A private boat tour means the whole boat is yours for a stated block of time with somebody else driving. It is the dominant shape of the charter trade in every city that has water and tourists, and its price is set almost entirely by the harbour rather than the boat. The same forty foot catamaran costs four times as much in one port as in another.
What a block costs, harbour by harbour
Read on 11 September 2026: a 38 foot Todomar for sixteen guests at Cartagena is 200 USD for two hours; a 37 foot Bavaria for seven at Barcelona is 200 EUR for two hours; a 21 foot Sportsman at Boynton Beach is 195 USD for two hours; a 33 foot Tiara for six at Honolulu is 600 for two hours; a 58 foot Sea Ray for thirteen at Miami Beach is 825 for two hours; a 30 foot gozzo at Capri is 400 EUR for four hours; and a 125 foot Admiral XL at Marina del Rey is 13,500 USD for four hours.
What sets the price
Three things, in order. The harbour, because berth costs and local demand differ by an order of magnitude between Cartagena and Los Angeles. The certification, because a boat licensed to carry more than twelve passengers has been inspected to a stricter standard and sells capacity instead of exclusivity. And the boat's fuel burn, which on a large motor yacht is the single largest variable and is why fuel is so often quoted outside the block.
Private against a ticketed trip
A ticketed tour sells a seat and a private tour sells the boat. The crossover is usually around six to eight people: below that a ticket is cheaper per head, above it the private boat wins and also lets you choose the route and the time. The other reason to go private is timing, since sunset blocks and early morning slots are where the ticketed operators are least flexible and where the water is best.
Questions worth asking before booking
Whether the captain is included or merely available, because listings state both at different prices. Whether fuel is inside the block or billed after. What the minimum block is on your date, since weekends carry longer minimums. Whether park or beach club fees are collected per head on arrival. And what happens if the weather cancels, which in most contracts is a reschedule rather than a refund.
Questions people ask about private boat tours
How much is a private boat tour?
It depends almost entirely on the harbour. Read on 11 September 2026: 200 USD for two hours on a 38 foot boat at Cartagena, 825 for two hours on a 58 foot Sea Ray at Miami Beach, and 13,500 for four hours on a 125 foot yacht at Marina del Rey.
When is a private boat cheaper than tickets?
Usually above six to eight people. Below that a ticketed trip is cheaper per head; above it the whole boat wins and you also choose the route and the hour.
Is fuel included?
Often not, and on a large motor yacht it is the biggest variable in the bill. Listings distinguish between a captain included and a captain available at extra cost, and the same distinction applies to fuel.