FAQ
Getting Here
Key West International Airport (EYW)
Miami International (MIA) is 3 ½ to 4 hours from Key West
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is 4 to 4 ½ hours from Key West
Take the Key West Express from Ft. Myers to Key West/Key West to Ft. Myers. The ferry is weather dependent and you can check the schedule here: keywestexpress.net
Rent a car from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale airports and drive to Key West over the Scenic Overseas Highway. Door to door shuttle services are also available from these airports from Keys Shuttle: keysshuttle.com
Getting Around Town
Both Stock Island Marina Village & Oceans Edge Resort & Marina have free shuttle service to the center of Key West’s historic district. Oceans Edge has bike, scooter & golf cart rentals on site from the resort activities hut. Stock Island Marina Village has bike & scooter rentals on site as well and can be arranged through the concierge.
A Taxi or Uber ride from the marina to the center of the historic district is approximately $15-$20 dollars.
There is free parking at the Marina but a parking pass is needed for Stock Island Marina Village.
Parking downtown can sometimes be difficult and does require paid parking in most instances. Be cautious of parking in residential areas as most spaces require a residential parking permit be displayed. Parking at a private business that has closed for the day could still result in being towed.
Key West transit has a bus that has routes as far as Marathon. https://www.kwtransit.com/map
Marina Information
Our marinas are all located on Stock Island, which is about 10 minutes by car to the heart of old historic Key West. Stock Island is immediately East of Key West and considered part of Key West because the two Keys are only separated by the Cow Key Chanel (a mere 75 yards wide). The East end of Key West is home to most of the larger hotels, the airport and many excellent restaurants.
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, 5950 Peninsular Ave. Stock Island, 33040
The Perry Hotel & Marina, 7005 Shrimp Rd. Stock Island, FL 33040
Our vessels are located at resort marinas. As a guest of the marina you are a guest of the resort and you have access to marina shower and bathroom facilities, Wi-Fi, pools, restaurants, green space and resort shuttle services to downtown Key West.
Parking is available at both marinas. For The Perry Hotel & Marina you will need to secure a parking pass upon arrival. At Oceans Edge there is designated parking for the marina. Both offer temporary unloading zones for provisions and luggage.
If you wish to make arrangements to take a transient slip at a marina during your charter here are a few recommendations. You would need to call ahead for availability and reservations.
KEY WEST
Opal Key Resort & Marina: 305-294-4000LOWER KEYS
Little Palm Island: 305-872-2524 | [email protected]MARATHON
Marathon Marina: 305-743-6575DUCK KEY
Hawks Cay Resort at Duck Key: 305-743-9000
Check Out & Check In
Check-out generally begins at 10am on the first day of your charter unless otherwise scheduled with the base manager. Available check out times will be included in your pre-arrival confirmation. Please allow 2 hours for complete checkout of all vessel systems and inventory for bareboat charters. Check-out will be conducted with captain and first mate only. All other guests are welcome to use the resort amenities or do the provisioning during check-out procedure. Please do not load any luggage or provisions onto the vessel before check-out is complete.
CHART REVIEW – All vessels have a local chartbook, review of charts, anchorage and other information pertinent to your float plan will be thoroughly reviewed at checkout. We encourage charterers to download an App like Navionics and familiarize themselves with the sailing grounds in advance. This will save considerable time for you at checkout.
FLOAT PLAN – We ask that you have your ideal float plan submitted at least two weeks prior to arrival with the list of all passengers for the final manifest if there have been any changes. It’s important if you’re considering a trip to Dry Tortugas you request the information sheet about this destination for proper planning purposes. A Dry Tortugas float plan is subject to approval in advance and to favorable weather conditions.
If you have a compulsory check-out cruise with a Captain, or you’ve optioned to do an orientation sail with a Captain, this will occur once the checkout commissioning of the vessel is completed. Please ensure your first mate is aboard for this. You will then leave the dock with the Captain. Please allow two hours for a check-out sail and for an orientation sail is about one hour. We ask that you please be prepared to pay them in cash. The Captains work as 3rd party providers for us. Allowing all charter passengers aboard for a check-out or orientation sail is at the Captain’s discretion.
In lieu of overnight boards we are offering a late check out option with an overnight board. You will complete your full charter check out as usual and then the remainder of your guests may board. This will allow you to leave the dock first thing in the morning. Late checkout must be scheduled for 2:00pm only and have a disembarkation time of 10am on the last day. The rate is $695.00 plus tax.
Your vessel will have a full fuel tank when you take possession and shall be returned full. Failure to return the vessel with a full tank will result in a $100 fueling fee, plus the cost of fuel charged against your security deposit. If for any reason your fuel tank is not topped off upon delivery this will be noted at checkout and the vessel may be returned with that same level.
What’s Onboard
We anticipate two persons in each cabin – you can expect your cabins to be set with sheets & a blanket, two pillows, 4 bath towels, 2 wash clothes. Your beds will be made up. The galley is very well appointed with pretty much everything you could possibly need for life aboard. If you prefer to drink strong coffee you might want to consider bringing a coffee press or espresso steamer. For the galley you will have a starter pack with a sponge, dish soap, 3 dish towels, a roll of paper towels. Inquire for the full galley inventory list for your specific vessel. We do always have a starter supply of single ply, septic safe toilet paper in each bathroom. You can expect that the vessel is full of fuel, the water topped off and the holding tank pumped out. There is no additional charge for these services.
Life vests for infants and children are something parents should absolutely provide for each of their children. These are very specific to the size and weight of a child. We have only a few children’s vests & cannot guarantee the right size or fit will be available. If you do not bring them, and we don’t have one, you will have to visit West Marine to purchase one.
All vessels have a dinghy and outboard. Some vessels have the dinghy on the davit and the engine on a mount, some with the dinghy and outboard on davits and some with the dinghy on board and the outboard on a mount. Please see each vessels specification for more information. We do not charge an additional fee for dinghies but they do not come with fuel.
Vessel Policies
No. The bulk of our vessels are located at the beautiful Oceans Edge Resort & Marina. The resort does not allow the use of vessels as hotel rooms. Charterers can overnight the first & last night of their charter at the dock. However, should you be traversing from a Westerly to Easterly itinerary and are unable to make the closest anchorage during daylight hours you may overnight in between at the dock and may return to the safety of the marina in the event of inclement weather. There are marina’s available right in the heart of historic Key West that provide fun dockage if you want to sail by day and enjoy all Key West has to offer by night. Prices for slips vary on the vessel size.
We maintain a no pet policy due to potential allergies for subsequent charterers
Smoking represents a high risk of burns to the decks, cockpit cushions and sails. Smoking should only be allowed on deck. Smoking is not allowed in interior space or below deck under any circumstances. There is an assumption of risk to cover the cost of repairs for any burn damage and a minimum $500 fee for sanitizing the vessel if someone smokes in any interior space.
Of course you can, but in moderation please, and only after you have concluded any water sports activities! While under sail it’s essential that all aboard are stable on their feet, able to move quickly and give assistance if necessary.
The consumption of alcohol during sailing courses is not allowed until the end of the day at anchor.
What to Bring
- Proper deck shoes are essential for good footing and protecting from injury while under way. For all on board: boating shoes, white soled shoes or non-marking athletic shoes please. Shoes with dark soles may mark up the decks and fees will be applied to cleaning of black marks.
- If you’re handling lines we recommend a pair of sailing gloves.
- Reef shoes are good for protecting your feet when wading ashore to beaches. They can be purchased at Walmart, Kmart, West Marine or any water sports store for about $20. We highly recommend you have a pair for each person aboard.
- Light comfortable clothing is usually all that’s needed; UV protection shirts are very helpful in protecting from sun burn as our Florida sun is very strong. A wide brimmed hat, plenty of reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses and several swim suits. A light sweater, long pants and warm socks just in case for the evenings. During the winter months it can get chilly in the evening so consider a heavier sweater & pants. A good rain jacket or waterproof wind breaker is essential.
- We recommend bringing bug spray or wipes for mosquitoes and biting knats which you could encounter in our tropical climate.
- All medications you may need, and if prescription, the bottles with the user’s name on the label.
- If you require prescription eyewear we suggest you bring an extra pair just in case.
- Seasickness medication is highly recommended, definitely a non-drowsy formula. We offer non-drowsy Dramamine for purchase at our charter base.
- Travel size toiletries are best due to limited space for storing large bottles while under way. We do provide one set of hotel size shampoo, conditioner, soap & body lotion in each cabin.
- Limit the amount of glass you bring aboard; plastic or cans are best for keeping volumes of garbage down, which is always challenging to store on longer trips.
- Cameras, tablets, chargers and extra batteries.
- Hard luggage or oversize bags are very difficult to store aboard and may take up valuable space you need for provisions and other supplies. We recommend you try to bring soft luggage, duffel bags, etc. We don’t have a way to store bags.
- We don’t supply beach towels but do offer them to rent for $10 per towel or you can buy them at Kmart in Key West when you provision.
- An extra cooler is always helpful, many seasoned charterers pack their belongings in coolers and check it as luggage. Super smart! Each vessel has a medium size cooler and we do rent out coolers for $40 each if you need an extra.
Local Provisioning
Stock Island Marina Village has a small ships store for ice, snacks, and sunscreen. The Perry Hotel, located at Stock Island Marina Village, has a boutique with clothing and gifts as well.
The charterer is responsible for their own provisioning. Nearby grocery stores in Key West include Publix, Winn-Dixie and Faustos. Publix offers grocery delivery to the marinas through the InstaCart app.
Additional stores located nearby on Stock Island and helpful for last minute provisions would be CVS Pharmacy and Dions Quickmart. There is a local West Marine on Stock Island as well.
Beer & Wine are sold at grocery stores. Alcohol must be purchased at a liquor store. The nearest liquor store is Jolly’s on Stock Island.
Watersports, Rentals, Activities
Coolers, extra refillable water jugs, beach towels and DVD players are available for rent from our base. Please contact our base manager for pricing. Orders must be placed in advance to ensure items are aboard on arrival. Last minute order at the dock will incur a delivery surcharge of up to $50.
We are able to coordinate the rental of paddleboards and kayaks delivered to the vessel. We currently do not rent snorkel equipment.
Snorkel Equipment – contact Finz located on Stock Island inside Hurricane Hole Bar & Grill. (305) 395-0880
It’s not allowable to tow any vessels or watersports equipment with our yachts or raft any vessel to our yachts as per our charter agreement. As current changes, pop up thunderstorms and wind may cause anchor drags from time to time we cannot allow vessels to be secured together.
You may fish from our vessels, but we require you provide your own cooler for storing fish & bait, cutting board & filet knife. Additionally, to prevent damage to the vessel we only allow for 6 light tackle rods. Our vessels are not designed as fishing vessels so please keep that in mind. You must obtain a Florida fishing license covering the activities you’re looking to do. You can get this online at https://gooutdoorsflorida.com/. We recommend you purchase charts that show areas specific to fishing which are available at westmarine.com. You can rent fishing gear at Key West Bait & Tackle. Our staff is not able to advise on fishing related information. We do not allow crab, lobster pots or plug in bait freezers on the vessels due to risk of damage.
Is not allowed from our vessels due to the risk of damage to decks from tanks & weights.
In addition to both Marina’s Hotels excellent restaurants, there are quite a few other great restaurants on Stock Island, many of them considered true iconic local “best kept secrets”. Hogfish Bar and Grill is on the top of that list, a must stop for many visitors to Key West, El Siboney, serving Cuban cuisine and Roostica, arguably the best pizza in the Keys. Locals flock to Chico’s Cantina for Mexican, the funky little El Mocho for authentic Cuban and the Dolphin Deli is a cool little sandwich shop with free delivery. The East end of Key West offers more restaurant choices, including Tavern N’ Town Steakhouse, La Trattoria ocean side Italian fine dining and Benihana Japanese Steakhouse.
The Key West Golf Club, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens and Tennessee Williams Theatre are located on Stock Island.
Paperwork & Policies
A signed contract and 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Your final payment is due 90 days prior to charter. Depending on any additions to the final invoice by the charterer this is typically 50% of your charter. We also require your passenger manifest at the time of booking. This is a mandatory document that we must have for the Coast Guard in the event of an incident or emergency.
All Charterers are required to provide a security deposit, either by purchasing the Yacht Damage Waiver upfront, or paying a higher Security Deposit prior to boarding the vessel, as further detailed on the Security Deposit/Yacht Damage Waiver/Insurance Deductible addendum.
Option 1 – The Charterer may elect to purchase a non-refundable damage waiver at the rate of: $50 per day for monohull, $75 per day for Catamaran or power yacht. A damage deposit is then due at the rate of: $2000 per engine for sailing vessels, $3000 per engine for power yachts. The purchase of the damage waiver limits the obligation for accidental damage or loss to the vessel and ancillary equipment up to the amount of the damage deposit. This limitation does not apply in the case of damage or loss resulting from gross negligence as defined in the charter contract. If you choose to purchase the Yacht Damage Waiver it will be added to your booking. The damage deposit will be taken prior to embarkation and if you do not pay we reserve the right to cancel your booking without further liability and without any right to a refund and you will not be entitled to continue with the charter.
Option 2 – The Charterer declines the damage waiver and elects to provide a cashier check in the amount of the full deductible on the vessel insurance policy as a security deposit which will be provided to you at the time of booking. The Security Deposit must be mailed to our accounting office and received prior to arrival to the charter base. It will be held there for the duration of the charter and returned once the vessel check in is complete and no damages are found.
Your right to a refund is limited. Written notice of cancellation is required, no exception, and if written notice of cancellation is received more than ninety (90) days prior to the commencement date of your charter there is a $700.00 cancellation fee, plus 3.5% credit card refund fee. This means the charter fee paid will be refunded, less the fees. If written notice of cancellation is received ninety (90) days or less than the commencement date of your charter, all charter fees paid will be forfeited.
In the event Florida Yachts Charters must cancel a charter, or interrupt an ongoing charter, due to the development of a tropical storm or hurricane which may affect the charter destination a rain check will be issued. The rain check will be valid for up to 1 year from the original date of charter on the same or equivalent vessel for the full number of days if cancellation is before charter commencement, or for unused days if charter is interrupted. This policy is valid only in the event of a tropical disturbance, defined as either a named tropical storm or hurricane by the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The seriousness of the disturbance and need to cancel charters will be determined at the sole discretion of Florida Yachts Charters. No other types of inclement weather are covered under this policy and no refunds are applicable. We highly advise the procurement of third-party travel insurance to avoid financial loss due to loss of airlines tickets, hotel fees and other travel related expenses.
Insurance
Purchase of charter cancellation coverage in the amount of $75.00 per night of charter entitles you to:
If written notice of cancellation is received equal to or more than sixty (60) days prior to the commencement date of your charter there is a $200.00 cancellation fee, plus 3.5% credit card refund fee. This means any charter fees paid will be refunded, less the fees and cost of purchasing coverage.
If written notice of cancellation is received sixty (60) or less days prior to the commencement date of your charter, you will receive a rain check to rebook your charter on another date, valid up to one year from the original date of your charter start date, with no penalty or rebooking fees. There is no refund available.
The option to purchase charter cancellation coverage is valid only at the time of booking.
We advise clients consider procuring third party travel insurance to protect from unforeseen circumstances like flight delays, bad weather or medical emergencies which might cause financial loss in airline tickets, hotel fees or other travel expenses, including loss of charter fees. We particularly advise such insurance during hurricane season which runs from June 1 – Nov 1. Two companies we recommend are Allianz and AIG Travel Guard, but there are others. Certain credit card companies also offer travel coverage when using that card for travel expenses. Ensure your policy is for Cruise coverage. These policies can be done online and have various levels of coverage to choose from. Charterers assume all risk of weather-related delays or interruption of a charter.
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