---
title: "Planning a Private Charter: How It Works and What It Costs"
description: "Why Squamish Jetboat Journeys runs jet boats, not prop boats: safer around wildlife, shallow-water access, and tighter control on Howe Sound."
---

[SJJ blog](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/blog)

# [Planning a Private Charter: How It Works and What It Costs](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/blog/planning-a-private-charter-how-it-works-and-what-it-costs)

 Written by [Julien Bourque](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/blog/author/julien-bourque) | Aug 15, 2026, 2:13:19 AM

Short answer: a private charter with Squamish Jetboat Journeys gives you the whole boat for your group, a route built around what you actually want to see, and flexible timing. Here's how the process works:

## What makes it different from a guided tour

Our standard tours run on a set schedule with a mixed group. A private charter is just your group — friends, family, a couple, a work team — with the route, pace, and stops built around what you're actually there for: wildlife viewing, photography, a celebration, or just a faster, quieter ride than a shared trip allows.

## What it costs

Pricing depends on duration and distance, but as a starting point, our prices are $1100 (half day), and $1900 (full day). Reach out with your group size, trip duration, locations, preferred dates and we'll put together an exact quote for you.

## How long a charter runs

Charters can typically be booked for half-day or full-day, depending on how much of Howe Sound you want to cover and what you're hoping to see.

## What to tell us when you book

To build the right route, it helps to know:

- Group size and ages (we can tailor the experience for kids, mixed groups, or an all-adult trip)
- What you're most interested in — wildlife, scenery, photography, or just being on the water
- Any occasion involved (birthday, proposal, corporate outing, and so on) — we're happy to work around it
- Preferred date and any flexibility around weather

## Good fits for a private charter

- Small celebrations — birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette trips
- Corporate outings or team events looking for something outside the usual boardroom
- Photographers or videographers wanting control over timing and stops
- Anyone who'd simply rather not share the boat with strangers

## Booking

Book your private charter now (tours page), or contact us to inquire about a custom journey with your dates and group size, and we'll walk you through the options.

 

*Not sure if a private charter or a standard tour is the right fit? Read [What to Expect](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/blog/what-to-expect-on-a-squamish-jet-boat-tour-1), or [Contact Us](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/contact-us) and we'll help you decide.*

 

 

[View full post](https://squamishjetboatjourneys.ca/blog/planning-a-private-charter-how-it-works-and-what-it-costs)

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