Rent a Boat in Berlin

Rent a Boat in Berlin – Prices, Booking and Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer the most important questions about renting a boat in Berlin. You'll find out which boats are suitable for your trips, how much they cost, when to book, and what you need to know about boating on the Spree, Havel and Berlin's lakes. We also share practical tips based on our experience with boat rentals in Berlin.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Berlin?

Rental prices depend on the type of boat tour (experience), season and rental duration. The following overview shows examples of starting prices for different types of boats in Berlin.

• Self-drive boat: from €55 for 2 hours

• Party boat: from €400 for 2 hours

• Raft: from €269 for a weekday rental

• Ship: from €770 for 3 hours

• Houseboat: from €179 per day for a 7-day rental

Depending on the boat, additional costs may apply, such as fuel for self-drive boats, charged at current fuel prices, or drinks and catering on larger ships. Any potential extra costs are clearly listed on the individual boat's detail page. Rental prices may also vary depending on the season.

You can find the complete selection of boats directly above this FAQ section. Use the filters for group size and boat type to find suitable options and compare them.

How do I find the right boat for my group size?

The easiest way is to select the number of passengers first and then choose your preferred experience.

• Small groups of up to 16 people: Self-drive motorboats and rafts are particularly suitable for couples, families and smaller groups of friends. Many of these boats can even be operated without a boating license.

• Groups of around 17 to 30 people: Party boats and larger rafts with a skipper are usually the best options. For example, the Goldelse accommodates up to 20 people, while the Mathilda can take up to 25 guests. These boats are especially suitable for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and corporate events.

• Large groups and events: Larger event ships are available for weddings, corporate celebrations and team events. Among the largest vessels in our selection are the Seminarschiff, accommodating up to 200 people, and the Wappen von Spandau, with capacity for up to 150 guests.

Important: The maximum permitted number of passengers must never be exceeded. Children of all ages count towards the total passenger limit.

Our tip: When planning a larger celebration, don't just consider the maximum passenger capacity. Check how many people can comfortably fit in the sheltered indoor area if it rains, and whether there are enough seats and toilets on board.

Where do rental boats depart from in Berlin, and which cruising areas are available?

Berlin offers numerous departure points for rental boats, party boats, and rafts. Depending on your starting location, you can explore the city center along the Spree or enjoy relaxing boat trips on the Havel River and Berlin's lakes.

• Spandau – Heerstraße, Pichelssee, and Stößensee: Many license-free motorboats, such as the Element, license-free rafts like the Moby-Ick, and comfortable lounge rafts with a skipper, such as the Goldelse, depart from this area. From here, you can cruise along the Havel towards Wannsee and, on longer trips, all the way to Potsdam.

• Berlin city center – Oberbaumbrücke and Fischerinsel: Popular party boats such as the Ian Fraser and Hopper depart from Oberbaumbrücke. At the Historic Harbour on Fischerinsel, party boats including Jimmy and Mieze set off on their tours. Both locations are ideal for sightseeing cruises through Berlin, with longer trips towards Müggelsee also possible.

• Tegel – Lake Tegel: The electric event boat Mathilda, for example, departs from Greenwichpromenade. Other self-drive boats and rafts can reach Lake Tegel from their moorings in Spandau.

• Köpenick and Müggelsee: Departure points include Köpenick's historic old town, Friedrichshagen, and locations directly on Lake Müggelsee. One example is the party boat Marle, which offers tours departing from Köpenick or Oberbaumbrücke.

Our tip: When choosing your boat, pay attention to its home harbour. Not every boat can depart from every landing stage. You will find the exact meeting point and possible cruising routes on the respective boat detail page.

Our cruising areas: Spree · Havel and Wannsee · Tegel · Landwehr Canal · Müggelsee

Which boats in Berlin are best for sightseeing, swimming trips, and parties?

The right boat mainly depends on the occasion, group size, and preferred cruising area. We recommend different boats for a sightseeing cruise through Berlin than for a relaxing swimming trip or a barbecue on the water.

• Sightseeing on the Spree: Berlin's city center is particularly suitable for sightseeing cruises past the Reichstag, Museum Island, and the government district. We recommend boats with a skipper, such as the Ian Fraser, which features a retractable panoramic roof. For larger celebrations, corporate events, and special occasions, the elegant event ship Golda is an excellent choice.

• Swimming and barbecue trips on the Havel and Wannsee: If you prefer cruising through nature, swimming, or enjoying a barbecue on board, this is the ideal area. License-free motorboats and barbecue rafts for self-drive trips are particularly suitable. Comfortable lounge rafts with a skipper are available for larger groups.

• Lake Tegel: Ideal for relaxing excursions with swimming stops, birthdays, and team events. Smaller groups can rent the license-free barbecue raft Pauline, departing from Spandau. For larger groups, the electric event boat Mathilda, featuring a sun deck, barbecue, and skipper, is a great option.

• Müggelsee and Köpenick: The extensive lake landscape in southeastern Berlin is perfect for swimming trips, barbecue cruises, and relaxed celebrations. One example is the comfortable Schmöckwitz, which features a skipper and sun deck and departs from Lake Zeuthen. For excursions starting at Rummelsburg Bay, the license-free Sport Tender with its swimming platform is an excellent choice.

• Landwehr Canal: For a unique sightseeing cruise through Kreuzberg and Tiergarten, the elegant salon boats Philippa and Josephine are ideal. Both depart from Urbanhafen in Kreuzberg and offer guided tours along the Landwehr Canal and through central Berlin.

Our tip: Berlin's city center is ideal for sightseeing and guided city tours. If you would rather swim, anchor in a quiet bay, or enjoy a relaxing barbecue, the Havel, Wannsee, Lake Tegel, or Müggelsee are better choices. The Spree in central Berlin is much less suitable for these activities.

How can I book a boat in Berlin?

Select your preferred number of passengers and boat type from our boat listings. On the individual boat detail page, you can enter your preferred date, time and number of guests and submit a non-binding booking enquiry. It also helps to provide information about the occasion and your preferred route.

Your enquiry is forwarded directly to the responsible boat operator. They will inform you about availability, the exact rental price and the booking conditions.

Some boats also offer direct online booking. You'll find out whether this option is available on the individual boat detail page.

How far in advance should I book a boat in Berlin?

This depends on the day of the week, group size, and occasion. Booking early is especially recommended for summer weekends.

• Saturdays in summer: These are the most popular dates. Many popular party boats and event ships are already booked for numerous Saturdays at the beginning of the year. For weddings, birthdays, and larger family celebrations, we recommend booking as early as winter or spring.

• Fridays and Sundays: These days are also popular. For larger celebrations, you should plan to book several weeks to months in advance.

• Monday to Thursday: Boat availability is often better during the week. Corporate events and team-building activities are particularly common on these days.

Our tip: If you need a specific Saturday, secure your preferred boat and date first. You can arrange the remaining details afterwards.

Can I rent a boat in Berlin at short notice?

Yes, last-minute boat rentals in Berlin are possible. Smaller self-drive boats, in particular, often offer good opportunities for spontaneous bookings. Availability depends mainly on the weather, day of the week, and group size.

Some self-drive boats offer direct online booking. You can check current availability in the booking calendar and reserve your boat immediately.

Our tip: If your preferred boat is fully booked, consider similar boats with comparable passenger capacity and amenities. Choosing a different departure location or being flexible with your departure time can also open up additional options.

Which boats can I rent in Berlin without a boating license?

In Berlin, you can operate many motorboats, electric boats and rafts, as well as certain houseboats, without a boating license. As a general rule, the following applies on inland waterways: a maximum of 15 PS (11.03 kW for internal combustion engines and 7.5 kW continuous power for electric motors). The boat operator must normally be at least 16 years old. Most operators require a minimum age of 18.

Examples of license-free boats from our selection include the Sport Tender for up to 12 people in Rummelsburg Bay, the Sunny motorboat for up to 4 people and the Moby-Ick BBQ raft for up to 8 people in Spandau.

Important: You are not permitted to operate a boat without a boating license on the central section of the Spree between Kanzleramtssteg and Oberbaum Bridge.

The individual boat detail page tells you whether a boating license is required. Here you can find all our license-free boats in Berlin.

What happens if the weather is bad?

A boat trip is not automatically cancelled because of rain or cooler temperatures. Rain alone does not entitle you to a free cancellation. In dangerous weather conditions, such as storms or severe thunderstorms, the operator decides whether the trip can be carried out safely. Whether rescheduling or a refund is possible depends on the agreed terms and your statutory rights.

Our tip: For larger celebrations, choose a boat with sufficient weather-protected space. Many of our rafts in Berlin have covered areas, and some even have heating.

What are the cancellation conditions for boat rentals?

The boats listed on our platform belong to different operators, each of whom may have their own booking and cancellation policies. Your rental is therefore subject to the terms and conditions and cancellation policy agreed upon with the respective boat operator. Cancellation deadlines and potential fees can vary from boat to boat.

Our tip: Inform the responsible boat operator as early as possible if you cannot go ahead with your trip. Whether a free cancellation or rescheduling is possible depends on the agreed conditions and your statutory rights.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?

• On small self-drive boats, you can generally bring your own food and drinks free of charge. This applies to most motorboats and rafts that you operate yourself.

• On larger party boats and event ships with a skipper, bringing your own food and drinks is not always permitted. Some operators exclusively provide their own drinks or catering, while others are much more flexible.

  Particularly interesting exceptions from our selection are the Goldelse, Jimmy and Mieze. On these boats, you can bring your own food and drinks free of charge.

  On the Mathilda, you can also bring your own food free of charge. However, a corkage fee applies to drinks brought on board.

  On the Golda, you can bring your own food or arrange your own catering without an additional fee. Drinks, however, must be purchased from the onboard bar.

Our tip: Make sure to check the individual self-catering rules when choosing your boat. Especially for larger groups, it can make a significant difference whether you're allowed to bring your own drinks or must purchase a drinks package or use the onboard bar. Also check in advance whether a refrigerator or cooler is available.