Small Group, Big Experience: 10 Reasons to Travel Differently
Published on 27 Jan 2026
You know that feeling when you’re at a crowded tourist attraction, jostling for space with hundreds of others, waiting in line for what feels like forever, and you think, ‘There has to be a better way to travel?’
Well, there is. And if you’re someone who values your time, knows exactly what kind of experiences you want from your holidays, and appreciates quality over quantity, small group touring might just be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Small group tours, particularly the kind True North specialises in with just 36 guests, offer something really special. Here’s why.
1. You actually get to experience the places you visit
Here’s what doesn’t happen on a small group tour: standing at the back of a crowd of 200 people, craning your neck to catch a glimpse of whatever the guide is pointing at.
When True North positions its bow directly underneath King George Falls so guests can feel the spray of the 100-metre waterfall, you’re not waiting your turn. You’re there. All 36 of you, experiencing one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular moments together, which somehow feels both intimate and exhilarating.
The simple mathematics makes all the difference. With just 36 guests and a crew of 20, you’re working with nearly a 1:2 guest-to-crew ratio. That means when you want to know the best spot for photography, or you’re curious about that bird species you just spotted, someone’s actually available to help you.
2. Do what you want when you want
You know how frustrating it is when processes at work are rigid and bureaucratic? Travel shouldn’t feel like that.
On a larger cruise, the practicalities pretty much dictate that everyone needs to do the same thing at the same time. But not on a small ship cruise, with a smaller group of travelling companions and 22 crew.
Say goodbye to rigid schedules and overcrowded tour stops. The beauty of small group touring is the flexibility.Â
Fancy a morning of tranquil fishing or an impromptu hike through a hidden bush trail? Go for it. Want to spend some extra time capturing the perfect sunset shot from a secluded beach? You can. Maybe you’d rather simply lounge on the deck soaking in the serene surroundings? Whatever your preferences, a small group tour can cater to them – no waiting around for others.
3. Authentic cultural experiences
Being part of a small group gives you the ability to really immerse yourself in cultural interactions, in an experience that is more authentic than if you went with a larger cruise group.
On our Indonesia and Papua New Guinea cruises, we often visit small villages; at times these villages may have less than 50 people. Visiting a village like this with hundreds of people immediately takes away the authenticity of the experience. But on a small group tour, you have the opportunity to visit this small village where, in some instances, life has remained relatively unchanged.
Our smaller group size allows for respectful, meaningful interactions that larger groups might overwhelm. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about connecting, understanding and appreciating the heart and soul of the culture you find yourself visiting.
4. More one-on-one time with guides
Small group tours open the door to a more personalised journey, especially when it comes to your interactions with your expert guides. With smaller groups, you’ll enjoy more one-on-one time, asking questions, delving deeper into the region’s history, flora, and fauna, and even picking up insider tips that only the locals know.
True North’s expedition team aren’t just reading from scripts. These are people who’ve spent years, sometimes decades, exploring these regions. You could research these destinations yourself. But true expertise is invaluable.
5. Travel with like-minded companions
Small group tours tend to attract kindred spirits, people who appreciate quality experiences. They’re interesting, well-travelled, respectful of boundaries, and they “get it.” You’re not going to be stuck making small talk with people you have nothing in common with. You’ll find yourself sharing stories over dinner, teaming up for excursions, or simply enjoying the sights together.
This camaraderie often becomes one of the most cherished aspects of the journey, turning moments into memories and fellow travellers into lifelong friends. With 36 guests, the social dynamic feels just right. Large enough that you’ll find people you genuinely click with. Small enough that connections can actually deepen beyond superficial pleasantries.
6. Get off the beaten track
Remember when “off the beaten path” actually meant something? Before Instagram turned every “secret spot” into a queue?
On our small ship cruises, the spirit of adventure means veering off the beaten track to uncover the region’s hidden gems. This journey is about experiencing your tour destination in its purest form, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. Places like King George Falls in the North Kimberley Marine Park are inaccessible by vehicle, reachable only by cruise or scenic flight. And even among cruises, True North is purpose-built to access locations where bigger ships cannot go.
Our nimble cruise ship allows us to navigate to secluded spots that larger ships can’t reach – think untouched beaches, secret waterfalls, and remote ancient rock art sites. Each day is an opportunity to explore somewhere new, whether it’s a quiet cove for a peaceful morning swim or a rugged trail leading to breathtaking vistas.
7. Unparalleled access to your destination
Here’s what doesn’t happen on a small group tour: standing at the back of a crowd of 200 people, craning your neck to catch a glimpse of whatever the guide is pointing at.
When you’re on a small group tour, it’s not just a trip – it’s a deep dive into your destination.
Forget the usual tourist traps; away from the bustling crowds, our intimate cruise experiences bring you closer to your destination’s hidden gems – secluded coves, tranquil rivers, and ancient rock art only accessible by smaller vessels.
8. Stress-free travel
Small ship cruises are designed for ease and comfort, meaning you can fully relax and enjoy your adventure. With fewer passengers, embarkation, disembarkation, and moving between activities are smooth and quick; no need to worry about long queues and crowded spaces.
On the TRUE NORTH, our experienced crew takes care of all the details, from expertly guiding you to the day’s destinations to ensuring your comfort onboard. This means you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in your destination.
9. You’re not sacrificing comfort for adventure
Here’s a misconception that needs retiring: that genuine adventure requires suffering through basic accommodations and questionable meals.
True North’s cabins are spacious with modern décor, large en-suites, satellite telephones, and in-cabin entertainment. After a day exploring Cape Le Grand National Park’s endless beaches or diving in the Bremer Bay Canyon, you return to genuine comfort. Your suite. Quality linens. Space to decompress. And plenty of onboard activities to enjoy when you’re not out exploring.
The cuisine reflects this philosophy, too. Fresh delicacies from the sea, paired with wines from Margaret River’s revered cellars. This isn’t “roughing it”, it’s having your cake and eating it too.
10. It’s actually excellent value (when you do the maths)
Stay with me here, because I know what you’re thinking: “Small group tours aren’t cheap.”
True. But let’s talk about actual value.
Compare small group touring to organising a comparable private experience. The helicopter flights, the expedition vessels, the crew, the expertise, the access to remote locations, if you tried to arrange all that privately, you’d be looking at 2-4 times the cost. Minimum.
Small group touring sits in that sweet spot: you get most of the exclusivity and personalisation of private travel, at roughly half the cost, with the added benefit of expert guides who know these places inside out.
Is small group touring right for you?
For people who value efficiency, quality, and genuine experiences, small group touring hits the sweet spot. Not too crowded, not too isolated, just right.
Perfect for you if:
- You want expert curation without constant crowds
- Personal space matters, but you appreciate occasional engaging company
- Access to exclusive locations and experiences is important
- You value your time highly and hate inefficiency
- You want premium quality without the eye-watering cost of private travel
What you gain:
- Genuine access to remote locations is impossible for large groups
- Personal attention with excellent crew-to-guest ratios
- Flexibility to accommodate your preferences and interests
- Expert guidance from people who truly know these destinations
- Roughly half the cost of private travel, with most of the benefits
The compromise:
- Fixed departure dates require planning
- Some schedule coordination (though far less than large groups)
- Shared experiences rather than complete privacy
The verdictÂ
Here’s the thing: small group touring just works for most people at this stage of life. You want quality experiences, but you’re not interested in the isolation of going completely private or dealing with the hassles of massive groups.
True North’s spent over 30 years figuring out this sweet spot, 36 guests is enough for a good social vibe without feeling crowded, and the crew size means you actually get looked after properly.
It’s really that simple. You know what kind of holiday you want, and this is probably it.
Embark on adventure
Thirty-six guests. Twenty crew members. Daily adventures that actually deserve that word. Comfort that doesn’t ask you to compromise. Expertise that elevates every single moment.
That’s the kind of travel that makes taking time off actually worth it, experiencing extraordinary places in ways that feel equally extraordinary.
