Everything you need to know for an amazing charter experience. From what to bring to our policies and guidelines, we've got you covered.
We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (November through April) and for weekend charters. For special events like holidays or major celebrations, booking 4-6 weeks ahead ensures availability. However, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings based on availability.
We offer a full refund for cancellations made 7+ days before your charter date. For cancellations 3-6 days prior, we provide a 50% refund or the option to reschedule. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of your charter. Weather-related cancellations made by our captain result in a full refund or complimentary rescheduling.
Yes, we require a 50% deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due on the day of your charter. We accept major credit cards, Venmo, and Zelle for your convenience. The deposit ensures your date is reserved and helps us plan accordingly for your experience.
Absolutely! We love creating personalized experiences. Whether you want to focus on fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, or a combination of activities, we'll work with you to design the perfect itinerary. We can also coordinate special decorations, catering, and other arrangements for celebrations.
Here's our recommended packing list:
Yes! You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages. We provide coolers with ice to keep everything fresh. We also have partnerships with local caterers if you'd prefer to have food prepared for your group. Please note that glass containers are not permitted for safety reasons - cans and plastic containers only.
Yes, we provide high-quality snorkel gear including masks, snorkels, and fins in various sizes for all guests. All equipment is sanitized between charters. If you prefer to use your own gear, you're welcome to bring it. We also have prescription masks available upon request with advance notice.
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we maintain these important rules:
Safety is our top priority. If charter rules are violated, Captain Art has the authority to end the charter early and return to port without refund. This policy protects all guests and crew. We prefer to have conversations about expectations beforehand to ensure everyone has a wonderful time while staying safe.
We welcome guests of all ages! Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. We provide child-sized life jackets and have experience making charters enjoyable for families. For adult-only celebrations, we ask that you specify this when booking so we can tailor the experience appropriately.
Our vessel is equipped with all USCG-required safety equipment and more: life jackets in all sizes, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, flares, radio communications, GPS, and emergency equipment. Captain Art is CPR certified and has 25+ years of experience. We also carry extra safety equipment specifically for families with children.
Safety always comes first. Captain Art monitors weather conditions closely and will make the final decision about charter safety. If weather conditions are unsafe, we'll offer to reschedule at no charge or provide a full refund. We typically make weather-related decisions 2-4 hours before departure time to give you adequate notice.
While swimming ability is helpful, it's not required. We provide life jackets for all guests and have flotation devices available. Many of our activities like sightseeing, sandbar visits, and enjoying the boat don't require swimming. If you're not comfortable in the water, just let us know and we'll ensure you have a great time staying dry!
Yes, our vessel has a clean, comfortable restroom facility onboard. We also have a freshwater shower for rinsing off after swimming or snorkeling, and storage areas for your personal belongings.
While tipping is not required, it's greatly appreciated for exceptional service. The standard industry tip is 15-20% of the charter cost, similar to dining out. Many guests choose to tip based on their experience - excellent service often receives 20%+, while satisfactory service typically receives 15%. Tips can be given in cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
Help us create a positive experience for everyone:
Miami's waters are generally calm, but seasickness can affect anyone. We recommend taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure if you're prone to seasickness. Ginger tablets, wristbands, and staying hydrated can also help. If you start feeling unwell, let Captain Art know immediately - he can adjust the route or return to calmer waters.
Absolutely! Our sound system is Bluetooth-enabled, so you can connect your phone and play your favorite playlists. We just ask that you keep the volume reasonable and choose music that's appropriate for all guests onboard. Many groups create collaborative playlists beforehand to ensure everyone enjoys the soundtrack to their day.
We'll provide specific marina location and parking instructions when you book your charter. Most departures are from Miami Beach Marina or nearby locations, depending on your chosen experience and current conditions. We'll send you detailed directions, contact information, and what to expect upon arrival 24-48 hours before your charter.
We're committed to making our charters accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Please let us know about any special needs, mobility concerns, or medical conditions when booking so we can prepare accordingly. We can often make accommodations and will work with you to ensure everyone in your group has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Yes! Charter gift certificates make wonderful presents for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or any special occasion. Gift certificates are valid for one year from purchase date and can be applied to any of our charter experiences. Contact us directly to purchase gift certificates - we can email them or provide physical certificates for presentation.
Share this FAQ with your group! Make sure everyone knows what to bring, understands the rules, and has realistic expectations about the day. Discuss any concerns or special requests with us beforehand. Consider appointing one person as the main contact for communication. Most importantly, come with a positive attitude and be ready to make amazing memories!
Don't hesitate to reach out! Captain Art and our team are here to answer any questions and help you plan the perfect charter experience.