Vancouver Boat Parties offers night club-style events and cruises on yachts at New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day, Halloween and other occasions.

The company also usually hosts cruises on Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Victoria Day, during the Hindu festival of Diwali and at other times of the year too.

There is also a Mother’s Day Cruise on May 12th in 2024. Visit vancouverboatparties.com for the company’s official website and full details about the event.

This article contains information about the following events (some of which take place this year and some of which have happened in the past):

Night Club Cruises with Vancouver Boat Parties

Party boats are great ways to experience Vancouver’s nightlife while enjoying the city’s spectacular views. They typically depart in the evening from either Coal Harbour or False Creek in downtown Vancouver. The boats then cruise around the coastline of the city for a few hours and return by around midnight or shortly after.

On the vessels passengers enjoy DJ music, dancing and the Vancouver skyline at night.

Vancouver Boat Parties is a company that offers special cruise events at different times of the year. Their trips involve some of Vancouver’s top DJs and the city’s largest charter yachts. On board, guests can purchase snacks, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. They can also experience some of the region’s most exciting nightlife and amazing views.

Lions Gate and Boat Party Cruise — Cruising under the Lions Gate Bridge

Vancouver Boat Parties Events

Floating night club-style events with Vancouver Boat Parties include cruises at New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day, Halloween and Diwali Fest (the last of which happens in October or November).

Descriptions of some of the company’s events are provided below.

Note: Most of the cruises are adults-only events for ages 19+, although occasionally there are family-friendly voyages too.

To book a cruise, check out the Vancouver Boat Parties website or call 778-829-5245 or 1-888-450-3991.

Magic Spirit Yacht in Vancouver — The Magic Spirit

Mother’s Day Cruise

In 2024 Vancouver Boat Parties hosts a special Mother’s Day Cruise on Mother’s Day which is on Sunday, May 12th. The event takes place from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm, with about three hours of actual sailing time.

Held on the Burrard Queen, this cruise is only for people ages 19 and above. The event includes dinner, which comes with kale salad, blueberry cheesecake, and fettuccine al dente or chicken parmesan. There’s a dance floor and a couple of DJs onboard as well. Everyone is expected to dress to impress.

For tickets and more information, click Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise.

Victoria Day Weekend Cruise

Vancouver Boat Parties sometimes hosts an event out on the water on the Victoria Day Long Weekend. It did in 2023.

The Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party last year happened on Saturday, May 20th. The event was on the Burrard Queen from 8:00 pm until midnight. It included a 3-hour cruise with stunning views of the Vancouver skyline. There were also dance floors and DJs providing a fun selection of music throughout the night. The event was for adults only because there was a premium bar and a night club-like atmosphere onboard.

The Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party has a dress code of all white. Although you don’t have to follow the dress code, it’s highly recommended.

To learn more about the cruise, click Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party. It may or may not happen in 2024.

Queen of Diamonds Harbour Cruise Boat — Queen of Diamonds

Canada Day Boat Parties

One of the Lower Mainland’s most popular things to do on July 1st each year is celebrating the day on a boat party out on the water. There weren’t any major Canada Day Fireworks displays in downtown Vancouver last year, but there were still lots of parties. Hopefully there will be fireworks in 2024.

In 2023 there were three boat parties on July 1st. One was the Canada Day Yacht Party on the M.V Magic Spirit which is a 3-level vessel that departs from the docks by the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Coal Harbour. Two other trips took place on the Burrard Queen which is a 2-level party boat that departs from docks in False Creek not far from BC Place Stadium. The first of these other two events was the Canada Day & Latinx Brazilian Boat Party which ran from 3:00 until 7:00 pm. The third event was the Canada Day Dinner Cruise & Bollywood X Punjabi Boat Party which happened between 8:00 pm and midnight.

Party Boat View from False Creek Docks

Summer Fireworks Boat Parties

The Honda Celebration of Light is a world-famous fireworks competition that takes place in English Bay on three different nights leading up to the BC Day Long Weekend each year. There are a number of Top Places to See the Fireworks. One of the best is from a boat out on the water!

Last year during the festival there were boat parties that included dinner and views of the fireworks. They took place on the Burrard Queen. In 2024, the fireworks happen on the Saturday, Wednesday and Saturday of July 20th, 24th and 27th. There will likely be boat parties on each of those days.

To learn more about these events and others, see the Vancouver Boat Parties website.

BC Day Boat Party

Last year Vancouver Boat Parties hosted an event on the BC Day Long Weekend. The Whiteout Boat Party took place on the Burrard Queen on Saturday, August 5th. The event ran from 8:00 pm until midnight.

The 19+ event featured two dance floors, Latin music on one level, Hip Hop and R&B on the other level, a premium bar, dancing and a white dress code. Tickets started at about $40 each.

Details about the event in 2024 are to be confirmed. See the Vancouver Boat Parties website for more information.

Burrard Queen in False Creek — The Burrard Queen (on the left)

Vancouver Pride Boat Party

Vancouver Boat Parties hosted a pride celebration on the same day as the Vancouver Pride Parade in 2024. Taking place on Sunday, August 6th, the party was on the Burrard Queen. It departed from 760 Pacific Boulevard at 8:30 pm and didn’t return until 11:30 pm. We expect there will be a similar event in 2024.

The pride-themed party last year included DJ music, lots of dancing, and amazing views of the city out on the water. Tickets cost between about $30 and $50 per person.

For more information about the cruise, see the Vancouver Boat Parties website.

Labour Day Weekend Boat Parties

Labour Day is on Monday, September 2nd in 2024. Last year, Vancouver Boat Parties hosted two cruises on the Burrard Queen over the long weekend. We expect it will likely do the same again in 2024.

Last year the first Labour Day Weekend Boat Party started at 8:00 pm on the Saturday. It featured Hip Hop and EDM music, along with lots of dancing and partying. Tickets started at about $25 per person.

Also last year was the Labour Day Bollywood X Punjabi Party on the Sunday starting at 8:00 pm. It had a Bollywood and Punjabi theme. The event featured lots of dancing in Indian attire. DJs played Bollywood and Punjabi hits throughout the evening. Tickets cost as low as $25 per person.

Halloween Nightclubs on the Water

Around Halloween last year there were three party cruises for adults only. Both happened on Saturday, October 28th. The events were about 4 hours long, with a total of 3 hours or so out cruising the waters.

Below are details about the three different types of Halloween boat party excursions in 2023 (of which two took place at the same time on the same vessel). 2024 will likely be similar.

(Note: Exact times and other details were subject to change. See the official Vancouver Boat Parties website for the most exact and up-to-date information.)

Halloween Boat Party

The Halloween Boat Party took place on the Magic Spirit with Magic Yacht Charters on Saturday, October 28th. One deck of the same vessel was for the Latin Halloween Boat Party. The other deck was for this party. Guests could choose which deck they wanted to party on, and they could go back and forth between the two areas. Whereas the Latin Halloween Boat Party had a Latin theme with Latin music, this event featured Hip Hop, Top 40, R&B, Throwback, and Mashup tunes.

To learn more about this event, click Halloween Boat Party.

Latin Halloween Boat Party

The Latin Halloween Boat Party also ran on the Saturday before Halloween. In 2023 the event took place on October 28th from 8:00 pm until midnight.

This cruise was held on Magic Yacht Charters with a special twist. Everyone was encouraged to dress in white attire. The evening was full of energetic Latin and Hip Hop music and dancing.

Admission ranged from about $30 to $70 depending on when you bought your tickets.

To learn more about this event, click Latin Halloween Boat Party.

Halloween Havoc Boat Party

This cruise took place on Saturday, October 28th, from 8:00 pm until 12:00 am. It was held on the Burrard Queen which launched from 760 Pacific Boulevard.

Super early bird tickets started at around $40 and regular admission cost about $85 closer to the event. Tickets were also available in groups of 5 and 10 people.

To learn more about this event, click Halloween Havoc Boat Party.

Diwali Boat Parties

Diwali is an East Indian holiday. To celebrate, Vancouver Boat Parties offered two Diwali-themed cruises last year. Both were held on the Burrard Queen, but on different days. One event was for adults only, while the other was a family-friendly event. Below are details about the two parties.

Diwali Fusion Bollywood Boat Party

Last year the Diwali Fusion Bollywood Boat Party took place on Friday, November 10th, from 8:00 pm until midnight.

The party boat featured Bollywood hits all night and lots of dancing! Guests were encouraged to arrive in traditional attire. This event was for adults only and tickets cost between $30 and $75 per person.

For more information about the event, click Diwali Fusion Indian Boat Party.

Diwali Boat Party Festival

The second Diwali-themed cruise in 2023 was a family-friendly event. The Diwali Boat Party Festival ran on Saturday, November 11th, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.

It featured live DJ music, traditional Diwali tunes, plus many Diwali lamps and decorations. Unlike the other Diwali cruise offered in 2023, this one also included dinner. All guests got to enjoy biryani with raita and gravy. Tickets ranged from $40 to $85 per person.

To learn more about the event, click Diwali Boat Party Festival.

Christmas Party Cruise

Vancouver Boat Parties hosts a Christmas-themed cruise just over a week or so before Christmas. Last year the Christmas Boat Party Cruise took place on Saturday, December 16th, from 8:00 pm until midnight.

When it happens, the holiday boat party features a night club atmosphere, premium bar, an outdoor viewing deck and two DJs playing a variety of music. Food is available for purchase and Santa Claus is also onboard. Actual time spent sailing is about three hours.

Last year the Burrard Queen departed from 760 Pacific Boulevard and all guests were encouraged to wear ugly sweaters. Everyone had to be 19 years of age or older to attend and ID was required.

Details about the event in 2024 are to be confirmed. The event, however, will likely be similar to last year.

For more information about the cruise, visit the Vancouver Boat Parties website.

New Year’s Eve Cruise

One of the most memorable ways to celebrate the arrival of the New Year is on a New Year’s Eve party cruise.

Vancouver Boat Parties offered three special events to conclude the year and ring in the New Year on December 31st last year. In 2023 there was the New Year’s Eve Boat Party, the Vancouver New Years Eve Dinner Cruise and the Latin New Year Boat Party. 2024 will likely be similar.

Last year the New Year’s Eve Boat Party ran from 9:30 pm until around 1:30 am. It was on the Magic Spirit yacht which departed from 1601 Bayshore Drive. This party cruise featured two dance floors with music by DJ Thunder, DJ Ignite, DJ Em 1 and more. The lower deck was where you would have heard Reggaeton and Latin Tropical tunes. Meanwhile, the middle deck had Hip Hop, R&B and other genres.

Early bird tickets to this first event started at about $80 per person. General admission cost $130. All tickets included a complimentary glass of champagne for a midnight toast.

The Vancouver New Years Eve Dinner Cruise last year, meanwhile, took place on the Burrard Queen. Boarding started at 9:30 pm at 760 Pacific Boulevard from the docks in False Creek. The boat returned and the party finished at around 1:00 am. The event included a dinner box which included vegetable spring rolls, chili chicken, sautéed vegetables, rice and a fortune cookie. Early-bird admission started at around $100 and went up from there.

The Latin New Year Boat Party was the third event on December 31st last year. It actually took place in conjunction with the first event, on the same vessel and at the same time. It too was on the Magic Spirit which is the biggest charter yacht in Vancouver.

Details about the New Year’s Eve boat parties in 2024 are to be confirmed. They will likely be similar to the events in previous years. They will also happen on December 31st, 2024.

(Note: The NYE cruises typically all sell out well in advance, book your spot as soon as you can! See the official Vancouver Boat Parties website for the most up-to-date details.)

Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise

A Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise took place on the Saturday of February 17th in 2024. It featured a parmesan chicken and fettucine dinner plus dancing with live DJs. There was also a vegetarian dinner option.

This boat party happened on the Burrard Queen. The trip departed from False Creek and headed out into English Bay. The boat left at around 6:30 pm and the event finished by 9:30 pm or a bit after.

To learn more about this event, click Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise.

Holi Fest Boat Party

In 2024 there is a Holi Fest Bollywood Boat Party on Saturday, March 23rd. The event takes place on the Burrard Queen which departs from the docks at False Creek near the Plaza of Nations at 760 Pacific Boulevard. Boarding starts at 8:00 pm and everything finishes by around midnight.

Included with admission is a boxed dinner that includes Chicken Biryani with a side of Raita and gravy. There is also a vegetarian Biryani option for those who want it.

Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire. On the boat you can expect to experience a colourful night of fun, dancing and celebrations.

To learn more about this event, click Holi Fest Bollywood Boat Party.

St. Patrick’s Day Party Cruise

In 2023 the Saint Patrick’s Day Boat Party took place on March 18th. The event was an Irish-themed cruise and dance party on the Abitibi vessel. Regular admission cost around $75. This boat party is very popular and sells out most years. On board there are usually plenty of green decorations and Irish-themed drinks. You’ll see happy party-goers dressed in green dancing to tunes played by DJs on the boat’s dance floor.

There wasn’t a St. Patrick’s Day boat party in March 2024. There might be one, however, in 2025. Details about what’s happening next year are to be confirmed.

For more information about the event in the past, click St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Boat Party.

Cinco De Mayo Cruise

In some years Vancouver Boat Parties hosts a special Cinco De Mayo Boat Party. The cruise usually takes place on the Saturday just before or after Cinco de Mayo, which is a Mexican holiday on May 5th each year. The event last happened on May 5th in 2023. Hopefully it returns in a future year.

In 2023 the party started at around 9:00 pm at 760 Pacific Boulevard. The cruise itself though ran from 10:00 pm until 1:00 am. The floating party featured lots of dancing and a variety of music ranging from Latin Tropical and Reggaeton tracks to Hip Hop and Top 40 hits. A couple of DJs were on board, in addition to a premium bar serving alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Similar to other events hosted by Vancouver Boat Parties, this cruise is for adults only, so for people ages 19 and above.

Click Cinco De Mayo Boat Party for more information.

VANCOUVER BOAT PARTIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

For more information and to learn about upcoming events you can follow Vancouver Boat Parties on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Boat Party on the Burrard Queen — Inside the the Burrard Queen

Tips and Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most out of your boat party experience.

What to Wear Suggestions

TIP #1: If it’s a costume-themed event, wear a costume. Whether it be for Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day or Canada Day (when the dress code is sometimes “white”), dress up! You’ll have more fun!

TIP #2: Wear comfortable footwear (for the dancing) and warm clothing (as it can get cold up on the outer deck). Also, don’t forget to take everything with you (both getting on and off the boat). Again, once the boat departs, it’s gone! There is no going back to the car to get something until it’s all over!

Things to Consider Before You Go

TIP #3: Give yourself lots of time to get to the docks well before departure. If you get stuck in traffic or get delayed finding parking, you’ll be out of luck. Once the boat leaves the dock it’s gone!

TIP #4: Buy your tickets as early as possible. You’ll save money by paying the early-bird prices, plus you’ll avoid disappointment if the cruise sells out (which they often do). Don’t forget though that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

TIP #5: Plan in advance how to get home after the party. Take a cab or public transit, or convince a friend to be the designated driver.

On the Burrard Queen Party Boat — Upper Deck Seating on the Burrard Queen

Other Things to Keep in Mind

TIP #6: Unless you have paid extra for a table in advance, or plan to stand up and dance the whole time, go early to get a table or a chair. It will mean standing in line for a bit extra before boarding time, but the earlier you go the better your chances of claiming a spot to sit at with your friends.

TIP #7: Invite your friends and go as a group. Boat cruises can be wonderfully romantic for couples wanting time alone on dates. They can also be especially fun though with a pile of friends.

TIP #8: Night club-style events with Vancouver Boat Parties are for adults only (ages 19+). Valid picture ID is required, so don’t forget to take some.

TIP #9: Check-in and boarding usually take place an hour or so before departure. The music and dancing start near the beginning, so go early to maximize your fun.

TIP #10: Vancouver Boat Parties does private parties too. If you are celebrating a birthday, bachelorette or corporate event, or attending one of their regular events with a big group, give them a call at 778-829-5245. Extra perks and discounts are sometimes available.