Find clear, concise answers to your questions about our personalized sailing charters in St. Petersburg and feel free to contact us directly if your question is not answered on this site.
How long is a typical sailing charter?
- Our standard charters last around two or three hours.
Where do the sailing trips depart from?
- All trips begin and end at the public boat ramp at Demens Landing Park, next door the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina office, right in the heart of Downtown St. Pete.
- The address is: 500 1st Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- All guests must be able to climb at least three steps to board.
Where can I park my car?
- There is FREE four-hour parking in the circle at Demens Landing Park and FREE two-hour parking in other areas of the park. Be careful NOT to park in any space labeled “Marina Parking Only.” These parking area require a permit and you will be ticketed.
What happens AFTER I book a charter?
- Please check your inbox for email confirmation.
- 48 hours prior to embarkation, you will receive an email from FareHarbor with a unique link. EACH person in your party must sign the electronic waiver before boarding. If you have trouble with the electronic waiver, we will have paper copies available at the dock.
Is there a bathroom aboard?
- Yes, there is. In addition, there are public restrooms located near the boarding location.
Can we wear shoes aboard?
- The short answer is Yes! But your shoes must have clean, non-marking soles. Close-toed deck shoes, tennis shoes, etc. No high heels. The crew typically wear the old-school Crocs (yes, some may think they’re ugly but they make excellent sailing shoes!).
What should I wear?
- Dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. During the colder months you may want to bring a wind-proof jacket or fleece, gloves, warm hat, etc., as it may be noticeably cooler on the water than ashore.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed on board?
- Six guests plus crew. We must strictly adhere to this US Coast Guard regulation. Small children each count as one full person.
Are the charters suitable for beginners with no sailing experience?
- Absolutely! Our friendly crew ensures a safe, enjoyable experience for sailors of all skill levels.
Are the trips suitable for small children?
- All passengers/guests must be able to move around the boat independently, hold on, and take direction. Therefore we typically don’t recommend our trips for children under 5 years old.
Are Life Jackets required?
- In Florida, children under the age of 6 are required to wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a moving boat. Additionally, all children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while underway on any recreational vessel unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
What is included in our sail?
- Captain and First Mate
- All safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Fuel
- Water
- Soft drinks
- Ice
- Snacks
- A large cooler available for your use
What is NOT included in our sail?
- Alcoholic Beverages: Currently, alcohol is not provided on any of our trips, though this policy may be updated in the future. You are welcome to bring your own beverages and use our onboard cooler and ice. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly, with safety as our top priority.
- Gratuities: while not obligatory, tipping is always appreciated by the crew. 15-20% is customary in the industry.
What items are NOT permitted onboard?
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco products
- Illegal drugs or substances. While the use of medical marijuana is legal in the State of Florida, it is not legal in the eyes of the Federal government. As Althea is a U.S. Coast Guard federally documented vessel, it is subject to federal regulations. Therefore, we enforce a strict zero-tolerance drug policy on board.
- Spray tanning lotions and oils
- Glitter, confetti, balloons, or any items that may pollute the water or be potentially harmful to wildlife.
- Pets. While we love animals, we are not really equipped to handle them onboard.
Do you offer Custom charters?
- Definitely possible. Please send us a direct inquiry if you have any thoughts on chartering outside of our standard offerings.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
- We have a 72-hour cancellation policy. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 72 hours advance notice of cancellation. Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice, but more than 24 hours prior to the trip time will only receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the trip time or in the event of a no-show. If the Captain must cancel a trip due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, customer will receive a full refund or the option to re-book.
Are there any additional fees or taxes?
- There is a 6% booking fee collected and retained by our booking partner (FareHarbor) and 7% Florida state sales tax added to the price of the charter. These fees and taxes are not retained by St Pete Sails.
Can we bring food or beverages aboard?
- Yes.