Difference Between Sharing and Private Houseboat in Alleppey – Pros & Cons Explained
Alleppey — fondly called the “Venice of the East” — is famous for its scenic Kerala backwaters and charming houseboat cruises. A day or night spent on a houseboat in Alleppey offers peace, nature, and authentic Kerala hospitality.
But when booking your trip, there’s one common confusion:
👉 Should I choose a Sharing Houseboat or a Private Houseboat?
Though both promise the same backwater charm, there are real differences in privacy, comfort, route, and service quality. Let’s look closely at how they compare.
What is a Sharing Houseboat?
A Sharing Houseboat is one where multiple groups or couples travel together on the same boat. Each group gets a private bedroom with an attached bathroom, while common areas like the deck and dining space are shared with other guests.
Pros of Sharing a Houseboat
Budget-Friendly: A great choice for solo travelers or small groups who want to enjoy the Alleppey backwaters at a lower cost.
Social Experience: Meet new people and share stories during the journey — perfect for travelers who enjoy company.
All Meals Included: Guests still get the same Kerala-style meals — lunch, tea, dinner, and breakfast.
Good for Short Experience: Ideal for those who just want to get a glimpse of the backwaters without spending much.
Cons of Sharing a Houseboat
Limited Privacy: Deck and dining areas are common for everyone. It may not suit couples or families seeking quiet time.
Fixed Itinerary: The route and cruise timing are pre-decided for all guests — no room for customization.
Route Is Usually Shorter:
On sharing houseboats, the travel distance is often less. The cruise may start late as the boat waits for all guests to arrive or even return to the boarding point to pick up late arrivals. This can reduce the total cruising time and limit how far the boat travels into the scenic canals.
Possible Noise or Delay: Depending on other guests’ behavior or timing, your experience might vary.
What is a Private Houseboat?
A Private Houseboat is exclusively booked for one group — whether it’s a couple, a family, or friends. You have complete access to all areas, including the deck, dining space, bedrooms, and lounge.
Pros of Private Houseboat
Full Privacy: Enjoy complete seclusion — no other guests onboard. Perfect for families and honeymooners.
Flexible Route & Timing: You can request your preferred cruising routes, special stops, or adjust the schedule slightly.
Better Backwater Experience: Since the boat doesn’t wait for others, you often travel longer routes, exploring peaceful canals and scenic paddy fields.
Personalized Service: The crew serves only your group — attentive, friendly, and fully dedicated.
Ideal for Celebrations: Great choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic getaways.
Cons of Private Houseboat
Higher Price: You’re paying for the entire boat, so it’s naturally more expensive.
Less Social Interaction: Not ideal for those who enjoy meeting new travelers.
Early Booking Required: During weekends and holidays, private boats get reserved fast.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your travel goals:
Choose a Sharing Houseboat if you’re traveling solo or on a budget and don’t mind a shorter route or sharing space with others.
Choose a Private Houseboat if you value privacy, a longer scenic cruise, and personalized service — perfect for couples and families.
Either way, cruising through the Alleppey backwaters is an experience you’ll never forget.
Book Your Alleppey Houseboat Now
At Beautiful Alleppey, we offer a variety of Sharing and Private Houseboats — from affordable options to luxury models with full-time A/C and glass-covered lounges.
Book your houseboat here: https://beautifulalleppey.com/alleppey-houseboat-booking/
Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly sharing or a luxurious private cruise, we’ll help you find the perfect match for your travel style.
