GoBoat Around the World

GoBoat first began in 2014 at Islands Brygge in the harbor of Copenhagen. Three young entrepreneurs, Kasper Eich-Romme, Anders Ekelund Mørck and Carl Kai Rand, wanted to make the water available to as many people as possible.

With their unique design of electric rental boats, they started to welcome more and more people onto the waterways - first in Denmark and then internationally. This is the story of GoBoat.

Where can GoBoat be found?

As of 2023, GoBoat’s electric boats can be found around the world. The maritime business is spread over 15 different locations in five different countries. In addition to Denmark and the UK, you can also find GoBoats in Sweden, Germany and Australia, with more sites due to open soon!

Each of GoBoat's locations has something unique to offer its visitors, but the principle remains the same: to offer a sustainable experience on the water, where social interaction and disconnection from city life are the key factors. The blue urban space provides a new, special perspective of each city and this experience creates a unique sense of happiness and freedom.

The concept of GoBoat

A trip on the water creates a sense of freedom, and being your own captain with GoBoat increases amplifies this. Boating and the maritime world have historically been stuffy and inaccessible. GoBoat is on a mission to change this. With GoBoat anyone over the age of 18 can drive the boat and the whole family can bring along their picnic and enjoy the experience together. It is easy to pack a picnic which can be enjoyed on the water, as the boats have picnic tables located in the middle. GoBoat is designed to accommodate a crew of up to 8 people, so there's room for everyone (and you can even bring your dog!).

Common to all GoBoat locations is the desire for a sustainable experience on the water. GoBoat contributes positively to clean waterways. The boats are built with electric motors, which makes the boats silent and creates an idyllic trip through the waters. The boats are produced using sustainable materials – this applies to the boat itself and the picnic table. Many sites also run clean-up initiatives, removing rubbish from the waterways through charitable organisations and partnerships.

GoBoat Islands Brygge

2014 was the year when Danish GoBoat was brought to life in Copenhagen. With a central location in the Harbor of Copenhagen, the desire was to make it easily accessible for all locals and tourists to take a trip on the water. The central location at Islands Brygge gave the opportunity for people to navigate a large section of the harbour to experience the many facets that the city's blue space provides.

The Port of Copenhagen has gone through a long development from having been an industrial port to now being an open recreational port that is full of experiences. GoBoat has been part of this development particularly through the desire to democratize the harbor area and make the water accessible to everyone. The Port of Copenhagen is a quiet port with many sights near the coastline, which makes it an obvious choice for a sailing trip where the sights can be experienced in quiet surroundings.

Islands Brygge is the largest GoBoat location with a total of 40 boats. Wow!

Visit website.

GoBoat Malmø

The first time GoBoat searched for more international waters was in 2015. Initially, the trip reached Malmø in Sweden, which is closely located to Copenhagen. The GoBoat base is located in Malmø Harbor in the area of the old town, which is the historic heart of the city. Like the port of Copenhagen, Malmø is an old port city which has undergone a major development – from a raw and industrial port to now forming the framework for a more inclusive area with space for cultural experiences.

Sailing around in Malmø

The old part of Malmø is particularly known for Malmø Castle, which is surrounded by parkland and a moat. This can be experienced on a trip in a GoBoat, as the canal runs through the castle park. When sailing, you also go past the Östra and Södra Promenade, which leads through the Rörsjökanalen and the Södra Forstadskanalen. These are canals that run through the vibrant part of Malmø.

Malmø is a city full of good dining options, where restaurants and bars can be found in the streets. A meal can be enjoyed before or after a sailing trip with GoBoat - but can also be taken with you.

GoBoat Paddington

GoBoat's first location in the UK opened in Paddington in 2017 after two British entrepreneurs, Grant and Julian, approached the Danish team to form a partnership and bring the brand (and boats!) to London.

The Paddington area has undergone a transformation with a desire to become a district that can offer something different from the rest of London. The area has always been characterized by large, shiny office buildings, which today are connected with frameworks for culture, wildlife and identity. Paddington is a place where there is a very special character of presence. With it's central location and vast number of transport links, Paddington was the perfect spot for the UK's first GoBoats to depart from. Despite it's proximity to the CBD, the area can provide a break from the busy life of the big city, as it exudes peace and relaxation.

Attractions in Paddington Basin

Paddington's canals provide a unique view of London, passing close to landmarks such as Regent's Park, Camden Lock and London Zoo, without the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Restaurants and cafes can be found around the GoBoat base, where refreshments can be enjoyed before the sailing trip, but can also be taken on board the boat. Green areas can also be enjoyed and provide a break from city life.

GoBoat Canberra

A big step happened in 2017, when GoBoat opened a location on the other side of the globe. GoBoat Canberra in Australia was born – the first of several Australian bases. The base is located on Lake Burley Griffin.

Attractions and sights in Canberra

During a boat trip on the lake, it is possible to see some of the city's best-known sights. For example, it is possible to sail past the national bell tower, which is a 50-metre bell tower, where the music from the carillon drifts along the lake, and the historic Waterloo Bridge at Commonwealth. Seeing Canberra's main buildings from the water gives a whole new perspective.

GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoat grew further into Australia with the opening of a location in Melbourne in 2019. Melbourne is the second largest city and the coastal capital of Australia. In Melbourne, GoBoat experiences take place on the Yarra River. The base is located on vibrant Flinders Street, named after the iconic railway and tube station nearby. The Yarra River is over 240 km long and runs through Melbourne, and has always had a central role for the city. The Yarra River was the primary food source for Aboriginal Australians, and was later used for transport through the city.

A living metropolis

Melbourne is a city known for its cultural scene and tourist attractions. The city is packed with historic bridges and buildings as well as newer architecture, and this mix provides fantastic scenery from a GoBoat. A prominent building is the Arts Centre Melbourne, which houses a theatre, concert halls and outdoor stages for performances. The building is known for its spire which stretches into the sky, and is almost unmissable during a visit to the river.

There are many restaurants and cafes around GoBoat's base. An evening visit to the riverside is made all the more special when the waterfront is filled with lights from nearby restaurants and bars. The Crown Casino, which is known for its flashy appearance and great lights, is a popular stop-off.

GoBoat Kingston

In 2019, GoBoat also opened a new base in the UK. Kingston is a royal borough of London and is located 19 km south of central London. GoBoat Kingston is situated on the River Thames.

With a boat trip on the Thames in Kingston, the sights include a beautiful combination of lush nature, urban life and British history. Heading upstream you can see the gorgeous green gardens of Teddington or downstream pass island life in Thames Ditton all the way to the historic Hampton Court Palace.

Kingston has a vibrant city life with a bustling café culture where you can enjoy a refreshment before or after a trip on the water. Or why not pick up some food on the way for a picnic onboard?

GoBoat Odense

GoBoat opened its next Danish location in Odense in 2021. Odense Harbour is a quiet harbour with a blossoming cultural life. Odense Harbour was built in the 19th century as an industrial port, but is now undergoing a transformation, accommodating various recreational activities and experiences on and around the water.

With GoBoat you can sail around the island of Byens Ø and enjoy a picnic with a view of the area's development. The island contains sports areas, a beach, a harbour bath and bars and still under development. After a trip in your GoBoat, you can experience the centre of Odense, where H. C. Andersen's house and the associated museum in particular are worth a visit.

GoBoat Berlin

GoBoat opened in Berlin in 2021. In Berlin, the 400 km long river Spree runs through the city centre. The river is therefore a central part of the city, and has countless bridges that cross the river and link different parts of the city together. The GoBoat base is located in the district of Friedrichshain, which is part of the old East Berlin. The area is subdued with an intimate atmosphere and an edgy culture. Berlin is a historic city with many sights and attractions, some of which are located around the GoBoat location.

GoBoat in historic Germany

The historic Oberbaumbrücke bridge, which connects the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts, is particularly well known for the area. The brick bridge from 1896 has become a sign that Berlin is a united city after the war. The bridge's popularity is also mainly due to the impressive view that the bridge offers visitors. The bridge can be experienced from the seat of a GoBoat, and the impressive construction is experienced in a completely different perspective from the water. It is also possible to see the Molecular Men up close in a GoBoat, which is a large aluminium sculpture that represents unity in post-war Germany.

There are green areas along the river, restaurants and good places to eat a picnic. Berlin is a city that offers historical, cultural and gastronomic experiences.

GoBoat Brisbane

The third location in Australia opened in 2021. In Brisbane you sail around Brisbane River, which runs through Queensland. The river is the heart of the city and is popular among both locals and tourists, with a large amount of development continuing throughout the area.

GoBoat Breakfast Creek

Breakfast Creek is a small area located in the northern part of Brisbane River. The area consists of a small canal which is connected to the Brisbane River. Newstead Park is close to the GoBoat base, which is a historic park with palm trees and green spaces. The park can be experienced from the water, but is also worth a visit before or after a trip with GoBoat.

GoBoat Canary Wharf

GoBoat in London also grew in 2021, with the opening of Canary Wharf. It is London's third GoBoat base. Canary Wharf is a district characterized by business and is a major financial centre, however more recently it has become a destination for its growing leisure attractions. Canary Wharf houses the three of the tallest buildings in Great Britain. It is a completely different experience to sail among these tall glass buildings compared to walking around them.

GoBoat as a link between business and recreation

The boat trip takes place in the small quiet basins that are located between the tall buildings' silhouettes. In addition to being a business area, the district also consists of recreational areas that locals and tourists can enjoy. GoBoat contributes to the recreational development and offers a calm trip on the water.

Canary Wharf has over 300 shops, restaurants, cafes and bars which can be visited all year round. The city holds events all year round, so there is always something new to experience in the area. Several roof terraces can be found on top of the tall buildings, so if you want to experience the tall buildings from the top floor, this is an option. Find out more about the area here.

GoBoat Sydney

In 2022, the fourth location in Australia opened. The base is located in Cabarita Park, which is next to the Parramatta River.

What to experience in Sydney

In GoBoat Sydney, you can sail on the 15 km long river, Parramatta River. You can see the Shipwreck Lookout, which was built in Great Britain in 1911 for the purpose of transporting coal and the Henry Searle Monument, which is a monument built in honor of Henry Searle, who won the world championship in sculler. Along the river there are also a lot of beautiful parks, harbors, beaches, restaurants and cafés.

There are several small islands in the river, including Cockatoo, where there are parks, cafes and the Convict Precinct, which is an old prison. The base is located in the smaller canals of Sydney, to avoid crossing paths with larger boats or ferries.

GoBoat Geelong

GoBoat brought its floating picnics to the Geelong Waterfront during the summer of 2022. Docking at Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Australia’s favourite electric picnic boats are gifting locals and tourists alike a new way to explore the waterfront with a safe, family-friendly, instagrammable experience. From inside the boat, you’ll be able to explore Corio Bay for a duration of your choice, from one hour all the way up to five hours.

GoBoat Aarhus

In 2022, GoBoat opened GoBoat Aarhus, located on Byens Ø next to the Dome in Aarhus Harbour. Byens Ø is a 25,000 square metre green city park. When you walk into the city park, you are greeted by hilltops with flowers, paths and lots of plants.

Inside the city park, you have the opportunity for many activities. Besides sailing with GoBoat, you can play a game of volleyball on the beach volleyball courts or you can sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the view of the harbour.

If you go for a walk on Aarhus Ø or if you want to enjoy a few hours outdoors by the water, you can buy the most delicious beers, wine, water and snacks at GoBoat's Fyrtårnet (the lighthouse).

Where to next?

2024 will see several more GoBoat locations open around the globe. We're keeping our next locations a secret for now, but we can't wait to tell you more about our exciting expansion plans!

GoBoat locations opening years