Frequently asked questions

Below you can find answers to the frequently asked questions about sailing in a GoBoat. We've divided the questions into several topics based on your situation, e.g. questions about booking and cancelations, about what to do before sailing, about what to do during sailing and about the rules of sailing and the waters. All the FAQs are based on our terms which has all the fine print. You can also use the search field to quickly find an answer.

Booking and cancellation

Can I get a GoBoat without having booked in advance?

Some days it’s possible to show up at our base and get a boat. But we recommend you to book in advance to make sure you get a boat.

How do I cancel my GoBoat booking?

You can choose to rebook or receive a voucher of 100% of the amount for up to 24 hours before sailing. The easiest way is to click the link in your email to change the booking.

You are free to cancel your booking up to 72 hours before departure and receive a 100% refund on your credit card. Please contact us by email info@goboat.de. We usually respond within three working days.

Cancellations made less than 72 hours before departure are non-refundable – instead we refer to rebookings or vouchers through the link in your email.

If there is less than 24 hours to your trip, you cannot rebook, get a voucher nor get the full amount refunded. The voucher is valid for 12 months. We refer to the terms and conditions for more details.

To receive a refund for food and beverages, cancellation must be made at least 48 hours before departure.

Does GoBoat offer a cancellation warranty?

Yes, you can purchase a cancellation warranty when you book your boat. With the warranty, you are free to cancel your booking up to 4 hours before your departure – regardless of the reason. Without a cancellation warranty, our normal cancellation policy applies, which you can read above.

You can add the cancellation warranty at the end of the booking. If you want to opt for the cancellation warranty, it must be purchased for each boat. So if you book two boats, you must purchase the cancellation warranty twice to cover both boats. The cancellation guarantee cannot be canceled or refunded.

The cancellation warranty does NOT cover fresh food and drinks items bought online, e.g. wraps and drinks. To receive a refund for food and beverages, cancellation must be made at least 48 hours before departure.

If you have opted for the cancellation guarantee and want to use it, please fill out our form no later than 4 hours before the sailing starts. Mail and phone calls cannot be accepted. As long as you have submitted the form no later than 4 hours before the trip, we consider it to be submitted on time.

We refer to the terms and conditions for more details.

How much does renting a GoBoat cost?

Please check our booking system for accurate up to date pricing based on your desired date, time and location.

How do I book a GoBoat online?

You can book a boat on our booking website. It requires a credit/debit card to book a boat. Alternatively, you can arrive at Stralauer Allee 3 to inquire if we have any boats available.

Can I get a discount renting a GoBoat?

No. There is no discount for booking multiple boats.However, the longer time you rent a boat, the lower the price is per hour. Remember to divide the price by how many people you go out sailing to know the price per person.

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How many boats do you have? And how many people is the maximum capacity?

At the moment we have 7 GoBoats available. Each boats fits up to 8 people.

I can see that you are fully booked. Can I get on a waiting list?

No, unfortunately not. Be sure to book in advance.

We booked through a 3rd party platform

When you book boats through 3rd party platforms (that is not through our booking system), then all changes and questions need to be sent to them. We are not allowed to change your booking if you booked through another platform than ours.

Before sailing

How early should I arrive for my booking?

You must arrive 15 minutes before departure to ensure that there is time for safety and sailing instructions. You must show up at Stralauer Allee 3 where our base is located.

If you show up late, you still need to return the boat at the same time so the next guests don't have to wait.

Where can I park?

You can park at the nhow Hotel. 1 hour 2,00 Euro after 6 hours it changes to full day parking 18,00 Euros.

Is it possible to use a bathroom before departure?

Unfortunately, we do not offer toilets at the mooring. Please go before or use publicly accessible toilets.

Do I have to show a corona passport to go sailing?

No it’s not necessary. We encourage anyone with Corona symptoms to stay home.

Can I buy beverages and snacks at GoBoat?

Yes. We’ve teamed up with Hotel nhow to offer a selection of food, snacks, and drinks. You can choose and add these provisions during the booking process. Please ensure to make your selections at least 48 hours before departure and pick them up at Hotel nhow before checking in with GoBoat. To receive a refund for food and beverages, cancellation must be made at least 48 hours before departure.

See the selection here.

What if it rains, is windy or there is thunder ?

In the rain we recommend you wear waterproof clothing or bring an umbrella, if the wind permits it. We also sell biodegradable rain ponchos.
If there is thunder or lightening, our operations will still run as it is still considered safe to sail.
However, if it is windy, the boats will need more power to move and so will sail a little slower, meaning you won’t be able to sail as far. 
In the case of powerful winds, we reserve the right to cancel your trip, this is a safety precaution. In this instance you choose whether you would like to rebook, get a voucher, or a refund. We will try to give you as much warning as possible and call you on the day of your sail.

During the trip

How many people can be in a GoBoat?

The GoBoat has a maximum capacity of 8 persons. This number also includes children and babies.

Are life jackets included in the price?

Yes. Life jackets are included in the price.
Life jackets for adults are located in the storage compartment on the boat. We also have life jackets for children and babies. Please ask the crew as these are stored on land. Children up to the age of 6 years need to wear life jacket.

Do you have life jackets for children and babies?

Yes. We have life jackets down to 5 kg. Children and baby life jackets are found on land. Please ask the crew for help.

Does renting or sailing a GoBoat require a certificate or license?

No, it does not. The GoBoat is easy to control. The only requirement is that the person sailing the boat is 18 years old and remains sober during the trip.

We will instruct you on how to sail before you leave (therefore you must be at our location 15 min prior to departure) and we'll send instructions by email when you book

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. There is a large table in the middle of the boat that makes it easy to enjoy food on board.

Is it possible to get someone to sail the GoBoat for us?

No. A part of the experience is to sail the boat yourselves and to be your own captain.

Are there different boat sizes?

No. We only have one type of boat with room for 8 persons. The boat has a table in the middle so it is possible to enjoy food and drinks on board.

Do you have a storage where we can put our stuff while sailing?

We cannot store your belongings while you are out sailing.

Rules

Am I allowed to drink alcoholic beverages onboard?

Yes, but please only in moderation, i.e. max. per person two 0.33 L drinks with less than 5% by volume. Since the same rules apply here as in road traffic, we do not allow drivers to drink alcohol at all. We have to report all violations.

Is it allowed to smoke hookah onboard?

No, it is not allowed to smoke hookah onboard. 

However, we do allow smoking cigarettes. It is important that butts are not thrown in the water or in the boat to preserve our aquatic environment and ensure a clean and pleasant experience for everyone.

How old do you have to be in order to sail the boat?

The person who steers the boat must be 18 years old. There is no age restriction on being a passenger in the boat.

Does it require sailing experience or a sailing certificate to rent a GoBoat?

No it does not. We'll teach you how to sail the boat and the rules of the water.

Is it possible to rent a boat somewhere other than Stralauer Allee 3?

No, you start and end at the same location.

Can I drop off the boat somewhere else?

No, you start and end at the same location.

Can I bring my dog on the boat?

Yes, you can. We love dogs on the boats. However, we have no life jackets for dogs so dogs are brought onto the boat at your own risk.

Are bachelor/bachelorette parties accepted?

No. We would like to make the water accessible to everybody, but due to bad behavior and complaints we unfortunately no longer allow bachelor/bachelorette parties.

We reserve the right to refuse bachelor/bachelorette parties prior to departure even though the experience is booked and paid. All guests who are drunk upon arrival to the GoBoat rental station will be refused access to our boats and no refunds will be provided.

Is it allowed to go swimming from the boat?

Yes, in some ares it is allowed to go swimming from the boat.

Can we bring speakers onboard?

Yes it is allowed to bring smaller speakers onboard. You can also rent one at GoBoat when you book online. We reserve the right to confiscate speakers until the sail is ended if they are to big and loud.