FAQ
Learn everything you need to know about Tropical Sailing
Booking
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets can be purchased starting and up to 14 days in advance of the cruise date. We highly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance, as sails do sell out quickly. Reservations are not required but highly recommended. We are not able to promise that you will have a seat onboard without a reservation. To maximize your chances of getting the day that you prefer, please book in advance!
Can I make a reservation and pay when I get there?
You may, but without payment in advance unpaid reservations may be bumped for paid reservations
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive at least half an hour before your departure time, there is always traffic, or one lane is closed, and parking is sometimes hard to find. Keep these things in mind so you can leave in a timely manner. Our boat needs to stay on schedule and leave on time. If we don’t leave on time, we’ll miss the drawbridge and then the whole trip can be delayed for up to an hour! Please be respectful of other passengers and do not arrive late or you will miss the boat.
Why isn't it letting me book for December 26th, 2033?
Our calendar allows for booking 14 days in advance. If the date you desire is a long time from now, setting a reminder on your phone usually works for guests to remind them to go back and book within the 14 days.
__ date is available on line but it tells me to call you to book it for me. Why?
We apologize for the confusion, in our live calendar only the dates that are green are available to book. Anything that says call to book is so we can further assist you in finding another date that works for you.
Can I make a reservation further out than two weeks?
We accept reservations for private charters more than 14 days in advance.
Can I get a refund?
All sales are final. In some circumstances refunds may be made up to 24 hours in advance.
What happens if there's bad weather?
South Florida water changes rapidly and is often isolated. Because it is raining where you are does not mean it’s raining where the boat departs. WE may delay departure until dangerous weather passes. Once we leave the dock we are able to sail around the rain seek out the sun. Remember, a 75% chance of rain equals a 25% of no rain. In the rare event that we have to cancel a sail due to severe wind or weather, you will have the opportunity to reschedule your tickets or receive credit for a future event.
What to bring/what's available?
What food and drinks are available?
Bottled water, soda and snacks are available for purchase for the price of $1. There is a cooler of ice water and cups available throughout the cruise at no cost. You are also welcome to purchase beer or wine for $5 each, must be 21 or older with valid government issued ID.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Sure! You are more than welcome to bring a beach bag with snacks but please remember that glass bottles are not allowed on board. OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED. We also discourage coolers and recommend bringing a small bag with any items you’d like to have with you (other than alcohol) during the trip.
What should I wear?
Wear casual clothes (no high heels) such as shorts, tee-shirts, caps, etc. Swimwear is best for the day trips with activities, beach casual is perfect for the evening cruises. Remember the temperature may be a bit cooler on the water. Bring a camera to capture all the sights along the way!
Is the boat safe? Do you have life jackets?
All of our vessels are safe and inspected regularly by the US Coast Guard. We do have more than enough life jackets onboard, and children ages 12 and under are required to wear them during the sailing portion of the trip while on the upper decks of the vessel. If there are guests 30lbs or less in your party you need to provide their own life vest, we do not carry small ones on board.
Do you provide masks and snorkels?
Yes masks and snorkels are provided. However snorkeling is always weather/conditions permitting and thus is not guaranteed.
Who can come?
Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?
Our boats are gentle and pregnant women shouldn’t have any problems, but if you are pregnant and concerned, you should check with your doctor before attending.
Can people with wheelchairs come?
The Spirit is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, but the crew is trained to assist you board and disembark. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us and let us know about your particular situation.
Can children come?
Of course! Children ages 12 and under have a reduced price ticket, and children under 2 are free, but must have a free ticket in order to attend (due to Coast Guard regulations). We are a family friendly company, with that being said babies under 12 months are not recommended.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming is a prerequisite to snorkel, but we have life jackets for those that cannot swim.
About our trips
Will there be music?
Yes! We will play a variety of music including Calypso to put you in a relaxed tropical mood.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, there are two clean restrooms on board (for men and women) for your convenience.
Do you offer private charters?
Yes, our vessels are great for any special event or group function. If you’re interested in a private charter, please call and let us know!
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! We have gift certificates for all of our trips. If you’re interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click call and let us know what you’d like!
How long is the cruise?
All excursions range from 2 – 4 hours depending on the trip. Please visit our public tours pages or our special events page for more detail.
If I choose not to swim or snorkel do I still have to pay to go on the cruise?
Everyone occupying a seat must pay.
Do we swim on the sunset cruise?
We do not stop to swim on the pubic sunset sails.
Is the sail and splash going to be a lot of kids?
This depends, some days we may have mostly families and others there are no children at all.
How many people are going to be on the public cruise?
We limit or public charters to 75% of capacity. We seldom know how many guests to expect.
How long is the sail portion and the swim portion?
We usually swim for an hour to an hour and half.
Where does the cruise go? Does it out go into the ocean?
You can find a general route on each trip page but these may vary depending on weather conditions. Most of our trips do operate on the ocean when conditions are favorable.
Will a guide be in the water with us?
Guides may be provided on private charters upon request.
What kind of things do you see snorkeling? Are there sharks?
Depending on conditions, and guests abilities we see different types of coral, tropical fish, rays, turtles. Sharks do live in the waters where we sail and swim but we very seldom see them. When we do they are usually scared away very rapidly.