Boat Rental guidelines, Tampa

Windsong Charters Policies & Guidelines

Just read 'em - OK? We don't wanna say "I TOLD YA SO!"

How far in advance should you book a boat? During the week 1-2 days is normally fine. On the weekend 4-5 days in advance to get the boat you want. Holiday weekends (4th July, Memorial Day, Labor Day) and Spring Break book 10-14 days in advance.

What are the departure times? All charters must be flexible due to weather and tides, but the typical times of departure:

Hours
8:30 am –12:30 pm 1/2 day morning
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 1/2 day afternoon
10:00 am – 4:00 pm 3/4 day
9.00 am – 5:00 pm Full day
Sunset Cruises depart 1 1/2 hours prior to sunset

You will be required to sign a release on the behalf of your party when you arrive.

Departure times and dates are subject to change without notice to due weather conditions and tides.

We are licensed for SIX (6) passengers PER BOAT ONLY on the Captained Special packages. Yes, children and adults, whatever age or size, are considered a passenger according to the US Coast Guard. DO NOT ask us to take seven (7) or more passengers on a charter package. If you have more than 6 people call us for special pricing. We can take a maximum of 12 passengers on our largest boat.

We DO NOT put strangers together. If there is just one or two of you, either pay the full charter price or put your own group together.

Reservations require a $100 deposit to secure your cruise. Should the weather be deemed unsafe we will give you a literal "rain check" to another date, or refund your deposit in full. If you reschedule within 48 hours of your charter, we will hold your deposit for up to 6 months. If you reschedule your charter less than 48 hours in advance you will LOSE your deposit.

If you CANCEL your charter for any reason you will lose your deposit.

You are considered a "NO SHOW" if you are 30 minutes late and do not call 727.859.0213. You will forfeit your deposit.

If you are redeeming a gift certificate and are a "NO SHOW" you will forfeit your gift certificate.

We reserve the right to switch out boats.

Gratuities are standard in this industry for your captain and crew and account for a substantial portion of their salary - typically between 15 -20% + or more based on the level of service you have received. Stiffing the Captain (especially) is considered rude and the captain will cry all night wondering what s/he did wrong to tick you off. Would you stiff the server at the restaurant where you just had the BEST time of your life? If a particular staff member assisted in making your day come true, these grunts are always happy for a hand out! :)

Click HERE FOR A GUIDELINE TO GRATUITIES in the industry

Soft or hard sided coolers are preferred. Don't even THINK about bringing those nasty Styrofoam coolers! (They leave a white snowy mess all over and split open- YOU gonna clean it??!!)

BEER MUST BE IN PLASTIC OR ALUMINUM CANS! Do not bring glass containers of any type, such as bottled beer, drinking glasses, etc. Glass breaks when the boat is a-rockin'! You MAY bring bottled WHITE wine or champagne - stow it in your cooler.

ABSOLUTELY NO RED WINE!! (It leaves horrible stains if spilled that we cannot get out). Red wine is confiscated by Capt. Wendy and she has a party at the dock while you are gone.

Smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is allowed on the boat and island. Illegal drugs or substances are strictly prohibited by law and if boarded by the Coast Guard you will go to jail (because we'll report you!). We'll wave good-bye to you as you are carted off to jail and then enjoy the rest of your booze when we permanently dock for the day.

If Captain and/or Crew believe you are creating an unsafe situation due to extreme intoxication or failure to comply with safety requests, the boat will be returned to dock immediately without a refund.

Fishing or trawling from the boat is allowed. You must provide your own pole (or rent one from us), bait and State of Florida fishing license, available online and over the phone. Please don't ask us about fishing laws - we don't know. We're captains, not fishermen. We also have no clue where to buy bait (other than the bait we sell) or what kind of fish are out there. We buy our fish at the market cleaned and ready to fry up!

Children 6 years of age and younger are required by law to wear a personal floatation device while walking around the dock and on the boat. 

Parents - should you require baby sitting services whilst aboard the charge is $75/hour. Otherwise PLEASE keep a mindful eye on your little ones at ALL TIMES. Damages caused by unattended children will be charged to your credit card and then both parent and child will be thrown overboard as shark chum!

DO NOT wear sneakers, sandals or shoes with BLACK SOLES. Wear only white, brown or tan soles, or non- marking soles - or just come barefoot, that's what we do! If you REALLY HAVE to wear black soled shoes, we WILL make YOU scrub the marks off the deck with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. NO HEELS OF ANY TYPE!

Leave the kitchen sink AT HOME! This isn't Gilligan's island and you needn't pack for 8 seasons on prime time. The crew lugs all your junk on - the crew lugs all your junk off - Junk you never touched because you had too much fun sailing, swimming and so forth! Remember the crew.... ($$$)

Gift certificates are non-refundable yet fully transferable. Hey, would Wal-Mart give you a refund on the gift card you just bought? Gift certificates are subject to black out periods and holiday restrictions.

Whilst out in the Gulf, the Captain/Crew may deem the weather unsafe based on ongoing weather reports. Be advised we may return to port early or later than scheduled FOR YOUR SAFETY.

PET FRIENDLY. We will allow pets under the following conditions: (1) You must have a leash for your pet. (2) All size dogs are welcome but factor their weight into the boat's maximum allowed weight. (3) The owner is responsible for all damages caused by pet. (4} NO PETS on the seats, deck only. Owners will be thrown overboard as shark chum if they don't like the rules.

WHAT TO BRING

Sunscreen - Florida sun WILL cook you like a lobster, before you can say, I LOVE WINDSONG CHARTERS!

You may bring beer, wine or any form of alcohol, or soft drinks. It's hot out there, the sun and the salt water will dehydrate you QUICKLY, so one bottle of water ain't gonna cut it. BRING LOTS OF WATER! Bring 3-6 bottles water per person depending if on a half day or full day. We do have ice and well as cooler rentals ($5/day) if you need them.

Bring snacks, sandwiches or anything else you would like to eat. There are NO restaurants or snack bars out there.

Camera - Your crew will gladly provide some atmosphere to your pictures!

Bring your own beach towels and any change of clothing if you don't like sitting in a wet suit after swimming. In summer you dry quickly! Usually about 3.2 nano-seconds.

In the winter months (December thru February), bring something warm to wear. Just because it's 75 degrees on land, doesn't mean you ain't gonna freeze your butt when that chilly sea breeze hits you.

Yes, we do have BlueTooth capabilities on all our boats. We do not have charging facilities on the boat.

Dramamine - you probably won't need it unless you get really motion sick just walking from your living room to the kitchen. Being on a sailboat is a lot like being on a merry-go-round. If you feel the need to take Dramamine, you'll zonk out and sleep through your whole cruise. Try GINGER pills instead - you can pick them up at any natural food store and they won't make you sleepy. Ginger Root is actually better...a small dab between your cheek and gum. (We're just a plethora of useless knowledge, 'ey?)

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Pontoon Charters

Areas our New Port Richey location is near to in the Greater Tampa Bay Area

We are about a 2 hour drive from Orlando, Disney World and Universal

Tampa
Clearwater
Clearwater Beach
St. Petersburg
St. Pete Beach

Palm Harbor
Tarpon Springs
Holiday
New Port Richey
Oldsmar

Port Richey
Hudson
Spring Hill
Hernando Beach
Weeki Watchee

Hillsborough County
Pinellas County
Pasco County
Hernando County

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Windsong Charters is located near to Clearwater & Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg in Tampa Bay, FL

We DO NOT force you to share the boat with anyone other than those in your own party. Our captained charter rates are for THE WHOLE BOAT - you may bring up to 6 people, all for the same price.

CONTACT
PHONE - 727-859-0213
EMAIL - CONTACT US

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