Private vs Group Tours
One of the most common questions about boat trips in Hvar. Here is an honest breakdown to help you decide which type of tour is right for you.
Quick Answer
Choose Private If...
- You value flexibility and timing
- You are a couple or family
- It is a special occasion
- You prefer not sharing with strangers
- You want to choose your destinations
Choose Group If...
- Budget is your top priority
- You are traveling solo
- You enjoy meeting other travelers
- You prefer a larger, more stable boat
- You are okay with a fixed schedule
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Private | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (2 people) | About €550-950 total | €120-200 total |
| Cost (6 people) | About €550-950 total | €360-600 total |
| Itinerary Flexibility | Complete freedom | Fixed route |
| Pace | Your choice | Set schedule |
| Swimming Time | As long as you want | 20-30 min per stop |
| Lunch | Your choice of restaurant | Pre-arranged or BYO |
| Crowd Experience | Just your group | 10-20 strangers |
| Boat Size | Smaller, more nimble | Larger, more stable |
| Social Aspect | Private | Meet other travelers |
| Best For | Couples, families, groups | Solo travelers, budget |
Cost Deep Dive
The biggest factor in choosing is usually cost. Here is how the math works with typical market prices. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
For 2 People (Full Day)
Private: about €750-950
= €375-475 per person
Group: €80-100 each
= €160-200 total
Verdict: Group is 3-5x cheaper for couples. But many couples still choose private for the experience, especially for honeymoons or special occasions.
For 6 People (Full Day)
Private: about €950-1,200
= €158-200 per person
Group: €80-100 each
= €480-600 total
Verdict: Now private is only 1.5-2x more expensive per person, and you get a completely different experience. For groups of 6+, private is often the smarter choice.
The Experience Difference
Private Tour Day
- • Meet skipper at your convenience (9-10am typical)
- • Discuss what you want to see and do
- • Head to first destination at your pace
- • Swim as long as you want at each spot
- • Choose your lunch restaurant together
- • Discover hidden spots only locals know
- • Return when you are ready
Group Tour Day
- • Meet at harbor at set time (9am typically)
- • Board with 10-20 other tourists
- • Follow the pre-set route and schedule
- • 20-30 minutes at each swimming stop
- • Lunch at a partner restaurant (or bring your own)
- • Visit the main popular spots
- • Return at the scheduled time (5-6pm)
Local tip:
On a private trip the skipper can shape the day around you. If you find a beautiful cove and want to stay longer, you stay. On a group tour the schedule is fixed. That flexibility is the main reason people pay more for a private boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private and group boat tour?
A private tour means you rent the entire boat for your group only. A group tour means you share the boat with other tourists, typically 10-20 people on a larger vessel. Private tours offer flexibility and personalization; group tours are more affordable per person.
How much cheaper are group tours than private tours?
Group tours typically cost €60-120 per person for a full day. Private tours typically cost about €550-1,500 for the whole boat. For couples, private is 3-5x more expensive. For groups of 6+, the per-person cost becomes similar.
Can I customize the itinerary on a group tour?
No, group tours follow a fixed schedule and route. Private tours allow complete customization - you choose where to go, how long to stay at each spot, and when to eat.
What is the minimum group size for a private tour?
There is no minimum - even couples can book a private tour. You pay for the boat, not per person. Many couples book private tours for honeymoons or special occasions.
Our Honest Recommendation
This guide focuses on private trips because the experience is usually much better. However, if budget is your primary concern and you are traveling solo, group tours are a perfectly valid option. For groups of 4+, private tours often make more financial sense while delivering an incomparably better experience.