Alleppey Houseboat for Families & Groups: How to Choose the Right Boat

A houseboat trip is one of the best family and group activities in Kerala. But choosing the right boat for your group size makes all the difference. Here's how to decide.

Which boat for which group?

1 Bedroom Houseboat (up to 3 guests)

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, solo travellers. This is a compact private boat with one bedroom. Maximum 2 adults + 1 child or extra bed.

2 Bedroom Houseboat (up to 6 guests)

Best for: Small families (parents + 1-2 kids), two couples travelling together, small friend groups. You can book 1 or both bedrooms. Each room has its own bathroom.

3 Bedroom Houseboat (up to 9 guests)

Best for: Large families, joint family trips, friend groups of 5-9 people. This is our largest boat with a spacious common area, kitchen, and deck. You can book 1, 2, or all 3 bedrooms depending on your needs.

Are houseboats safe for children?

Yes. Our houseboats are family-friendly and we welcome children of all ages. Life jackets are available in all sizes. The deck has railing, and the crew keeps an eye out during the cruise. We've hosted many families with toddlers and young children safely.

Children's pricing

Under 5 years: Free (no extra charge)
Age 6-11: ₹1,000 per night
12+ years: Counted as adult
Extra bed: ₹1,000 per night (futon mattress)

Tips for family/group bookings

Book early: The 3-bedroom boat is the most popular and gets booked first during peak season
Mention kids' ages: The chef can prepare milder food for children if informed in advance
Bring entertainment: Card games, books, or music — the backwaters are peaceful but kids may need activities in the evening after anchoring
School holidays: March-May is a great time for family trips with lower rates
Special dietary needs: Mention any food allergies or preferences during booking

Can a large group (10+ people) book?

For groups larger than 9, you'd need to book multiple boats. Contact us directly and we can arrange two boats cruising together on the same route, so your group stays connected while having separate sleeping quarters.

Activities for families

During the cruise, families enjoy:

Watching village life from the deck
Bird watching (kingfishers, cormorants, egrets are common)
Photography from the upper deck
Sunset watching from the anchor point
Card games and board games in the evening
Early morning village walks (if requested)