Private, crewed day trips

Boat rentals with a captain for a private day out

Rent a boat for your group, choose a departure point, and let the operator handle the trip. Compare reviewed private, crewed outings across six destinations, with planning focused on groups of 6–12.

What is included in a boat rental? It depends on the booking. A captain-led trip, a boat rented for you to operate, and tickets on a shared cruise are different arrangements. The listings in this guide are private day outings with an operator. Check the selected vessel, crew, route and all charges before paying.

Where do you want to rent a boat?

Choose the departure area first. Each local guide puts real booking options beside their duration, capacity and cost notes.

Six departure areas covered by this guide
DestinationDay-trip focusBudget question
St. Thomas & St. JohnUSVI island day; agree any St. John stops with the operatorGet the fuel basis in writing, then add lunch and any agreed gratuity.
Sorrento & CapriCapri island day; departure port and time ashore depend on the optionConfirm fuel, optional Capri port costs and any Blue Grotto admission.
Split & the Dalmatian islandsBlue Lagoon and Trogir, or an agreed custom island itineraryThe custom charter lists fuel separately. Ask for a route-specific total.
Phuket & Phang Nga BayPhang Nga Bay and James Bond Island; confirm the day’s itineraryNational park admission is separate. Ask for current adult and child amounts.
Cancún & Isla MujeresIsla Mujeres area; agree sailing, snorkeling and time ashoreConfirm dock or government fees, lunch and any hotel transport separately.
DubaiDubai waterfront; landmarks depend on the booked duration and conditionsAsk for the whole-yacht quote plus food, transfers and any extra hours.

Boat rental, boat hire or private charter?

These terms do not tell you who operates the boat or whether other passengers can join. For the kind of group day covered here, confirm two things: the operator provides the captain, and the selected booking is only for your party. If you plan to operate a rental yourself, ask the provider about its qualification and rental requirements; these listings are not a self-drive shortlist.

How much does renting a boat cost per person?

Take the quoted boat price, add charges billed once, then add charges billed for each passenger. Divide by the people sharing the bill. Keep the number of travelers separate from the number of payers when adults are paying for children.

Illustration only: $1,200 boat + $100 fixed costs + $20 per guest
Travelers, all payingGroup totalPer person
6$1,420$236.67
8$1,460$182.50
12$1,540$128.33

These are example inputs, not market rates. Only use a headcount allowed for your actual boat and quoted option.

Calculate your own boat rental cost

Choose the booking in this order

  1. Enter everyone traveling, including children, and your departure area.
  2. Compare the actual boat options that can accommodate that party.
  3. Confirm the duration, captain, route, full price and cancellation terms.
  4. Check your date on the provider’s booking page, then share the confirmed plan with your group.

Two reviewed private day-trip options

Links marked “Affiliate link” may earn us a commission. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider. How links work.

50-foot private catamaran

Room for a group conversation, with a half-day or full-day choice.

Stated capacity
Up to 12 guests
Listed duration
4–7 hours

Cost check. Lunch is excluded. Ask for the complete charter total and the crew gratuity policy.

Capacity note. The listing describes a private group of up to 12. Confirm the selected sailing and count children in your party.

Meeting point. American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook, St. Thomas

Before booking. Confirm the exact departure marina, shade and child-size life jackets. A St. John pickup needs advance agreement.

Affiliate link · opens Viator · Operator: Seas the Day Charters and Tours

Source: Viator product listing (affiliate link). Reviewed 2026-09-15.

Blue Lagoon & three islands

A shorter island outing combining swimming stops and time in Trogir.

Stated capacity
Up to 12 guests
Listed duration
5 hours

Cost check. Confirm the exact boat price, lunch arrangements and any optional pickup charge.

Capacity note. The overview describes a price per boat and room for up to 12 passengers on a Marlin 790 Dynamic.

Meeting point. Trumbićeva obala 2, Split

Before booking. Ask how much covered seating is available for everyone and how the swim ladder works for your group.

Affiliate link · opens Viator · Operator: sparusboats

Source: Viator product listing (affiliate link). Reviewed 2026-09-15.

Questions before you choose

Can I rent a boat for a few hours?

Some reviewed listings offer shorter outings, including one- to four-hour Dubai cruises and a five-hour Split trip. Other options take most of the day. Check the duration for the actual option you choose, including the journey to the marina.

How do I find boat rentals near my accommodation?

Use the exact departure marina, not just the destination name. This guide covers St. Thomas, Sorrento/Capri, Split, Phuket, Cancun and Dubai. Compare the transfer from your accommodation to the confirmed meeting point; we do not claim to have a boat in every location.

Does a private boat price include fuel?

The reviewed options use different cost arrangements. St. Thomas powerboat and custom Split listings identify fuel as an extra. Check each selected option and request one route-specific total before comparing it with another boat.

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