20 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas Perfect for Two

Written by Boatsetter Team
February 2, 2024

Valentine’s Day  is coming and your partner is probably expecting something sweet, something special, something memorable. The pressure is on, friends. If you’re having trouble with what to do this Valentine’s Day we’ve compiled a varied list of date ideas perfect for two.

  1. Rent a boat 
  2. Have a charcuterie night
  3. Explore someplace new 
  4. Book a staycation 
  5. Re-create one of your best dates (on the water) 
  6. Go kayaking 
  7. Learn how to sail together 
  8. Picnic on the deck 
  9. Dance on a boat 
  10. Dock ‘n’ dine 
  11. Take-out on board 
  12. Daycation 
  13. Cocktail hour on board 
  14. Go stargazing 
  15. Set a special dinner on board 
  16. Self care date 
  17. Movie night on board 
  18. Sunset cruise 
  19. Plan a on-water photoshoot 
  20. Wine & chocolate tasting 

Find unique boats perfect for a romantic getaway

1. Rent a boat

This gets the top spot in this list because you need a trusty steed (I.e. the boat) to show up like a knight in shining armor. Finding a truly special boat is easy. You can search by boat type, model, or manufacturer.  Pro tip: Scroll down on the boat listing to check out unique features such WiFi or BBQ grill on board. Cozy up on a sailboat, or go big and book a yacht. Everything is more romantic on the water. 

2. Charcuterie date

Trust us you’ll get brownie points if you go with this one. Bring a charcuterie board on board and indulge in a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and delectable treats while you cruise along. Charcuterie boards are easy to make, do it yourself and wow your date or buy one from a store. Either way the charcuterie date is a winning idea. Not to mention, it’s a perfect food to bring on a boat.

3. Explore someplace new

Exploring a new destination, just around the corner or far away, with someone is a wonderful experience and promotes intimacy. If you have plans to travel somewhere new for Valentine’s Day, make sure you look for things to do on the water. And, if traveling abroad isn’t viable, browse for boats nearby and explore your area.

4. Book a staycation

Staycations are a great option for those looking to spend less and do something new and exciting this Valentine’s Day. Why not staycation on a boat? Spend the night on board and have fun exploring a whole new world together, right next to home.

5. Recreate a memorable date (on the water)

Take a trip down memory lane by recreating your favorite date, but this time on the water. Whether it’s revisiting a special location or reminiscing about a cherished moment, relive the magic and create new memories together.

6. Go kayaking

This one is for the adventurous types. A kayaking date is a fun and easy activity to do on Valentine’s Day. Exploring the waterway, where you’ll most likely see wildlife, is a wonderful way to connect with nature and each other. Check out the Add-ons list for boat rentals that offer kayaks, enjoy navigating the water side-by-side.

7. Learn how to sail together

Learning something new together is a wonderful way to deepen connection. Learning how to sail is a great Valentine’s Day date idea because it takes two. In preparation for your sailing date, research what to wear and sailing basics like nautical flags. Book a sailboat with a USCG-certified captain and ask them to show you the ropes.

8. Picnic on the deck

A romantic picnic on the deck of the boat is definitely a date to remember. For this one, you want to pick spacious boat types like pontoons or deck boats. Make sure to pack boat-friendly snacks and food. If you’re going with this, you might want to check the Add-ons list for Cooler (Ice Chest) and Ice. You can also check the Amenities on the boat listing for Stereo, AUX cord, or Bluetooth. Otherwise, let the lapping of the waves be the soundtrack for your intimate Valentine’s Day picnic

9. Dance on a boat

Turn up the romance by dancing under the stars on the deck of your boat. Create a playlist of your favorite tunes, and let the gentle motion of the water set the rhythm for a magical evening of dancing in each other’s arms.

10. Dock ‘n’ dine

You can’t go wrong with restaurant reservations on Valentine’s Day. Better yet, you really can’t go wrong with making reservations at a waterfront restaurant and booking a boat for a dock ‘n’ dine experience. This way you can relish incredible views of the water and your favorite dish. Find restaurants with docks by searching “waterfront restaurants” on the Boatsetter Blog. Bon appetit!

11. Order chinese take-out & hangout

When life gets busy, important days or moments can get missed. Valentine’s Day is one such occasion. People think to go big or stay home. It’s always good to have an easy, low maintenance option and this is that option, friends. Keep it simple: Order take-out to bring aboard, cruise to a nice spot and anchor down, eat and catch up with each other.

12. Daycation

Plan a daytime adventure by cruising to different spots. Whether it’s a secluded beach or a vibrant marina, make the most of the daylight hours on your Valentine’s Day daycation. Explore new surroundings and create shared memories during the sunlit hours.

13. Cocktail hour

There are two hour boat rental durations available for cocktail hour on the water, and also, a way for you to enjoy cocktail hour on the water safely — Book a boat with a USCG-certified captain.  Filter your search to Captained to see your options. Booking a boat with the captain allows you to focus the rumance

14. Go stargazing 

Escape the city lights and gaze at the stars from the tranquility of your boat. Stargazing on the water adds a touch of magic to your Valentine’s Day evening. Bring a telescope if you have one and create a cozy space for marveling at the celestial wonders together.

15. Set a special dinner on board

Bring your chef’s hat aboard for a candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner. There’s nothing more appreciated than sharing a “boat-cooked” meal.  Scroll down the boat listing to Amenities to check for a Grill on board. Create a memorable evening by preparing their favorite dish or even a shared favorite to be enjoyed on the water. 

16. Self care date 

Indulge in a self-care date on the water. Bring face masks, soothing music, and enjoy a relaxing day pampering yourselves in the serenity of your boat. It’s a unique and rejuvenating way to celebrate your love and prioritize well-being together.

17. Movie night on board 

Create a cozy movie night setup on the deck. Snuggle up with blankets, pillows, and your favorite films for a cinematic experience under the stars. The tranquil environment of the water enhances the movie-watching experience, making it a memorable evening.

18. Sunset cruise 

What’s more instagrammable than the sun setting on the water? You can use this date idea as a compliment to a larger plan, like dock ‘n’ dine lunch followed by or a sunset cruise. You can also remix one of the options with this one, like charcuterie date during golden hour! The possibilities are endless.

19. Plan a on-water photoshoot 

Capture the moments of your special day with an on-water photoshoot. Document your love against the backdrop of the water and create lasting memories. The natural beauty of the surroundings adds a unique charm to your photos. (Tag us in your Valentine’s Day pictures!)

20. Wine & chocolate tasting 

End your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note with a wine and chocolate tasting on board. Indulge in decadent treats, sip on fine wines, and toast to the love you share. It’s a delightful way to conclude your romantic day on the water.

About us

Boatsetter is the go-to app for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Whatever the adventure, we’ve got a boat for that—Set sail, start the party, go yachting, make your trophy catch, and hone your watersports skills! Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play). Make sure to follow @boatsetter on Instagram, and tag us in all your boat day pictures for the chance to be featured.

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