Things you should know about sailing or boating trips

Have fun by knowing what to expect on your sailing tour.  Enjoy your cruise, see dolphin, relax on vacation.
You're not in school anymore, this is a sailboat!
Pensacola Sailing Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions:
  What should I bring?
  What time should I arrive?
  Can I help sail the boat?
  Do I have to help sail the boat?
  Will we see dolphins?
  Is there a bathroom on board?
  Do I need to bring a life preserver?
  Will I get seasick?
  What is your cancellation policy?
  What if there is bad weather?

Q:  What should I bring?
A:  You may want to bring the following:
Sunscreen.  Because the water reflects sunlight, you get twice as much sun as on land.  Apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure for best results.
Comfortable clothing.  Dress appropriately for the weather and sunlight.  Shorts and a T-shirt are good boating attire.  Soft-soled shoes are recommended (no high heels please).  Hats are also a good idea.
Drinks.  We sell soft drinks and bottled water on the boat, but you may bring a small cooler along if you prefer.

Q:  What time should I arrive?
A:  You should arrive at the ticket booth about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to pay for your seats.

Q:  Can I help sail the boat?
A:  You are welcome to help with the sailing, under the direction of the captain.

Q:  Do I have to help sail the boat?
A:  Please feel free to relax and enjoy your trip.  Your captain is very experienced and can operate the boat without any assistance.

Q:  Will we see dolphins?
A:  Dolphins frequent the waters we will be sailing, and are often seen.  The captain will keep a lookout for them and point out any that he sees.  However, keep in mind that dolphins are wild animals and as such are unpredictable. 
Also be aware that it is illegal to feed wild dolphins or otherwise try to lure them to the boat.

Q:  Is there a bathroom on the boat?
A:  In nautical terminology a bathroom is called a "head", and yes we have one aboard.

Q:  Do I need to bring a life preserver?
A:  The boat is fully equipped with all Coast Guard required safety equipment, including life jackets for sizes infant through adult.  It is not necessary for passengers to wear life jackets during the trip.  If you have a "special" life jacket (for example, one emblazoned with you child's favorite cartoon character that the child enjoys and you would like him or her to wear) feel free to bring it.

Q:  Will I get seasick?
A:  We will be sailing in the protected waters of Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, not in the Gulf of Mexico. There are no big ocean waves here, and you should expect "smooth sailing". However, everyone reacts a little differently to travel motion. If you normally experience motion-related problems, you should take whatever medication normally works for you at least an hour before boarding the boat.

Q:  What is your cancellation policy?
Please cancel reservations at least 24 hours in advance if you will be unable to come.  If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, or do not show up for a reserved trip without first canceling your reservation, and we are unable to rebook your trip, we may charge your credit card the full fare price of the trip.  Of course, if the captain considers it necessary to cancel the trip because of inclement weather, there is no charge.

Q:  What if there is bad weather?
Your captain will keep a "weather eye" on the conditions and make the final decision about the weather just before departure time.  Do not be worried about weather forecasts indicating scattered showers or thunderstorms--local conditions make it common to have a heavy downpour on the mainland while out at the beach where we sail it is still sunny and pleasant.  Your captain knows the local conditions and considers passenger safety first.  If we do have to cancel a trip because of weather, obviously there is no charge to you.

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Pensacola Sailing Tours.  Daysails, sunset cruises, and sailboat charters.