Travel Inspiration

Private or Small-Group Tours: Which Suits Your Trip?

Private tours give control; small groups give value and company. Here is how to choose.

Updated: October 29, 2026. Rates, availability and inclusions change; confirm on the booking page.

Rainforest hanging bridge (network archive image) · Photo: Network archive (stand-in)

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At a glance

	Private	Small group
Pace	Yours	The group’s
Cost	Higher per person	Lower
Start time	Often flexible	Fixed
Best for	Families, photographers, special occasions	Solo travellers, couples on a budget

What “private” really means

Listing says	What is private	What may be shared
Private transfer	The vehicle and driver	Nothing during the transfer itself; the activity at the destination may be shared
Private room / private cabin	Your sleeping space	Common areas, the boat, the guide
Private tour	Your guide and transport, for your party only	Park trails and public sites are still shared with other visitors
Private charter	The whole vessel and crew	Bays and snorkel spots can be busy