Help center

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a day on the water should be the easy part. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about booking, boats, captains, weather, and what to expect on the day of your charter.

Booking & Availability

How do I book a boat?

Choose your destination, select the boat that fits your group, and click Check Availability. You'll be able to view available dates and times, select your charter length, and complete your reservation online.

How far in advance should I book?

Weekends, holidays, spring break, and summer dates can fill quickly, so we recommend booking as early as possible. Last-minute availability may also be available depending on the boat and location.

Can I book for a bachelor or bachelorette party?

Absolutely. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, family outings, celebrations, and just-because days on the water are some of our most popular trips.

If your group has something special planned, check the individual boat listing for amenities and any vessel-specific rules.

Can I change my reservation after booking?

In many cases, yes. Changes are subject to availability and the cancellation or modification policy associated with your reservation. Contact us as early as possible if your plans change.

Boats & Captains

Does every boat include a captain?

Not necessarily. Some boats are offered as professionally captained charters, while others may be available for qualified guests to operate themselves.

Each boat listing clearly identifies whether a captain is included or required.

Can I bring my own captain?

Captain requirements vary by vessel. If a boat requires a licensed or approved captain, the booking details will explain the available options.

Do I need boating experience?

For professionally captained charters, no boating experience is necessary.

For self-operated rentals, the renter must meet all applicable age, safety, identification, and boating requirements. Additional instructions may be provided before departure.

Are life jackets and safety equipment provided?

Yes. Required safety equipment is provided onboard. Children and certain passengers may be required to wear life jackets depending on age, vessel type, and applicable boating regulations.

How many people can we bring?

Passenger limits vary by boat. The maximum guest capacity is listed on each boat profile and cannot be exceeded.

Be sure to include everyone in your group, including children, when confirming your guest count.

Pricing & Payments

What is included in the listed price?

Included items vary by boat. Your boat profile and booking checkout will show the charter duration and what is included with your reservation.

Depending on the vessel, pricing may include items such as:

  • Captain or crew
  • Standard onboard safety equipment
  • Bluetooth audio
  • Coolers or onboard storage
  • Water toys or flotation equipment

Any major additional charges will be shown during the booking process.

Is fuel included?

Fuel policies vary by boat and charter type. Check the individual boat listing and booking details for the specific fuel policy for your reservation.

Is gratuity included?

Unless specifically stated otherwise, captain and crew gratuity is not included.

For captained charters, gratuity is always appreciated for great service. A typical gratuity is often similar to what you would leave for other hospitality experiences.

Is a security deposit required?

Some boats may require a refundable security deposit or damage authorization. If one applies, it will be disclosed before you complete your booking.

Weather & Cancellations

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety comes first.

Florida weather can change quickly, and brief rain showers do not necessarily mean a charter will be canceled. If conditions are considered unsafe by the captain, operator, or applicable authorities, we'll work with you according to the weather and cancellation policy for your reservation.

What if I want to cancel?

Cancellation terms vary by boat and booking. The applicable cancellation policy will be displayed before you complete your reservation.

We strongly recommend reviewing those terms before booking, particularly for holiday and peak-season reservations.

What happens if our trip is canceled because of unsafe weather?

If your charter cannot safely operate, the boat operator will follow the weather policy associated with your booking. Depending on the circumstances and reservation terms, options may include rescheduling, a credit, or a refund.

What to Bring

Can we bring food and drinks?

Most boats allow guests to bring food and beverages, but policies vary by vessel.

Check your boat profile for any restrictions, particularly regarding glass containers, large coolers, or foods that may stain or damage upholstery.

Can we bring alcohol?

Alcohol is permitted on many captained charters for guests of legal drinking age, subject to the rules of the individual boat and operator.

The person operating a self-drive vessel should never consume alcohol while operating the boat.

What should we bring?

For most trips, we recommend:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Towels
  • Valid photo ID
  • Water and snacks
  • Phone charger or portable battery
  • Light jacket for cooler evenings
  • Any personal medications you may need

Check your specific boat listing before packing, since many boats already include coolers, speakers, shade, and other amenities.

What should we avoid bringing?

Unless your boat listing says otherwise, avoid:

  • Glass containers
  • Red wine or strongly staining drinks
  • Confetti or glitter
  • Hard-soled shoes that may damage the boat
  • Large or unnecessary luggage

On the Day of Your Charter

How early should we arrive?

Plan to arrive approximately 15–30 minutes before your scheduled departure, unless your booking instructions specify otherwise.

This allows time for parking, check-in, safety instructions, and boarding.

Where do we meet?

The exact meeting or boarding location will be provided with your reservation details.

Because marina access, docks, and pickup locations can vary, always use the instructions provided with your confirmed booking.

What happens if we're late?

Charters generally operate within scheduled time windows, and late arrival may reduce your time on the water.

If you're running late, contact the operator using the information provided in your reservation confirmation as soon as possible.

Is parking available?

Parking varies by marina and departure location. Your reservation details will include location-specific instructions when available.

Families, Kids & Pets

Are children allowed?

Yes, many Suns Out boats are family-friendly.

Passenger age restrictions and life jacket requirements may vary, so review the boat profile before booking with young children.

Are pets allowed?

Pet policies vary by vessel. If you'd like to bring a pet, check the boat listing or contact us before booking.

Your Experience

Can we play our own music?

Most boats offer Bluetooth or another way to connect your phone to the onboard sound system. Check the boat's amenities for details.

Can we swim during the charter?

Swimming is available on many trips when conditions and locations allow. Your captain or operator will determine when and where it is safe to enter the water.

Can we customize our route?

For captained charters, usually yes within reason.

Your captain will consider your interests, charter length, weather, local conditions, and safety requirements when planning the day.

If you have a specific destination or experience in mind, mention it before departure.

Can you help with special occasions?

Yes. Many of our guests are celebrating birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, engagements, anniversaries, and other milestones.

If you're planning something special, let us know. We'll help you understand what's possible on your selected boat.

Still Have Questions?

Boat-specific details—including amenities, capacity, location, captain requirements, pricing, and trip options—can be found directly on each boat's profile.

When you're ready, choose your boat and click Check Availability to view current dates and booking options.

Sun's out. Boats out.