Q: WHAT TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE AND WHAT DO THEY COST? Tortuga Sailing Adventures provides only all inclusive catamaran yacht charter excursions in the waters near Key West, Florida. You and your friends/family are the only guests aboard. Our private charter caters to groups of 6 GUESTS OR LESS. DAY ADVENTURES: All persons in party must be at least 12 yrs. and be able to move about on a multi-leveled vessel.

Q: WHAT DO WE OFFER FOR DAY ADVENTURES? Sail & Snorkel a Reef day trips OR Turtle and Dolphin Spotting cruise - 4, 6, or 8 hour and Ultimate 10 hour Uninhabited Island Adventure are available during Spring/Summer only.

Q: WHAT DO WE OFFER FOR OVERNIGHT OR MULTIPLE DAY ADVENTURES? Out Island Overnight Escapes from 2 days to 3.5 days with a customized combination itinerary of reef, wreck, sandbars and island adventures. All persons in party must be at least 16 yrs of age and of moderate or better health.

Q: WHO GOES ON OUR TRIPS AND WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS? Couples, families, singles and small friendly groups. We often see adults and do have the following age requirements: Minimum age of 12+ on day trips and 16+ for any overnight trip. Our age requirement are strictly for safety reasons.  There are many hazardous to children in, on and around a vessel at sea. Our crew is well trained to prevent hazards and is trained to handle emergencies of all types. We are most thrilled to report that we maintain an exemplary ZERO ACCIDENT safety record.

Q. WHERE DO WE GO? It depends on how much time you will be on board and what the weather and seas are doing. We will advise you of top locations based on what your activity preference is.  See our full descriptions of various locations that we travel to - see REEF & ISLANDS  tab.

Q: WHEN CAN WE GO? See our CALENDAR for booking availability. Holidays and high season are booked early by the prudent traveler. When in doubt about availability, email us at reservations@tortugasailingadventures.com and ask. Regardless of the amount of time you choose to charter, we will to leave the dock normally at 09:00 unless otherwise discussed and agreed.  Our overnight guests need to be settled with their bags before departure time.

Q: HOW DO I BOOK A TRIP? Use our secure online booking and pay a inital partial deposit with the balance due on boarding or pay in full. The choice is yours.

Q: DO I TRIP THE CREW?  Tips are customary in the tourist industry. Your crew works very hard to ensure that your trip is a superior experience. If you enjoy your experience, tip the crew accordingly between 15 - 20%. 

Q: Is there parking at the marina?  A: Yes, and it is free.  Just make sure you place our parking pass on your dashboard

Q: What should I bring? 

  • Skin protection ~ Non-spraying, waterproof, reef-friendly sunscreen. Zinc Titanium Oxides are our favorites. Self-tanning, oil based or spray-on sunscreens are not allowed onboard.

  • Sunglasses ~ Polarized will provide you with the best eye protection and visibility into the water. We suggest using retainers so you don’t lose them as well.

  • Clothing ~ We advise you to review the expected weather conditions prior to your arrival. Most guests will bring a variety of layers in addition to their swimwear. Light jacket/sweatshirt may be needed during cooler months. During summer months, we encourage long sleeved Rash Guards or cover ups for those inclined to sunburns.

  • Towels – at least 1 per person

  • Camera ~ Waterproof or underwater suggested

  • Any specialty snorkel gear (we carry many sizes for men & women, children sizes are limited)

  • BYOBooze – Our insurance says we can’t supply it for you but we can keep it cold in our cooler. Cans and glass bottles are welcomed on the yacht. We will gladly provide you with a koozie for any glass bottles while you drink from it and will stow remaining bottles in a manor to prevent breakage. For safety reasons, incapacitated guests are not allowed in the water. Drinking of adult beverages is permitted after your water activity have ended for that day.

What NOT to bring

  • Self-tanning, oil based or spray on sunscreens

  • Cigarettes (including E-Cigs), cigars, pipes or items that you burn & inhale

  • Hard luggage due to stowage challenges

  • Blow dryers, curling irons

  • Flammables & weapons of any type

Q: Is there parking at the marina?  A: Yes, and it is free.  Just make sure you place our parking pass on your dashboard

Q: Is there a shuttle?  A: Yes, there is a Stock Island Village Marina shuttle van that runs every hour from the Perry Key West Hotel to the 700 Front Street in downtown Key West.   Alternative transportation options include UBER, LYFT and TAXI's

Q: What do I do on the Yacht?  A: Most people spend their time enjoying the scenery of the ocean, the uninhabited islands, and the marine animals that can often be spotted.  We are happy to provide an orientation talk on the Florida Keys.   There are plenty deck space and a couple beanbags to sit and socialise, play games, read, and relax or just enjoy sailing.

Q: What equipment can I use? A: Based on your request and time allowed, you can use following: Snorkel mask & snorkel, fins & vests (Women sizes 5-10 Men sizes 7-13), Paddle Boards: 2 available (a 10' and 11') with paddles, 1 Person Kayak, Aqua Lily Pad: A 12'x8' floating pad.

Q: What are the meals and snacks like?  A: Your meals and snacks can be customised for your group.  Diet restrictions, allergies and tastes are all accounted for when we select your menu.  On short excursions, we typically provide sandwiches and a assortment of sparkling waters, still waters, low sugar sports drinks.  Chips are available as well.  We place emphasis on foods that are locally sourced. Because of this, our menu is constantly changing. Your welcome to bring your own specialty foods.

Q: Is there a bathroom on the yacht? A: Yes, there is a head (bathroom) on board for your use as well as a changing area. 

Q: Will my cell phone work?  A:  Yes and No.  Current cell phone towers provide a range of about 10 miles from shore.  Once past that point, there will be little or no cell phone use. Pretend it is the 'olden days' and talk to each other.

Q: How do I prevent sea sickness?  A:  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!   It's fairly uncommon that guests get seasick during our outings, but if you are pre-disposed to motion sickness we suggest eating a hearty breakfast and take any preventative OTC motion sickness medication at least 4 hours before arrival. Once motion sickness sets in, there are minimal deterrents and it can ruin an otherwise fine day.

Q: How fast does each boat go?  A: the large sailing vessel, Tortuga travels at an average speed is 6 knots with a max of about 10 knots. The power boat is a 34’ Fountain Center Console with 2 outboard motors touting 700 Hp.

Q: Is the yacht licensed and legal?   A:  Yes, Both the vessel and captain are fully licensed, insured and documented with the Coast Guard.  The Tortuga and her crew comply with all US Coast Guard requirements for safety and have life jackets and life-saving equipment onboard for every passenger.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?  A:   We encourage you to reschedule your trip to another time within 1 year of the originally booked date.  Fully paid reservations are refundable, less 30% when you provide a cancellation notice directly to our email address (Reservations@TortugaSailingAdventures.com) at least 30 days prior to your scheduled trip.  All other refund requests are subject to approval by our management.  When approved, refunds are issued usually within 4 business days.

Q: What happens in bad weather?  A: The Tortuga will run in all light weather conditions (a little rain never hurt anyone!). If a unexpected storm comes upon the vessel while at sea, the captain will take immediate action to protect the guests, crew and vessel. If this situation comes upon S/V Tortuga while you are onboard, it is required that you follow the captain’s orders. He will not require you to do anything that you cannot physically do but as in the days of old, the captain is 100% responsible for all that happens while at sea - that is a immense responsibility that is not taken lightly.

Q: What happens in an emergency?  A: The Tortuga is a 42’ long, 24’ wide catamaran built for ocean crossing and it is equipped to handle rough conditions. The crew is skilled is basic life-saving techniques.  We have communication links with the Coast Guard and Key West medical facilities.  In a medical emergency we will make haste to return back to the dock or take whatever appropriate actions are needed to ensure the safety of guests and/or crew.

Capt. Rick

 Additional Safety, Etiquette & Expectations

The use, transportation, or possession of illegal drugs or narcotics or of any other contraband, or the participation in any other unlawful activity is strictly prohibited. 

Over consumption of alcoholic beverages that impairs physical and/or emotional capabilities and creates a safety concern is prohibited.   Safety takes priority above all

Exercise care when utilising Equipment and Supplies.  Items damaged or lost due to guest's negligence will be replaced or repaired at GUEST expense.

The CAPTAIN will continuously monitor water and weather conditions. These factors will play a significant role in our destinations and activities at sea.  The CAPTAIN makes all final decisions in these matters.

Additional info for our Overnight Guests -

  • Bring a change of dry clothes

  • Use a backpacks or collapsible luggage for your gear & clothes (stowage is limited)

  • Bring any specialty health & hygiene products. We will provide towels, wash clothes, eco-friendly shampoo & body soap.

A courteous guest will:

o   be conservative of tank water and ice (drinking water is always plentiful)

o   be aware that the CREW is available from sun up to sun down and during any emergency.  

o   decrease noise levels after dark.

o   know to maintain their private quarters in a clean and usable state, keeping passageways clear at all times. CREW will conduct light housekeeping in guest head and hallway.