VS.
As an Experience provider or Distribution Partner, choosing the right booking system is crucial. Both CaptainBook.io and FareHarbor offer digital booking solutions, but their pricing models and features differ significantly.
1
Is CaptainBook an independent platform?
CaptainBook.io was created by leading industry experts who know, firsthand, the difficulties and challenges of being a tour operator.
CaptainBook is an independent platform created by tourism experts like you
Fareharbor has been acquired by Booking Holdings, the group behind Booking.com and as a result, most operators are concerned that their data will be used by Booking.com.
2
Is FareHarbor cheaper than CaptainBook?
FareHarbor uses a 6% commission-only model, meaning no subscription fees but a commission per booking. FareHarbor recently introduced a 2% OTA fee, which adds to the overall cost.
Whereas CaptainBook.io provides pricing flexibility for businesses of all sizes with 3 subscription plans to fit every businesses needs.
Furthermore, FareHarbor requires businesses to generate a minimum annual revenue of €200,000 in order to qualify as a customer.
Let's use an example to break it down.
For a business generating €100,000 in annual online bookings, with 30% (€30,000) from OTAs like GetYourGuide and Viator, here's a cost comparison between CaptainBook's Extended Plan and FareHarbor:
CaptainBook's Extended Plan
Monthly Subscription: €199
OTA Integration Fee: €14.99 per product per month for GetYourGuide and Viator
Commission on Direct Bookings: 0%
Commission on OTA Bookings: 0%
Commission on offline bookings: 0%
Annual Costs:
Subscription: €199 x 12 = €2,388
OTA Integration: €14.99 x 12 = €179.88
Total Annual Cost: €2,388 + €179.88 = €2,567.88
FareHarbor
Commission on Direct Bookings: 6%
Commission on OTA Bookings: 2%
Annual Costs:
Direct Bookings: €70,000 x 6% = €4,200
OTA Bookings: €30,000 x 2% = €600
Total Annual Cost: €4,200 + €600 = €4,800
Cost Comparison
CaptainBook: €2,567.88 per year
FareHarbor: €4,800 per year
Annual Savings with CaptainBook: €4,800 - €2,567.88 = €2,232.12
"With CaptainBook.io our daily booking operations are easier than ever. Our customers are thrilled when they call us for an experience and we send them the link to make the reservation. We save precious time and our customers are much more happy."
Dreamland
Travel Agency in Corfu, Greece
3
Is FareHarbor better than CaptainBook?
Wondering if FareHarbor is better? Let's break it down feature by feature:
CaptainBook.io provides flexible plans for businesses of every size. In contrast, FareHarbor operates solely on a commission-based model, which may result in higher fees for businesses processing large volumes of bookings.
User-Friendly Interface: CaptainBook.io offers a clean, intuitive, and user-friendly interface designed for easy navigation. This makes it easier for operators to manage bookings, payments, and customer interactions seamlessly. FareHarbor has a more outdated, rigid structure, which can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller businesses.
Online waivers: CaptainBook offers the ability to digitize your liability waivers and other essential documents. All documents are securely stored in the cloud, allowing customers to sign them directly from their mobile devices. FareHarbour doesn't offer this functionality.
Better UI: Fareharbor's User Interface is outdated and difficult to use, as a result customers may never proceed with a booking.
CaptainBook’s interface however, is designed in a way that your customers would never feel lost using our booking system, and thus be are able to make a booking in an easy, intuitive and comfortable way.
Website builder: CaptainBook.io’s Free Website Builder allows operators to create SEO-optimized websites quickly and easily, helping boost online visibility and brand presence. This builder is designed with simplicity, so even non-technical users can set up a functional, professional site without needing extensive experience.
FareHarbor recently announced that as of January 1st 2025, they will start charging for their website builder services. Which adds extra cost accompanied with the commission based pricing model model they follow.
Commission Fee Charge: FareHarbor does not give you the opportunity to choose between you and your customer to pay the commission. You only have the option to make your customers absorb the booking fee.
While both platforms offer valuable booking tools, CaptainBook.io stands out with its transparent pricing, flexible pricing plans, multiple guide/captain/resource management, online waivers and many more innovative features.
The recent introduction of FareHarbor's 2% OTA fee, as well as their new Website Builder charge, make it a more expensive option, particularly for businesses relying on OTA bookings. Especially given the fact that a commission based model isn't cost effective for larger businesses.
CaptainBook.io offers a plan for every business size, from small operators to large enterprises, making it the smarter choice for maximizing efficiency and profitability.
"The CaptainBook Team are always super fast to respond and to resolve each little issue I have encountered during use. Their responsiveness and high level of customer service is something I noticed since day 1 and they’ve never failed me ever since."
Philema Food Tours
Travel Operator in Naxos Island, Greece
Any further questions?
If you have any further questions or need any more information on CaptainBook.io, contact us! We're a click away
