The first question is who gets the boat. Booking eight tickets on a shared cruise does not reserve that vessel for your group. A private charter should explicitly state that only your party participates. Confirm that detail in the selected option before weighing the price.
Use the same inputs
Write down the full passenger count, date, duration, departure point and the activities you want. Compare quotes using those same inputs. A four-hour private trip and an eight-hour shared trip are not equivalent simply because their headline prices look similar.
Do the arithmetic
For a shared sailing, multiply the per-person fare by the people who must pay it, then add any separate charges. For a private boat, start with the whole-boat quote and add fixed and per-guest extras. Divide by the people sharing the bill. If adults are paying for children, the number paying and the number traveling may be different.
Decide what the difference buys
If the private quote is higher, compare the extra cost per payer with the things your group values: choosing companions, agreeing a route or setting a pace. Do not assume a private boat automatically includes a longer trip, better food or more shade. Those are separate questions about the actual vessel and package.
Look for a clear private statement
A private transfer to a shared boat still leaves you on a shared sailing. Similarly, “small group,” “luxury” and “exclusive” do not by themselves confirm sole use. Ask: “Will anyone outside our party travel on the boat during this booking?” Save the answer with the confirmation.
Whole Boat Guide · Reviewed 15 September 2026 · Editorial method