FAQ's for a Day of Sailing & Snorkeling With Us
Where are you located?
We sail out of our slip in Sapphire Beach Marina on the east end of St. Thomas (just 2 minutes past Red Hook). If you're coming from a cruise ship, plan for a 30 minute taxi ride. If you're driving, there is plenty of free parking at the marina.
What do we provide?
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An awesome sailboat
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A Great Captain
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Snorkeling gear (or bring your own)
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Great music
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Great food (prepared on board) & drinks
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An assortment of water toys.
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We also offer rain gear in the event that an afternoon shower pops up
What's on the menu?
Continental breakfast of gourmet baked bread or croissants with jam, mixed fruit and a cheese plate upon boarding. Lunch is prepared and grilled fresh on board. Lunch menus can consist of fresh fish, chicken or pork kabobs. We also have hamburgers or hot dogs for the kids (if desired). Side of pasta salad and chips. The menu can be customized for private charters.
What times are the charters?
Full-day excursions start at 9:00 am and return at 3:30 pm (you can board as early as 8:30). Half-day excursions can start any time between 8:30am and noon and go for about 4 hours. These times can vary due to departure time and wind. Please check with us by phone, email or text.
What should you bring?
The weather in the Virgin Islands stays relatively constant throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 75-85 °F. We recommend you wear a bathing suit, a cover up/shorts and shirt. Please wear comfortable non-slip footwear
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Beach towels
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A good hat, preferably with a brim to shade your face
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Sunglasses
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You'll need reef safe, non-oil-based sunscreen with a high SPF rating. We prefer non-aerosol sunscreens as the spray type makes the deck slippery.
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Camera
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Cash for souvenirs and tipping
What if we're on a cruise ship?
We have guests from cruise ships all the time. One of the advantages of the small ship experience is the ability to adjust our schedule. We work with you to make sure we can keep you on “ships time” and get you back with time to spare.
Is it difficult to get on and off the boat?
As “Frances Anne” is moored in a slip, getting on and off is as a simple as stepping from the dock onto the boat. When re-boarding from the water, we have a swim ladder and a walk-thru rear transom that makes boarding much easier than on many charter boats.
Do you provide transportation to and from the marina?
While we don’t provide transportation to the marina, we’re happy to help put you in contact with a knowledgeable local driver.
What if there’s bad weather?
The Captain and staff constantly monitor the local weather and as long as it’s safe to operate, the captain will usually sail. If we are forced to cancel due to weather, you will be provide a full refund.
What is a typical outing look like?
You will meet us at our slip in Sapphire Beach Marina. Having a slip in the marina makes boarding fast and easy. No tendering to your boat and no climbing ladders to depart. You can board as early as 8:30 am. After a quick safety briefing, we cast the lines and head out. If everyone is on-board early, we’ll get an early start.
What if we've already gotten too much sun?
Do you accommodate Special Request?
Yes, just ask, it’s your day. We will entertain almost any request. Let us know if someone in your party is having a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary and we will help make the celebration special.
Is this a booze cruise?
Although our guest enjoy an open bar while on board, we ask that everyone drinks responsibly on board and ashore.
Is this a private charter?
What about gratuities?
We never require tips, but they are certainly greatly appreciated. All service staff and tours guides on the island work very hard and depend on gratuities as a part of their income. Our crew works hard to make sure you have the best experience possible. A gratuity is a great way to show your appreciation for a great day on the water.
How do we handle payment?
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 48 hour prior to departure (unless you choose to pay the final in cash upon departure). Payment can be made through our site, with PayPal or with Zelle. Contact us if you have any questions about other payment methods. We try to make it as easy on you as possible.
Can we help with the sails?
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes, “Frances Anne” has a full complement of Coast Guard approved life jackets (including ones for children). A complete safety briefing will happen prior to departure of all cruises on use and location of life jackets and other safety equipment.
Do I need a passport?
No, all are trips will remain in the US Virgin Islands.
What days are you open?
We are happy to book your adventure any day of the week. Half the time, we don't even know what day it is. Welcome to "island time".
What do we do about seasickness?
While the Virgin Islands has some of best sailing in the world, your still on the water. If you're prone to seasickness, the best thing is to take appropriate medication the night before your charter. We have some over-the-counter medicine on the boat, and plenty of ginger products and snacks to help settle your stomach. The best thing is to stay up on deck, where you can see the horizon and have fresh air in your face.
Have a question we haven't answered?
Send us an email and we'll get back to you with an answer.