Groningen: Private Highlights BBQ with Drinks on the Lake

The best part of this Groningen outing is the setting: a private floating terrace that carries your group across Paterswoldsemeer while lunch cooks and drinks arrive at the table. It feels more like hiring a relaxed outdoor dining room than joining a standard sightseeing cruise.

I especially like the covered roof, which keeps the plan workable in light rain, and the mix of food, service, swimming, and SUPs. The main consideration is time: two hours goes quickly, especially if your group wants to eat, chat, paddle, and enjoy the views without rushing.

• A private boat for up to eight at $517 per group, which works out to about $64.63 per person when full.
• A BBQ served while you cruise, with a welcome drink and three additional drinks per person.
• A floating terrace with a closable roof, blankets, and room for larger groups according to the boat capacity.
• SUPs included, giving you an active option beyond eating and sightseeing.
• A simple De Steiger to Paterswoldsemeer route, with the boat returning to the same jetty after two hours.
• A strong choice for birthdays, work outings, bachelor parties, and easygoing celebrations.

A private terrace on Paterswoldsemeer

This is not a sightseeing boat with rows of fixed seats and a guide pointing out landmarks. You get a private floating terrace, a captain, service, food, and time on the water with your own group.

The boat heads out from De Steiger and cruises on Paterswoldsemeer, a lake in Groningen Province. The main attraction is the change of pace. Once you are on the water, the schedule is simple: look around, eat, drink, talk, and enjoy the open views.

The boat’s terrace is designed for social time. You are not expected to sit quietly and listen to a long commentary. That makes this a good fit if you want a shared meal in an unusual setting rather than a formal tour.

The atmosphere also depends heavily on your group. With friends, family, or colleagues, the private format lets you set the mood. You can keep the outing calm, use the SUPs, or turn it into a small celebration. You will not be sharing the boat with an unrelated crowd.

What happens at De Steiger

The meeting point is De Steiger. The floating terrace comes to the jetty at the agreed time, and boarding takes place at that exact location.

That detail matters. You do not need to search around the lakeshore for a separate marina or wait for a shuttle boat. Still, arrive ready to board at the agreed time, since the boat’s schedule is built around a two-hour cruise.

The experience ends back at the same meeting point. This makes planning easier if you have dinner, transport, or another activity in Groningen afterward.

A Dutch or English speaking captain and crew handle the trip. The captain welcomes you aboard with a drink, and the service continues during the BBQ. The tone is friendly and informal, based on the description of a jovial captain and sailor rather than a formal lecture-style guide.

Cruising, eating, and looking after the drinks

The BBQ is served during the cruise, not as a meal at the start or end of the outing. This gives the two hours a natural rhythm. You settle in, take in the lake, and eat while the boat moves through the surroundings.

The package includes a welcome drink and three drinks per person. During the BBQ, the crew serves the drinks, so you can stay at the table instead of managing a cooler or leaving the deck to find a bar.

The exact BBQ menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular meat, vegetarian dish, or special dessert unless you confirm it in advance. The food has received particularly strong praise, with comments describing the BBQ fare as excellent and the meal as first-class. That is useful guidance, but menu details still matter if someone in your group has dietary needs.

The outing also includes petrol and service. Those small inclusions help explain the price. You are paying for a private boat, a captain, fuel, crew attention, food, and drinks, not just a seat on a vessel.

Why the $517 group price can make sense

At $517 for a private group of up to eight, the arithmetic is straightforward. A full group pays about $64.63 per person for two hours. That covers the boat, captain, fuel, service, BBQ, welcome drink, three more drinks each, SUPs, blankets, and the private setting.

For eight people, this is a reasonable price if you want a celebration built around a meal and time on the lake. The private booking is important. A lower-priced shared cruise might offer a ride, but it would not give your group the same control over conversation, music, decorations, or activities.

For a smaller group, the per-person price rises. Four people would effectively pay about $129.25 each, assuming the same group price. At that point, the value depends on how much you care about privacy and the floating-terrace format.

The boat is described as holding 8 to 18 people, while the stated price is for a group of up to eight. If your party is larger, contact the provider before booking to clarify the correct rate and arrangement. Do not assume the price automatically covers 18 people.

A two-hour route with room for activity

The full excursion takes place on Paterswoldsemeer, so there are no multiple land-based stops to interrupt the meal. The boat leaves De Steiger, spends two hours cruising and using the lake, then returns to De Steiger.

The route is best understood as a moving outdoor venue. You get views of the water and surrounding area, but the experience is not presented as a historical or architectural tour of Groningen. If you want detailed facts about the province, this may feel light on commentary.

The lake setting gives you several ways to spend the time:

• Eat the BBQ and enjoy the included drinks.
• Sit back under the open or closed roof.
• Use the SUPs if conditions and timing allow.
• Enjoy the water and surroundings.
• Take part in swimming as listed for the lake portion of the activity.
• Use the blankets if the air feels cool.

Two hours is enough for a pleasant outing, but it is not a long lake day. If you want a full meal, several drinks, a swim, and a paddle session, you will need to keep an eye on the clock. The best approach is to treat the SUPs and swimming as optional extras, not the main purpose of the booking.

The roof and blankets matter in Dutch weather

The closable roof is one of the most practical features here. It means a change in weather does not automatically spoil the plan, and the terrace remains useful if rain arrives during the cruise.

That said, a roof is not the same as a guarantee of perfect comfort in every condition. The experience is still built around being outdoors on a lake. Bring clothing that suits the forecast, especially if you plan to sit outside or use the SUPs.

Blankets are included, which adds a little comfort on a cooler afternoon or evening. They are also helpful because time on open water can feel cooler than time on land.

I like that the boat is designed for both weather options. You can enjoy the open-air feel when conditions are pleasant, then close the roof if needed. This flexibility is more valuable than a long list of decorative features.

SUPs, swimming, and the social side

The included SUPs give the outing a playful edge. You can eat first, then take a short paddle, or let only part of the group use them while everyone else stays on the terrace.

The information provided does not specify how many boards are available, how long you may use them, or whether safety equipment is supplied. Ask the provider if SUP access is a major reason for booking. The same applies to swimming, which is included in the lake activities but does not come with detailed instructions about designated areas or water conditions.

The equipment is best seen as a bonus rather than a structured lesson. There is no indication of an instructor or a planned paddle route. If your group wants serious watersports coaching, this is not that kind of experience.

For a birthday or team outing, though, the mix works well. People who want to chat can stay aboard, while others have something active to do. That helps avoid the common problem where one person wants a party and another wants an activity.

Music, decoration, and the feel of a celebration

The boat can be used for company outings, birthdays, bachelor parties, team-building sessions, brainstorming, or a simple afternoon with friends. The setup is flexible enough to support both a celebration and a quiet meal.

The boat has been praised for its decoration and music, along with good drinks and excellent food. Those details suggest that the provider pays attention to atmosphere, not only transport. Still, the exact music, decorations, and setup may depend on the booking, so ask if you need a particular theme.

This is also a useful setting for a small work group. A private boat removes some of the distractions of a restaurant, while the lake provides a change of scene. Just remember that a two-hour cruise is better for informal discussion and shared time than for a tightly structured workshop.

The floating terrace gives you enough space to move between conversation, food, and the edge of the boat. The stated terrace capacity is 8 to 18 people, but your comfort level will depend on how much space you want around the dining area and activities.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a private, easygoing outing where the meal and setting matter as much as the cruise.

It suits:

• Families or friends celebrating a birthday.
• Small company teams looking for an informal group activity.
• Bachelor or bachelorette groups that want drinks without a nightclub setting.
• Couples traveling with friends who prefer a private boat to a shared tour.
• Groups that enjoy casual outdoor dining and light water activities.
• Visitors with limited time who want a two-hour break near Groningen.

It is less suitable if you want a long sailing trip, a detailed guide to Groningen, a fixed watersports program, or a carefully specified gourmet menu. The experience is social and relaxed. Its success depends on your group enjoying time together.

The private format also means you should consider group dynamics. Eight people who like each other will have a fine time. Eight people with different expectations about food, music, activity, and quiet may need to agree on the plan before boarding.

Accessibility and practical planning

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is important for anyone who needs step-free or adapted access. Since boat access can vary by jetty and vessel, confirm the practical boarding details with the provider when booking.

The host or greeter speaks Dutch and English. That covers the basic welcome, safety instructions, service, and communication during the cruise for English-speaking visitors.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps you from paying at the time of booking. The duration is fixed at two hours, with starting times shown according to availability.

The provider is The Lake Events. No individual captain’s name is supplied, so you should not expect to choose a particular skipper. What you can expect is a captain and sailor handling the boat while the crew serves the food and drinks.

How to make the most of your two hours

I would arrive with your group ready to board and with a simple idea of how you want to use the time. If eating and conversation are your priority, settle in early and let the crew manage the service.

If you want to use the SUPs or swim, tell the crew near the start so you do not leave those activities until the final minutes. The lake activities are part of the appeal, but the cruise remains short.

Ask about the BBQ contents before you commit if anyone has allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong food preferences. The food is a major part of the package, and the published details do not spell out the menu.

For a larger group, confirm capacity and pricing directly. The terrace is described as suitable for 8 to 18 people, while the advertised rate covers up to eight. That difference is easy to miss and could affect your budget.

Finally, check the weather and dress for the water. The roof and blankets add protection, but comfortable layers will make the outing more pleasant.

Should you book the Paterswoldsemeer BBQ cruise?

Book it if you want a private celebration with a real meal, drinks, lake views, and a few optional activities packed into two hours. The strongest reasons are the floating terrace, attentive service, covered roof, and the fact that you do not have to share your table with strangers.

The value is best with eight people. Smaller groups may still love the privacy, but the per-person cost becomes much higher. I would also confirm the BBQ menu, larger-group pricing, and the practical details of SUP use before paying.

For a relaxed Groningen afternoon, this is a well-focused choice. It is not a guided city tour or a serious sailing lesson. It is a private floating meal with a captain, and that is exactly why it works.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The activity starts at De Steiger. The floating terrace comes to the jetty at the agreed time, and boarding takes place there.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise returns to De Steiger, the same meeting point where you board.

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join?

The listed price is for a private group of up to eight people. The terrace is described as having room for 8 to 18 people, so contact The Lake Events about pricing and arrangements for a larger group.

What drinks are included?

Each person receives a welcome drink and three additional drinks. The crew serves drinks during the BBQ.

Is the BBQ included?

Yes. The BBQ is included and served during the cruise. The exact menu is not specified in the available details.

Are SUPs included?

Yes. SUPs are included, along with the cruise, captain, petrol, service, welcome drink, drinks, and blankets.