Short answer: a shared boat trip sells seats to many groups on one boat, with a fixed route and timetable. A private trip gives the whole boat and crew to your group, and the plan is built around you. Choose shared if price per person matters most. Choose private if you want your own space, your own pace, or you are celebrating something.
How a shared trip works
- You buy a seat, not the boat. Other groups you do not know are on board.
- The route, the stops and the return time are set in advance for everyone.
- Lunch, music and activities are planned for the whole group.
- It is usually the lowest price per person.
How a private trip works
- The boat and crew are for your group only, up to the number of guests on the boat’s licence.
- You agree the plan before the trip: how long, which kind of stops, swimming, snorkelling, a sunset, a celebration.
- The price is for the boat, not per seat, so it is shared across your group.
- The captain still decides the final route on the day, because safety and port rules come first.
Side by side
| Shared trip | Private trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is on board | Many groups | Only your group |
| Plan | Fixed for everyone | Agreed with you before the trip |
| Price | Per person | Per boat |
| Good for | Solo travellers, a quick taste of the sea | Families, couples, friends, celebrations, business guests |
When a private trip makes most sense
- Families with young children. You set the pace, the breaks and the time back in port.
- Couples. A private sunset cruise or a proposal needs privacy.
- Groups of friends. When the boat price is split across the group, a private trip can come closer to the cost of shared seats than people expect. Ask for a quote to compare.
- Celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries and proposals work best on a boat that is only yours. See celebrations at sea.
- Snorkelling at your level. Beginners can take their time. See the snorkelling day.
What to check before you book any boat
- The operator is licensed, and you know their name before you pay.
- The number of guests is within the boat’s licence. Children count as guests.
- What is included is written down: crew, fuel, food, drinks, snorkelling gear, park fees.
- The cancellation and weather rules are clear. Ours are in the booking terms.
- You are never asked to pay into a personal account.
How booking a private trip works with us
You send a request with your date and group. A concierge checks with licensed operators and sends you a written quote with the operator’s name. To accept it, your concierge sends a secure payment link for the 25% deposit to LuxuryYacht.Tours; the 75% balance is paid to the operator before boarding. The full steps are on how it works.
More about yacht trips in Sharm El Sheikh.
