LEGAL

Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: May 1, 2026

1. Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure time and must be made exclusively via email to [email protected].

We will not be flexible with cancellation timing. If you are already within the cancellation window at the time of your request, the request will not be accepted. The timestamp on your email will be used to determine whether the request falls within the allowed time frame.

All reservations booked within the cancellation timeframe are considered final. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after the window has closed.

2. Cancellations Due to Delayed or Cancelled Flights

Aqua Boat Charters may grant an exception if you provide valid proof of a cancelled or significantly delayed flight. You must send a screenshot of your boarding pass (matching the name on the reservation) and the flight number, and the flight must appear as delayed or cancelled on Google Flights or a similar tracking service. In this case, a one-time reschedule only will be allowed — no refunds. The reschedule must be requested no later than 3 hours before the charter start time. The boarding pass must match the lead traveler’s name — no exceptions for other party members. All requests must be emailed to [email protected].

3. Rescheduling Policy (Flight-Related)

Any reschedule granted as an exception for a cancelled or delayed flight cannot be rescheduled or cancelled again. It is valid for up to 1 year from the original date with the original price guaranteed. After 1 year, the amount paid may still be applied toward a future reservation, but any price difference must be paid by the customer. Any remaining credit will remain on file for future use.

4. No-Show Policy (Private Trips)

The trip starts and ends at the scheduled time, regardless of when guests arrive. Late arrivals cannot recover lost time. If you do not arrive within 45 minutes of your reservation start time and have not contacted us or the captain, you will be considered a no-show with no refund. In some cases, if the captain is made aware you are running late, they may choose to wait at their discretion.

5. Weather Policy

For complete details on weather-related cancellations and rescheduling, please review our Weather Policy.

6. Reservation and Payment

6.1 Boat reservations can be made in advance through our website or through authorized third-party booking platforms such as FareHarbor, Anchor, or similar services. Walk-ins are not accepted.

6.2 The customer must provide accurate and complete information at the time of reservation, including contact details and payment information.

6.3 A deposit or full payment may be required to secure a reservation. Payments are processed securely through Stripe. By providing payment information, you authorize Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. to charge the applicable amount.

6.4 The customer agrees to pay the rental fee, applicable taxes, fuel charges, security deposit, and any additional fees incurred during the rental period.

6.5 The presence of the designated Lead Customer is mandatory throughout the duration of the charter. This individual must complete all required agreements and waivers prior to boarding, as required by U.S. Coast Guard regulations. If the Lead Customer is unable to attend, they must email [email protected] with authorization for a substitute, including copies of both IDs and written confirmation of acceptance of the payment method used.

6.6 Any false, misleading, or incomplete information provided by the customer that results in operational disruptions, legal issues, or safety concerns may result in immediate cancellation without refund. The customer may also be permanently banned from future bookings.

7. Captain’s Authority & Right to Terminate Charter

For the safety of all passengers, crew, and the vessel, the Captain has full authority and discretion over all operational decisions during the charter. This authority is granted under U.S. maritime law and the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993. The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary or route for safety, weather, or mechanical concerns; deny boarding or remove any passenger deemed intoxicated, disruptive, non-compliant, or a risk to safety; and terminate the charter and return to port early if passenger behavior violates safety policies, legal regulations, or crew instructions.

If the charter is terminated due to passenger misconduct, no refund or credit will be issued. The Charterer is responsible for the actions of all guests in their party.

8. Alcohol & Substances Policy

Alcohol is permitted for guests aged 21 and older only. Excessive intoxication is not tolerated and may result in termination of the trip without refund. No illegal substances are allowed onboard. Discovery of illegal drugs may result in immediate cancellation of the charter and possible notification of law enforcement.

9. Food & Beverage Policy

Guests may bring their own food and drinks. Red wine is NOT allowed onboard. Glass drinkware is NOT allowed — please bring plastic or stainless-steel containers. Burners and open-flame cooking equipment are NOT allowed. A cleaning fee may apply for excessive messes, spills, or trash left behind.

10. Gratuity Policy

Gratuity is not included in your booking. A 15–20% tip is customary and greatly appreciated by our crew. Tips may be paid in cash or electronically.

11. Lifejacket Policy for Children

11.1 Children aged 13 years or younger must wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved lifejacket at all times while aboard.

11.2 It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) to ensure compliance with this requirement throughout the duration of the charter.

11.3 Any fines or penalties incurred due to non-compliance are solely the customer’s responsibility. Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. shall not be held liable.

12. Provision of Lifejackets

12.1 We may provide Coast Guard-approved lifejackets for children if the customer does not have one available. Availability is subject to stock on a first-come, first-served basis.

12.2 The customer is responsible for determining whether any provided lifejacket is appropriate for the child, including any potential allergies or sensitivities.

13. Lifejackets for Adults

Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are available onboard for all adult passengers. While not mandatory for adults, we strongly encourage their use. Customers may request a lifejacket from the captain at any time.

14. Customer Communication Policy

Every reservation must include a valid phone number and email address. If you unsubscribe from our communications prior to the start of your trip, Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. reserves the right to cancel your reservation without a refund.

15. Captain Selection Process

In accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, all bareboat charters require a Captain Selection Process. Approximately 2–3 days before your reservation, you will receive an email containing the Bareboat Charter Agreement for your signature and captain selection instructions. If the Captain Selection is not completed, your charter may be cancelled with no refund. If your reservation was made within 48 hours of the charter, you will receive these documents on the same day and must respond as soon as possible.

Option 1: You may choose from a list of captains that Aqua Boat Charters has pre-selected. These captains are independent contractors — you must confirm their availability directly, and captain fees are paid directly to the captain.

Option 2: The client may act as the captain (you must submit a series of strict requirements via email for our approval prior to the charter).

Option 3: You may bring your own captain, but you must submit the captain’s documentation via email for our strict approval prior to the charter.

16. Right to Refuse Service

Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. reserves the right to refuse service or cancel a trip at any time, without refund, for reasons including but not limited to: rude, threatening, or inappropriate behavior toward staff, crew, or other passengers; intoxication or drug use posing a safety or legal concern; unsafe behavior or refusal to comply with safety instructions; disrespect or mistreatment of the captain or crew; or any behavior deemed disruptive, dangerous, or inappropriate by the company or captain.

17. Waiver Policy

Each person boarding the vessel must sign the required waivers before participating in the charter. Failure to sign will prohibit boarding. No refunds will be issued for any person who refuses or fails to sign a waiver. Required documents include:

Bareboat Charter Agreement — confirms the customer assumes full responsibility for the vessel during the rental period, including captain and crew selection, fuel, provisions, and navigation decisions.

Boat Rules & Warnings Notification / Release of Liability — acknowledges boat safety rules, warnings, assumption of risk, indemnification, and liability waiver. This document is administered through WaiverForever or a similar third-party waiver service.

Captain Selection Agreement — confirms the customer’s selection of captain in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

18. Boat Rules & Safety Warnings

Rules: Adults must accompany children at all times — children 13 years or younger must wear a lifejacket at all times. Diving from the vessel is NOT permitted. Guests must know how to swim before entering the water. Smoking onboard is NOT permitted. Hookah use is NOT permitted. Weapons of any kind are NOT allowed onboard. Illegal drugs are NOT allowed — if drugs are found, we reserve the right to terminate the charter immediately. Do NOT stand on the boat platform when the boat is in motion; platform access doors must remain closed at all times. Do NOT wear shoes inside the boat. Do NOT throw paper, hygiene items, or any other materials in the toilet. Red wine is NOT allowed. Glass drinkware is NOT allowed. Burners are NOT allowed. Do NOT throw trash or any product into the water — Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. is committed to keeping our waters clean; violations will result in a stop of the trip until the trash is retrieved and lost time will not be refunded. Guests must follow the captain’s instructions at all times.

Warnings: Not recommended for travelers with back problems. Not recommended for travelers with heart conditions or other serious medical issues. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If you have any health concerns, consult your doctor before participating. Not wheelchair accessible. Minimum drinking age is 21 years.

19. Minimum Age to Reserve

The minimum age to reserve a boat charter is 18 years old. If the reservation is made by someone under 21, no alcohol will be permitted onboard, and no complimentary alcohol will be provided even if included in other packages.

20. Compliance with Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993

Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. operates in compliance with the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993. All customers must abide by applicable federal regulations. Optional insurance coverage is available upon request. If insurance is not purchased, the charterer assumes full liability for any incidents involving the vessel during the charter.

21. Weapons-Free Policy

Aqua Boat Charters strictly enforces a no-weapons policy. Firearms, knives, explosives, or any other weapons are strictly prohibited onboard and on company premises. This policy applies to all employees, customers, visitors, and contractors.

22. Service Animal Policy

We welcome service dogs individually trained to assist a person with a disability, as defined by the ADA. No documentation is required, and no additional fee will be charged. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), comfort animals, and pets are not permitted onboard. Service animals must remain under control at all times. If a service animal poses a safety risk, we reserve the right to deny boarding or end the trip early without refund.

23. Vessel Substitution Policy

23.1 Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the originally booked vessel with another vessel of equal or higher value at no additional cost.

23.2 Substitutions may occur due to mechanical issues, safety concerns, maintenance, weather conditions, delays from previous charters, or any other circumstance rendering the original vessel unavailable.

23.3 If a comparable vessel is provided, no refunds or credits will be issued. If a vessel of equal value is not available, the customer will be offered a reschedule at no cost, a full refund, or the option to use a less expensive vessel with a partial refund reflecting the price difference.

24. Customer Belongings & Responsibility

24.1 Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the loss, damage, theft, or deterioration of personal belongings, whether aboard the vessel, on company premises, or during navigation.

24.2 The customer acknowledges that boat use involves inherent risks, including vessel motion, water exposure, adverse weather, and other unforeseeable events.

24.3 The sole responsibility for the care and security of personal belongings — including phones, cameras, jewelry, and clothing — rests exclusively with the customer.

25. Photo & Video Release

Photographs and videos may be taken by Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. during the charter for documentation, promotional, or commercial purposes. All participants acknowledge that images capturing the vessel, activities, and guests may be used in print or digital media. No individual compensation will be provided.

26. Third-Party Booking Platforms

Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. may use one or more authorized third-party booking and reservation management platforms — including but not limited to FareHarbor, Anchor, or similar services — to process reservations. The specific platform in use may change at any time at the company’s discretion. Use of any such platform is subject to that platform’s own terms of service and privacy policy. By completing a reservation through any third-party platform, you agree to the applicable terms of both Aqua Boat Charters, Inc. and the platform provider.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:

Aqua Boat Charters, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 954-900-7732
WhatsApp: 954-809-1009
Address: Chamonix Marina, 3350 NW 21st, Miami, FL 33142

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