Help center
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Captain requirements vary by vessel. If a boat requires a licensed or approved captain, the booking details will explain the available options.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Any major additional charges will be shown during the booking process.
Fuel policies vary by boat and charter type. Check the individual boat listing and booking details for the specific fuel policy for your reservation.
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.
Some boats may require a refundable security deposit or damage authorization. If one applies, it will be disclosed before you complete your booking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For most trips, we recommend:
Check your specific boat listing before packing, since many boats already include coolers, speakers, shade, and other amenities.
Unless your boat listing says otherwise, avoid:
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.
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.
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.
Parking varies by marina and departure location. Your reservation details will include location-specific instructions when available.
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.
Pet policies vary by vessel. If you'd like to bring a pet, check the boat listing or contact us before booking.
Most boats offer Bluetooth or another way to connect your phone to the onboard sound system. Check the boat's amenities for details.
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.
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.
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.
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.