Shared or Private Boat Tour: Which Is Worth It?
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
For couples and small groups, the shared boat tour, paid per person, works out cheaper. The private option pays off with 10 to 14 people on The 3 Islands route, departing from Boiçucanga, near Maresias: it costs almost the same and gives you a free schedule.
Choosing between a shared or private boat tour is the first decision for anyone visiting the South Coast islands of São Sebastião from the Maresias area. On the shared tour, you pay per person and share the boat with other travelers. On the private tour, you pay a flat price for the boat, which carries only your group.
The answer mainly depends on how many people are going and how much the group values a free schedule and privacy. The figures below use reference prices from September 2026; current prices are on each tour's page.
What's the difference between a shared and a private tour?
| Item | Shared | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Per person | Per boat, based on number of passengers |
| Schedule | Fixed: 9am, noon or 3pm (The 3 Islands) and 9am (Montão de Trigo) | Arranged with the team |
| Booking and payment | Online, 100% upfront | By WhatsApp, with a 50% deposit and the rest at boarding |
| Departure | Depends on a minimum of 8 people and sea conditions | Depends only on sea conditions |
| Who's on board | Your group and other travelers | Just your group |
Both formats include a licensed boat captain and safety equipment. Food, drinks and transportation to the boarding point are not included.
How much does each option cost on The 3 Islands route?
The route passes Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas. The shared boat costs R$ 200 per person, with about 3 hours on the water, two stops for swimming and pool noodles included. The boat is a Real Power Class speedboat, for up to 14 passengers. The private boat covers the same roughly 3-hour route, on the Gerônimo or Peixão boats, also for up to 14 people, departing in the morning, afternoon or for sunset. The price scales with the number of passengers:
| People in group | Shared (total for group) | Private (boat price) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | R$ 400 | R$ 1,450 |
| 6 | R$ 1,200 | R$ 1,700 |
| 10 | R$ 2,000 | R$ 2,200 |
| 12 | R$ 2,400 | R$ 2,700 |
| 14 | R$ 2,800 | R$ 2,850 |
Up to 6 people, the shared tour is much more economical. From 10 to 14 people, the difference is between R$ 50 and R$ 300 for the whole group, and you get the boat to yourselves plus your choice of schedule. Get to know the islands in Ilha das Couves in São Sebastião, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas.
What about Ilha do Montão de Trigo?
The shared boat departs from Maresias Beach at 9am, costs R$ 250 per person and takes about 4 hours, also passing Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas. The private boat covers the same islands, also in about 4 hours, departing from Boiçucanga Beach, for up to 10 people:
| People in group | Shared boat (total for group) | Private boat (boat price) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | R$ 500 | R$ 1,800 |
| 6 | R$ 1,500 | R$ 2,500 |
| 8 | R$ 2,000 | R$ 2,800 |
| 10 | R$ 2,500 | R$ 3,000 |
Here the private option is always more expensive, even with a full group, but it swaps the shared boat for a premium speedboat and carries only your group. On the shared boat, snorkel masks and pool noodles are not included; bring your own if you want to snorkel. Learn more about Ilha do Montão de Trigo.
When should you choose the shared tour?
- Couples, pairs or trios of friends, and small families.
- Those who want the lowest cost and prefer booking and paying online.
- Those who want to board right at Maresias Beach, on the boat to Montão de Trigo.
The thing to watch is the minimum group size: each shared departure needs at least 8 people. If the minimum isn't reached, or if the sea conditions are unfavorable, MaresiasTur offers rescheduling or a full refund.
When does the private boat pay off?
- Groups of 10 or more on The 3 Islands route.
- Celebrations and anyone who wants to watch the sunset at sea.
- Families with small children who prefer their own pace.
- Anyone who wants to go to Ilhabela: the Ilhabela route only exists as a private tour, on a 25-foot Runner 7500 boat for up to 10 people, with about 6 hours on the water, starting at R$ 2,800 per boat.
What applies to both formats?
- Boarding: boats depart from Boiçucanga Beach, and the exact spot is sent by WhatsApp after booking. See the guide to the boat tour in Boiçucanga.
- Transportation: Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião; arrive 30 minutes early.
- Weather: if the tour is canceled for weather or sea safety, you can choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund.
- Preparation: read what to bring on a boat tour and tips on seasickness on a boat tour.
To see all the prices side by side, check how much a boat tour in Maresias costs.
Frequently asked questions
- From how many people does the private boat pay off?
- On The 3 Islands route, with 10 to 14 people the price of the private boat gets very close to the total of the shared tickets.
- Can I book the private boat online?
- Private tours are booked through MaresiasTur's WhatsApp, which confirms availability and the boarding point. Payment is made with a 50% deposit and the rest at boarding.
- Can the shared tour be canceled?
- Yes, if it doesn't reach the minimum of 8 people or if the sea conditions are unfavorable. In that case, you can choose between rescheduling or getting a full refund.
- How many people fit on the private boat?
- Up to 14 people on The 3 Islands route, and up to 10 on the Montão de Trigo and Ilhabela routes.
- Can you do the boat tour at sunset?
- Yes, on the private 3 Islands boat, around Ilha das Couves, Ilha dos Gatos and As Ilhas, which can depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset.
