Pre-Sailing information that everyone should read.

5-Star Experience

Our primary objective is to not only meet but exceed your expectations throughout your experience with us. We strongly value open and direct communication between our guests and our team. If you ever find that things are not unfolding as planned, do not meet your expectations, or if you have any concerns whatsoever, please don't hesitate to reach out to the captain or contact the owner directly.

Furthermore, if there is ever an opportunity for us to go above and beyond, enhance your experience, or deliver world-class service, please inform us. Our guiding principle is rooted in the belief that if a request doesn't demand an excessive amount of time or financial resources, the answer should invariably be yes.

That being said, we acknowledge that we are all human and perfection may elude us at times. We mention this not as an excuse, but to emphasize that when challenges arise, we prefer to focus on collaboration and finding solutions to move forward together. Our organization values the lessons learned from setbacks and encourages team members to make executive-level decisions whenever necessary.

Your feedback is invaluable to us as it serves as a catalyst for improvement and allows us to learn from our mistakes. We genuinely appreciate every piece of feedback, every lesson learned, and even our failures, as they all contribute to our continuous growth and commitment to providing exceptional experiences.

Security Deposit

A security deposit hold (not a charge) will be placed on your credit card before your booking begins to cover any incidental damage that may occur during your rental. This hold will be released 48 hours after the booking is complete, provided no claims are made. The specific amount of the security deposit for the boat you are booking will be outlined during the check-out process.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellations are allowed up until 5 days (or more) before the booking start date.

A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations made between 2-5 days before the booking start date.

Cancellations within 2 days of the booking start date are non-refundable.

Important Technical/Legal Information

To ensure complete transparency and understanding of our charter process, there are several crucial factors to be aware of in order to comply with the law. Below, I have summarized the two main elements that you, as the charterer, will need to address:

Payment Separation: According to USCG regulations, payment for the captain and the charter company must be handled separately. This process is straightforward. On the day of the charter, you will need to make the payment directly to the captain on the dock before the charter begins. Payment can be made using various methods, including cash, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, etc.

Captain Selection: USCG regulations require you to choose the captain for your charter. There are two options for this selection:

a. Pre-Approved Captains: Typically, the day before your charter, I will send you a list of pre-approved captains. These captains have undergone extensive training and have in-depth knowledge of both the vessel and the local area. You are required to respond with your selected captain's name via text or email. I will then reach out to the chosen captain to confirm their availability. If the selected captain is available, I will create a group message that includes the captain, the charter company, and you (the charterer). If the captain is unavailable, I will inquire if you would like to choose another captain and repeat the process.

b. Providing Your Own Captain: Alternatively, you have the option to provide or hire your own captain. This captain must meet stringent qualifications, and we may request proof of their qualifications. Below, you will find the specific requirements for this option, in case you choose to go down this path at any point.

Fuel Reimbursement Guidelines

As part of our commitment to providing a 5-star experience, we do not cover the cost of fuel. We believe that the quality of your experience should always come first, and we aim to avoid any negative impacts on your trip. This approach allows you the freedom to choose and customize your journey as you see fit.

Unlike many other companies that might decline requests for detours or additional stops due to the financial implications, we are more flexible. If you have a desire to visit a shipwreck or make any other special arrangements during your trip, we are here to accommodate your preferences. Budget-conscious customers will also appreciate our ability to tailor the trip to make it as cost-efficient as possible.

Similar to renting a car, it is your responsibility to return the fuel at the same level as it was at the start of the trip. Failure to do so will result in a fuel reimbursement, as outlined below.

Reimbursement Process: Fuel expenses are not included in the charter cost. Typically, within two days (sometimes longer), a company representative will review and account for all outstanding fuel reimbursements. You can reimburse us directly through various methods such as CashApp, Venmo, or your security deposit after communicating via text or email. Alternatively, we may process the reimbursement through our booking platform or a partner site, typically charged to the card on file.

Fuel Usage Calculation: Our specialized onboard software precisely measures the fuel consumed by each engine during the trip. This system has undergone thorough testing and provides an accuracy level of within 5 gallons on any journey.

Applicable Fuel Coverage: The calculation for fuel reimbursement encompasses the entire trip and any travel to/from the home port (mooring location) to the pick-up location.

Fuel Reimbursement Formula: Fuel gallons used + 3-5 gallons (3-5 gallons are included to account for typical inaccuracies, travel to/from the fuel dock, unknown fuel price fluctuations, etc.) multiplied by the local market non-ethanol marine grade fuel rate, with an additional 3.5% credit card processing fee.

Immediate Fuel Information: If you require immediate information about the fuel consumption for your own records or accounting purposes, please contact a company representative immediately after the trip, and we will provide you with the necessary details.

Estimated Fuel Costs: Clients often inquire about the expected fuel costs for their trip. While the cost can vary based on several factors, our average fuel cost for clients typically falls within the range of $75 to $500. However, please note that many variables can influence the final cost. For instance, a day trip to Dry Tortugas, which is a considerable distance away, can range from $700 to $1100. The following are median cost estimates for different locations based on data from experiences in 2022. These figures are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices and may vary based on your specific trip:

Key West: Average Typical Range: $150-$500, Median: $250

Marathon (Travel distance impacts cost): Average Typical Range: $400-$700, Median: $650

Hampton Roads, VA: Average Typical Range: $50-$375, Median: $140

Market Rate for Marine Grade Fuel (if not returned to the same level): $6.50 per gallon.