Frequently Asked Questions

Booking is simple. You can use the Book Now button on any page to book your charter. You will be redirected to a booking page where you can select your charter type, date, number of guests, and any special requests.

We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May–September) and around holidays. Popular dates — like New Year's Eve, Fourth of July, and weekends — often fill 6–8 weeks out.

That said, we do occasionally have last-minute availability. If your dates are flexible or you're planning spontaneously, don't hesitate to reach out — we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Our vessel is U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry up to 6 guests plus the captain. This intentionally small capacity is what allows us to deliver a genuinely personal, unhurried experience.

Have a larger group? Contact us — for parties of 7–12, we can discuss options including pairing with a partnering vessel so both groups depart together.

Never. Every single charter we offer is 100% private. When you book, you book the entire boat for your group only.

We don't sell individual seats or run mixed-group tours. The boat is yours for the duration of your charter — completely exclusive to your party. This is one of the core things that sets us apart from larger tour operations.

All charters depart from Setting Point VG1140, British Virgin Islands. Once your booking is confirmed, Sherwin will send you detailed parking instructions, directions to the slip, and his direct contact number for the day of.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows time for a brief safety orientation, gear distribution, and getting everyone comfortably settled before we cast off.

Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of a private charter is flexibility. While each charter type has a general structure, Sherwin builds the day around your group's pace, interests, and energy level.

Want to spend longer at a particular snorkel spot? Done. Prefer to skip the fishing and add more time for dolphin watching? No problem. Sherwin adapts in real time — just let him know what you love and he'll make it happen.

Seasickness is real and nothing to be embarrassed about. Here's how to minimize the chances:

• Take an over-the-counter seasickness remedy (Dramamine, Bonine) 1–2 hours before departure
• Eat a light, non-greasy meal beforehand — don't go on an empty stomach
• Stay hydrated the day before and morning of
• Wear Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands) if you're prone to motion sickness

We keep motion sickness bags and ginger chews on board, and Sherwin knows when and where to find calmer water. If needed, he'll always adjust the route to keep everyone comfortable.

Absolutely! Family trips are some of our most popular charters. There is no minimum age. Children of all ages are welcome — from toddlers to teenagers.

Sherwin has years of experience with family groups and knows how to keep kids engaged and excited. Life jackets in all sizes are on board. For very young children or non-swimmers, we'll stick to calm, shallow snorkel areas and stay close to protected coves.

We count infants and toddlers as guests for capacity purposes. All guests — including children — must be listed when booking.

Half-Day Packing List

• 🕶️ Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
• 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen (we ask that you use reef-safe to protect the marine ecosystem)
• 👙 Swimwear and a change of clothes
• 🏖️ A towel or two
• 👟 Non-slip, closed-toe shoes for boarding (flip flops are fine once on board)
• 💧 A water bottle (we provide water, but a personal bottle is handy)
• 📱 Your phone or camera (in a waterproof case if you have one)
• 💊 Any personal medication, including seasickness prevention

All the above, plus:

• 🎒 A small dry bag for valuables
• 🥤 Extra snacks or drinks if you want variety beyond our provided spread
• 🎣 Any personal fishing gear (though all tackle is provided)
• 📷 A waterproof camera or GoPro — you'll want it
• 🩹 Any prescription medication you take during the day

We provide a lockable dry compartment for phones, wallets, and keys during snorkel sessions.

All snorkel gear is provided — masks, fins, snorkels, and flotation noodles are included at no extra charge on all snorkel-inclusive charters.

Equipment is cleaned and sanitized between charters. If you have your own personal mask or prescription mask, you're absolutely welcome to bring it. Wetsuits are available for cooler months — just let us know when booking and we'll have them ready.

All fishing charters include: rods, reels, all terminal tackle, bait, and a fishing license for the vessel (covers all guests). You don't need to bring anything — just show up ready to cast.

If you have a personal rod you love fishing with, bring it — just let us know so we can plan rod holder space. Catch-and-release is the default for most species. You're welcome to keep what's legal; we'll provide a bag with ice.

No swimming ability required. Non-swimmers are completely welcome on any of our charters. USCG-approved life jackets in all sizes are always on board and available throughout the trip.

For snorkel tours, non-swimmers can use a flotation vest to snorkel in shallow water near the boat, or simply watch from the boat — many guests enjoy watching others snorkel and spotting marine life from the surface. Sherwin will never pressure anyone to get in the water.

Weather Policy

Safety is always the priority. Sherwin monitors forecasts closely in the days leading up to your charter and will contact you as early as possible if conditions look unfavorable.

If we cancel due to weather or unsafe sea conditions, you will receive a full refund or priority reschedule at no charge. Light rain or overcast skies alone generally won't cancel a trip — Sherwin will talk you through conditions honestly so you can decide what you're comfortable with.

Yes, fully. Captain Sherwin holds a USCG 100-Ton Master Captain's License and is current on all required renewals. The vessel carries full commercial marine liability insurance covering all passengers.

On board you'll find: USCG-approved life jackets for all sizes, throwable flotation devices, flares, a VHF marine radio, a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and an emergency anchor. A pre-departure safety briefing is given to every group before we leave the dock.

Please let us know about any medical conditions, mobility limitations, or special needs when booking. We want to ensure every guest has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Boarding the boat requires stepping across a dock and down into the vessel — not suitable for guests who cannot do so safely without assistance. Sherwin and crew provide hands-on boarding assistance. Pregnant guests in their third trimester should consult their physician before booking and discuss their situation with Sherwin directly.

Cancellation Policy

• 7+ days before departure: Full refund of deposit
• 3–6 days before departure: 50% refund of deposit
• Less than 72 hours: Deposit is non-refundable
• Weather cancellations by us: Full refund or free reschedule, always

We're human about this. If something serious comes up — a family emergency, illness, etc. — reach out to Sherwin directly. He'll work with you to find a solution.

Yes — one free reschedule is allowed with at least 72 hours' notice, subject to availability. Just reach out to Sherwin directly and he'll find an alternative date that works.

Same-day rescheduling (less than 24 hours before departure, excluding weather) is generally not possible as the date has already been blocked for your group.

We understand life happens — traffic, parking, kids taking forever. Please call Sherwin immediately if you're running late so he can adjust the plan. We'll wait up to 20 minutes past your scheduled departure time.

Beyond that, to be fair to any back-to-back charters, we may need to depart and your charter duration may be adjusted. No refunds are issued for time lost due to late arrival. Arriving 15 minutes early is always the safest bet.

Gratuity is not included in the charter price and is never expected — but always deeply appreciated. If Sherwin and the crew make your day truly special, a cash tip of 15–20% of the charter price is the industry norm and a wonderful way to say thank you.

While no wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed — this is the wild ocean, after all — sea turtles and dolphins are spotted on the vast majority of our snorkel and wildlife tours. Sherwin knows the feeding areas, migration routes, and gathering spots better than anyone.

Humpback whale sightings are seasonal (typically November through March in most regions). Spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and a dazzling variety of reef fish are reliably present year-round at our favorite spots.

No — and this is important. Touching, chasing, or feeding marine life is harmful to the animals and, in many cases, illegal under federal and state law. This includes sea turtles, dolphins, seabirds, coral, and all reef fish.

Sherwin gives a friendly but clear briefing on responsible ocean etiquette before every snorkel session. The goal is to observe and appreciate — not disturb. The ocean takes care of us; we take care of it.

Conventional sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are scientifically documented to cause coral bleaching, disrupt marine reproduction, and accumulate as toxins in reef ecosystems. Many coastal regions have legally banned them.

We ask all guests to use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) when snorkeling or swimming. Popular reef-safe options include Thinksport, Raw Elements, and All Good. If you forget to bring some, we keep a few on board. It's a small ask that makes a big difference.