Berlin Self Drive Boat Tour: A Complete Review

Thinking about seeing Berlin from a totally different angle? Well, a self-drive boat tour just could be that different angle. You are almost certainly wondering, is it fun? Is it safe? Is it even a good way to see the city? We took one of these tours to help answer these thoughts. That is to say, we really will share our total experience, some gotchas, and just possibly help you decide if you really want to try steering your own boat through Berlin’s waterways. So, you might say we’re putting our opinions out on the water, so to speak.

What Exactly is a Self-Drive Boat Tour?

What does a self-drive boat tour look like? It is where you, maybe with some friends or family, rent a little electric boat. These boats, mostly, don’t go super-fast, maybe just walking pace, and are very simple to operate. Almost, there’s someone that really quickly goes over some things. You, like your own captain, get to guide the boat around certain parts of Berlin. The idea, you see famous sites, canals and just drink in that surrounding vibe at your own pace. In that case, it is much more flexible than some big tour boat where you are hearing the same stuff along with hundreds of other folks.

Booking your Boat: How to Arrange your Tour

Okay, so before you just show up thinking that you are able to just hop on a boat, it would definitely make sense to book ahead, particularly if it happens to be during the warmer months or maybe on a weekend. There actually are a couple companies that rent these boats, and just potentially different routes, boats and price points. Very very common sites such as GetYourGuide and also the actual boat rental company websites will be where you probably want to check availability and you are able to get some pricing. Usually, what you are able to find that there could be different rental times available, spanning from a couple of hours right to a full day, which could be awesome, you know? Just really give yourself a little bit of homework time when it comes to figuring out what options are on offer so it is actually what works best for your trip.

Getting Ready: What you should Bring

Before you actually head out on the water, there really are just potentially a few things that will enhance your time. Naturally, should the sun be shining, that hat and sunscreen are actually something that really could save you from feeling really toasted later. Bringing some water, maybe even some drinks, just might be really great to enjoy as you take in the scene. You also could bring food, that is if you were planning some sort of boat picnic! I guess you might have to think a little bit about the weather forecast. Perhaps bring another layer or a rain jacket, so in some respects you are covered. Obviously, you will want to bring a camera or phone. You wouldn’t want to skip those photo opportunities, or even videos.

Setting off: What to Anticipate

So, once you get to where you’re picking up the boat, expect a quick rundown on how the boat works and some safety stuff. It actually is really, really easy. It seems most anyone might get a hang of it super fast. Then you will be headed out! What’s neat, depending upon the route you choose, you are very likely going to see famous landmarks, neat bridges and parts of Berlin that actually give off totally different vibes than seeing it all on foot. As I was saying, going at your own speed just means you are able to stop to take in that particular awesome sight, wave at onlookers or just, for example, chill as you float on by.

Good Spots on the Water

The Spree River is, like your liquid highway in Berlin, that gives different views, even famous places. You might go right past Museum Island, which could look completely gorgeous from the water. Lots of tour boats go along here as well, by the way, it’s almost like an unspoken “must-see” for anybody doing this tour. A bit, that Oberbaum Bridge that joins Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg? It makes for some wonderful snapshots too. And potentially a few of the canals, that sort of peel off the Spree, let you just glimpse quieter sections of Berlin life. Very few are the same!

Things to Watch Out For

Okay, so everything might not necessarily be that sun-drenched, fun-filled time if you do not know a handful of things: Very busy days can bring very crowded waterways. Now and then, this actually can make it sort of hard to steer, particularly when you are just starting off. You actually should try to respect the rules of the river. Just as, that is to say, no drinking a bit too much if you’re the captain. I want to say that keeping an eye out for other boats actually is also important so that you are not bumping into stuff. Furthermore, while the boats are not particularly hard to handle, knowing at least the very basics actually makes the whole thing more relaxing. The other aspect to consider is, the weather might shift quickly. And so that fair-weather day, very actually quickly morph into needing that rain jacket.

The Cost: Is it Worth the Money?

When it comes to whether it’s worth it, there could be a few ways to consider things. Just potentially look at what boat tours in general run and then stack that up beside renting a self-drive boat. Sure, should there actually be just two of you, or potentially you’re a solo person, splitting costs on the bigger tour boat is more cost-effective. Conversely, with, say, maybe four or more folks, that self-drive boat rental actually becomes surprisingly attractive. Then you need to balance whether you seriously prize having your own route. I’m also going to point out: Doing things in Berlin, they really aren’t always that super-cheap when it comes to touristy things. Being armed with realistic expectations helps when deciding whether the price makes sense. You know, a treat yourself outing!

Personal View: Our Experience

From our point of view, it was great viewing the heart of Berlin, just possibly with way fewer people, and a little closer to our speed. Handling that boat truly, actually wasn’t that hard at all, and very quickly that worry kind of went off in the breeze. Getting those sights right from the river made for truly fantastic pictures. You know, what sort of really popped was going along a quieter canal and seeing, just as an example, neighborhoods doing their thing by the water, and even, there might be an artsy spot you didn’t know! Certain sections very really could use maybe a garbage cleanup. Yet, that aside, seeing the best of Berlin from its waterways gave some pretty memorable moments. I feel that this also would certainly shine in the event you’ve done the usual walking tours and so on, or you seriously are into boating stuff.

Tips to Maximize Your Self-Drive Boat Tour in Berlin

A bit of forethought can go a pretty long way towards ensuring your self-drive boat time seriously rocks. Just potentially make some sort of hit-list sights that seriously, for instance, appeal to you. Plot a basic path, you know? Contact your boat rental places and ask them how long routes typically run so it’s actually what you are after. Additionally, find out where to stop to grab food, drinks, or use bathrooms and stuff. If at all viable, give serious thought to heading out during hours that actually are not super packed. This tends to mean early morning or possibly a late-afternoon slot. Keeping drinks and food accessible actually is important in order to keep those good times rolling. Lastly? Don’t forget those chargers and power banks for those gadgets!

Is a Self-Drive Boat Tour Really For You?

Is taking a self-guided tour on a boat like your best way to experience Berlin? Well, it’s maybe, just maybe something to really think about based upon what seriously tickles your fancy. This trip could definitely strike a cord with those of you that seriously prize doing stuff that has that independent streak. Also it might genuinely please folks needing to find slightly different viewpoints, specifically those sick to death of buses, or trains, or that constant walking that one does in Berlin! Maybe should you seriously want steering clear of herd dynamics, being that you choose where to go and you get a looser structure, you’re probably genuinely going to find value from doing the self-drive option. Should you be someone that loves photography, this just really adds tons of unique scenes to grab that amazing picture.

Verdict

So, you have probably asked if one would seriously do a self-drive boat trip? Most likely. Even if it isn’t exactly a typical tourist activity, this adventure truly really did yield a completely new understanding of Berlin’s layout. You probably get these stunning sights, being that one has control more over the schedule, and so in some respects this adds that real bit of, well, spice! As far as the odd drawbacks. Actually crowded waterways and potential garbage might bug the perfectionist. All being equal though? Providing you would like that fun way to explore this truly fascinating city, that renting some electric boat and getting behind that wheel just could genuinely be the adventure seriously worth making!