Corporate Events on Board: 5 Ideas for Memorable Team Building

Holding corporate events on board is an innovative and engaging way to strengthen team spirit, offering employees a truly unforgettable experience.

Getting out of conventional working environments and onto a boat or ship turns any team building activity into an adventure, while providing an inspiring setting to develop essential skills such as communication, cooperation and leadership.

Away from the distractions of everyday life, teams have the opportunity to connect in a unique way, tackling creative and stimulating challenges together.

In this article, we explore five original ideas for onboard corporate events that will make your team building memorable and full of good energy.

1.Sunset walk with meditation:

A sunset trip on board is a perfect opportunity to create a moment of pause and connection between team members. As the boat glides through the tranquil waters and the golden light of late afternoon paints the sky, participants can take advantage of this unique setting for a guided meditation session.

Guided by an experienced instructor, employees can practice breathing, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, releasing accumulated stress and finding a space of peace and mental clarity.

As well as promoting individual well-being, this activity helps the team connect in a more genuine and collaborative way, strengthening the bonds of trust and harmony between everyone. The serenity of the nautical environment and the beauty of the sunset make this a memorable experience, perfect for revitalizing the mind and preparing the team for new challenges.

2.Cinema on board

Turning the boat deck into an open-air movie theater is an idea that promises to surprise and delight the whole crew. With a screen set up under the starry sky and the gentle sound of the waves in the background, this on-board movie experience becomes truly unique. The crew can choose an inspiring or entertaining movie, promoting both relaxation and the strengthening of group spirit.

Before the screening, blankets, pillows and popcorn can be distributed to create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent way to end a day’s activities, allowing employees to relax and share a pleasant, relaxed moment.

As well as providing a welcome break, this experience reinforces the feeling of closeness and camaraderie between team members in an informal and unforgettable setting.

3. Port wine tasting

A Port wine tasting while sailing along calm waters is a sophisticated and culturally rich team building experience.

This activity combines a relaxing boat trip with the opportunity to discover the tradition and unique flavors of Port wines, one of Portugal’s most renowned wine productions.

Guided by our team, employees can explore the various notes and characteristics of the different types of Port wine. During the tasting, the history and production process of this iconic wine is explained, promoting not only cultural knowledge, but also moments of sharing and interaction between the participants.

This experience stimulates communication and the exchange of impressions in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, strengthening team relationships in a unique way.

4.Paintings on canvas

 Creating a canvas painting session on board is a creative and fun way to encourage individual expression and teamwork. With the horizon and the waters as inspiration, each employee is given a canvas, paints and brushes to let their imagination run wild and interpret the landscape around them.

This activity allows participants to explore their artistic side, regardless of their painting experience, in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. An artist or instructor can guide the session, sharing simple tips and techniques for those who want some help in making their first strokes.

At the end of the activity, employees can share their works and discuss their interpretations, creating a moment of connection and sharing perspectives.

As well as taking home a personalized souvenir of this event, this activity reinforces trust, creativity and unity among the team, in an inspiring and relaxing setting.

5. Self-knowledge conversations

A self-knowledge talk on board provides an informal and stimulating environment for team members to share knowledge and experiences. This “mini-conference” format allows each employee to present a topic of personal or professional interest, creating a space for mutual learning and collective development.

The nautical setting offers a relaxed atmosphere, far from the formalities of meeting rooms, facilitating closer and more genuine interaction between participants. With each presentation, there are discussions and exchanges of ideas that encourage creative thinking, empathy and valuing the unique skills of each team member.

This activity is especially valuable for fostering communication and respect for different areas of expertise, promoting team growth in an engaging environment.

The “knowledge chat” on board turns the event into an enriching experience, where each participant contributes to strengthening the group with their vision and experiences.

6. Boat trip in the Douro Valley

A boat trip through the stunning Douro Valley is a unique experience that combines team building with the discovery of one of Portugal’s most enchanting regions.

This activity takes the team to explore the banks and vineyards of the Douro, sailing through breathtaking landscapes full of history and tradition.

Throughout the day, employees can relax and enjoy the vineyard-covered hillsides and picturesque little villages that make the Douro Valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and connect with colleagues in an authentic and relaxed way, in an environment that inspires unity and admiration for nature.

During the tour, stops can be included to visit local wine estates, where the team can taste Port and other wines from the region, and learn about the wine production that characterizes the valley.

This experience not only provides moments of leisure and relaxation, but also strengthens interpersonal relationships in a unique and memorable setting, creating bonds that are reflected in day-to-day work.