parties
- Going Away Parties
- Celebration of Life
Educational Events:
- Alumni Gatherings & Fundraisers
- University Orientations
- Professional Development
- Student Networking Events
- Scholarship & Award Ceremonies
Vessel Features
- Private Boat Exclusively yours for Every Event
- Full Service Premium Bar and a Variety of Catering Options
- All Events are Customized and Tailored to your Requests
- Convenient Docking Available Around Boston Harbor and Cambridge
- All inclusive decor and amenities for easy planning
Our Fleet
Minnow
- 2-45 guests
- Private Rental Starting at $750
- Cruises the Boston Harbor
- Contact for dates
Yacht Hope
- 2-35 Guests
- Starting at $2,750
- Cruises the Boston Harbor
- May 1st – Oct 31st 2026
Beacon Tiki Boat
- 2-30 guests
- Starting at $1,400
- Cruises along the Charles River
- May 1st – Oct 31st 2026
Happy
- 2-15 Guests
- Starting at $1,450
- Cruises the Boston Harbor and the Charles River
- May 1st - Oct 4th 2026
Valiant
- 10-120 Guests
- Starting at $3,800
- Cruises the Boston Harbor
- April 1st – Nov 22nd 2026
Lexington
- 10-145 Guests
- Starting at $2,800
- Cruises the Boston Harbor
- April 1st – Nov 22nd 2026
Charles I
- 6-75 Guests
- Starting at $2,000
- Cruises the Charles River and Boston Harbor
- April 1st – Dec 13th 2026
Henry Longfellow
- 6-60 Guests
- Starting at $1,800
- Cruises the Charles River and Boston Harbor
- April 1st – Nov 22nd 2026
Small Groups and Casual Experiences
Enjoy the views of Boston from the water with a select offering of food and beverage options!
Charles River Boat Company offers a variety of vessels for private rental for 2-145 guests. Private events offer flexible cruise times and customizable catering and beverage service. They are perfect for corporate outings or celebrating any occasion!
This motor vessel is perfect for a relaxing cruise and taking in the skyline views. This vessel offers open air and covered bench seating along with a bow for capturing that perfect photo!
- 2-15 guests
- Starting at $1,400 for 2 hours
- Bar service available with options for consumption or open bar
- Option of either picnic style appetizers through Johnny Burke Catering & Events or bring your own ready to serve food
- Departure from Rowes Wharf and cruises the Boston Harbor and the Charles River

It’s always a party on the water! This vessel is designed for fun and casual cruises and offers bench seating as well as standing cocktail space.
- 2-30 guests
- Starting at $750
- Bar service available with options for consumption or drinks for individual purchase
- Option of snacks for purchase or bring your own ready to serve food
- Departure from CambridgeSide and cruises the Charles River

Private buyouts are great for a tour experience or for a casual sunset cruise on the Charles River. Our buyouts are set tour style with rows of chairs and also offer an outdoor bow perfect for taking in the city views.
- 6-75 guests
- Starting at $900
- Bar service and individual snacks available with options for consumption or drinks for individual purchase (no outside food permitted)
- Departure from CambridgeSide and cruises the Charles River

What People Are Saying
Rated 5 out of 5
Eagle O.
Weddings & Engagements
“The party went really well and everyone had a fantastic time. The captain and bartenders were great, and the caterer was fantastic. Thank you again for your attention to our engagement celebration and I will highly recommend the Charles River Boat company to family and friends!”
Rated 5 out of 5
Taylor
Weddings & Engagements
“My wedding ceremony and reception was amazing thanks to the Charles Riverboat Company and Melissa! The Valiant is absolutely gorgeous! Everyone at my wedding enjoyed the cruise so much and had a blast! They made wedding planning super easy as well since they already work with a caterer and a DJ. The food and the DJ were great! Melissa was super helpful with planning and was always available. Could not have asked for a better evening and would definitely recommend!”
Rated 5 out of 5
Yasmine B.
Weddings & Engagements
“My husband and I were married on the Lexington Riverboat; Melissa Otis was at the helm the entire time. She helped with everything from planning the menu, seating, handing tokens out to guests, and more that I’m unaware of. She was patient, timely with responses and the ultimate professional throughout the whole process…..about 1 year. The staff on the boat were equally amazing, as was the food from Jules Catering. We left almost wanting to get a divorce just so we could get remarried again…best experience and day ever!! A million thanks!”
Rated 5 out of 5
Joe and Laura
Weddings & Engagements
“We could not have been more pleased with the wedding venue and the services that your staff provided. The cruise was amazing and your staff is amazing. They accommodated our every request and addressed every concern with professionalism, cheerfulness and efficiency. Thanks for making one of the most special days in our families life so memorable.”
Rated 5 out of 5
Edi C
Weddings & Engagements
“We did our ceremony/cocktail hour on the Valiant and our reception at the Multicultural Arts Center. We saw the Valiant on our first day looking at wedding venues and nothing quite measured up after that. We loved having the first half of the wedding on the Valiant – you get beautiful views of the Boston skyline and the boat itself is the most beautiful boat you can charter in Boston at its size. The idea of the boat itself also felt very unique, special and very reflective of us/our relationship – since we really love the water/boats and wanted a nautical wedding in Boston. Melissa at Charles Riverboat Company helped organize things. She was really great: responsive, easy to work with, very nice. One of our best vendors!”
Rated 5 out of 5
Matthew
Weddings & Engagements
“Getting married onboard the Charles I with the Charles Riverboat Company was an unforgettable experience! We had plenty of space for guests to spread out and we constantly had beautiful backdrops of Boston Harbor and the Charles River. All of our guests raved about the food and the overall experience. The staff onboard the boat and the staff that helped coordinate the details were incredibly helpful and supportive leading up to the wedding and during the day. If you are looking for a unique wedding that your guest will be sure the remember, this is your place!”
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth M.
Weddings & Engagements
Plan Your Experience
Our concierge event managers are ready to help. Use the form below to get started or give us a call at 617.621.3001 today!










