How to Turn More Boat Tours into 5-Star Reviews

Top-rated operators on BoatBooker enjoy greater visibility, more customer interest, and ultimately, more bookings. But earning those 5-star ratings takes more than just taking customers on a boat ride – it requires creating experiences that guests can’t wait to rave about. Here’s your guide to earning more glowing reviews:

1. Make Your Listing Accurate

Before guests even step aboard your boat, they’re forming expectations based on your BoatBooker listing. Setting proper expectations from the start creates satisfied customers who leave positive reviews.

Details, Details, Details: Ensure your vessel photos, tour descriptions, and available amenities reflect the current reality of what you offer. Customers will appreciate knowing what to expect.
Check Your Opportunity Center: Visit your Opportunity Center on BoatBooker to see if there’s anything you could do to present your listing in a better way.
Be Transparent: Communicate openly about weather considerations, potential wildlife sightings, and onboard policies to prevent disappointment.

2. Personalize the Experience

When guests feel their experience was designed specifically for them, they’re much more likely to take the time to leave a glowing review.

Pre-trip Connection: Reach out before departure to understand what they’re hoping to experience on the water.
Flexible Itinerary: Adjust your route or activities based on your guests’ interests, energy levels, and the group dynamic you observe.
Read the Crowd: Some groups want detailed information about the area, while others prefer quiet relaxation – read your audience and tailor your approach.

3. Listen to Feedback

Demonstrating that you value customer feedback shows your commitment to excellence – a quality that earns enthusiastic reviews.

Actively Seek Input: During the tour or immediately after, ask specific questions about what could enhance their experience next time.
Look for Patterns: Think what typically leads customers to leave good reviews, and try to identify recurring themes or suggestions that multiple guests have mentioned.
Close the Feedback Loop: When you make improvements based on guest input, mention this in your communications – “Based on guest feedback, we’ve now added…”

4. Deliver Unexpected Moments (and Document Them)

The small, thoughtful touches often make the biggest impression and motivate guests to share their positive experiences with others.

Create Instagram-Worthy Moments: Plan your tour with at least one or two “wow” moments that guests will want to share.
Surprise Amenities: Offer unexpected comforts like chilled beverages, local souvenirs or snacks, or beach towels that guests weren’t expecting.
Photo Service: Capture memorable moments during the tour and share them afterward – these visual souvenirs keep the positive experience alive and serve as a natural reminder to leave a review.

5. Request and Engage with Reviews

Even the most impressed guests sometimes need a gentle nudge to leave a review. How and when you ask makes all the difference.

Time Your Ask: Request a review during a high point – perhaps after spotting dolphins, during a beautiful sunset, or after sharing an interesting local story.
Leverage Quick Replies: Send a friendly follow-up message using the Quick Replies feature to thank guests and remind them about leaving a review.
Explain the Impact: Briefly mention how their honest feedback helps your small business grow and improve.
Connect with Past Customers: Use the BoatBooker review invite tool to reach out to previous guests who haven’t yet left a review.
Engage with All Feedback: Respond thoughtfully to both positive and negative reviews – potential customers pay close attention to how you handle feedback.

Get Reviews – Grow Your Reputation

Remember that each 5-star review creates a ripple effect for your business. Not only does it improve your ranking on BoatBooker, but it also builds credibility that attracts new bookings. By focusing on accuracy, personalization, continuous improvement, memorable moments, and thoughtful follow-up, you’ll transform satisfied passengers into enthusiastic advocates for your boating business.

Ready to boost your review profile? Start implementing these strategies on your very next tour!