Birthday Party on a Duffy Boat

Why have a birthday on a Duffy?

Because the boat does most of the hosting. Everyone sits together in one covered cabin, the view changes every few minutes, and there is no venue to decorate or clean up afterward. The birthday person can take the wheel, or hand it to someone else who is 21 or older and spend the hour being celebrated.

A Duffy tops out at 5 mph, so nobody has to shout over an engine and the cake arrives in one piece. It is a party that happens to float.

How many guests can come to a birthday cruise?

Up to 12 per boat, and the count includes children and babies. Twelve guests fit on one boat; thirteen to twenty-four need two. The pricing page has a planner that turns your head count into boats and a total.

If the party needs two or three boats, book them for the same start time so everyone leaves together. Each boat needs its own driver who is 21 or older, so decide who is driving before the day.

How long should a birthday cruise be?

One hour covers a lap of the bay and a slice of cake. Two hours gives you time to eat properly, cruise the Naples Canals when the tide allows, and take the slow way back. If food is part of the plan, the second hour earns its keep.

What can you bring to the party?

Plenty. Food, a cake, snacks and a cooler are all welcome. Adults can bring their own beer and wine; anyone drinking must be 21 or older, and under California law the driver must not be under the influence. Ice is $7 a bag in the boat shop if you would rather not pack it.

If you want the food handled, local vendors deliver boards, catering and décor for rentals. Call (562) 598-2628 and we will point you to them. The rules and packing list covers everything else.

Can kids come to a birthday on the boat?

Yes. Children are welcome, and every child under 12 wears a life vest for the whole trip. The front office hands vests out at check-in, infant sizes included. Keep an eye out for the local sea lions, which make appearances throughout the day.

Remember that children count toward the limit of 12 on each boat, exactly like the adults do.

When should you book a birthday cruise?

As early as you can. Weekend times can fill up, and a party that needs several boats at one start time needs the most notice.

If the birthday falls in the late afternoon, time it with the light: the sunset cruise guide lists sunset times for every month. And if the canals matter to you, look at the tides before you pick a start time.

How does the day run?

1. Arrive 30 minutes before your start time, with everyone in your party.
2. Check in at the office, collect life vests for the kids, and grab the free popcorn.
3. The Dock Master takes your boat to the end of the dock, hands your driver the keys, and gives a quick tutorial and a map of the sights.
4. Cruise, eat, sing, and bring the boat back to the dock by the end time on your booking.

What if the birthday guest is under 21?

They can ride, and they can be the guest of honor. The person who books and the person who drives must both be 21 or older, so a teenager’s birthday needs an adult at the wheel. The rest of the boat can be any age, up to 12 people in all.

What about decorations?

Local vendors deliver décor for rentals, from balloons to tableware; call (562) 598-2628 and we will point you to them. If you bring your own, keep it simple and secure. The boat moves, the windows open, and anything loose can end up in the bay, where it does no favors to the sea lions.

What does a birthday cruise cost?

You pay for the boat, not the guests: $125 for one hour or $250 for two, for up to 12 people. A full boat for two hours works out to about $20.83 each. Twenty guests for two hours means two boats at $250 each. See the full prices and our complete guide to renting a Duffy in Long Beach.

Is the birthday guest a dog? Dogs are welcome aboard too. Giving the cruise as a present instead? Gift cards are sold online.

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