If you’re planning to pop the question and are looking for a fun, fresh and extravagant way to do it, why not consider proposing on a boat?
A proposal on a boat is a sure-fire way to make the moment special. Of course, the moment you get engaged is already memorable, but a boat proposal adds the magic of the open seas. Whether your partner is an avid sailor or just loves the open water, here are ten proposal ideas that will not only rock their boat but their world, too…
Boat proposal ideas: from luxury to cute and quirky
1. Propose on a private yacht
If you’re looking to bring luxury to your proposal on a boat, chartering a private yacht would be beyond perfect. In true James Bond style, kick back and relax with bubbles and delicious food as your captain does all the hard work. You get to see all the breathtaking scenery without even lifting a finger…all you have to do is get down on one knee!
2. Sunset boat ride
There’s no more romantic time of day than sunset: when nature takes the phrase rose-tinted glasses and makes it real. Why not time your boat trip to coincide with a glorious sunset? That way, your boat proposal will be even more exceptional. Think of the backdrop for those ring selfies you’ll take to share the big news!
3. Propose on a gondola
Our third idea for a proposal on a boat is specific to a handful of places in the world but is totally worth it. Gondolas are traditional Venetian boats that float along the canals, and they’ve become synonymous with amore. Venice is an especially romantic city anyway, with its incredible architecture and artwork, so treating your loved one to a special gondola ride on its waterways would be the cherry on top of the cake. Add in an engagement, and it’ll be truly unforgettable!
4. Punt for a proposal!
Another idea for a boat proposal is punting. Punting is traditionally found in English cities like Cambridge and Oxford, where guides punt you along the River Cam or Cherwell. Similarly to Venice, these famous cities are full of history, with the rivers running past stunning college buildings, quaint cobbled side streets and green spaces as far as the eye can see. Plus, in the summer, in particular, they can get quite busy – which makes it all the more special when your partner says yes, and everyone can cheer you on in celebration!
5. A canoe proposal
So far, all of our suggestions for proposals on a boat have involved someone else doing the steering, which you might prefer if you think you’ll be nervous in the leadup to popping the question. However, if you’d rather the moment was just the two of you, you could organise a romantic date involving a canoe or rowboat down a picturesque river. After you’ve asked for their hand in marriage – and, of course, after they’ve said yes! – you could even plan a delightful picnic on the banks!
6. Propose near a bridge
If you’re planning to propose on a boat with just the two of you, you’d be hard-pressed to stow away a photographer to capture the big moment. However, if you want photos to mark your engagement, a great idea is to propose when the boat approaches a bridge. Generally, they make beautiful stopping points anyway, but, even better, they’re an excellent place for a photographer to wait so that they can get photos of the moment you propose.
7. Sailing boat proposal
Alternatively, you might not be navigating your boat down a river: you could be out on the open water. There’s something super romantic about sailing, which makes it a perfect way to propose on a boat. You could even joke about them being the captain of your heart…
8. Kayaking proposal
If you prefer exhilaration over extravagance, why not propose in a kayak? Maybe you and your partner are adrenaline junkies and love adventure. In that case, it could be perfect to pop the question when you’re out on the water together – particularly if this is already an activity you do as a couple. Just make sure you can keep the ring safe in your wetsuit – and don’t drop it whilst you’re leaning over to hug and kiss in celebration, either!
9. Animal-watching boat trip
The ocean and sea are whole different worlds to the land with so many beautiful creatures that you may never get the chance to see. With this in mind, why not book a boat trip designed to get closer to some of these majestic animals, like dolphins or whales? You could tell your partner you’ve spotted one in the distance, and while they’re distracted, get the engagement ring out and get down on one knee…a wonderful way to propose on a boat and tick something off your bucket list, too!
10. Snorkelling proposal
Ok, so technically, snorkelling isn’t done on a boat, but we’ve included it in our list of top boat proposal ideas as it does involve travelling on a boat, and it’s too good to miss! This one is best kept for seasoned snorkellers. Therefore, if you have fond memories of underwater trips with your partner, why not create new ones with a proposal? You could even time it for when you launch off the boat…
Looking for more extravagant proposal ideas? You can check out some more ideas for land (and air) here.
