Bachelorette on the Bay
A bachelorette on the bay: your own enclosed boat for up to 12, your own beer and wine, and the Naples Canals as the backdrop. One of you drives, and that one stays sober.
Why plan a bachelorette on a Duffy?
It gives the group a private space with no venue fee and no minimum spend: one boat, one price, up to 12 people. The cabin is enclosed, so the weather matters less, and with an electric motor there is no engine roar to talk over. You get photos on the water and an hour or two of the weekend that belongs to the group alone.
Who drives the boat?
One person in the group, who must be 21 or older and who is not drinking. Under California law, the person at the wheel of a boat must not be under the influence. Choose your driver before the day, and make sure they get first pick of the snacks.
No boating experience is needed. The Dock Master takes your boat to the end of the dock, hands over the keys, and gives the driver a quick tutorial and a map of the sights.
How many people can come?
Up to 12 on each boat, counting everyone aboard. A party of fifteen needs two boats. Book them for the same start time, and remember each boat needs its own sober driver who is 21 or older. The group planner works out the count and the cost for you.
What can the group bring?
Your own beer and wine for anyone 21 or older, plus food, snacks and a cooler. Ice is $7 a bag in the boat shop.
Local vendors deliver food boards and décor for rentals, which saves carrying a charcuterie board down the dock. Call (562) 598-2628 and we will point you to them. Read the rules and packing list before you go.
What should everyone wear?
Whatever the photos call for, plus a layer. The cabin is covered, but the air on the water cools quickly once the sun drops, and in winter you will want blankets. Flat shoes are easier than heels on the dock and on the boat.
What time of day works for a bachelorette?
An afternoon trip is bright and warm, which suits a group that wants photos in full sun. A start timed to finish around sunset gives softer light for photos; the sunset cruise guide has the times for every month.
Weekends are when most bachelorette parties happen, so book early and book every boat you need at once.
Can you cruise the Naples Canals?
When the tide allows. Low bridges cross the canals, so at high water they can be off-limits for part of the day. When that happens, you can still cruise around Naples Island, into Jellyfish Cove, Spinnaker Bay, Marina Pacifica and Mother’s Beach. The tides page shows the next seven days, and the Naples Canals guide describes the route through them.
How do you get the photos right?
- Start on the dock. Get the group shot beside the boat before anyone boards, while everyone’s hands are free.
- Open the sides. On a calm day, roll the side panels up and shoot through the open air; the colors come out truer than through the clear panels.
- Chase the light. The hour before sunset makes everyone look good.
- Pick a photographer. One person in charge of the phone means the bride is in every picture.
Can the bride drive?
If she is 21 or older and not drinking, yes. Whoever drives stays sober for the whole trip, so if the bride would rather celebrate, choose someone else for the wheel and let her enjoy the ride.
What does a bachelorette cruise cost?
$125 for one hour or $250 for two, per boat. Split across a full boat of 12, two hours comes to about $20.83 each. The pricing page has the details, and our complete guide to renting a Duffy walks through the day from booking to the dock.
Should you book one hour or two?
Two, if the cruise is the main event of the afternoon. One hour suits a group that is fitting the boat between brunch and dinner plans.
What if the plans change?
All sales are final. If weather closes the bay, we move your rental to another day. If the date moves, call (562) 598-2628 as early as you can.
Quick answers
How many people fit on one boat?
Can we bring food and drinks?
How old do you have to be to rent and drive?
What if we need to cancel or the weather turns?
