Aboard · PRIVATE

The 15 Private Boat Trips That Earn Their Price

30 tours  ·  from $14 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 private boat trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you step aboard.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - What the three-hour route shows you
Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Private, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62,058 reviews · 3 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend three hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, sailing between Europe and Asia while dining at a private table. Expect Turkish meze, grilled dishes or fish, live folk and flamenco dancing, music, and views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus bridges.

“What a fabulous night. The food was delicious, the entertainment was brilliant and our waiter kept our drinks topped up. We had a table by the window so, when I wasnt watching the amazing Turkish dancers, I was gazing at the bright lights of Istanbul gliding past. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Istanbul and I think lots of our friends will be coming because we love it.”

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From Milan: Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise - Starting in Milan and reaching Como
Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Lake Como Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

From Milan: Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise

2.Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,788 reviews · from $112

Travel from Milan to Como and Bellagio by luxury coach, with a bilingual guide, a guided walk through Como, Villa Olmo gardens, and a one-hour private boat cruise. You get free time in Bellagio, scenic roads, and a full day of lake views for $112.15 per person.

“All good Marina was great thank you Marina and Alfonso”

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FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return - The House of the Virgin Mary and its religious importance
Kusadasi Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Boat Tours

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

3.Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,527 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kusadasi cruise port, then ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Guides such as Fatih, Dicle, Tuna, Zeynep, and Banu are praised for flexible pacing, clear explanations, and careful ship-return timing.

“This private tour let you do what you wanted as you wished. The House Of Mary and the Ephesus were our requests. We stayed at both sites as long as we wishes. Eren was very knowledgeable and used his six year University degree to explain and educate us. The extra carpet demonstration was enlightening. We would highly recommend.”

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Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat - The private boat ride from central Venice
Boat Tours, Guided, Italy Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Italy, Tour Reviews, Tours, Venice Boat Tours

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

4.Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,580 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $36

From central Venice, join a guide such as Silvia, Serena, Frankie, or Elena for a five-hour boat trip to Murano and Burano. Watch glassblowing, see handmade lace, hear lagoon stories, and enjoy free time on the islands. The boat holds no more than 22 people.

“Silvia, was a excellent host, very informative. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Would try to request her again”

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️Nusa Penida by Private Boat - Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour - Lunch at AMARTA Penida
Boat Tours, Boat Trips with Swimming, Private, Private Boat Charters, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

️Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

5.️Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,424 reviews · from $100

Join Day Trip Bali for a 10 to 11-hour Nusa Penida outing by speedboat. You’ll snorkel four sites, look for turtles and manta rays, eat beside an infinity pool, and visit Kelingking Cliff. Guides such as Ringo, Nemo, Vicky, Jena, and Putu lead the day, with GoPro photos included.

“A must do when in Bali! From the beginning of the trip to the end I can’t fault this adventure! I was lucky enough to have the tour guides Jena and ‘Rocky’ Both were super informative, helpful and ensured everyone felt safe and comfortable on the journey. The morning started with three snorkeling points each point got more beautiful in terms of coral and sea life. Spotting a number of turtles, angel fish, star fish, ‘dory’ and plenty other colourful fish. Both Jena and ‘Rocky’ pointed out any extraordinary animals ‘turtles’ for us all to see. The lunch spot was postcard perfect views, the meal was a little underwhelming but…”

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From Milan: Como Private Boat, Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip - Meeting the coach at Milano Centrale
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Milan Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Italy, Tour Reviews

From Milan: Como Private Boat, Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip

6.Como Private Boat, Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,271 reviews · 11 hours · from $78

Travel from Milan Central to Como, Bellagio, and Lugano in one long, well-organized day. An English-speaking guide such as Luca, Amalia, or Marina leads the outing, while a private boat cruise adds the best views of Lake Como. Bring your passport for Switzerland.

“Brilliant day trip, wish we could use the toilets on the coach but otherwise, great. The guide Monica and driver Manuela were fantastic and held a lot of knowledge. Best day of our holiday, from us both sisters.”

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PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line - Entering Ephesus through its marble streets
Kusadasi Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Boat Tours

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

7.PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,807 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $29

This 4 to 6 hour private Kusadasi shore trip visits Ephesus, Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis, with optional Terrace Houses, lunch, and local crafts. Guides such as Fatima, Nilay, Mehmet, and Ismail are praised for clear explanations and flexible pacing. Entry tickets depend on your chosen option.

“Very lovely and informative tour of an extremely historic area with 9zzy Would definitely recommend, especially if you have limited period of time and coming in off a cruise ship they will pick you up right there and also drop you off”

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Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking - Leaving Venice by private boat
Boat Tours, Guided, Italy Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Italy, Tour Reviews, Tours, Venice Boat Tours

Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking

8.Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 5 hours · from $35

Cruise from Venice to Murano and Burano with an English-speaking guide such as Serena, Elena, or Frankie. Watch glassblowing and handmade lace, browse artisan shops, and enjoy free time for food and photos. The $35 price includes private-boat transport, demonstrations, and discounts, but not hotel pickup.

“Elena was fantastic, we had a great time Karlie & Lindsay 💕”

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Gili Islands: Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip - Turtle Paradise at Gili Meno
Boat Tours, Private, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Gili Islands: Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip

9.Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,989 reviews · 2 - 8 hours · from $14Best value

Join CV Gili Snorkeling for a private or small-group boat trip around Gili Meno and Gili Air. Expect turtle sightings, coral gardens, underwater statues, patient English-speaking guides, and free GoPro photos. Guides including Tom, Jack, Maron, and Adi are praised for safety and help with first-time snorkelers.

“The pictures offered by the team are a wonderful souvenir to keep. We had the chance to see two turtles. I highly recommend.”

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Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark's, Walking tour & Boat tour - Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the Castello lanes
Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Venice Boat Tours, Walking Tours

Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s, Walking tour & Boat tour

10.Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s, Walking tour & Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,372 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $480

Begin with a guided walk through St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica, then explore Castello’s lanes before a separate one-hour boat trip along the Grand Canal and smaller canals. English tours run for about three hours, with private upgrades available.

“Good tour, nice guides and provided a great overview of city history. I would have lived to visit a couple of more sites in the city given the price.”

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Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers - Finding the departure point in central Venice
Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Venice Boat Tours

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

11.Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3,106 reviews

Take a private 30-minute gondola ride through Venice for up to five people. You’ll travel along the Grand Canal and smaller canals, passing Gothic palaces and bridges by day or after dark. A host helps you check in, but commentary and serenades are not included.

“Definitely enjoyed it. A little pricey for us Canadians unfortunately but I would say it was worth it for once in a lifetime experience like that in Venice.”

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2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo - What the two-hour route actually includes
Boat Tours, Miami Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Miami, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Boat Tours

2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo

12.2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,968 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend two hours on a private Miami boat with your own group and captain. Cruise past Downtown, Bayside, PortMiami, Star Island homes, and the Venetian Causeway. Bring drinks and snacks, connect your playlist by Bluetooth, and choose a sunset or evening departure for the best light.

“Great experience from start to finish. From booking to the boat ride. Our captain Walter was very welcoming and provided a lot of info as we were in the water about our surroundings. I will definitely book again another trip.”

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From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio DayTour with Private Cruise - Como’s cathedral and historic center
Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Milan Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Italy, Tour Reviews

From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio DayTour with Private Cruise

13.Lake Como & Bellagio DayTour with Private Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,830 reviews · from $111

Travel from Milan to Lake Como by comfortable coach, tour Como with a live guide, cruise by private boat, then visit Varenna and Bellagio. Guides such as Monica, Anna, Silva, and Alessandro lead in English or Spanish, with free time for lunch, shops, and lakeside walks.

“We had a great time! I've seen some mixed reviews and I think it's all about expectations. This trip is relaxed, and all about enjoying the scenery. At every stop there was enough time to grab a snack and look around, check out some of the boutiques/shops. It's not enough time to explore at length, but for us it was perfect. couldn't have asked for better weather to really take in the beautiful mountains, water and the landscape as a whole. We had a lovely day.”

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Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip with Private Boat Cruise - Leaving Milan and reaching the lake
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours, Italy Boat Tours, Lake Como Boat Tours, Private, Private Boat Charters, Private Boat Charters in Italy, Tour Reviews

Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip with Private Boat Cruise

14.Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip with Private Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,587 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $120

Travel from Milan to Como, cruise past Lake Como villas and mountain views, explore Bellagio, and enjoy free time in Como. The English tour is guaranteed, with guides such as Sarah, Anna, Angelo, and Raffaele praised for clear local insight. Expect a long day, a large group, and plenty of walking.

“Lake Como was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed. Maybe our last stop we could have missed because there wasn’t a lot of time. Anna Angelo and Victor did a great job. Driving on some of the hills was beautiful but scary. Victor was a great driver”

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Doris Cruise 5 star cruise 2 days visiting Halong Bay Lan Ha Bay private balcony - Afternoon in Lan Ha Bay, from lunch to Tra Bau
2-Day Experiences, Boat Tours, Hanoi Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Vietnam Boat Tours

Doris Cruise 5 star cruise 2 days visiting Halong Bay Lan Ha Bay private balcony

15.Doris Cruise 5 star cruise 2 days visiting Halong Bay Lan Ha Bay private balcony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,338 reviews · from $235

Cruise Ha Long and Lan Ha bays from Hanoi in a private-balcony cabin, with kayaking or rowing, swimming, cave visits, tai chi, cooking, and full-board meals. Staff members such as Emily, Mona, Jessica, and Summer are noted for warm, attentive service, especially with vegetarian and special food requests.

“Very nice rooms , vegan food, well planned activities and the sundeck.”

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