What to bring for a boat tour

A boat tour needs more than food and drinks: everything must be packed, chilled and ready before guests board. Use this shopping list to cover buffet service, reusable tableware, coffee, cooling, lighting and basic event equipment. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list, then add a small buffer for dietary portions and unexpected extras. Check what the boat already provides before buying bulky items such as tables, chairs, power equipment or glasses.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Buffet tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Aluminum serving traysqty 12

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 60
Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Badges with lanyardsqty 60

Lighting

Battery lightsqty 10
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Mini hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Smoked salmon - 1.5 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted Nuts - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 1,5 kilogram
- Savory snack nuts - 2 kilograms
- Herb cheese dip - 8 tubs
- Salsa sauce - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Mini tarts - 60 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 120 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 36 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Diet Labels - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Bring extra still water, especially on warm or sunny trips.
For a buffet, allow roughly 500–700 g of food per adult in total, including salads, bread, hot dishes and dessert. Order separate dietary portions after collecting requirements, not on the day of departure.
Pack at least one reusable plate, bowl, drinking glass, set of cutlery and napkin per guest, plus 10% extra. Take additional serving platters, tongs and serving spoons so the buffet can be replenished without reusing dirty utensils.
Use coolers for drinks and perishable food, and chill drinks before boarding. Count on one cooler for approximately 20–30 cans or bottles, depending on size and how much ice or cooling material you use.
Test coffee machines, kettles, the speaker, microphone, battery lights and extension equipment before leaving. Pack power strips and extension cords only after confirming the boat’s available sockets and onboard power limits.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a boat tour?: For the first hour, plan 2–3 drinks per person. For every following hour, add 1–2 drinks per person, with extra water for warm weather and a small 10% buffer.
How much food should I buy for a boat tour buffet?: Allow about 500–700 g of food per adult for the complete buffet, including bread, salads, main dishes and dessert. Add separate portions for each dietary requirement and confirm the final guest count 2–3 days before ordering.
What tableware do I need for a boat tour?: Prepare one plate, bowl, drinking glass and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add wine glasses and coffee cups only for the drinks you are actually serving, and bring serving platters and utensils for every buffet dish.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a boat tour?: Buy non-perishable drinks and supplies 2–3 days before departure. Chill drinks at least 12 hours in advance, then load them into coolers shortly before boarding so they stay cold during the crossing.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.