Know Before You Go,
Be Prepared for Your Charter Boat Trip On-the-Water
What’s Included
- Cooler with ice
- Fishing rods & reels, tackle and bait
- Fishing licenses
- Catch cleaning – filleting only
- Snorkeling gear (fins, goggles w/snorkels for snorkel and lobster trips)
- Lobstering gear (for lobster trips)
- Good times and lots of fun
What’s NOT Included
- Swimming/snorkeling lessons
- Lunch, snacks
- Beverages
- Cooler for your catch
- Fish cleaning other than filleting (no descaling)
- SWAG! Ask what’s available.
- Customary 15-20% gratuity
- Negativity. Leave it at the dock!
The Dauntless Boat Location
Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina
6000 Peninsular Ave., Key West, FL 33040
What About the Weather?
There’s more to a great trip than sunny weather. There are also sea conditions to consider which are driven by the weather, particularly the wind. The Dauntless does not go out in any situation where weather creates conditions that may be unsafe. In that situation, your trip will either be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund.
Chat with the Captain on any of your weather or sea state concerns. Oftentimes, there is an alternative in direction or location that will provide just as much fun.
Popular Boat Charter Questions
Here are a few of the common questions people ask about fishing and snorkel trips.
When should we arrive?
Ten minutes before trip is ideal to allow time for boarding, getting settled and cover safety information before departure.
How do we find the boat in the marina?
Dauntless doesn’t have a dedicated slip and gets launched shortly before your trip. If the location in the marina changes from what’s posted here, you’ll be notified by text before you arrive as to the new slip location.
When you get to the marina bear right after passing through the gate. Go past the ship store, past the launch/forklifts, go left around the boats that are sitting on work racks and find a place to park or get dropped there. The boat will be at one of the docks in that area, easy to find with the name Dauntless on the hull sides.
When does the clock start and end for our 4/6/8 hr trip?
The charter schedule is dock-to-dock. So a four hour trip from 8AM to noon departs the dock at 8AM and ties back up at the dock at 12PM.
What boat amenities are available?
- Cabin for changing
- Head (marine toilet)
- Shade from the sun
- Music, the captn’s playlist or bluetooth yours
What are the passenger restrictions?
The type of trip, weather and sea conditions dictate the group size, age, and ability limitations.
Group size
Most trips have a 4-6 passenger limit. Six passengers is the max due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations for a boat of this size and type.
Age Limit
There is no minimum or maximum age limit on the Dauntless, however the safety of passengers is the first priority and it may be a consideration depending on conditions.
Health Conditions
Being on a boat, fishing, snorkeling and swimming all have varying degrees of risk based on type of activity, weather and sea conditions. Physical ability and certain health conditions may be a consideration for passenger safety. Discuss any concerns you have with the captain before booking a trip.
Is a charter ok for children?
The Dauntless is the perfect boat for families! Some of the best memories to be made are when parents and children enjoy being on the water together. I love being a part of making those memories.
There is no minimum age but it is condition dependent. Small children may not have developed the ability to balance or protect themselves from the motion of the boat. Depending on the type of activity, weather and sea conditions, my focus will be on safety and if I think it unsafe, small children may not be permitted aboard.
Does the little dog come too?
So you saw pics with a little dog on the boat… that’s first mate Siba and she is on every trip. She’s a 10 year old Parson Russell Terrier, same as a Jack Russell, just taller, leaner and I’d argue the best boat dog ever! If you’re allergic or prefer not to have a dog on board, I strongly suggest finding a more suitable charter to get the most enjoyment from your trip.
The Dauntless has Siba aboard all the time, so there’s no way to avoid allergy issues. Aside from that, this little boat dog does not stay home. Just be forewarned, the Capt does not matter at all when you’re on board. She’ll be your new best friend and will go home with you if I don’t tether her to the boat when we get back to the dock.
How do we prevent motion sickness?
Motion sickness is not taken lightly by charter boat captains. Getting seasick bad enough to vomit overboard can lead to dehydration which can quickly create a serious health emergency if not properly addressed. A passenger with motion sickness may mean the trip gets cut short.
Even if you never had motion sickness previously, taking steps to lessen the risk will make for a more enjoyable trip. People can, and do, get seasick even on calm water.
If there is any chance at all or you’re not sure if there’s a risk of motion sickness, consult with your doctor on medications you may be considering to prevent an occurrence during your charter. Follow doctor’s orders or the directions on the label of any over-the-counter options you choose to purchase.
A lot of passengers have shared that starting prevention the night before has had the best results in preventing nausea. Out on the water your charter boat captain will also have tips for you to help prevent or manage the onset if you start feeling nauseous. The best thing you can do is heed the advice given.
Don’t let something preventable cause a miserable trip that may end up cut short if you or someone gets sick.
Can I bring my own fishing gear?
Sure! But, you don’t have to. Rods, reels, bait and tackle are all provided for you, already set up for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
You sure can – but due to the risk of hypoxaemia and hypercapnia, (click that link to read more) only a standard snorkel mask is permitted. You will otherwise be stuck sitting on the boat if you bring a full-face mask and do not want to use a mask that is provided. “The danger with full-face masks is the potential for rebreathing exhaled gas high in carbon dioxide (CO2 ),” which can happen if you’re a heavy breather or become startled or excited. “There have been several snorkelling accidents including fatalities associated with the use of full-face snorkel masks.”
What recommendations do you have for more Key West fun?
There is SO much to love about Key West, Florida and you can only google so much before all the options become a daunting mass of hazy mind clutter. Save time with your planning or while here on your visit and use the best go-to for damn near everything Key West – The Concierge Girl, Kelly. Be sure to let her know Capt. Janis sent you!
Why are bananas banned on boats?
If you want the boat to remain floating, with engines that run, and perhaps catch some fish, lobsters, or otherwise have a good time, leave the bananas home. You can read more on the boat banana ban here.
Happy Captain, Happy Guest
Don’t walk the plank!
No matter the charter boat you choose, a happy captain goes over the top to give you the best experience possible. An unhappy captain won’t be as motivated. Avoid these common charter boat pet peeves and you won’t get the evil eye or an unanticipated swim in shark infested waters…
Always ask permission to board before stepping onto the boat. It’s safest if you wait for instruction before boarding. Serious injuries can occur if falling between the dock and boat. Regardless of safety, asking permission to board is common boating etiquette. This is a big deal in boating culture. It demonstrates respect for boat and crew. You’ll get a big smile and top notch service for showing you cared enough to learn this little nugget of info.
Leave the spray sunscreen home. Sunscreen should be non-spray and reef safe. Sprays throw a mist over a wide area, even if not intended, creating a safety hazard by leaving a residue that is slippery on boat decks and other surfaces. Reef-safe is important to protect the fragile reef eco-system. Sunscreen spray is also fantastically attractive to the most stubborn dirt. Be in the captain’s best graces by using only reef safe non-spray sunscreen and enjoy a safe and enjoyable charter.
Alcohol consumption should be kept at a minimum. Most charter boat captains will allow some alcoholic beverages to be brought on board but none allow unsafe or unruly impaired behavior. Any behavior that places self or others at risk, or upsets other passengers, will be cause for the captain to turn the boat around and abruptly end the trip. If you’re too intoxicated to walk the plank, you might just be tossed overboard with a pool noodle. Illegal immigrants may or may not rescue you as they drift by.
Shoes. Ask if you can wear them aboard before boarding. Some boats like the Dauntless are “no shoes.” Shoes track every manner of grease and grime all over the deck which will likely get you the death stare, resulting in an agitated captain and crew. It’s incredibly difficult and time consuming to keep a boat’s deck clean. Please respect the boat and particularly the crew that cleans up after you.
No glass containers – glass can break easily aboard a boat and quickly become an injury maker. Only bring beverages in plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
NO Chocolate or anything that melts, almost melts or otherwise makes a mess, like cheese doodles and sunflower seeds. Here in the Keys, some things start melting 10 feet out the door. And some things, particularly colorful gooey treats, will actually stain a boat’s vinyl or fiberglass. Messy snacks and treats get into cracks and crevices attracting insects and rodents. Please be mindful of the snacks you choose and the mess they can make.
Make a restroom visit before you get to the dock. Don’t take time away from your trip. If you have to use the head (boat’s toilet) while underway, so be-it, but out on the water you place yourself at a much higher risk to get motion sick. Being in an enclosed space that is moving can quickly cause vertigo. Additionally, if possible, only go #1 in the head. No #2 unless by exception. Toilet paper goes in the trash can and not the toilet. It’s not the same plumbing as a house and will clog just by looking at it. It’s $600 to unclog it by a professional who will have to take the whole system apart. It’ll be your bill. Don’t be shy, always ask to use the head before using it to get proper instruction first.
