When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Island Style Charters
Why Island Style Charters is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Island Style Charters offers a unique and memorable way to experience Portland's Willamette River through their tropical-themed party boat tours and private charters. Founded by Captain Dale and Mindy, the company blends a deep maritime expertise with a passion for creating fun, engaging moments on the water. Their boat comfortably accommodates up to 50 passengers and features an open-air design with a palapa-style roof covering most of the deck, providing an inviting, tropical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy guided tours that share Portland's rich history alongside interactive games during the day, while sunset cruises bring a lively, party vibe complete with high-end tiki-bar style drinks, a top-notch sound system, and vibrant lighting for evening celebrations. This versatile venue caters to private events, corporate team-building gatherings, weddings, and other special occasions, ensuring a fun and picturesque setting that makes every event extraordinary. The welcoming spirit of the family-run business and their attention to detail further enhance the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, making Island Style Charters an excellent destination to meet up with friends and create lasting memories.
Here's what people think of Island Style Charters
As of recent, Island Style Charters holds a 4.9-star rating based on 89 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise Island Style Charters for their exceptional service, friendly and responsive communication, and the unique experience they provide on the water. Positive reviews highlight the attentive staff, the fun and relaxing atmosphere aboard the boat, and the flawless execution of special events such as weddings and group gatherings. Guests appreciate the spacious, safe environment and the beautiful views of the Willamette River, which add to the overall enjoyment. The party boat's lively ambiance, along with thoughtfully curated drinks and entertainment, often receives specific commendation. Negative feedback is minimal but sometimes relates to the timing of the boat's newly opening operations or limited capacity during popular events. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the company's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences and making guests feel valued. Island Style Charters stands out as a top choice for river tours and private celebrations in Portland, combining professionalism with a warm personal touch.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sherry Nunnally
We LOVED our sunset cruise with Island Style Charters!! Our hosts were AMAZING!! They were friendly, knowledgeable, and so much fun!!!! The sunset cruise was absolutely beautiful and we saw so many fantastic sites!!! The boat was lovely-great views from every seat, and food and drinks were available for purchase at a very reasonable price!!! It’s great for families, couples or anyone wanting to see this beautiful city from the water!!! I’d highly recommended taking a cruise with Island Style Charters!!!
Erin Weidner
Wow, we had the BEST time on our river cruise! This was such a pleasant surprise and we all had a blast. Josiah was such a friendly and fun host...he got to know our names and kept us engaged and entertained the whole time. Captain Dale was skilled and knowledgeable, he took us on such a scenic tour! There were a good variety of drinks and snacks available for purchase as well. I loved that they shared information on the bridges, landmarks and history throughout the trip. We saw bald eagles, a coyote and such a killer sunset. We live locally, but seeing our beautiful city from a different perspective was so neat and refreshing. We were celebrating a few early birthdays, and they sang us happy birthday, gave us leis to wear and a fun dessert treat. They had fun games on board (put-put and corn hole) as well. It felt like we had made friends by the end of the trip. What a good time...I'm definitely going to tell everyone to do this cruise!
Lauren Romberger
Enjoyed the two hour sunset cruise last evening. It was a fun way to see the sights of Portland from the water. The drinks available for purchase were refreshing affordable and the music was great! Captain Dale, Josiah and AJ were wonderful to work with- highly recommend!
Julie Gengler
Highly recommend! We booked the entire boat for a private event. The owners were flexible and enjoyable! Drinks were very reasonably priced and the two hour cruise on the Willamette was a perfect way to show off our beautiful city to our out of town guests. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, even on a Tuesday night with a couple of friends. It’s a great way to get out in the river and enjoy if you don’t have access to a boat!
Kait Bee
This boat tour was the perfect ending event for my bday weekend in Portland. I love that it is family run and has a laidback vibe with the tiki boat theme. The length of tour was just right and the views from the boat were stunning! Plenty to do on the boat: great music to relax to, mini golf, plus trivia and fun facts. The drinks and snacks were fairly priced and there was a nice selection. Meetup for the tour was right by our hotel (Kimpton Riverplace) so easy walk to get to as well. Overall such a fun and relaxing experience and the customer service was top notch (special shout to Emmett!) I will definitely book a tour again next time I am in Portland.
How to reach Island Style Charters
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Why Island Style Charters may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Island Style Charters with your friends? Because it offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, relaxation, and celebration that is tailor-made for group enjoyment. Located on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, Island Style Charters provides a fresh and exciting way to experience the city and its natural beauty from the water. Whether you want to escape the usual routine or celebrate a special occasion, this private charter experience is a convenient, unique, and memorable way to gather your friends or family. With a stellar 4.9 rating from nearly 90 reviews, it’s clear that people appreciate the exceptional service, welcoming atmosphere, and attention to detail. The tropical-themed party boat, featuring an open-air design with a palapa-style roof, allows groups of up to 47 people to mingle comfortably while soaking in the picturesque river views. The dedicated staff ensures that every moment is special, creating a fun and festive vibe that encourages bonding and laughter. If you’re looking for a venue that combines adventure, comfort, and a touch of island spirit, Island Style Charters is an unbeatable choice. It transforms ordinary meetups into extraordinary memories worth returning to again and again.
What activities can you enjoy at Island Style Charters? Island Style Charters offers a wide array of activities perfectly suited for group gatherings. One of their popular offerings is the Waterfall Tour, a 3-hour scenic journey upriver that delivers breathtaking natural beauty and fresh river air. Guests can expect comfortable seating, a full-service bar, and a premium sound system to enhance the experience. The tour is not only visually stunning but also educational and engaging, with friendly guides providing interesting commentary about local history and nature. Another highlight is the private party charters, where groups can celebrate milestones, corporate events, birthdays, or weddings in a lively, stylish setting complete with bar services, dance floor, and the option for event coordination and rentals. The boat’s lighting and sound system can be customized to create either a relaxed ambiance or a lively party mood, making it versatile for any group's preferences. Beyond touring and partying, the boat's spacious and thoughtfully designed layout ensures that everyone can socialize freely without feeling cramped, making it an ideal choice for group meetups.
Why is Island Style Charters perfect for a group meetup? The boat’s capacity and amenities make it especially appealing for gatherings of friends and family. It can accommodate up to 47 people comfortably, which is large enough for sizable groups but still intimate enough to maintain a friendly and connected atmosphere. The venue offers event staff and coordinators who handle all logistics—from setup and cleanup to ensuring guests have everything they need—allowing groups to focus purely on enjoying their time together. The tropical, tiki-inspired theme provides a unique and festive backdrop that transports guests out of their everyday environment into a fun, vacation-like mindset. Located conveniently at Riverplace Marina in downtown Portland, accessibility and parking are easy, so transportation stress is minimized. The availability of a full bar with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and cider further enhances the social vibe. People can customize their events with different music playlists or engage in group games facilitated by the staff, fostering interaction and bonding. The combination of professional service, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant party atmosphere solidifies Island Style Charters as the ideal venue to rally friends or family for an unforgettable outing.
What safety measures and conveniences should groups expect? Safety is a top priority at Island Style Charters, especially for group events that may include children. All children under 12 are required to wear life jackets, which the crew provides to ensure everyone’s safety. The experience is overseen by an experienced and trained crew who maintain the vessel in excellent condition. This focus on safety allows group members to relax and enjoy their gathering without worry. The boat is equipped with restrooms and offers comfortable seating to accommodate guests during excursions or celebrations that last several hours. In addition to safety, the convenience of an onboard bar and sound system enhances comfort and entertainment. The staff also offers flexibility to meet the particular needs of each group, making customization of the event seamless. These thoughtful safety and comfort features combine to provide peace of mind that your meetup will be secure, smooth, and pleasurable from start to finish.
How does Island Style Charters create memorable occasions for groups? Island Style Charters goes beyond just offering a ride on the water—they craft unique experiences that groups cherish. Their attention to communication and customer service has been frequently praised, with hosts described as friendly, responsive, and attentive throughout the entire planning and execution process. This high level of service means groups feel genuinely valued and supported, leading to worry-free celebrations where nothing is overlooked. The thematic decor and musical ambiance create an immersive setting that encourages laughter, storytelling, and joyful connection. Event coordination services help personalize each gathering to match the group’s tone, whether that’s a relaxing cruise, an energetic party, or a sophisticated cocktail hour. Many guests report that their experience with Island Style Charters was a highlight of their event, cementing outgoing memories among friend circles or families. The magical feeling of being on the water with great company, surrounded by beautiful scenery and excellent service, results in a one-of-a-kind social experience that people eagerly recommend.
What types of events can be hosted, and what services are included? Island Style Charters caters to a wide variety of group events, making it highly versatile. From weddings and receptions to corporate team-building outings, birthday parties, family reunions, or just casual get-togethers, the venue can be tailored to fit the occasion. The services include bar service with tropical cocktails, wine, beer, and cider selections, event staff to ensure seamless flow and guest attention, and a full sound and lighting system to create the desired mood or dance party atmosphere. There is also an option for on-site accommodations with convenient nearby hotels and event rentals such as tables, chairs, and decoration to complement the party theme. The staff handles setup and cleanup, relieving hosts from the stress of event logistics. Such comprehensive offerings mean that guests can focus entirely on enjoyment and socializing while feeling confident that every detail has been handled professionally. This makes Island Style Charters a prime choice for groups seeking a stylish, hassle-free option for their special occasion on the water.
Where is Island Style Charters located and how easy is it to access? Island Style Charters dock and departure point is at Riverplace Marina in South Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon, making it centrally located and highly accessible. The marina’s address is 425 SW Montgomery Street, Portland, OR 97201. This central location ensures that local and visiting groups find it convenient to reach, with ample parking nearby and easy access via public transportation or rideshares. The scenic spot at the South Waterfront provides beautiful views and a pleasant ambiance before even boarding the boat. Being downtown means that after or before the cruise, groups can easily continue their outing with dining or other activities in Portland’s vibrant urban core. The convenient location contributes to the overall seamless and enjoyable group experience by minimizing travel hassle and maximizing time spent enjoying the event.
What makes the feedback from previous guests stand out? Island Style Charters boasts overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting exceptional service, memorable experiences, and great atmosphere. Guests consistently recognize the staff’s attentiveness and professionalism, which makes every event unique and worry-free. Many describe the experience as “unreal,” “the best time,” and a “great river tour” with plenty of room for socializing, which is rare in boat tours. The comments emphasize the fun and safe environment suitable for all ages, with friendly hosts who go above and beyond to make sure every guest enjoys themselves. Repeat customers and referrals are common, indicating strong word-of-mouth appeal. This high level of customer satisfaction reinforces why Island Style Charters remains a top pick for group meetups, weddings, and celebrations on the water in Portland.
Why choose Island Style Charters over other party venues? Unlike typical indoor venues or crowded restaurants, Island Style Charters offers an exclusive floating party space with scenic river views and fresh air, making your event stand out. The ability to customize music, lighting, and drinks onboard creates a personalized atmosphere impossible to replicate elsewhere. Its tropical theme and outdoor setting make it a refreshing alternative to ordinary meetups. The professional crew and comprehensive services ensure that group hosts don’t have to manage logistics, allowing them to enjoy the event alongside their friends and family. This combination of uniqueness, convenience, quality, and fun makes Island Style Charters one of Portland’s most distinctive and enjoyable places to host a group meetup, guaranteeing a memorable and vibrant social gathering on the water.