Private or shared boat tour in Pula? Both will get you swimming in clear coves, snorkelling around Cape Kamenjak and out toward Brijuni for a chance of dolphins. The scenery is the same and the sea is the same. What changes is the experience of the day itself, and the right choice comes down to who you are travelling with and what matters most to you. Here is a clear, honest comparison so you can pick with confidence.

Private vs shared boat tour in Pula
Factor	Private tour	Shared tour
Price	One price for the whole boat, split by your group	Per person, cheaper for solo travellers and couples
Who is aboard	Only your own group	A mix of other guests
Route and stops	Flexible, shaped around what you want	A fixed, set itinerary
Pace	Your call, linger or move on as you like	Runs to a schedule
Atmosphere	Calm, personal and private	Sociable and lively
Best for	Families, couples, groups and special occasions	Solo travellers and couples on a budget who enjoy meeting people

Go private if

Choose a private boat if you are a family, a group of friends or a couple who want the day to themselves. You set the route, you decide how long to linger in each cove, and you never share the deck with strangers. With children it is the calmer, safer feeling option, with life jackets and a patient skipper who works to your pace rather than a timetable. And here is the part people underestimate: when you split one boat price between four, six or more people, a private tour often costs little more per head than a shared seat, while giving you far more. For any special occasion, from a birthday to a proposal, private is the obvious call.

Go shared if

Choose a shared tour if you are travelling solo or as a couple and the lowest price per person is your priority. You pay only for your seats rather than the whole boat, so it is the budget friendly route. Shared trips are also sociable by nature, so if you enjoy meeting other travellers and do not mind a fixed schedule and set stops, they are a fun way to spend a day on the water.

A quick way to decide

Travelling as a group of four or more? A private boat is usually better value and a better day.
With kids? Private, for the calm pace and flexibility.
Solo or a budget minded couple? A shared tour keeps the cost down.
Marking a special occasion? Private, every time.

Whichever suits you, you can compare both on our Pula boat tours. For families we would point you to our private trips, and for planning the rest of your trip, read things to do in Pula and the perfect Pula itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Is a private boat tour worth it in Pula?

For families and groups, yes. You set the route, skip the crowd and travel at your own pace, and when you split one boat price between everyone it is often similar in cost to shared seats but a far better day.

What is cheaper, a private or shared boat tour?

Shared is cheaper per person for solo travellers and couples, since you pay only for your seats. For a group of four or more, a private boat can work out similar or even better value.

Can you choose the route on a private tour?

Yes. Private trips are flexible, so you decide where to swim, how long to linger in each cove and whether to head out toward Brijuni for dolphins or down to the Kamenjak sea caves.

Which is better for families with children?

A private boat, comfortably. The gentle pace, the life jackets, the flexible timing and having the deck to yourselves make it the calmer, safer feeling choice for young families.

How many people fit on a private boat tour?

It depends on the boat, but private trips typically suit small groups and families, and the more of you share the cost, the better value the whole boat becomes per person.