Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions: Answered
How Can We Help?
Here are answers to a lot of the great questions we’ve received over our more than 30 years in business. Don’t see your question addressed? Connect with us! We’re here to help you prepare for one of your most memorable days ever.
Where is Danger Charters?
Danger Charters is located in Key West, Florida. We operate out of two locations. All Key West excursions depart from the Danger Chandlery Store located at Opal Key Resort & Marina in Old Town. All Stock Island excursions depart from The Perry Hotel & Marina on the east side of Key West.
Key West Excursions:
Danger Chandlery Store
Opal Key Resort & Marina
255 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Stock Island Excursions:
The Perry Hotel & Marina
J Dock, Slip 5
7001 Shrimp Road
Key West, FL 33040
What time should we check in?
Check in 30 minutes prior to the time of your departure. For example, if we sail at 4:30 pm, please check in at 4 pm.
Key West Excursions:
Danger Chandlery Store
Opal Key Resort & Marina
255 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Stock Island Excursions:
The Perry Hotel & Marina
J Dock, Slip 5
7001 Shrimp Road
Key West, FL 33040
Where should we park?
Key West is small, and parking can be tricky! Make sure you plan accordingly so you don’t miss your boat!
For Key West trips departing from the Danger Chandlery Store:
- Pay-by-block parking meters which take cash, quarters, and credit/debit cards
- Parking under the Opal Resort & Marina may be available; most often it is full
- If possible, bike, walk, or take a taxi to the dock
For Stock Island trips departing from The Perry Hotel & Marina:
- Free parking is available at the Marina
- Choose the second parking lot, to the left, past The Perry Hotel
Are bathrooms available prior to boarding the boat?
Yes. At the Danger Chandlery Store, restrooms are located in the building at the Dock Master’s Office. At The Perry Hotel & Marina, restrooms are located in the building where you’ll check in.
Are bathrooms available onboard the boats?
Yes, there are bathrooms on all of our boats. (Although, we sailors call them marine heads.)
Is there WiFi available prior to boarding the boat or on the boat?
No, there is no WiFi available at either check-in location or on any of our boats.
How long do tours last?
The duration of your tour will vary depending on the excursion you purchase.
- Sunset Wind & Wine Sails: 2 Hours
- Sail, Snorkel & Kayak: Choice of 4.5 Hours or 6.5 Hours
- Special Cruises: Varies By Event
- Private Charters: Varies By Booking
- Weddings: Varies By Booking
What gear is provided?
For all Sail, Snorkel & Kayak excursions, we provide:
- Masks, fins, and snorkels
- Easy-handling kayaks and paddles
- Comfortable life jackets for all sizes
- Wetsuits (winter months)
We provide food and beverage for our Sunset Sails and Special Cruises; no specialty gear is required. Life jackets are on board for all passengers.
What food and beverage is provided?
We provide food and beverage on every excursion. Menus vary by trip.
Wind & Wine Sunset Sails include:
- 8 Varieties of Wine – 4 Red, 3 White & a Champagnoise
- 5 Premium Beers, Imported & Domestic
- Charcuterie Boards (selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, crudités, and chocolate)
Morning and Afternoon Sail, Snorkel & Kayak tours include snacks and drinks:
- Fresh fruit
- Chips and salsa
- Hummus
- Wine, beer, soft drinks, water
Our Premium Sail, Snorkel & Kayak tour includes lunch, snacks and drinks:
- Pasta, tuna, and (our signature) curried chicken salad
- Bread, assorted deli meats, and condiments
- Fresh fruit
- Potato chips
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Chips and salsa
- Hummus
- Wine, beer, soft drinks, water
Special Cruises feature our general snack and beverage fare, and may also include:
- Fresh fruit
- Chips and salsa
- Hummus
- Sliders
- Empanadas
- Margaritas and high noons
Private Charter and Wedding menus are customizable.
If you have any specific dietary restrictions or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, please inform us by mentioning it in the comments section when making your reservation. Our crew will do their best to provide suitable alternatives whenever possible. Additionally, guests are welcome to bring their own food aboard if they prefer.
What should we bring?
Depending on the tour you book, you may need:
- Bathing Suit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Sunscreen (preferably reef safe)
- Camera, Underwater Camera
- Photo ID
- Sweatshirt (winter months)
Many essentials are available for purchase at the Danger Chandlery Store, including reef-friendly sunscreen and sun shirts. Towels are available for rent.
Can we bring a cooler?
Yes, small coolers are fine – no glassware, please.
I don’t know how to snorkel and/or kayak, can I go on the Sail, Snorkel & Kayak tour?
Yes! Our expert crew can give you an instructional overview on snorkeling and kayaking, and a one-on-one lesson if you need additional support.
Snorkeling is easier than swimming, and our gear is top-of-the-line and sanitized between uses. We even have some prescription masks available. We have easy-to-handle ocean kayaks – and if you fall in, the water is warm and shallow! In winter months, we provide complimentary wetsuits.
If you don’t want to snorkel and/or kayak, you’re welcome to relax on the boat and enjoy the phenomenal scenery.
Is there a weight limit for kayaking?
Our tandem kayaks have a combined weight limit of 500 pounds. We encourage guests to consider their individual abilities when planning their kayaking adventure. Our crew is available to assist guests with loading into the kayaks, but some physical fitness is required. We trust our guests to make informed decisions regarding their participation based on their comfort and physical capabilities. If you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to our reservations team at (305) 304-7999.
What will we see when snorkeling?
Danger Charters goes to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, known to locals as the Backcountry. In the mangroves of the Backcountry, we see hundreds of bird species, different species of sea turtles, the Miami blue butterfly (critically endangered), and sometimes dolphins and manatee.
Will we see dolphins?
Probably! We frequently see dolphins while on charter, but not always. If we could hire some to be part of the crew, we would! As autonomous beings, though, they swim where they want.
Does everyone snorkel and kayak together?
Yes. Smaller groups and families snorkel and kayak together. We may split up larger groups into two to provide the best experience for all.
What are the rules regarding snorkeling and kayaking near the reefs?
At Danger Charters, we pride ourselves on being mindful and protective of our precious environment, and ask that our guests do the same. Touching or standing on coral, living or dead, is prohibited, as is removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life.
What is Reef Relief?
Danger Charters works with Reef Relief, a local nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem. Each year, we partner with Reef Relief to host Coral Camp, a program open to local and visiting children ages 6 to 12 that teaches about ocean ecology, coral reefs, marine life and sustainability.
What is reef safe sunscreen?
Sunblock labeled as “reef safe” or “reef friendly” does not contain the chemicals Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, both of which have been linked to coral bleaching. Other harmful ingredients to coral reproduction and DNA structure are Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, and Octocrylene. Check the list of active ingredients on your sunblock bottle to see if it’s reef safe.
We sell reef safe sunscreen and sun shirts at the Danger Chandlery Store.
Is there a fresh water rinse on board?
Yes. You’re welcome to rinse off in fresh water after you snorkel and kayak.
Can we wear shoes on deck?
Yes. Soft-soled shoes are best; heels are discouraged. Click here for helpful tips about what to wear on your sailing charter.
Is there shade on board?
Yes, by nature of the sails, there is plenty of shade on board. In the summer months or when the wind is minimal, we can add a canopy for shade.
Are the boats accessible for people with disabilities or people who use wheelchairs?
At Danger Charters, we sail replicas of historic schooners. Contact us to discuss your individual needs – we will make every effort to accommodate you.
Are Danger trips suitable for people who are pregnant?
Absolutely, individuals who are pregnant are more than welcome to join us on any Danger trips. However, it’s important to note that snorkeling and kayaking might pose certain challenges, especially during loading into and out of the kayaks from the boat. We kindly ask guests who are pregnant to consider their personal comfort and abilities when participating in these activities. As always, safety and comfort are our top priorities!
I get motion sickness, will I get seasick?
At Danger Charters, we are intentional to seek out calm waters. Our aim is to enjoy the sailing experience – not to sail fast or go hard – and it’s unusual for our guests to get seasick.
If you are prone to seasickness, though, consider choosing our Key West trips out of the Danger Chandlery Store where the water is almost always flat calm. We sometimes see some waves on our Stock Island trips.
Motion sickness pills and sea bands are recommended for seasickness, and both are available at the Danger Chandlery Store. Note that motion sickness medication is most effective when taken about 30 minutes in advance of boarding. Ginger candy can also help to combat motion sickness.
Can we private charter a boat?
Yes! Treat your guests to an awe-inspiring day on the water. We offer private charters of our Wind & Wine Sunset Sail and our Sail, Snorkel & Kayak tour, and you can create your own Key West private boat charter experience. Check out our Private Charters page for details.
Can we get married on board?
Absolutely – and a sailboat wedding in Key West is incredibly romantic! We offer four distinct wedding packages, offering different levels of exclusivity and customization to suit all budgets. Be sure to obtain and bring your marriage license with you on board! See our Weddings page for details.
How does Trip Protection work?
Adding trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your cruise at any time for any reason up to 30 minutes prior to trip departure. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees. Trip protection must be purchased at the time of booking. Guests are allowed one re-booking using trip protection. If a reservation is re-booked using Trip Protection, it is not eligible for any additional re-bookings or cancellations. Please contact our reservation team at (305) 304-7999 if you have any questions regarding Trip Protection. We’re here to help!
Can we reschedule?
You are able to reschedule if the request is made in a timely manner and there is capacity on the excursion of choice.
Reservation | Reschedule Requirement |
4 Guests or Less | At Least 24 Hours in Advance of Departure Time |
5 Guests or More | At Least 72 Hours in Advance of Departure Time |
Private Charters | At Least 15 Days in Advance of Departure Day |
In the event we are unable to reschedule your tour, and you have made your request in a timely manner, we will offer you a gift certificate or refund your reservation.
Untimely rescheduling requests and no-shows cannot be rescheduled, are not subject to a gift certificate, and are nonrefundable.
Guests who purchased Trip Protection at the time of booking are able to cancel or reschedule your cruise at any time for any reason up to 30 minutes prior to trip departure. Guests are allowed one re-booking using trip protection.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you purchased Trip Protection at the time of booking, you are able to cancel or reschedule your cruise at any time for any reason up to 30 minutes prior to trip departure. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each ticket, less the cost of trip protection and processing fees. Guests are allowed one re-booking using trip protection.
You are able to cancel your reservation if the request is made in a timely manner. Untimely cancellation requests and no-shows are nonrefundable.
Reservation | Cancellation Requirement |
4 Guests or Less | At Least 24 Hours in Advance of Departure Time |
5 Guests or More | At Least 72 Hours in Advance of Departure Time |
Private Charters | At Least 15 Days in Advance of Departure Day |
If Danger Charters cancels your reservation, we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule or to receive a full refund.
What is your rebooking policy?
If you need to rebook within 24 hours of the activity start time, Danger Charters will do our best to accommodate your request. A rebooking fee of $30 per person will be charged to the card on file for any changes made to the reservation within this time frame. To request a rebooking, please contact our reservations team at (305) 304-7999 as soon as possible. Please note that rebooking requests are subject to availability and may not be guaranteed. Additionally, only one rebooking is allowed per reservation.
What are other fun things to do while we are in Key West?
While in Key West, beyond your adventure with Danger Charters, there’s an array of activities to explore. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Mallory Square, known for its captivating sunset celebrations and eclectic street performances.
Indulge in the culinary delights of local eateries, where you can savor the fresh catch of the day, including specialties like Key West pink shrimp and stone crab claws, offering a taste of the island’s renowned seafood dishes. Don’t forget the key lime pie for dessert!
For outdoor enthusiasts, fishing charters provide an opportunity to cast a line into the bountiful waters surrounding the island, while beaches like Fort Zachary and Smathers Beach offer a tranquil escape for sunbathing and relaxation.
Discover the rich history of Key West by visiting landmarks such as the Truman Little Whitehouse and the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Truman Little White House, where you can explore the author’s former residence and learn about his life on the island. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with historic architecture, offering glimpses into Key West’s past.
To experience the island from a different perspective, embark on a guided bike tour, winding through scenic pathways and uncovering hidden gems along the way. With a plethora of activities to enjoy, Key West ensures a memorable experience for all visitors!
If you are looking for more resources to plan you vacation, check out KAYAK’s Key West Travel Guide.